Helpful Score: 14
I did not like this book. I initially was interested in reading it because I felt like I could relate - I have struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember, and I went through all the teasing and whatnot as a child.
However, I never had such a hopeless and negative attitude as the author does. She does not appear to like herself, or anyone else, for that matter. She blames her fatness on the situation she was in, a poor family life, etc. I did feel sorry for her as a child, as children don't always have the means to change their life or the situation they are in. But I can't feel sorry for adults who don't like who they are, but don't take steps to make changes.
However, I never had such a hopeless and negative attitude as the author does. She does not appear to like herself, or anyone else, for that matter. She blames her fatness on the situation she was in, a poor family life, etc. I did feel sorry for her as a child, as children don't always have the means to change their life or the situation they are in. But I can't feel sorry for adults who don't like who they are, but don't take steps to make changes.
Helpful Score: 12
This story was rather sad. It reads like it's the authors journal. It provides some insight into a sad life of a young girl who is both abused mentally and physically. Her mother neglects her over all health and then punishes her for being overweight. The author is on a quest for love and acceptance that she doesn't seem to find. A short book to read and a tug at the heartstrings. It does remind you to be very careful what you say and don't say to a child.
Helpful Score: 10
There was not a redeeming, or cheerful, or nice sentence in this book up to the point I read it. I found the book so demeaning to the author that I could not go beyond the first 4 chapters. Brutally honest? Yes. But I felt she showed herself not one damn iota of self-respect. This book turned my stomach as I read.
Helpful Score: 9
I was expecting this to be a light hearted memoir, but it was a serious look at weight issues and their impact.
Helpful Score: 9
Not at all what I expected but a really harsh and powerful look at growing up overweight. I really liked how honest this book was and I know I will be thinking about it for a long time.