Too Fat to Fight

"Too Fat to Fight" by Rex Beach is a story set after World War I, that follows Norman Dalrymple, also known as "Dimples," as he deals with his weight and his wish to be in the military. Beach looks at accepting yourself, giving things up, and how important it is to find where you belong when there's a war. Dimples is turned down by the army because he weighs too much, so he decides to lose weight and show that he's worthy. When that doesn't work, he starts working with the YMCA to help soldiers in other countries. Even though he didn't get to be a soldier, Dimples does well in his new job, making the troops happy and comfortable while still being himself. He learns a lot about himself, and through his work, he finds purpose and friendship, showing that you don't have to fight to help with the war.