About the Author: K.A. Barson graduated from Vermont College of Fine Arts with an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. She and her husband live in Michigan surrounded by kids, grandkids, unruly dogs, and too many pairs of shoes. 45 Pounds (more or less), which releases July 2013, is her first novel. Visit her at www.kabarson.com

About 45 Pounds (More or Less): Here are the numbers of Ann Galardi’s life: She is 16. And a size 17. Her perfect mother is a size 6. Her Aunt Jackie is getting married in 10 weeks, and wants Ann to be her bridesmaid. So Ann makes up her mind: Time to lose 45 pounds (more or less) in 2.5 months.

Rather than a Twitterview, K. A. Barson mixed it up for us with a post featuring what songs play a part in 45 Pounds (More or Less) or may play a role in the background. She’s giving us a little insight into why, too. Take it away!

Welcome to the world of informercial diet plans, endless wedding dance lessons, embarrassing run-ins with the cutest guy Ann’s ever seen—-and some surprises about her NOT-so-perfect mother.

And there’s one more thing. It’s all about feeling comfortable in your own skin-—no matter how you add it up!

A novel set in the summertime with parties and dance lessons and a wedding, 45 Pounds (more or less) has a playlist. These songs either play a part in the novel itself or might play in the background.

Listen along here: 45 Pounds (more or less)  

Ann’s aunt Jackie wants all the women she loves to dance together at her wedding, so she forces everyone to take dance lessons. The main dance they want to learn is:

1.      “Thriller” by Michael Jackson

Ann is less than thrilled.

The Knees’ annual Fourth of July bash is a major event, and anyone who’s anyone is there. Ann’s never been invited before, but this year is different. These two songs kick off the festivities:

2.      “Get the Party Started” by Pink

3.      “Let’s Get It Started” by The Black Eyed Peas

Aunt Jackie and Chris have their first dance at the wedding to:

4.      “Marry Me” by Train

These songs bring everyone to the dance floor, dancing like nobody’s watching, or taking pictures:

5.      “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge

6.      “Cupid Shuffle” by Cupid

45 Pounds is not just about Ann’s weight loss and fitting into the perfect dress. It’s also about family, and understanding that people aren’t always as they seem. One of the moments that Ann realizes this is when she’s dancing with her step-father to this song:

7.      “Daughters” by John Mayer

Ann is really insecure, but a certain cute guy sees beyond that. Whenever he hears these songs on the radio, he thinks of her:

8.      “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars

9.      “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction

Yes, 45 Pounds has an element of romance.  However, for Ann, falling for a guy involves more embarrassing moments that would fit better on YouTube than in a cheesy, falling-in-love movie montage.

Everyone dreams of being beautiful, but few feel like they really are. This last song is for readers. May you always feel as beautiful as I think you are, regardless of size.

10.     “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera

Find out more about K. A. Barson’s 45 Pounds (More or Less) on Goodreads.