I gave sis my copy of "Such a Pretty Fat" by Jen Lancaster. I thought this book was entertaining -- laughed out loud several times. I especially thought Jen's take on Jenny Craig and WW was amusing. Also enjoyed reading about the relationship that developed between Jen and her personal fitness trainer. I'm interested to see what my sis thinks."As I paddle along, I slowly become aware that it's been fear keeping me out of this pool for so many years. I never came here before because I was afraid I'd make a fool of myself by not having the endurance to complete a lap. The swimming wasn't what scared me; failure was. My fear locked me in a state of arrested development for so many years. Fear kept me from tackling my weight, which I understand has simply been symptomatic of my greater fear, growing up. I glide down the lane on my back and reflect on how good I feel right now. It's not because I've lost more than thirty pounds. I feel incredible because I've stopped being afraid."
- Jen Lancaster, "Such a Pretty Fat"
I read "Losing It" by Valerie Bertinelli last summer. Over all liked it but feel it could have been a bit deeper...seemed a little superficial in spots.
Have you read any books that could be considered a weight loss memoir?
~♥~
10 comments:
I tend not to read weight loss memoirs, but I love to read articles about success stories. I think maybe the deep introspection of the novels hits too close to home? (You'd think I'd enjoy it *because* I lived it, but that's not how it works for me. )
Wishing you a GREAT week!
I haven't read any either Lee, but maybe I should. I just don't have the patience, and all I really want to know is how they did it...shallow, I know. I love seeing the before and after pictures. Those are so motivating.
Hey Cammy - back at you - have a terrific week!
Patty - well, I love memoirs in general anyway so becoming interested in memoirs that are focused on getting back to a healthy weight are right up my alley. I'm with you on the before and after photos -- worth a million words.
I loved all of Jen Lancaster's books. She is very snarky and doesn't talk enough about being fat...I think.
I make a practice of reading fat books. I have a ton of them.
I guess that was sort of a pun.
I will put together a list for you eventually.
I'm reading a great book right now that's a memoir. I'm totally a memoir person.
"Undress me at the Temple of Heaven." By Susan Jane Gilman
And don't forget to read this one...one of my all time faves.
Read: Drinking, a love story by Caroline Knapp
POD - would love a list of recommended memoirs from you. Thanks!
I've put a hold on "Drinking: a love story" ...may get to pick it up today.
Other highly recommended, not fat related, usually funny memoirs:
Driving with Dead People [Hardcover] by Holloway, Monica
Hyper-chondriac: One Man's Quest to Hurry Up and Calm Down
Dark at the Roots: A Memoir [Hardcover] by Thyre, Sarah
Another Bullshit night in Suck city by Nick Flynn
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
(i'm working on the fat list still)
I'm just getting around to reading this post. I love reading memoirs, too! When I'm struggling with motivation, they help me know that change can happen.
I read "Passing for Thin" by Frances Kuffel and "Half-Assed" by Jenette Fulda. Liked them both. I love the list POD shared and look forward to seeing the fat list, lol!
POD - I've heard of a couple you've listed. Dark at the Roots I tried to get from the library but no dice. The only one I've read from your list is The Glass Castle. Could not put it down. What a well told and compelling story! Thanks for sharing these suggestions. Maybe we can start some sort of cyber memoir reading book club...
Tena - I love memoirs too. Haven't read either of the two you've listed. I used to own a small independent bookstore and would face "Half-Assed" out because it has such a great cover & title. It was a pretty good seller.
Any book by Augustin Burroughs - 'Running with Scissors,' 'A wolf at the Table' etc.
His brother wrote a book about Asperger's Syndrome.
Read 'Running' first because he writes about his brother in that book but we never really find out *what* is going on until I read 'Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's' by John Elder Robison (Augustin's brother). Their books are good, well written, sometimes funny, poignant.
Also anything by David Sedaris is funny if you want humor. Driving with Dead People is not morose. It's mostly good -- like Glass Castle material. I just finished Undress me in the Temple of Heaven and I could hardly put it down. (There is not much
undressing in the book. I read it because it's a memoir and the two girls go to China. It's really a good read too.
Post a Comment