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
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.
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
Having struggled with weight issues all my life, my heart went out to Ms. Moore as she recounted her unloved and lonely chidhood. When ever I read memoirs like this, I always wonder how parents and grandparents can treat young children as if they are less than nothing.
Helpful Score: 9
There is no point to this book that I can tell. She is describing her perception of her life growing up. There is no effort to change her reality, to make a difference in the world, to help someone else through her experience. This is a very self-centered book and this woman has some major issues with food that even Oprah hasn't covered on her show. Some of the descriptions of food are just plain gross. I seriously doubt that a majority of the people with weight problems would be able to identify with anything in this book.
Helpful Score: 9
A quick read, mainly because I couldn't put it down! I loved it! Didn't think I would part with this book, it truly a fave. But when I saw it was on other's wish list, I felt selfish for not sharing.
Helpful Score: 8
A heartbreaking account of Moore's life as a "fat girl". She tells her story so unflinchingly and honestly and never asks for pity. A really good read.
It was an interesting read. I found something things about being overweight I agreed with. Some I had never thought of, and those stuck with me through the book.
Helpful Score: 6
Well, the author really "tells it like it is" in this heartbreaking memoir. She does not want sympathy, yet it is nearly impossible not to feel sorry for her. Story is very depressing, with a just few moments of hope. I did get a bit weepy once or twice, I'll admit that. FYI -- Some descriptions are kind of gross and shocking. Extremely fast read.
Helpful Score: 6
A look into the mind of a very conflcted woman, who reveals her inner pain.
Helpful Score: 6
Brutally honest book about a girl who grew up overweight, and truly didn't like herself. Her parents were not good role models, and she had a tough life.
Helpful Score: 5
Really wondering just why the author even wrote this book. It seems more like something you'd write TO yourself as a catharsis, not the general public. There was no redeeming value (which she does mention at the beginning, but still!) No "I now tolerate myself" No "Suicide isn't the answer" or any other type of thing someone can take away.
My library had this listed under Young Adult...I'll be stopping in to talk to the librarian tomorrow...as I do not feel a young girl should read this...at 16 we have enough doubts about our bodies as it is. Aside from the fact the first sentence is "I'm to fat to fu**."
Sooo do not recommend this book...stay away, read something else, you'll be glad you did!
Read this one instead : Half-Assed: A Weight-Loss Memoir :: Jennette Fulda
ISBN-13: 9781580052337 - ISBN-10: 1580052339
My library had this listed under Young Adult...I'll be stopping in to talk to the librarian tomorrow...as I do not feel a young girl should read this...at 16 we have enough doubts about our bodies as it is. Aside from the fact the first sentence is "I'm to fat to fu**."
Sooo do not recommend this book...stay away, read something else, you'll be glad you did!
Read this one instead : Half-Assed: A Weight-Loss Memoir :: Jennette Fulda
ISBN-13: 9781580052337 - ISBN-10: 1580052339
Helpful Score: 4
This book is sometimes funny but mainly I thought it was very sad & depressing.
Helpful Score: 4
Interesting read....though I didn't find myself agreeing with everything and the author did not always have my sympathy. It did make me appreciate another perspective.
Helpful Score: 4
I did not like this book, although it's probably too true! I thought it was very depressing and hopeless sounding.
Helpful Score: 4
Unsentimental memoir of a hideous childhood. Very fast, heartbreaking read.
Helpful Score: 3
She had a horrible childhood but she could have done a better job of telling it. IMO
Helpful Score: 3
I listened to the 5 hr audio version, stopping partway through and coming back to it later. Sad story, but she tries hard not to plead for sympathy (a plus).
I disliked this book so much I almost didn't finish it. Very negative.
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book! Many of the other reviews were negative and I feel that I needed to add my review.
The book is not romantic. It is not fancy or contrived.
It is very simple and plain.
Judith Moore writes: "I hate myself. I have almost always hated myself. ... it is not for bad things I've done. ...I hate myself because I am not beautiful, I hate myself because I am fat." If you have ever hated yourself for a stupid reason, your heart will break a little as you read this book. Your heart will break for yourself, not for the author. The author is remorseful and understanding of the people in her life that hurt her. As I read, I wanted her to get angry, to stand up for herself, to punch someone out!!! lol But in the end she is kind to everyone but herself.
The book is a quick read. I didn't want to put it down. In the end, I didn't get the closure I was hoping for (and maybe the author still hopes for). Maybe I need to look to myself to find my own.
(FYI: Right before reading this, I read "Hunger" by Elise Blackwell. It was a nice contrast.)
The book is not romantic. It is not fancy or contrived.
It is very simple and plain.
Judith Moore writes: "I hate myself. I have almost always hated myself. ... it is not for bad things I've done. ...I hate myself because I am not beautiful, I hate myself because I am fat." If you have ever hated yourself for a stupid reason, your heart will break a little as you read this book. Your heart will break for yourself, not for the author. The author is remorseful and understanding of the people in her life that hurt her. As I read, I wanted her to get angry, to stand up for herself, to punch someone out!!! lol But in the end she is kind to everyone but herself.
The book is a quick read. I didn't want to put it down. In the end, I didn't get the closure I was hoping for (and maybe the author still hopes for). Maybe I need to look to myself to find my own.
(FYI: Right before reading this, I read "Hunger" by Elise Blackwell. It was a nice contrast.)
Helpful Score: 2
As much as I wanted to love this book, I just couldn't get into the tone of the book. I wasn't expecting a jolly and happy story, but I couldn't get into the negative.
Helpful Score: 2
This was a very short book. It was written well but didn't have a very dynamic plot.
Helpful Score: 2
Depressing, deep, detailed & just downright SAD! I mean... it was good. It was riveting. But boy was this a depressing book.
Helpful Score: 1
Truly heartbreaking story, but a good read.
Helpful Score: 1
This author has major issues that extend way beyond her weight..didn't like this story at all- I spent the entire time I read it cringing and wishing she would find a good therapist
Helpful Score: 1
I was really surprised by how short the book was and then again when I realized how easy of a read it is. I felt that the first few chapters were more of her complaining about her self. She later than goes into her history, which is interesting. There were parts that she goes into some details that may not be appropriate for younger people, but over all an ok book.
Helpful Score: 1
One of the worst books I've ever picked up. A total waste of time and paper. I'd be embarressed to claim it if it were mine. Which is wouldn't be.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book! Many of the other reviews were negative and I feel that I needed to add my review.
The book is not romantic. It is not fancy or contrived.
It is very simple and plain.
Judith Moore writes: "I hate myself. I have almost always hated myself. ... it is not for bad things I've done. ...I hate myself because I am not beautiful, I hate myself because I am fat." If you have ever hated yourself for a stupid reason, your heart will break a little as you read this book. Your heart will break for yourself, not for the author. The author is remorseful and understanding of the people in her life that hurt her. As I read, I wanted her to get angry, to stand up for herself, to punch someone out!!! lol But in the end she is kind to everyone but herself.
The book is a quick read. I didn't want to put it down. In the end, I didn't get the closure I was hoping for (and maybe the author still hopes for). Maybe I need to look to myself to find my own.
(FYI: Right before reading this, I read "Hunger" by Elise Blackwell. It was a nice contrast.)
The book is not romantic. It is not fancy or contrived.
It is very simple and plain.
Judith Moore writes: "I hate myself. I have almost always hated myself. ... it is not for bad things I've done. ...I hate myself because I am not beautiful, I hate myself because I am fat." If you have ever hated yourself for a stupid reason, your heart will break a little as you read this book. Your heart will break for yourself, not for the author. The author is remorseful and understanding of the people in her life that hurt her. As I read, I wanted her to get angry, to stand up for herself, to punch someone out!!! lol But in the end she is kind to everyone but herself.
The book is a quick read. I didn't want to put it down. In the end, I didn't get the closure I was hoping for (and maybe the author still hopes for). Maybe I need to look to myself to find my own.
(FYI: Right before reading this, I read "Hunger" by Elise Blackwell. It was a nice contrast.)
Helpful Score: 1
This was an interesting read, not because of her self proclaimed fat girl status, but because she had such a neglectful and abusive childhood. It seemed patterns repeated themselves horribly. This is a quick read and Judith Moore writes well enough to make it an interesting read.
Helpful Score: 1
Quick read about a women's struggle with her weight.
Helpful Score: 1
I could feel this woman's sorrow. Read for my book club and had great discussion about it.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is terrible. It was like sitting at lunch with your friend who always goes on and on about how fat she is and how everyone hates her for it. I honestly didn't find anything redeeming in it: it's not funny, it's not ground-breaking, and I don't find the author particularly courageous. In fact, it's barely even interesting. It's unredeemed navel-gazing.
I ended up throwing it in the trash so no one else would be subjected to it. I hope I never feel that way about a book again.
I ended up throwing it in the trash so no one else would be subjected to it. I hope I never feel that way about a book again.
Helpful Score: 1
I found this book to be a quick and easy read. The author truly had a love affair with food. The food ultimately replaces the needs that were not met by her caregivers and her lack of childhood friends.
Wow! Interesting book. If you thought you had it bad being chubby, fat or obese...this female sure takes it a step further. The poor thing had a seriously bad self image...just plain ugly. The main thought on my mind after reading this book was Dang! At least I'm cute!
"Judith Moore grabs the reader by the collar, and shakes up our notion of life in the fat lane."
An honest, gripping account of growing up fat, within a family who abhorred it.
An honest, gripping account of growing up fat, within a family who abhorred it.
Throughout the whole book, I kept wondering what the point of it was. We kept hearing about how "fat" she was, but I couldn't figure out what she was trying to accomplish through her stories. In that sense, the book was a bit frustrating. I didn't mind the negative tone . . in fact, it was a bit of a refreshing change from the overly optimistic novels. And her childhood was indeed interesting and heartbreaking. So overall, I enjoyed reading it, but it definitely was not one of my favorites.
This is an intense read. I loved the realistic and brutal self honesty. Chapter 1 features one of the greatest opening lines ever.
Only read about 25 pages of this book and promptly wanted to slit my wrists in a warm bath. OMG this woman needs therapy!! Never, ever read something so completely negative and depressing. I hope like Hell Judith Moore used the money she made from this book to get herself a good Psychiatrist. She needs one!!
visceral and heartbreaking
Pretty quick read. I really enjoyed the fast pace and peeking into the authors' childhood.
A real gut-wrenching story of a girl using food to fill her own emptiness. Very sad. The writer's descriptions of her life is haunting. A good read.
Both humorous and heartbreaking.
Amazing tale. Painfully truthful. A story everyone should read.
Sad story of neglected girl/woman who hates her body.
one womans story about growing up fat
I gave this book a chance and did end up finishing it but I just didn't think that it was well written. The story seemed to just be a description of several experiences in her life without any real reflection. At times it seemed to wander off when she started writing about different food choices. I think she meant well in discussing her experience but the flow of the book could have been improved.
Judith grew up to be a smart and accomplished writer and editor as well as a great lover of literature and words. Her childhood was forlorn, neglectful, and messy, and the way she ended up, as an adult, is very affirming, though she continued to have problems with food and in her relations with others.
I have to stand up for this book. I really liked the author, and after reading her book, I felt that I genuinely knew her - this author seems to have written what was in her mind as she discussed her life and her experiences. While she is reflective, she does not intellectualize, nor does she attempt to "persuade" or "uplift." I loved the book, and I loved the author's telling of her story, and I think I'd love to be in her company.
I have to stand up for this book. I really liked the author, and after reading her book, I felt that I genuinely knew her - this author seems to have written what was in her mind as she discussed her life and her experiences. While she is reflective, she does not intellectualize, nor does she attempt to "persuade" or "uplift." I loved the book, and I loved the author's telling of her story, and I think I'd love to be in her company.
A great read. I read in one sitting.
Difficult to finish this book. Not enjoyable.
For anyone who has ever had a love/hate relationship with food or how they look. Fat Girl stuns and shocks, saddens and tickles.
very good
As I was warned when I picked this book up, "the author is a nasty, bitter woman..."
Sad, harsh book but a wonderful read.
Oh my i read the book in one day, so emotional.
I hated this book. Didn't even get through the first 2 chapters. So whoever gets my book it's brand spanking new. Just bought it. :(
