Kellie P. (irishlass) -
Helpful Score: 5
I enjoyed this book a lot. The thing I liked the most about it is her honesty in the way she presents her marital problems and battle with her weight. I do wish she would have gone a little more in depth about certain issues, but it was a quick read that kept me interested throughout. I would recommend this book.
Helpful Score: 4
I too watched Valerie Bertinelli in One Day at a Time. Love her and was so excited to see that she wrote a book. The beginning was good, the middle was excellent, however, the end of the book was disappointing to me. To me the last part of the book sounded like a big commerical for Jenny Craig. That is all she talked about is her experience with Jenny Craig. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for her to finally find the way in life that she has been looking for. It's just that I wanted to know more about her not about Jenny Craig. Very disappointed...
Tracy S. (Bernelli) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 266 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I always liked watching Valerie Bertinelli on One Day At A Time, then later I was a huge Van Halen fan. I was swept up in the romantic notion of the good girl marrying the rock star. So when this book came out I snatched it up...and enjoyed it very much.
Written as if she's sitting with you chatting girlfriend to girlfriend. Very honest and forthright and I'm still rooting for her.
Written as if she's sitting with you chatting girlfriend to girlfriend. Very honest and forthright and I'm still rooting for her.
Adrienne V. (Adriennevh) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 20 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I like Valerie Bertinelli, and I especially enjoy autobiographies. But this was more about her ex-husband Eddie Van Halen than it was about her. Her background and childhood info was slight, even her foray into television was quickly dispersed. THe majority of the focus was on her relationship with Ed.
Of course, it is my own fault. She is only in her late 40's so really is it too early for an autobiography? She was signed to a huge weight Loss contract, so writing a book when she is "in the news" is a total publicity stunt. It worked.
Of course, it is my own fault. She is only in her late 40's so really is it too early for an autobiography? She was signed to a huge weight Loss contract, so writing a book when she is "in the news" is a total publicity stunt. It worked.
Madge C. (dmconn1) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 234 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I grew up watching Valerie Bertinelli on "One Day at a Time". Only a couple years younger than her, I have always felt she was one celebrity that I could most relate to. No, I didn't marry a rock star, but I have experienced the ups and downs of weight gain/loss. I have always thought Valerie is beautiful. She isn't the cookie cutter shape of many of the younger actresses on TV and in the movies. Her book spoke volumes to me. I understood how she measured and remembered parts of her life by her weight. Anything I have ever read has mentioned her great love for her son. There is no doubt in my mind being a mother was always a top priority for her. I give her credit for staying in her marriage as long as she did. I feel like this book was an honest look at Valerie's life, with all of the negatives and positives that befall anyone whether an actress married to a rock star, or your next door neighbor. It took courage to write a book listing body weights throughout time. When you read this book, you will feel like you are sitting down with her in your living room. A must read for Valerie Bertinelli fans or anyone who has experienced any weight issues.
Donna G. (donaverde) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Certainly not a literary giant, but a nice little book about Valerie Bertinelli. If, like me you are around her same age and also struggle with weight, it is a nice book to read. She is as she seems, a nice woman who has had a nice life.
Paula E. (savmar2) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 38 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book - I thought it was a very honest portrayal of a marriage and two people, who though deeply in love, had too much - money, fame, access to drugs and infidelity (surprisingly on both sides). The weight loss issue - though a theme throughout the book - seemed to take the back-burner for me and I liked that about it. What comes across is not a bitter tale but a tale of motherhood, love, friendship, family, and oh yeah, food. Loved it!
Allison O. (Allieoop) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 31 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Enjoyed this book. I grew up watching One Day At A Time and seeing Valerie as America's sweetheart. In this book she shows that she was not the squeaky clean kid that the media had her portrayed to be....very honest, open and it reads like one friend talking to another....can relate to her weight roller coaster ride too. One of the best autobiographies that I've read in awhile...highly recommend.
Mary Beth F S. reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
UGH! I am being generous giving this book three stars. I got to the point where I got tired of her droning on and on with what felt like no end in site. It was mostly about her husband and their relationship. Yet she feels she has gained insight into her feelings but I beg to differ. I think she thinks he is entirely to blame. I struggle with my weight but I don't measure my life based on the numbers on the scale. I also try to be self aware and take responsiblity for my actions. Yet in a sense of voyuerism and my tendency to not give up, no matter how bad things get, I stuck it out to the end and was glad when I was done. I grew up watching her on tv (we are close in age) so I became interested in reading this book after I heard Valerie interviewed on a satellite radio show. She was very open and honest and that spurred me on. Yes the book is a light read and it is as if a friend is talking with you but she does have her tangents that can be hard to follow. I agree with another reader that this book was published for the publicity to take advantage of her Jenny Craig spokespersonship...
Helpful Score: 1
WOW -- I really enjoyed this memoir, especially the second half. I bought it expecting to draw diet inspiration, but found myself in awe of Valerie's honesty and humility. I did learn a lot from this book that I can use toward my own journey of self-improvement, but what became eye-opening for me was the behind-the-scenes tale of her childhood and marriage to Eddie Van Halen. I grew up admiring Valerie and I still do.
Janis K. (scrapbooklady) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 472 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
"Losing It: And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time" is a very enjoyable look back at Valerie Bertinelli over the years. Her triumphs, her difficulties and her survival through an interesting roller coaster ride!
Helpful Score: 1
I love Valerie Bertinelli, and was always curious about her life, and her weight loss journey, which is why I read this book. Writing is just like she would talk if you saw her on a talk show, etc. A little quirky, but entertaining. I found her life as a rock star wife interesting, and I could relate with her weight issues. Other than that, the book was just okay for me. No "wow" to it.
Susan L. (ncsuz) -
Helpful Score: 1
Well, this book is not really about weight loss. She mentions her weight issues a few times throughout the book and the last 2 or 3 chapters are about her Jenny Craig adventures. But the book is really just about her life. She does have an interesting life. From being a child TV star to marrying Eddie Van Halen, it does make for an interesting book. She is very open and honest throughout the book. It was interesting to see where her life took her from her teens through her twenties and thirties and then into her forties. It was comforting to see that you can still end up happy without living the ideal married with 2.5 kids in the suburbs kind of life.
I like memoirs and this was a pretty good one and even though I have a life far different from hers, I could relate to her thoughts and feelings throughout the book.
I like memoirs and this was a pretty good one and even though I have a life far different from hers, I could relate to her thoughts and feelings throughout the book.
Diane T. (EmMoon) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I'm currently half way through the book, and will probably be done by the weekend. Usually it takes forever for me to read, but this book keeps me interested. It's not the best written book I've read, sometimes she goes from one topic to another in mid paragraph, but you can almost hear her voice in the words, it's like we're chatting. I'm curious to know what happens next. Maybe I'll read more auto biographies.....interesting.
Gini F. (passionforbooks) -
Helpful Score: 1
This book emphasizes Valerie's personal life journey more than her recent successful weight loss strategy. Although it was interesting to read a biographical account of her life, the title made me think that she would share more information about her actual weight loss experience and maybe even a few menus and recipes.
Olivia B. reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Seem like these days everybody can write a book, it was so so, the publishers should have added some more photos, and it practically talks about her marriage, which it was not surprise to know that rock stars are into drugs, alcohol, infidelity and busy schedules, I kind of learned more about her snacks and food consumption that other details like her relationship with other actors, some more gossip about the tv world, and less about cheese poppers and almonds.....
Brigitte C. (SwappinMama) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 9 more book reviews
It was a pleasure to read Valerie Bertinelli's autobiography. Even though she is almost 50, she will always be the girl next door for me. I enjoyed learning more about her relationship with Eddie and how they've slowly evolved into a new partnership that enables them to raise their son effectively. She comes across as genuine and open and it's a refreshing change from current day celebrities.
nerdgirl63 reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 44 more book reviews
I like Valerie Bertinelli as an actress but this book was disappointing. I thought it would be more about her weight struggle but it is a rather dull biography. There just isn't enough to get interested in. There are 29 chapters and she doesn't get to the weight issue until chapter 27. And it pushes the product; it didn't really get into her own details. Yawn.
Jane K. (JanieK) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 54 more book reviews
I enjoyed this. Bought it in the bargain bin 'cause I'm always looking for books to read and add to my PBS library and because when I was a teen, I wanted to be her ha-ha. I never thought it would be a diet book so I didn't have the disappointment that some seem to have had. She actually only mentions Jenny Craig in the last 15-20 pages.
It was much more about her lifelong BATTLE with her weight which I think is far more interesting since in my opinion, there isn't any method that is best for everyone. The plan that worked for her isn't what worked for me or maybe what you or you or you need. She had the same issues that 75% of the rest of us have--not knowing WHY you eat. A lot more difficult to conquer than just the eating too much part right? Anyway, I thought she had a good voice and I enjoyed the book. (Oh...I also think she wanted to cover a teeny bit of "You know, my marriage could have worked if my husband wasn't so messed up".)
It was much more about her lifelong BATTLE with her weight which I think is far more interesting since in my opinion, there isn't any method that is best for everyone. The plan that worked for her isn't what worked for me or maybe what you or you or you need. She had the same issues that 75% of the rest of us have--not knowing WHY you eat. A lot more difficult to conquer than just the eating too much part right? Anyway, I thought she had a good voice and I enjoyed the book. (Oh...I also think she wanted to cover a teeny bit of "You know, my marriage could have worked if my husband wasn't so messed up".)
If you are a fan of Valerie's you will love learning more about her struggles and personal life growing up. Hearing her story I still could not picture her with Eddie Van Halen, but I could picture myself being a close friend of hers. I really enjoyed this book. I have now received her next book, "Finding It" and can't wait to read that one.
Julie D. (Ju1ieD) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 6 more book reviews
Although Valerie isn't much of a writer, it was interesting to see how her life unfolded from a little girl from suburbia to TV sensation to rock n roll wife. I loved her honesty throughout, even some of the not-so-pretty aspects of her story - and how her food addiction was all woven into her life story.
Patricia D. (patch) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 46 more book reviews
I've always like Valerie Bertinelli whether is was One Day at a Time or one of her many Lifetime Network movies so couldn't wait to read this book. I wasn't disappointed at all. It was an incredibly fast read. She spoke honestly about her life and admitted that all was not as rosy as it seemed. Definitely worth reading!
Penny H. (shadokat) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 2 more book reviews
This is an interesting book where Valerie talks about her marriage to and divorce of Eddie Van Halen, her love for her son, her weight loss success, and her "new" life. I enjoyed it.
nice, easy and quick read. book was about Valerie's life, which includes her struggle with weight but was not preachy or about a specific weight loss program.
Cindy P. (kerteitus) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 2 more book reviews
Interesting story of the nice little actress who grew up and married a rock star. Her struggles with weight issues seem to be pretty common....using food to cover up pain. Thank God she overcame, and she now looks better than she did 10 years ago. Bravo, Valerie! Now I want to read her next book!
Evelyn R. (sushicat777) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 12 more book reviews
What an absolutely moving story. Wonderfully insightful. A look into the life of one of the 80's icons and her private struggle with an alcoholic husband and overeating. It brings it up slowly to the turning point and brings the book to a close nicely with love, hope, and determination. Truly an inspiration! Thank you Valerie for sharing!!
Karen J. (surfwidow) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 36 more book reviews
This seemed shallow, like a girl's childhood diary.
Missy B. (missindependent) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 3 more book reviews
I loved this book. I thought it was a quick read and it was a nice journey from Valerie's days on 1 Day at a Time through the years with Eddie Van Halen until her recent weight loss. I thought it was inspiring.
Lori C. (dollycas) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 704 more book reviews
Nice autobiography that shares her ups and downs with weight and the struggles of her marriage to Eddie Van Halen and her true love for her son Wolfgang. She has really turned her life around. The last two chapters were really a Jenny Craig commericial, but I found the book very interesting.One note though, in the book she tells about a time Van Halen was playing at Alpine Valley in East Troy, Michigan. Being from Wisconsin I realized the mistake since ALPINE VALLEY IS IN EAST TROY WISCONSIN.
Melissa C. (creamdog) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 9 more book reviews
This book was a very easy ready and interesting. I was pleasantly surprised at how honest Valerie was with her audience about her weight struggle. While the book really looks at how she had struggled with her weight throughout her life, her epiphany was when she started on Jenny. It gives insight to, no matter who the person is, anyone can struggle with weight and depression.
Honestly written. Simplistic, from the heart and a real example of someone coming of age. Ms. Bertinelli delt with being a mother, ending a marriage, weight and finding herself in one of the most honest and open books I've ever read.
Alice H. (alliepoetesswitch) -
I always liked Valerie B. and find that she is beautiful woman. The book talked on and on how she felt unattractive and her marriage failure to Eddie and that wasn't much of a biography, I would have liked some more info on her new romance and her weight loss goals that had to do more with wanting to be healthy rather than be able to wear a size 2.
Julie L. (ktleyed) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 72 more book reviews
Surprising good autobiography, I could really late to her and her problems - devoured it in one day. Easy, candid, quick read, such a normal person for one who has been through so much!
Really good book. It was interesting to find out that the "girl next door" really wasn't. She has the same doubts and insecurities as the rest of us!
Christine O. (crissyreader) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 275 more book reviews
Enjoyable, hearing about Valerie's life and inspiring, hearing about her weight loss and power over her life.
Debbie G. (hopehope) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 163 more book reviews
Valerie Bertinelli, talks about her life from the time she went on One Day at a Time... She is very open, intimate, and detailed about her life as an actress, wife, and mother... It is a very good read...dg
Margaret H. (mommy5) -
This book reads as if I'm sitting down having a cup of coffee with Valerie. She just talks about her life, choices and experiences. Being in my 40s and reading about her encounters with different people during her teenage years brings back alot of memories. Enjoyable.
Betty V. (bettyv) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 15 more book reviews
As always with a book on someone's personal life, I enjoyed the behind the scenes information in this story. Valerie reveals herself to be much more than the lady of sitcom, mini series' and spokesperson fame. As vulnerable as each of us, she is working her way through the school of life one experience at a time. Learning the pros and cons of each lesson as it presents itself.
Sharon D. (booklit) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 473 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this book. Interesting reading,.
Jennifer P. (ped1990) reviewed Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time on + 70 more book reviews
I was anxious to read this book and it did not disappoint. I enjoyed Valerie Bertinelli's writing style and how she did not dwell on any one specific topic. She gives the reader a good look at being a teen star, the wife of a rock star, a mother and someone with weight issues (real or imagined). I read this book in one day because I couldn't wait to see what happens next.
