Helpful Score: 16
I do not normally read "Chick Lit." but I figured that I would give this a try. Although many people enjoyed the book, I have to admit that I cannot argee with those who do. Maybe this is just not my genre. Of course it is always good to try new things. Being a "fat girl" myself, I was able to sympathize with the main character's situation. Halfway through the book, though, I was becoming annoyed with her doormat personality and just her in general. Aside from my dislike of the characterization, the story wasn't as well written as it could possibly have been. I understand that this is Palmer's debut, which is further than most of us will ever get. Hopefully she will hone her skills for her next novel.
Helpful Score: 13
This was a good book about a woman trying to hold onto her no longer fat childhood friend. It follows her prepartions for the wedding as a maid of honor in her newly ungrateful and shallow friends wedding but also major life changes for the main character as she stops living in the past frame of mind as a fat girl and discovers the woman that she has always been and all that she is capable of regardless of the scale. A good summer chick lit read!
Helpful Score: 8
Possibly the funniest book I've ever read! You don't have to be a fat girl to relate to and totally enjoy this book. Highly recommended!!!
Helpful Score: 7
Fun, "chicklit" read, but not your typical style. For one thing, it's hilarious. Second, it's not as predictable as others in this genre--there were big surprises. That's all I can say without giving anything away.
Helpful Score: 6
Hilarious. Honest. Great, quick, absorbing read. Didn't want to put it down! Very Jennifer Weiner-esque.
Helpful Score: 5
Interesting read about a woman who finally starts to find herself and stop hiding behind her weight. Nice storyline about family support and friendships.
Helpful Score: 5
This was a great book! Maggie is a push over who gets taken advantage of! She trys to blend in rather then stand out in a crowd. Her best friend use to be overweight until she had surgery so now Maggie is the only one who knows of her best friend's secret past. This book is very fast paced filled with secret loves and revenge.
Helpful Score: 5
I LOVED this book! I have recommended it to my Mom and my friends. I found my self laugh out loud several times while reading this. I read it in 2 days, I just didn't want to put it down. I found that there were many things in the book that I could relate to. Light, touching, funny, an all around WONDERFUL book! This will be one of those that I read several times. Do not miss this book, even if you are not into chick lit, I think that you will have some good laughs and not feel cheated in the end.
Helpful Score: 4
This was a very quick read for me- under 24 hours! Really funny and relatable! Loved Domenico- this would translate well into a movie!
Helpful Score: 2
I absolutely adored this book!!! I needed a break from my typical self-help book that I enjoy reading. I'm in the process of losing weight & chose this book. Had the main character never changed her thought patterns, I would've been disappointed. But the way she grew stronger, more confident, & took action, to more I fell in love with the book. For anyone who has suffered weight problems your whole life, this is a good book you'll likely relate to.
Helpful Score: 2
When I first started this book, I didn't think I would be able to finish it. The writing style was hard to follow and some of the scenarios were hard to follow with the abrupt characterization. However, I stuck with it and ended up really liking this book. Unlike other "fat girl" novels, she does not undergo a magical transformation to "get her man". I liked it much better than Jemima J and others in the genre.
Helpful Score: 2
What an interesting book. It wasn't what I expected. The first third was the "set-up," to help you understand the main character (Maggie). At times, I found myself fussing at Maggie, thinking, "Why did you DO that? Why don't you fix that?" Then, she has an epiphany. The book gets more exciting as she begins to stand up for herself as a human being. Some of her insights are amazingly on target for anyone who has ever had 1) a weight problem, or 2) low self-esteem. The book isn't a scathing review of our fat-phobic society, rather, it is more of a look into what it is like learning to live with who God made you to be. Some of the language is a bit salty, but, you know, it fit and was actually necessary in some spots. I know I enjoyed this book immensely, and I feel sure you will, too!
Helpful Score: 1
Very funny, if a little predictable in a "chick lit" fashion. The author made me care about what happens, though, and to me that's a sign of a good book. I LOVED the ending!
Helpful Score: 1
Loved this book - great book for any women who has though she is overweight!
Helpful Score: 1
Funny, cute...girl trying to find self, growing up, love, best friends, friendships that end...
Helpful Score: 1
It was heartbreaking in parts and funny in others. I felt like the main person in this book at times.
Helpful Score: 1
Very heartfelt easy read. Worth every minute.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book, a great read.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a funny, funny book. It is about a girl who is fat and has a friend who was once fat, but obtained the body they both yearned for, but at a price. Loved this book. It really spoke to me!
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book right up until the end. The ending was very lacking. It seemed unfinished. Maybe there will be a sequel?
Helpful Score: 1
What a great book. I couldn't put it down from the moment I started it. I could relate a lot to some of the difficulties Maggie was having. Just a great book!
Helpful Score: 1
This was a great read... if you love books by Jennifer Weiner, you will lov this book. I couldn't put it down once I got into it!
Helpful Score: 1
Liz Palmer has written a book that a lot of people can identify with. And not just the chubbier set either; I feel that we all have body issues. We all have things that make us self conscious and we see in a harder light than others and we have that internal monologue about. I know I do! Maggie is an inspirational character; she admits her flaws and admits that her plans to fix he flaws are also often flawed.
While I enjoyed the story of Maggie, and how she goes through her own self discovery. The painful finding out of just what her friendship with her now very skinny friend Olivia has come down to. The book does have some problems. I will state again that over all I did truly enjoy the story, it as heartfelt and funny at times and sad in other points.
That said some things can not be overlooked. The fact that Maggie really should have realized much earlier that her friend Olivia was not what she seemed is one of them. The other huge issue I have with this book is that the ending really is a non ending. You feel like your left hanging and going, Now what? when you finish it. I dont think all books wrap up in a nice little package with a bow but they should wrap up. Even if youre not getting a happy ending you need a proper ending.
There is some romance in the book but it is mostly light. And I personally feel even in that you are left hanging. There is a good solid set of characters, and the development of them is very good. So over all if you like chic lit and like something witty check this book out. Just be warned that it doesnt have a true ending.
While I enjoyed the story of Maggie, and how she goes through her own self discovery. The painful finding out of just what her friendship with her now very skinny friend Olivia has come down to. The book does have some problems. I will state again that over all I did truly enjoy the story, it as heartfelt and funny at times and sad in other points.
That said some things can not be overlooked. The fact that Maggie really should have realized much earlier that her friend Olivia was not what she seemed is one of them. The other huge issue I have with this book is that the ending really is a non ending. You feel like your left hanging and going, Now what? when you finish it. I dont think all books wrap up in a nice little package with a bow but they should wrap up. Even if youre not getting a happy ending you need a proper ending.
There is some romance in the book but it is mostly light. And I personally feel even in that you are left hanging. There is a good solid set of characters, and the development of them is very good. So over all if you like chic lit and like something witty check this book out. Just be warned that it doesnt have a true ending.
Helpful Score: 1
This may be one of the funniest books I've ever read. Any overweight woman that can laugh at herself will laugh until she cries with this one!
Helpful Score: 1
A bit too self-deprecating to me. Some of us are big but that doesn't define who we are. In this book, it seemed that the main character was defined by what she looked like. It did not hold my interest as I was looking for something more than "whoa, is me" "look what my friends are doing and I'm not" sort of thing.
Helpful Score: 1
A great chick lit book with many laugh-out-loud moments. The author made the main character of the book someone you can relate to, especially if you yourself are a plus sized person.
Helpful Score: 1
There is just something about this book that runs true.
A really enjoyable read. Highly recommended!
A really enjoyable read. Highly recommended!
Helpful Score: 1
Just finished this and it was great! A little slow to start, but once I got into it, it was an awesome book.
Helpful Score: 1
It's typical chick lit and somewhat predictable once the train gets rolling, but it's still entertaining and funny and there is so much truth there about friendships and how they (and we) change.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a wonderful first novel. I loved the characters -- Maggie (the narrator) in particular was just very vivid and real to me. I identified with her quite strongly, to the point where I was recognizing some of my own character flaws in Maggie's personality. I hope I have the strength to do what Maggie did at the end of the novel and take charge of my own life and change those things about myself that I don't like.
This is, as the title suggests, a book about what it's like to life as a fat woman in modern-day America. It deals with issues of appearance, weight, and self-esteem. But it also is a novel about friendship -- about why people become friends, what friendship means, and what happens when a friendship ends. The death of Maggie and Olivia's friendship is just as sad and bitter and slow as the breakup of a marriage -- and just as poignant and important and life-altering to the people involved.
Conversations with the Fat Girl was funny, sad, uplifting, and depressing, but most of all, it was honest. This was a conversation I both and enjoyed and needed to have, and I will no doubt be rereading this book many times in the future.
This is, as the title suggests, a book about what it's like to life as a fat woman in modern-day America. It deals with issues of appearance, weight, and self-esteem. But it also is a novel about friendship -- about why people become friends, what friendship means, and what happens when a friendship ends. The death of Maggie and Olivia's friendship is just as sad and bitter and slow as the breakup of a marriage -- and just as poignant and important and life-altering to the people involved.
Conversations with the Fat Girl was funny, sad, uplifting, and depressing, but most of all, it was honest. This was a conversation I both and enjoyed and needed to have, and I will no doubt be rereading this book many times in the future.
Helpful Score: 1
this is awesome book enjoy it so much
Helpful Score: 1
Loved it! Very enjoyable read. I often heard my own reflections and thoughts in those of the main character.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book! Couldn't put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
I was really into this book at the beginning. I could really identify with Maggie. I just wish she had done more with it. The ending I felt disappointed. I like more closure than I got. Still a good book though
Helpful Score: 1
Cute story-quick, fun read.
Helpful Score: 1
A cute story! Better than most "chick lit"!
Helpful Score: 1
thought it was a great book.. cant totally relate..
Helpful Score: 1
Great book! Details the demise of a friendship between two overweight girls when one chooses gastric bypass and leaves her personality on the operating table.
Helpful Score: 1
AWESOME I read it in 2 nights
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book! Anyone who has ever experienced weight issues, or feelings of being left out in high school will especially enjoy this! I love the way the author writes - quick wit and funny!
Helpful Score: 1
Loved it!! Made me laugh out loud a few times.
Helpful Score: 1
I read this for a book discussion group. It really was better than I thought it would be. And it lends itself to a good discussion.
Helpful Score: 1
I found that there was several parts to this book I could relate to. This book is definately worth a read.
Helpful Score: 1
Interesting read. I finished it in two days.
Helpful Score: 1
Fast read! I really enjoyed it and could relate to the main character. (Not sure if that is a good or bad thing though. *grin* )
Helpful Score: 1
You don't have to have struggled with your weight to like this book but as someone who has and does, it was heartbreaking and gave me goosebumps of recognition!
Helpful Score: 1
I truely enjoyed this book. It is an insightful look into the minds of us women of size and the constant struggle we have with our self esteem. Liza "go's there" in regards to relationships and frienships and the unique obstacles that face the overweight in a funny and endearing way. You aren't asked to pity nor cheer but listen in on the thoughts that we secretly all have about our image and how we relate to others because of it. I'll be reading her other books too.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a really good book. Funny at time and serious at others. I enjoyed it.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent! I loved this book!
Helpful Score: 1
Okay, so here's another chicklit novel about the fat girl who loses weight and finds The Man Of Her Dreams. While Palmer does her best to make her protagonist quirky and lovable, she really just comes off whiny and self-conscious and an emotional punching bag. The most telling line in the book is when the main character compares herself to an egotist with a self-esteem problem -- the only thing she can think about is herself, and the only thing she can think is how inadequate she is.
Helpful Score: 1
great read!
Helpful Score: 1
Very, very funny. A bit of cussing is used. Very thoughtful and hilarious.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is by far one of the GREATEST books I have ever read. The main character , Maggie, is likeable and very real. Although through most of the book she lets herself be much of a doormat emotionally, I love how she finds herself and gets over her own inner challenges. I recommend this book to ANYONE who has ever felt fat or inferior because of their looks.
I really enjoyed this book. I think anyone who's struggled with weight and body image issues would. Good read.
Well, a book that definitely surprised me in positive and negative ways. I was concerned when I decided to choose this book for the challenge that it would center on a character that only complained about her weight and didn't do anything to change her life. Half right and half wrong, she was definitely a whiner, but she did start doing some things to help with the weight.
The whining that set me off was all about her former best friend Olivia who was once a big girl and due to gastric-bypass is now one of those "skinny girls." She let this girl walk all over her for WAY too long, I couldn't believe that she didn't stand up to her earlier. I won't divulge when it happened, but goodness it was way too late in the book.
I enjoyed her family interactions and her change in attitude towards her work dreams, but the frustration over the friendship made me like the book less and less. So, it's an alright book, if you see at the library its worth the read, but I wouldn't go searching for it.
The whining that set me off was all about her former best friend Olivia who was once a big girl and due to gastric-bypass is now one of those "skinny girls." She let this girl walk all over her for WAY too long, I couldn't believe that she didn't stand up to her earlier. I won't divulge when it happened, but goodness it was way too late in the book.
I enjoyed her family interactions and her change in attitude towards her work dreams, but the frustration over the friendship made me like the book less and less. So, it's an alright book, if you see at the library its worth the read, but I wouldn't go searching for it.
very cute book i really enjoyed it
I feel for Maggie in this book and she is a true friend. Because if it was me and my best friend treated me like Oliva treats Maggie I would have outed her a long time ago. I loved seeing how Maggie grew up and how she deals with her body issues. All women tend to have some part of their body they dont like and Its good to know that we can all get over it and move on with life just like Maggie.
I enjoyed this book, but not enough to keep it! I think my main disappointment was the romance never developed during the story, it was about to when it ended! This is much more about a fat girls journey oif acceptance and revenge on now thin (via surgery) and bitchy BFF. It kept me reading but left me feeling short changed.
Very funny and touching!
This was a fun, light and easy read. I liked the main character despite her flaws and I was very satisfied with how the story ended. The only thing I did not like about this book was some of the language. The phrases "hey there" and "hey there girl" were used far too many times IMO. Other than that it was a great story and I would recommend it.
A good read from an interesting perspective. A view into the life of "a fat girl" not often honestly and humorously expressed in literature. Plus a great look at family dynamics and the aging process of friendships.
Not bad, but not great either. I had really high hopes for this book. The story was a little boring and the writing was choppy. It felt more like someone reciting a dream they had than a novel.
This is written very well and fast paced. Its fun and really an enjoyable read with a good lesson. Definitly good chick lit but a bit more sophisticated.
I went into this book knowing that many reviewers were unimpressed. I didn't have high hopes.
I loved every page.
The story is genuine. It's a glimse of what it takes to get out of the Fat Mentality that plagues overweight women. Most of us aren't happy with our size, well-adjusted, and outgoing. Most of us are just like the main character: struggling to overcome our insecurities, trying to lose the weight, and getting used along the way.
I found myself cheering on the main character throughout the book, and although the ending was a bit predictable, I let out a sigh of happiness upon reading the final sentences.
It's a great read. It's a book that you can see yourself in, if you're overweight. Skinny folks just won't get it.
I loved every page.
The story is genuine. It's a glimse of what it takes to get out of the Fat Mentality that plagues overweight women. Most of us aren't happy with our size, well-adjusted, and outgoing. Most of us are just like the main character: struggling to overcome our insecurities, trying to lose the weight, and getting used along the way.
I found myself cheering on the main character throughout the book, and although the ending was a bit predictable, I let out a sigh of happiness upon reading the final sentences.
It's a great read. It's a book that you can see yourself in, if you're overweight. Skinny folks just won't get it.
Interesting read!
You don't need to be a "Fat Girl" to enjoy this book, but wow, as a former "Fat Girl" did I get it! You can shed the pounds, but not the feelings. I just wished I'd had the inner strength Maggie had to learn to love herself as she is. But you know, I got Olivia too---been there, got the t-shirt. But besides clicking in with a lot of my feelings, this was just a funny and enjoyable book and I read it in two sittings because I couldn't wait to see what happened. Oh---and Kate the sister? Could any sister have such a great warrior on her side? And Mom is killer too. And step-dad... It's a good book!
Loved this book.
Story of two best friends who were both heavy growing up. One has gastric bypass surgery and becomes thin and the other doesn't. Tells the changes their friendship goes through because of their weight.
The protagonist was whiny and kind of annoying. It seemed like a cute premise, but it was not well executed.
I didn't enjoy this chick lit book...I actually decided to stop reading at page 91...the first page where I actually (finally) laughed a little bit. The characters weren't very interesting to me, so I've decided to post it and let someone else have a go at it.
Very enjoyable fast read. I don't have much time to read but was able to get through this one pretty quickly.
Attempted to read this book, but couldn't seem to get into it. Will probably revisit it again on a later day. I wasn't in the frame of mind for this one yet.
I enjoyed it very much!
Quick read, great beach read.
An overweight waitress ponders her relationship her best friend, who had once been overweight herself, as her friend prepares for a wedding
Hilarious!
uk isdn number version,reads same as us version
