Search - Fat Girl : A True Story

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.

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.

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.

Truly heartbreaking story, but a good read.

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 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.