Overweight

At first I didn't know what to expect reading this book. And while some of the short stories are a reach to reality...all I needed some privacy, a lil' chocolate and smoke for afterwards!

I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book.., but I wish someone had really warned me! I haven't been able to find anyone who shares my same drive for sex and erotica, unitl I read this book. All I needed was this book, some privacy and a little bit of chocolate, and I was a very satisfied woman!

If you get this book be careful: if you think that erotica is only hot sex, then you may be disappointed. Here, and in much of the erotica I like personally, erotica also means literature where sex and sexuality play an important role in characters' lives. This is a collection of stories about larger people who battle the social idea of "thin is sexy" and the people who empower or challenge them. There is plenty of hot scenes here for het and lesbians (I'd say it was about 50/50), nothing really for gay men however. Most of the characters are larger women with the men usually not described. The quality of the pieces varies but four were my favorite for their uniqueness and power to draw me into the tale. These were pieces by Catherine Lundoff,Eleanor Brown, Veronica Kelly, and Diana Lee (two lesbiand and two het piece by the way).

Unlike the previous reviewer, we didn't get the same feelings from this book. We bought it after attending a lecture given by this author at our child's school. We thought it would be just as informative as he was when he spoke to us re: parenting. Wrong. We already do the things he speaks of in his book. Let's get ourselves back to the basics, love, honesty, trust, respect and good old common sense, and our families will not only be healthy but HAPPY! It's not about changing your life style, it's about changing you.

Some people go through life never realizing their potential, nor the impact they may have on others. This author has yet, once again displayed his chosen gift for reaching out, embracing and healing us from the inside out. I read this book from cover to cover and felt his sincerity as well as his passion for life with the turn of every page. The "somewhat" humorous approach he takes within his writings give you the incentive to keep reading, even if it's only to see what he will say next. This book is filled with simplicity, encouragement and wisdom. Things in which we all need to become better parents and families. If this author lives his life by the standards he speaks of in this book they are a VERY lucky family!!!!
Thank you Dr. John, for not only being inspirational but for your devotion and persistence to the well being of "our children."
You are wonderfully talented! Thank you again Dr John........

I received this book this January and started using it with my family. We are an extremely busy family with no time. Dr. Mayer's approach is sooooo easy and doable even for my busy family. And most of all he helps us think differently about FOOD and THE WAY WE EAT. YES, he may say things we already know, but it is good to hear from a professional and expert how and why we should do things. The extra little tips and suggestions he gives that you may not think about are great. Many of the things you can get from this book are very subtle changes, but I have found that these are the best and most lasting when you don't even realize you are being helped or changed. My family and family life has changed emensely. Thank you Dr. Mayer.

Feldon mixes some useful information about clothing construction, color, and line in with her other advice, but most of the book is devoted to exactly what the title suggests: making you look slimmer. Her advice on "dressing thin" works only if you have are heavier than you'd like but not curvy; if you have curves, the straight-up-and-down line, with no waist definition, will only make you look heavier by obscuring your thinner parts. If, like me, you are happy with your basic shape but would like to look your best, you will have to glean the useful information and discard the rest. Forget her advice about basing your wardrobe on black unless you want to look older, more tired, and outdated. Most people look better in a less stark dark neutral such as navy, brown, or army green. (And if you think black fades into the background, notice how someone in all-black stands out against the typical pale sidewalks and buildings of the city or the light greys of some offices; their contrast with their background can make people look larger, not smaller.) The emphasis is on very classic styles, mostly for work, and some of her choices are outdated, as mentioned below (Maude vests are the most hilarious example.) The book combines useful with not-so-useful advice. It's worth buying second-hand or borrowing from a library.

I thought the advice was ok, but I dunno...The problem with these sorts of books is that they fixate on everyone trying to be the same way (even if they claim otherwise!). I'm a short woman, curvy, with a big chest, and I always thought that was well, sexy. Really, I did. Leah Feldon however, felt that a shape like mine was "matronly" or magnified every single extra pound. Which is fine, it goes to the theme of her book--making everyone look thinner--but I guess I would have liked some simple dressing tips without so much negative judgement attached to my body as a whole. Keep it in mind that if you're not perfect, this book will have the tendency to make you feel worse about the fact that you're not perfect.

I Really loved this book! I found the information extremely useful and wonderfully accessible. (The illustrations and quotes are great fun too.) I'm recommending it to all my friends! I Can't believe the reviewer who was going on about how superficial it is to care about what we wear. What planet is she from? She totally missed the point of this book and what the author is trying to say. In fact, it doesn't sound like she read the book at all. The author clearly points out that of course, we should love ourselves as we are, but that it only makes sense to choose the clothes that make us look our best. How we dress clearly reflects the way we feel about ourselves. Why would anyone---execept, of course, the reviewer---want to wear clothes that are not flattering? If she wants to look unsightly, that is certainly her priviledge and she has my blessings. But for the rest of us, who would like to put our best foot forward---no matter how fat or skinny we are--and present ourselves in the best light, this book is a treasure. It really helps you figure out which clothes will make you look great and which clothes won't. It's as simple as that.

It is a bit too soon for me to report enviable weight loss or the establishment of new, taut muscles. But I am convinced that by following the reasonable and practical tips and strategies in Fat To Firm, I shall reach my goals in time. And that is what is so refreshing about this book: it is not at all gimmicky, promising the sun, moon and stars, not to mention a Claudia Schiffer body. This book is an excellent antidote to all those unrealistic, often impossible, weight-loss programs and fad diets. In truth, it appears that most books out there could be called faddish. Not so this book.

If you are just beginning a weight-loss and fitness program, or would like to, but still don't have the confidence and courage, this is a good book to begin with. There are numerous inspiring stories--from real women, who demonstrate that goals CAN be met if one is consistent, determined, and flexible. There are good introductions to various forms of exercise, which would help someone who isn't quite sure where or how to begin, what exercise would suit best. There are many many tips on how to incorporate more activity into one's daily routines, in addition to regular exercise. My favorite: doing squats or calf raises while doing the dishes or cutting vegetables.

My one disappointment was that there was not more assistance in the actual planning of meals or menus (in addition to a somewhat small list of recipes). However, this deficiency could be supplemented with an additional book or two--including a more thorough cookbook--but one must be prepared to do some serious searching to avoid fads or nutritionally unsound eating plans.

I would recommend this book to the woman who is just beginning, or wants to begin, a new, more healthful lifestyle, a combination of better eating habits and more physical activity. This book is a good, encouraging accessory to a more healthful life.

All you need is to act upon it. It's not so much that the material is new but the presentation is easy and the table of contents is set up with a great breakdown so the reader can access the information easily without wading through more than a body may want to read.

Not that it is not all important but sometimes you may just need more info on a particular part of your plan. Each chapter in the table of contents has a sentence or two telling you exactly what you will find there. The sections are broken down with subtitles to add to that ease. They couldn't make it easier.

I found this book very inspirational, as well as helpful. It is a book to guide you and get you on track, most important of all it will help you to stay there. Kelsana 12/10/01

I've read them all and this is the only book I have not donated to the library. This book has the best collection of sensible advice, hints and tips, exercise information...even how to dress to look slimmer.

I read this book in 2 days - could not put it down. Although I agree with the critiques that the Los Angeles reader posted (some character threads were unfinished - what DID happen to Dennis?), mostly, I was riveted. I also thought that her writing style was sometimes a little self-consciously "stylized", and didn't flow naturally. I also would have liked to know more about exactly how she lost the weight, and more about her "working the Steps" re: her overeating (she never once mentioned the name "Overeaters Anonymous", she just referred to 12 Step). She only discussed that whole process once, when she mentioned a 4th Step inventory. But these are minor quibbles, overall.

Ms. Kuffel tells her story with wit and heartbreaking honesty. I am not obese, but I am currently trying to lose about 20 lbs. via Weight Watchers, and I related to much of what she said. I was fascinated by her descriptions of what life FEELS like as an obese person, and liked her use of "the planet of fat" and "the planet of girls" to describe the difference. She had NEVER been thin in her life, and so had no frame of reference to go on once she lost the weight. It was a totally alien and new feeling to be thin, and she describes this phenomenon beautifully.

The stuff about her romantic breakup got a little maudlin, however. If you've ever read "Jemima J" by Jane Green, this book often reads like a nonfiction version of that book - kind of soap opera-like.

However, anyone who's ever struggle to lose any amount of weight will find this compelling reading.

Kuffel's self proclaimed goals are to be thin, love someone who loves her back, and publish a book with her name on it. This book is the story of her accomplishment of the first two goals (the book itself is obviously the third). Kuffel is not writing about the physical mechanics of becoming thin; she is interested in discussing the emotional and spiritual journey that she took during and after her weight loss. Her food and weight problems are so extreme that I don't think her system would be necessary or helpful for most dieters anyway.
That said, I really enjoyed her descriptions of the various stages of her weight loss. The problems were actually more interesting than the triumphs. It is easy to predict that someone would be ecstatic to wear a size 18 for the first time in her life; incontinence due to thigh shrinkage is a problem that I would never have imagined.
All in all, an enjoyable read about someone who overcame adversity in the pursuit of her goals.

Note to readers: this is not a how-to! Don't expect a lesson in how to lose 170 pounds.

What Frances Kuffel does here is document a lifetime of emotions (and emotional damage) that accompany HER weight (and weight loss). I've struggled with my weight since my early teens (although not to the same extreme as she) and there's a lot of truth in this book. The compulsiveness, the anger, the disappointment, her flip responses when she is excluded from things because of her obesity. I think the prose reads fine: maybe what's more unpalatable to some readers is her me-me-meism. But put it in context: she obviously has more going on in her life than a weight problem (meds for depression, family issues - note the very abrupt reference to her oldest brother's death, ongoing health concerns) and she reads as someone who is emotionally immature and still finding her way. One reviewer complains she isn't always kind to other obese people. Unfortunately, that is sometimes a normal side effect of weight loss. Go on any weight loss message board and you will find people just like her. We want to grab and shake anyone we see who has a weight problem and is eating Ding-Dongs, Fritos and a Coke for lunch.

Ms. Kuffel could have chosen to tell a very slick, Disneyfied story about losing an incredible amount of weight (anyone who's never dieted has no IDEA what kind of discipline she had to have to pull that off) but she chose to tell the truth, warts and all. There's a sweetness and humanity here as well as a heaping helping of ugliness. I see a lot of what she says as internal dialogue, so I doubt she was as unpleasant a person as some other reviewers have suggested. True, there are some weird moments (her miscarriage/breakup metaphor and brief reference to 9/11) but the flaws in this book only add to the too-human picture of Francie.

If you go in without expectations and do some in-between-the-lines reading, there's a lot here, especially for people who have struggled and continue to struggle with their weight. If you've been there, this book makes some sense. If you haven't, it probably won't touch you.

This book is full of empty long winded paragraphs of hardly believable self-affirmations. It's insulting to think that this writer is helping women of size. Blow your boring hot air somewhere else. What a waste of money.

As you can see by my rating, I liked this inspirational book about self-acceptance. It focuses on plus-sized women, but most of the advice could be utilised by people who could benefit from improved self-esteem in other areas. The authors have included self-esteem-building exercises, which complement the message of the text. I particularly liked the stories from successful, well-adjusted women who wrote about their own struggles with acceptance of themselves, and by their families and the wider community - strong, uncompromising, successful women. I was disappointed, then, to find that the illustrations (photographs and drawings), almost without exception portrayed women who are average-sized or smaller. I found this particulalry inappropriate in the section of dressing to reflect your style and best features - the women drawn would have looked attractive in sackcloth! Other than this quiblle, I found this book interesting and worthwhile.

This book was written with a plus-sized audience in mind. Nevertheless, I honestly feel that the information contained within will help slightly overweight (or even normal-weight) women just as much as plus-sized ones; either way, in today's society, the reality or the specter of "excess" weight causes us emotional pain.

Since having two children, I've struggled with a weight gain of 25 pounds. Medically, at a size 12, I'm considered "overfat," between normal and obese. I've been beating myself up over my weight for a long time. I've been on many diets (never any extreme ones) and I'd have some success until I got frustrated with the "slow" results and then would find old habits, along with the weight, creeping back. In all honesty, ultimately I would still like to lose a bit of weight.

But here's the interesting thing, at least for me. In doing the exercises in the book, I slowly began to convince myself emotionally that my personal value was a thing quite apart from my weight, something I always knew intellectually, but still didn't completely believe in some corner of my mind. And a growing appreciation for the unique person that I am got me doing things like searching out high-end consignment shops to find beautiful, well-made and flattering clothes, exercising...not with the goal of losing weight, but as a way of taking care of myself..., and eating moderately, but for pleasure (only delicious food need apply for consumption). I had the self-respect to reject any possible diet/activity changes unless I could answer "yes" to the question "Am I willing to do this for the rest of my life if I never lose a pound?"

And without ever feeling like I've been "trying" to lose weight, I found my clothes getting a bit looser, got curious and discovered I've lost seven pounds, over a period of about two months. The wonderful thing is that because I've simply been focusing on taking care of myself, on a number of different levels, the result of weight loss isn't really the point. It's just a nice little bonus.

The other book I've read during this time to help me understand where the creed of thinness came from in the first place was Never Too Thin: Why Women Are at War with their Bodies by Roberta Pollack Seid, Ph.D. There were so many passages in that book that resonated with me, particularly in the chapters that dealt with the decades of my lifespan. It helped me to put the issue of weight into a more constructive perspective.

I particularly appreciated Learning Curves for encouraging women to get to know themselves, to treasure themselves and finally to take what they've applied and live, whether through quiet example or through active outreaching, as a role model for other women and young girls who haven't yet made or are just beginning their journey.

An "in your face" style memoir by Carnie Wilson of her struggle with obesity and her eventual triumph through gastric-bypass surgery.
Carnie recounts her life as a child, struggling to connect with her troubled father Brian Wilson. She points to several complex theories as to her history of weight problems and eventual addiction to marijuana.
It's not a particularly well written book and the extreme use of expletives might turn some people off. At times I felt it read like an "infomercial" for Spotlight Health, the website that aired Carnie's surgery.
What it is, is a refreshingly honest account of her frustration with not being able to control her life and the impact it made on those around her.
In the end, Gut Feelings is an inspiring story about a young woman who finally overcomes her life threatening obesity and drug addiction with surgery, hard work and the love and support of her family.

Most of us know the plight of Carnie Wilson's weight. Now she has finally written the book we all have been waiting for. Her book tells about her successful journey, warts and all. As a mental health counselor, I applaud her and Spotlight Health with presenting a most informative book which includes interviews with both a bariatric surgeon, nutritionist, endocrinologist and psychologist. Some people see gastric bypass as an easy way out to loose weight. Believe me, as a patient, it is not. She avidly describes this and how life will change for the patient and their loved ones. I greatly appreciate the important emphasis on the psychological aspects. They go hand in hand. Also, this book gives your support and caregivers an idea of what you will be going to go through and how they can better support you. I would like to see every doctor, patient, and candidate for surgery to read her book before either making the decision for surgery or as a guideline for post-op conditions that may come up. It is even indexed for ease of looking up something. A trendsetting book and a wonderful read .

Funny, intelligent. Carnie is a true inspiration. Creative, and wonderfully written.

I have read this book dozens of times and have recommended it to many people...the health of Americans today is a paradox, everyone is worried about deficency diseases (protein deficiency, not enough vitamins, etc). but the real problems are diseases of excess...when I went to Disneyland recently I was reminded of Michael Fumento's book because there were a heck of a lot of overweight people walking around eating...I have lost over 100 lbs and kept it off for 10 years basically eating right and exercising, none of that fad diet stuff for me. I must also mention that this book is a GOOD READ and you may even chuckle in places. It burns me up to see the writers of fad diet books, pushers of diet pills, etc. making so much money off vunerable fat people looking for a magical cure when the simple truth is the only thing that works...eat fewer calories than you expend! Michael Fumento is right on the money!

...or more specifically, the "excellent science writer" Gary Taubes NY Times article cited by Mr. Martin below, you may want to check out Fumento's account in Reason magazine:

http://www.reason.com/0303/fe.mf.big.shtml

He demonstrates that Taubes' assertions represent anything but a consensus on the part of even those researchers quoted to support his views, many of whom say their words were quoted out of context.

You may hate this book or love it, but apathy is not an option. I personally loved it. Yes, Fumento is a little crude and rough around the edges, but this is what the fat people of America need to hear. This book is a rude awakening and a wake up call. It takes away your excuses, and if you have been struggling to lose weight this book will give you hope. The new diet banter is that diets don't work, losing weight is bad for you, and its all genetic so give up and be fat and love yourself. Fumento systematically explodes these myths one by one. This book is moving, and if he comes off as less then polite, its obviously because he is sick and tired of the propaganda and hopelessness being dished out to Americans in the battle of the bulge. I should mention that I will be recieving a doctorate in the sciences shortly and I found Fumento's treatment of the scientific information presented to be well thought out, well researched and relevent. This book is a must read.

Savannah Reid, the hyperphagic Georgian female PI is hired as a security guard for a beauty pageant staged at a California winery. Two of the contestants are murdered. Savannah's empty-headed sister turns up with anorexia nervosa. As usual in this series the sub-plot is better than the main plot, although this one is better than her previous ones as a murder mystery. She moves the story along with clunky prose like "the plan she had crafted so carefully was beginning to unfold." Some of the dialog is good but then you get stuff like
"'Ah Savannah, me darlin' he called out in his delightful Irish brogue ' tis a sight for there sore eyes ye are, love'"
By now some of the jokes are getting repetitious, such as Dirk's stinginess and Dr Liu's PMS chocolate craving, but I don't suppose that matters if you are new to the series.
All is forgiven, however, for the sake of the fully drawn and well-characterized heroine with her cats, her siblings, her grandmother, her attitude problem, her ambivalence towards men, and above all, her food.

I really enjoyed this book, and couldn't wait to get home every day to get back to it. I love Savannah in all her overweight glory, and the banter between her and her cop friend is terrific. Her whole cast of characters is very enjoyable. I look forward to reading the whole series.

Once again McKevett has made you yearn for more Savannah! Everything is here for a great read - Dirk, Granny Reid, the chocolate, the suspense. This one took me a little longer to figure out but was well worth the wait. The inclusion of baby sister (who REALLY needs a good butt kick) brings more of Savannah's family in the picutre to round out an already wonderful character.

The only problem I found with the book was knowing when I turned the last page it would be forever before Savannah was back again.

I couldn't put this book down! It is a very short book, so not being able to tear myself away wasn't a problem. It was just a really intense, really enjoyable reading afternoon. There is something about the main character - Myrtle - that made me want to keep reading. Her story (told in first person) is about how as an art student in college, she has an obnoxious roommate who is always trying to make Myrtle into something she's not. Myrtle misses her old best friend from high school, but they had a big fight thier senior year because they were accused of being lesbians. Meanwhile, some mysterious unexplained happenings make Myrtle think of her old friend and the mystical, magical things her friend taught her. It is all told in a funny, ironic way with lots of priceless details. For instance, Myrtle hangs out at a coffee shop that has a Dr. Seuss theme, and the owner of the coffee shop dispenses wise advice.
I LOVED this book, and even though I read it in one afternoon months ago, I still think about it all the time.

Myrtle is a beautifully drawn character study of a young woman struggling to find an identity despite the best efforts of her "friends" and her own low self image to influence her thinking. Myrtle's use of food to attempt to fill her emotional hunger is especially telling, as many women in similar situations can attest. Not a big book, but a painfully real one. A mature book for a mature teen or young adult who has similar concerns about weight, sexuality and love.

This slim book is full of funny remarks and delicious food descriptions, but it was the butter melting in a "Hop on Poppyseed" muffin that did it for me. Myrtle, the main character, loves to eat, and she spends a lot of time at her friend Sam's restaurant. He serves up all kinds of comfort food (with Dr. Seuss themes) at the same time he serves up warm friendship and emotional support. She can use the emotional support, too. Her roommate and the roommate's boyfriend are making life miserable for Myrtle with their inappropriate sexual activity. She's also dealing with the pain of a broken friendship from years before. She deals with all this with her sarcastic sense of humor, her artisitc ability, and lots of comfort food. Good, funny story.