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I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down
A personal and inspirational memoir from Grammy and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, focused on her amazing transformation as she embraced a healthy lifestyle and lost over eighty pounds. Soulful and sultry, Jennifer Hudson wowed the world with her powerful voice in American Idol 's third season, and then took Hollywood by storm with a star turn in Dreamgirls that won her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. But before we knew her as an American Idol standout, Jennifer was singing in her church choir in the Southside of Chicago. This uplifting memoir tells the story of Jennifer's meteoric rise from American Idol to Dreamgirls to her amazing weight loss on the megablockbuster Weight Watchers diet plan. With the Weight Watchers brand endorsing her, Jennifer gives her fans tips for embracing a healthy lifestyle in order to lose weight and reclaim their bodies. Full of stories from her American Idol days, her experience acting in Dreamgirls , and how her son inspired her to want to live healthfully, this book is a gift for her millions of fans and an inspiration for anyone struggling with weight issues.
244 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
46 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Hudson
4 books4 followersJennifer Kate Hudson is an American singer and actress.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer...
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There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer...
Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
April 10, 2012
Before reading this book I had no feelings about Jennifer Hudson. After reading this book I vehemently dislike her.
She thanks God and Jesus a great deal. She credits them with all her success. Repeatedly. She believes her entire life was Destiny. You know, like this is the motherfucking Matrix and she's Neo. I think she thought it was humble to thank God and credit him with all her success, but it came off as arrogant. As in, God plucked her out of her life and gave her a chance to shine because she was too special for anything else. For example she was too special to ever have an average job. Burger King was her first and last hourly job and she called her non-musically gifted sister the Queen of Burger King... don't give me that look, I'm serious. Again, this was all said in what felt like false humbleness. I was always under the impression that this was how her life was Supposed To Be and her version of God was busy making sure it came out that way.
Her time at American Idol was discussed moderately (probably because she didn't win). She wanted to be voted off the night she was voted off and I guess the implication there is God did that for her too. Her casting for Dreamgirls is discussed at length (probably because she got that role). The Dreamgirls casting was also destiny.
Most of the book is a really awful advertisement for Weight Watchers. More pages are dedicated to that than the death of her mother, the death of her very dear grandmother, meeting her husband, and her time on American Idol combined. Her diet is gone over with agonizing and boring detail. Look, I get it. This was a really significant thing for her, but more significant than American Idol which launched her career or meeting her husband? Jennifer Hudson is, in a word, a bore. An arrogant bore if you want to throw another word at it. I'm sure if an editor had very gently suggested she was coming across either of those things she would've tossed his or her ass to the curb.
Coincidentally the book felt barely edited... I guess they were trying to get her 'flavor' or something, but the trying is SO hard and over the top that I began to suspect she dictated things and someone else tried to write it in her voice. She should have that person tossed to the curb.
Weight Watchers got her entire family counting points because they're all overweight. Her sister started it, but didn't 'stick with it' which according to Jennifer is a SHAME because her sister is SO MUCH BIGGER that her weight loss would've been REALLY DRAMATIC. Her sister is VERY LARGE because she is a lowly BUS DRIVER and cannot be very active. I wonder if her sister is speaking to her at this moment...
Her sister who is probably morbidly obese, given Jennifer's oh so flattering descriptions, decided she wanted to have Gastric Bypass after Weight Watchers failed. I have an uncle, who is also a bus driver, who recently decided to have this surgery and a dear friend who had a lap band done. It is an emotionally fraught and very intimate decision. For my dear friend, her choice came from a lifetime of failed diets and a desire to not die prematurely. She told very few people about it when she was considering it. There were long discussions about the pros and cons that went on for months while she got emotional counseling and nutrition classes for her post surgery life. It was a difficult period for her, but she made the right choice for herself after she'd become fully educated. I tried my best to be supportive, interested, and engaged when she needed me to be. I understood her choice because I went to the gym with her daily for months, watched her lose and regain the same twenty pounds, and performed the heartbreaking task of asking for a seatbelt extender for her on a group trip. Any reasonable, healthy path is something I would have enthusiastically supported her on. If she had decided lap band was not for her I would've been with her for whatever she decided to do instead or not to do at all.
Ms. Hudson, on the other hand, told her sister in NO UNCERTAIN TERMS that she was CHEATING AND THAT SHE COULD NOT DO IT. Jennifer Hudson is, quite frankly, an asshole and by and large a ridiculous sell-out. You'd think someone who'd gone through a life of trying and failing at long term diets would understand that Weight Watchers just didn't work for her sister and that maybe GP would be a real alternative... She made no effort to learn about it the way she did when Weight Watchers offered her money. No no. This wasn't about Jennifer and this wasn't about her padding her substantial bank account. Her sister was just too lazy and uninterested to stick with it -- because literally not a bad word could be said for Weight Watchers, like some people aren't great at cataloging every bite they take, weighing their food daily, and tallying it up. No, the fault laid 100% with her sister. For real, that's what she's implying after a lifetime of being judged for her size. Fuck off, Jennifer Hudson.
I won't be supporting Hudson's career in any way. Frankly, I hope she sprangs (springs?) her ankle and has to cross the street in Manhattan in six inch heels while a cabbie looking for a big tip speeds a long, although I'm sure whatever God it is she believes in is going to come through for her specifically while less worthwhile people elsewhere in the world die. I dislike her so much I feel like rating all the other celebrity bios I've ever read (ummm two or three) up a star because at least they managed not to publish books that made them look this awful.
She thanks God and Jesus a great deal. She credits them with all her success. Repeatedly. She believes her entire life was Destiny. You know, like this is the motherfucking Matrix and she's Neo. I think she thought it was humble to thank God and credit him with all her success, but it came off as arrogant. As in, God plucked her out of her life and gave her a chance to shine because she was too special for anything else. For example she was too special to ever have an average job. Burger King was her first and last hourly job and she called her non-musically gifted sister the Queen of Burger King... don't give me that look, I'm serious. Again, this was all said in what felt like false humbleness. I was always under the impression that this was how her life was Supposed To Be and her version of God was busy making sure it came out that way.
Her time at American Idol was discussed moderately (probably because she didn't win). She wanted to be voted off the night she was voted off and I guess the implication there is God did that for her too. Her casting for Dreamgirls is discussed at length (probably because she got that role). The Dreamgirls casting was also destiny.
Most of the book is a really awful advertisement for Weight Watchers. More pages are dedicated to that than the death of her mother, the death of her very dear grandmother, meeting her husband, and her time on American Idol combined. Her diet is gone over with agonizing and boring detail. Look, I get it. This was a really significant thing for her, but more significant than American Idol which launched her career or meeting her husband? Jennifer Hudson is, in a word, a bore. An arrogant bore if you want to throw another word at it. I'm sure if an editor had very gently suggested she was coming across either of those things she would've tossed his or her ass to the curb.
Coincidentally the book felt barely edited... I guess they were trying to get her 'flavor' or something, but the trying is SO hard and over the top that I began to suspect she dictated things and someone else tried to write it in her voice. She should have that person tossed to the curb.
Weight Watchers got her entire family counting points because they're all overweight. Her sister started it, but didn't 'stick with it' which according to Jennifer is a SHAME because her sister is SO MUCH BIGGER that her weight loss would've been REALLY DRAMATIC. Her sister is VERY LARGE because she is a lowly BUS DRIVER and cannot be very active. I wonder if her sister is speaking to her at this moment...
Her sister who is probably morbidly obese, given Jennifer's oh so flattering descriptions, decided she wanted to have Gastric Bypass after Weight Watchers failed. I have an uncle, who is also a bus driver, who recently decided to have this surgery and a dear friend who had a lap band done. It is an emotionally fraught and very intimate decision. For my dear friend, her choice came from a lifetime of failed diets and a desire to not die prematurely. She told very few people about it when she was considering it. There were long discussions about the pros and cons that went on for months while she got emotional counseling and nutrition classes for her post surgery life. It was a difficult period for her, but she made the right choice for herself after she'd become fully educated. I tried my best to be supportive, interested, and engaged when she needed me to be. I understood her choice because I went to the gym with her daily for months, watched her lose and regain the same twenty pounds, and performed the heartbreaking task of asking for a seatbelt extender for her on a group trip. Any reasonable, healthy path is something I would have enthusiastically supported her on. If she had decided lap band was not for her I would've been with her for whatever she decided to do instead or not to do at all.
Ms. Hudson, on the other hand, told her sister in NO UNCERTAIN TERMS that she was CHEATING AND THAT SHE COULD NOT DO IT. Jennifer Hudson is, quite frankly, an asshole and by and large a ridiculous sell-out. You'd think someone who'd gone through a life of trying and failing at long term diets would understand that Weight Watchers just didn't work for her sister and that maybe GP would be a real alternative... She made no effort to learn about it the way she did when Weight Watchers offered her money. No no. This wasn't about Jennifer and this wasn't about her padding her substantial bank account. Her sister was just too lazy and uninterested to stick with it -- because literally not a bad word could be said for Weight Watchers, like some people aren't great at cataloging every bite they take, weighing their food daily, and tallying it up. No, the fault laid 100% with her sister. For real, that's what she's implying after a lifetime of being judged for her size. Fuck off, Jennifer Hudson.
I won't be supporting Hudson's career in any way. Frankly, I hope she sprangs (springs?) her ankle and has to cross the street in Manhattan in six inch heels while a cabbie looking for a big tip speeds a long, although I'm sure whatever God it is she believes in is going to come through for her specifically while less worthwhile people elsewhere in the world die. I dislike her so much I feel like rating all the other celebrity bios I've ever read (ummm two or three) up a star because at least they managed not to publish books that made them look this awful.
March 19, 2012
When I first started this book I was really confused as to whether this girl was actually someone I wanted to read about or not. I used to be obsessed with American Idol, but I don't watch it anymore with the newer people. The reason I was confused was because with celeb written books I often get irritated if they come off cocky or arrogant and it's a fine line between cocky and confident. I'm going to say that at one point I thought she was quite arrogant and had an "I'm better than everyone else" attitude at the start, but whatever. At one point she mentioned how she ended up hiring lots of her family members and old friends to do jobs in her career and I thought that was something I would totally do if I was a celeb. Not just to give them ultra swollen paychecks, either, but because leaving the people I love the most to go on tours and things would be the most difficult thing in the world. From this I gathered that she is probably a very down to earth, caring person that I would love to have as a friend in real life. I also admire the way she loved her body at every size. It's easy for big girls to say they love their body and don't mind being plus size, but usually that's just covering up deeper feelings. This girl has a positive body image no matter what her weight, and that was refreshing to read about.
The first half of this book was all about her short experience with American Idol before she was voted off, and her career with Dream Girls. This first part was an interesting short read, but not what I was expecting. I knew this book was categorized as uplifting and inspirational, but I expected at least some mention of her family's tragedies. That would have made the book show her on a more personal level and show how much she's endured.(sidenote: please note that I do understand why she kept this out of the book, though. It probably would have been a terribly painful thing to write about and bring down the whole book.) But nope. Nothing...Just American Idol, Dreamgirls, and...Weight Watchers.
The second part of this book was indeed one big advertisement for weight watchers. I didn't mind it too much, but if I had known so much of the book was dedicated to this I wouldn't have bothered. If it wasn't Jennifer boasting about the company it was her other family members talking about it. At least her sister kept it real and acknowledged that WW did not work for her. Of course many people are probably constantly asking Jennifer how she lost all of her weight so she felt she could put it out there for everyone to read, but honestly this info could have been found just as easily with a google search.
Overall this book was nothing special. I like reading lots of celeb books even if I'm not a fan of the author, just because I like to get a glimpse into their worlds, but this was a very small glimpse. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone unless you are a hardcore fan of hers or want lots of boring info about Weight Watchers. If you are trying to lose weight yourself I guess this book could be kind of inspirational and motivating, but I'm not so sure.
February 24, 2023
Loved the stories of American Idol and filming Dream Girls, and I appreciate how weight loss changed her life, but a lot of this book read like a weight watchers commercial
August 11, 2016
Jennifer Hudson is sweet, beautiful, and an extremely talented singer. But she is not a writer. There was no juicy "scoop", or any interesting tidbits revealed in this book that you haven't already heard. In my opinion, the book is quite bland. I found myself skipping over a lot of it in hopes of getting to the "good stuff." I think Jennifer is absolutely an awesome person, but overall the book is a snooze-fest.
April 28, 2013
Words cannot describe how bad this book is. But, that's the point of a review, so I'll give it a go.
As most other reviwers have noted, the second half of this book is written like a Weight Watchers commercial. The actual ads for Weight Watchers at the back, and the Weight Watchers recipes don't exactly do much to detract from the feeling that this is one long paid promotion in the form of a book.
The first half of this book is what interested me, and the material it contains makes me even sadder about the way that the second half turned out.
Jennifer Hudson begins by telling the story of her life - with a lot edited out. Her main focus is her career and her body and the way that the two have interacted over the years. There are some recollections about her early years, such as the way she was forced to fit into the same clothes as the other girls in one of her early girl groups, that I could really identify with. Feeling out-of-place because of your body is something that a lot of teenagers (and teenage girls) have been through, so it's a great way to draw your readers in and get them to identify with you.
She also talks about getting passed over for jobs because of her body size - and how she was constantly asked in Hollywood 'what's it like to be the fat girl?'. She talks about being comfortable with her body at any size, and the diet and exercise regime she used (before WW) as being a way to change her body so that it was more acceptable in the industry.
Move to the second half of the book and this attitude completely changes. Gone is the 'love your body at every size' message. Jennifer Hudson also totally changes her motivations behind dieting - it's suddenly about getting healthy, not just looking a certain way. I can understand that being healthier could be a motivation for signing up for Weight Watchers - no harm in that. However, it's the contrast with the focus of her weight loss motivations in the first half of the book that really surprises me. It's no longer about fitting her image to what the industry wants, but about 'health' and 'making a change for life'.
This is the point where you realise that Jennifer Hudson has been completely sucked in by the commercial diet world. Her explanation of Weight Watchers is almost taken word-for-word from the material that they produce themselves, and her evangelism seems to leave no-one untouched. She even brags about trying to push Barbara Streisand down the Weight Watchers path.
As a book that is probably likely to be picked up by people who have struggled with their weight, and who want to read about someone else's struggles in the hopes of finding success, this should probably come with a warning. Jennifer Hudson does not care if you are happy being overweight. She will quote obesity statistics with absolutely no context at you. She will write about how she disapproves of anyone considering stomach stapling or other bariatric surgery to help with weight loss.
Unless you're on the magical and righteous path of Weight Watchers, Jennifer Hudson thinks you are to blame for your problems. If you wanted something uplifting to talk about beng happy with your body - don't read this book. If you want someone to tell you that it's all your fault and you are unhealthy and probably lazy too, why not just rent a Gillian Michaels DVD?
As most other reviwers have noted, the second half of this book is written like a Weight Watchers commercial. The actual ads for Weight Watchers at the back, and the Weight Watchers recipes don't exactly do much to detract from the feeling that this is one long paid promotion in the form of a book.
The first half of this book is what interested me, and the material it contains makes me even sadder about the way that the second half turned out.
Jennifer Hudson begins by telling the story of her life - with a lot edited out. Her main focus is her career and her body and the way that the two have interacted over the years. There are some recollections about her early years, such as the way she was forced to fit into the same clothes as the other girls in one of her early girl groups, that I could really identify with. Feeling out-of-place because of your body is something that a lot of teenagers (and teenage girls) have been through, so it's a great way to draw your readers in and get them to identify with you.
She also talks about getting passed over for jobs because of her body size - and how she was constantly asked in Hollywood 'what's it like to be the fat girl?'. She talks about being comfortable with her body at any size, and the diet and exercise regime she used (before WW) as being a way to change her body so that it was more acceptable in the industry.
Move to the second half of the book and this attitude completely changes. Gone is the 'love your body at every size' message. Jennifer Hudson also totally changes her motivations behind dieting - it's suddenly about getting healthy, not just looking a certain way. I can understand that being healthier could be a motivation for signing up for Weight Watchers - no harm in that. However, it's the contrast with the focus of her weight loss motivations in the first half of the book that really surprises me. It's no longer about fitting her image to what the industry wants, but about 'health' and 'making a change for life'.
This is the point where you realise that Jennifer Hudson has been completely sucked in by the commercial diet world. Her explanation of Weight Watchers is almost taken word-for-word from the material that they produce themselves, and her evangelism seems to leave no-one untouched. She even brags about trying to push Barbara Streisand down the Weight Watchers path.
As a book that is probably likely to be picked up by people who have struggled with their weight, and who want to read about someone else's struggles in the hopes of finding success, this should probably come with a warning. Jennifer Hudson does not care if you are happy being overweight. She will quote obesity statistics with absolutely no context at you. She will write about how she disapproves of anyone considering stomach stapling or other bariatric surgery to help with weight loss.
Unless you're on the magical and righteous path of Weight Watchers, Jennifer Hudson thinks you are to blame for your problems. If you wanted something uplifting to talk about beng happy with your body - don't read this book. If you want someone to tell you that it's all your fault and you are unhealthy and probably lazy too, why not just rent a Gillian Michaels DVD?
July 31, 2012
Anyone who is a Jennifer Hudson fan, a Weight Watchers member, or just a person who has struggled to overcome obstacles in their life will love this book! I Got This is an autobiography that serves as an inspiring and motivational tool. JHud recounts her early career aspirations, rise to fame and the importance OTHERS put on her weight, weight gain and weight loss along the way. She goes into great detail of how she made the decision to become healthy and why Weight Watchers has worked for her. She even includes information on how 5 of her family members have consequently been inspired by her to start the program on their own. As of the printing of the book- her family members had lost over 2000 lbs! I loved this book because Jennifer is so open, honest, encouraging and joyful about her career and weight loss journey and the unique ability she has to improve the lives of others through her actions and fame. It's obvious that her greatest joy is educating people about weight loss through Weight Watchers. As a member of WW and a fan of the author - it was a pleasure to read this book.
April 18, 2016
The first part of the book explores Hudson's rise to fame including American Idol and Dreamgirls and the second half explores her experience with Weight Watchers and gives advice for those considering weight loss.
I found her story very interesting and I feel I have a greater appreciation for her hard work and success. I enjoyed learning more about her roots and how American Idol works. I appreciated her openness and honesty about some things, but I also found myself disappointed that she did not discuss other things. Namely, the tragic murders of her mother and brother. She never even mentions it much less her emotions and coping. I just find it odd that she chose to leave out what I would think was a major event in her life. Despite this, I very much enjoyed reading her story in her own words.
I actually finished this book the day I achieved lifetime membership to Weight Watchers after a two year weight loss journey. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is just starting WW as it is great inspiration. I also feel Hudson really captured a lot of what the WW experience is like, especially the emotions. She is right when she says you must want to do it in order to be successful. It was kind of a nice way to end my journey, though it will never truly be over as maintenance is forever ongoing. However, like Jennifer, I got this!
I found her story very interesting and I feel I have a greater appreciation for her hard work and success. I enjoyed learning more about her roots and how American Idol works. I appreciated her openness and honesty about some things, but I also found myself disappointed that she did not discuss other things. Namely, the tragic murders of her mother and brother. She never even mentions it much less her emotions and coping. I just find it odd that she chose to leave out what I would think was a major event in her life. Despite this, I very much enjoyed reading her story in her own words.
I actually finished this book the day I achieved lifetime membership to Weight Watchers after a two year weight loss journey. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is just starting WW as it is great inspiration. I also feel Hudson really captured a lot of what the WW experience is like, especially the emotions. She is right when she says you must want to do it in order to be successful. It was kind of a nice way to end my journey, though it will never truly be over as maintenance is forever ongoing. However, like Jennifer, I got this!
January 18, 2012
I was somewhat disappointed in Jennifer Hudson's I Got This. The first part of the book really focuses on her career and drive. I never watched American Idol but she does discuss her experience on the show. I have seen her, of course, in Dreamgirls and Sex and the City and was curious about how her weight influenced her career.
From her writing, Hudson does seem to be down to Earth and very connected with her family. Family is mentioned again and gain thought the work. Yet, strangely, beyond two sentences she does not discuss her family tragedy nor how this impacted her emotional or psychological state.
The rest of the book is very hard to take – it is mostly an ad for Weight Watchers. Between reading this book and all her television ads for Weight Watchers, it is just too much. I am very glad that Weight Watchers helped her and seems to have helped many members of her family (to the point where the end of the book has Hudson's family members writing about their own weight failures and successes) but that is not what I am looking in a biography.
From her writing, Hudson does seem to be down to Earth and very connected with her family. Family is mentioned again and gain thought the work. Yet, strangely, beyond two sentences she does not discuss her family tragedy nor how this impacted her emotional or psychological state.
The rest of the book is very hard to take – it is mostly an ad for Weight Watchers. Between reading this book and all her television ads for Weight Watchers, it is just too much. I am very glad that Weight Watchers helped her and seems to have helped many members of her family (to the point where the end of the book has Hudson's family members writing about their own weight failures and successes) but that is not what I am looking in a biography.
January 16, 2012
I pre-ordered this on Amazon in eager anticipation of its release. Overall, I enjoyed this book. I really admire Jennifer Hudson considering all that she's dealt with in her life; I find her to be very inspiring. I also appreciate that she has a healthy body image, during her larger or smaller times. I bought this book in hopes that it would be an in-depth autobiography discussing the tragedy from a few years ago and insider information about her experiences with her films and American Idol. I was disappointed in that she mentioned her relatives' death in two sentences, didn't delve into her reactions or how it changed her life, and spent the other half of the book promoting Weight Watchers.
So, the first half of the book I'd give 4 1/2 stars and the last half 2 1/2. Comes out to around 3 stars.
So, the first half of the book I'd give 4 1/2 stars and the last half 2 1/2. Comes out to around 3 stars.
July 20, 2012
Can you say "Arrogant" with a capital A. Well after reading this that is what I am left feeling about Jennifer Hudson. I honestly didn't have an opinion of her personally before reading this. Obviously the girl can sing! I didn't like the way it was written, half the book talking about how wonderful she is, and the other half an advertisement for Weight Watchers. I didn't believe for one second when she said she didn't mind being kicked off of Idol, yeah right?! I also didn't think it was proper for her to diss her sister for dropping out of Weight Watchers. After reading this crap about how wonderful she is, I won't be looking for anything by or about her again. I don't even want to hear her sing. I feel sorry for her but not enough to exspose myself to her!
March 6, 2012
I flew through this wonderful biography/Weight Watchers manual (LOL) by Jennifer Hudson. The first half is an account of her rise to fame. Fans of "Amercian Idol" will find the audition process quite fascinating...it's nothing like they make it out to be on television. The second half is about Jennifer's weight loss and her promotion of Weight Watchers. That said, however, I really enjoyed it, being Weight Watchers myself and it inspired me to stick to the plan. If you're a fan of Ms. Hudson or Weight Watchers or both, this book is for you.
February 21, 2012
Someone stated that she should have used a ghost write and I believe she did. They probably had a tape recorder and transcribed what she said. I was very disappointed because all her whatevers come true. Whatever J HUD. The book was lackluster. A big disappointment. Glad I didn't buy the book and got it from the library. Great use of my library card.
March 6, 2012
This book was an alright read, but it's more of an ode to Weight Watchers than an autobiography. While she does make some mention of American Idol and her start in the movies she doesn't really get into her life. Was expecting way more than what I got. Thankfully I got this from the library and didn't have to spend any money because I truly would have been disappointed!
October 6, 2014
Jennifer Hudson's "I Got This" was what I expected. I've had this book for a year but didn't feel ready to read it. After reading it I know I wasn't ready until now. As a person who has for a lifetime struggled with weight, I appreciated her being candid. It's hard to put yourself out there like she did. I've often heard how singers, actors and models were discriminated against because of their appearance. She elaborated in a way that made me know it really does exist. I see it everyday in most areas of life. The book was down-to-earth, not trying to be book of the year. It could reach and encourage anyone. She's a spokesperson for Weight Watchers so for some it may seem like an ongoing advertisement.
She chose not to talk about the murders of her mom, brother and nephew. Obviously she didn't feel this was the appropriate place for that conversation. It was in the news quite a lot and the trial hadn't concluded at the time of the book's writing, so there could even have been legal ramifications. Because she was obese all her life it seems that didn't fit the sub-title "How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down".
Jennifer introduced hard questions many people avoid because the answers are too painful and/or it places the responsibility squarely on their own shoulders. I'm sorry she didn't support Julia in her quest to lose weight through bariatric surgery. If she'd taken time to research this method of weight loss she would've found that Julia wasn't trying to take the easy way out. Eating and exercising after one of these procedures is hard work. There are various causes of obesity. I know several people who've had bariatric surgery and been successful. With each of them it was a last resort but gave them a jump start on their healthier lifestyle. Everyone has to find the weight loss method that works for them. Because Jennifer likes to do everything the natural way doesn't mean it's the way for everyone. Julia speaks of how she is different from Jennifer which says to me although Julia lost weight on WW, she wouldn't be able to sustain it. Knowledge and respecting other's choices is imperative. I was encouraged by Jennifer's journey but know it is not the one for me. Julia has to decide whether she'll do what works for her or allow Jennifer to dictate how she should lose weight.
She chose not to talk about the murders of her mom, brother and nephew. Obviously she didn't feel this was the appropriate place for that conversation. It was in the news quite a lot and the trial hadn't concluded at the time of the book's writing, so there could even have been legal ramifications. Because she was obese all her life it seems that didn't fit the sub-title "How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down".
Jennifer introduced hard questions many people avoid because the answers are too painful and/or it places the responsibility squarely on their own shoulders. I'm sorry she didn't support Julia in her quest to lose weight through bariatric surgery. If she'd taken time to research this method of weight loss she would've found that Julia wasn't trying to take the easy way out. Eating and exercising after one of these procedures is hard work. There are various causes of obesity. I know several people who've had bariatric surgery and been successful. With each of them it was a last resort but gave them a jump start on their healthier lifestyle. Everyone has to find the weight loss method that works for them. Because Jennifer likes to do everything the natural way doesn't mean it's the way for everyone. Julia speaks of how she is different from Jennifer which says to me although Julia lost weight on WW, she wouldn't be able to sustain it. Knowledge and respecting other's choices is imperative. I was encouraged by Jennifer's journey but know it is not the one for me. Julia has to decide whether she'll do what works for her or allow Jennifer to dictate how she should lose weight.
April 16, 2012
I love Jennifer Hudson - her voice, her confidence, her personality - almost everything I know or think I know about her. And for the most part, I liked this book. Some readers have commented that a large part of the book was just a Weight Watchers ad, but one has to understand that this has been a big part of her life now for the last several years and that this has been a huge and positive change in her life. It is understandable that she would devote a large part of a memoir to this.
One thing I found interesting is how little she spoke of her family's tragedy. She spoke of them in abstract, and I get the impression she was trying to make this more of a positive book, and maybe she is not yet ready to share those thoughts or might still be processing them (which is totally understandable).
I did feel that "Jenny Kate" (as she describes herself in various instances throughout the book) wrote more passionately about her weight loss than the other aspects of her life, which were covered in the first half of her book. I felt that she spoke of many of those other aspects of her life (except for her family, who she obviously loves and cares for and considers a major influence in her life) rather weakly. I felt that I was being told, not shown, what she was feeling. As a matter of opinion, it felt more like a rundown or timeline than what these events truly meant to her.
All of that being said, Jennifer Hudson has an interesting story and is an inspiration to many and could be be to even more if they choose to read her story and find themselves in her message and experience. I am proud of Jennifer and her accomplishments and can't wait to see what her future brings!
3.5/5 stars
One thing I found interesting is how little she spoke of her family's tragedy. She spoke of them in abstract, and I get the impression she was trying to make this more of a positive book, and maybe she is not yet ready to share those thoughts or might still be processing them (which is totally understandable).
I did feel that "Jenny Kate" (as she describes herself in various instances throughout the book) wrote more passionately about her weight loss than the other aspects of her life, which were covered in the first half of her book. I felt that she spoke of many of those other aspects of her life (except for her family, who she obviously loves and cares for and considers a major influence in her life) rather weakly. I felt that I was being told, not shown, what she was feeling. As a matter of opinion, it felt more like a rundown or timeline than what these events truly meant to her.
All of that being said, Jennifer Hudson has an interesting story and is an inspiration to many and could be be to even more if they choose to read her story and find themselves in her message and experience. I am proud of Jennifer and her accomplishments and can't wait to see what her future brings!
3.5/5 stars
July 11, 2015
UPDATE July 11, 2015. Recently, I gave this book a poor review due to what I believed to be sloppy ghostwriting. However, I was wrong. The author of Weight Loss Boss (and CEO of Weight Watchers), David Kirchhoff, just clued me in. I am sorry for my mistake, and am giving the book the rating I believe it deserves.
Here is my original review:
The first part of the book is JH's rise to fame, in which everything works out the way it's supposed to and she never suffers any doubt or lack of confidence. Then she decides to lose weight so she can be a better mother, and does that, too. Hudson describes herself as basically confident and self-satisfied in every way from birth onward, glossing over any negatives. Even the horrible family tragedy she experienced is never mentioned (except with something like, "In spite of challenges and tragedies, I kept to my goals." I'm paraphrasing, but you get the idea.) Several of her family members contributed their essays about losing weight on WW, and those weren't sanitized as much, especially the sister who lost and regained forty pounds and is unrepentant about not getting back on program. Those essays were more authentic. As to motivation, the book was mildly motivating, but I thought Weight Loss Boss was more helpful and real. Also more fun to read.
Here is my original review:
The first part of the book is JH's rise to fame, in which everything works out the way it's supposed to and she never suffers any doubt or lack of confidence. Then she decides to lose weight so she can be a better mother, and does that, too. Hudson describes herself as basically confident and self-satisfied in every way from birth onward, glossing over any negatives. Even the horrible family tragedy she experienced is never mentioned (except with something like, "In spite of challenges and tragedies, I kept to my goals." I'm paraphrasing, but you get the idea.) Several of her family members contributed their essays about losing weight on WW, and those weren't sanitized as much, especially the sister who lost and regained forty pounds and is unrepentant about not getting back on program. Those essays were more authentic. As to motivation, the book was mildly motivating, but I thought Weight Loss Boss was more helpful and real. Also more fun to read.
May 5, 2012
I was not impressed with this book because I wanted more reality. She never had problems with her body image so I was looking for something she did not have. She mentioned her tragedy, which I understood to be her mother's death, but she did not talk about it. I guess she felt that the subject of this book needed to be targeted. It pretty much was poor writing and I was extremely disappointed in the lack of substance.
She was sweet and was honest about how she approached WW at first and discussed some challenges and that was good, I guess. I was surprised at all the haters that mocked her wonderful accomplishment, at first. Then when I thought about it, I was feeling a little like them. And that made me think about what is keeping me from success. I don't know, but she certainly didn't inspire me.
I am on weight watchers, but I am not working the program. I think that if I succeed, I will write a book and it will be gritty and honest about being fat in America, about being wrong in a crazy world.
She was sweet and was honest about how she approached WW at first and discussed some challenges and that was good, I guess. I was surprised at all the haters that mocked her wonderful accomplishment, at first. Then when I thought about it, I was feeling a little like them. And that made me think about what is keeping me from success. I don't know, but she certainly didn't inspire me.
I am on weight watchers, but I am not working the program. I think that if I succeed, I will write a book and it will be gritty and honest about being fat in America, about being wrong in a crazy world.
July 5, 2012
This is pretty terrible. I get that she's famous for a few things, but one of them isn't writing. Another reviewer had said they wish Jennifer Hudson had had a ghost writer. I'm right there with them. Her writing is riddled with cliches, and I can't get past the fact that she's pretty judgmental of people who don't diet with WW. I love WW, but it truly isn't for everyone. I liked Jennifer Hudson before reading this book. Now I'm on the fence.
The last third of the book is one long WW promotion. I respect Jennifer for going at WW without the help of chefs, etc., but she must have a personal trainer. She claims she doesn't, but I have my doubts.
I don't really have anything else to say. It was "meh." Better than one star, but nowhere good enough for three.
By the way, I accidentally purchased this book. My daughter got a hold of my Nook and bought it for me. She's 2.5. That's what I get for connecting my credit card with my B&N account.
The last third of the book is one long WW promotion. I respect Jennifer for going at WW without the help of chefs, etc., but she must have a personal trainer. She claims she doesn't, but I have my doubts.
I don't really have anything else to say. It was "meh." Better than one star, but nowhere good enough for three.
By the way, I accidentally purchased this book. My daughter got a hold of my Nook and bought it for me. She's 2.5. That's what I get for connecting my credit card with my B&N account.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2012
Nothing intriguing. Just a story about JH, and her family. Besides she has explained her emotions, how she feel about smthng is very extravagantly described. Kind of annoying. Nothing catchy, nothing inspirational. Maybe this book will be interested for her family circus, but not the outside world. Very poor written, felt like reading a blog of 11th grader. It seems that she had written this book for guilt, because she explained a lot of her decisions, steps and felt like she trying to excuse for what she did, and wants to everybody look at her in a good way, please her... For me she is just trying to act like a good person.
Presumably the worst memoir, worst book ever...It's kind a frustrating when you read in every two sentence about her family,who is her aunt/uncle/fiance or how she loves her son....... RUBBISH
Presumably the worst memoir, worst book ever...It's kind a frustrating when you read in every two sentence about her family,who is her aunt/uncle/fiance or how she loves her son....... RUBBISH
February 11, 2012
Jennifer Hudson should have had a ghost writer. I felt I was reading a school project for an eighth grader. Everything is painted with rainbows. Anyone who has gone through struggles with their weight knows this isn't the case. Overeating is based on emotions. She seemed to like food--where was her soul? She is just a living commercial for weight watchers. As a lifetime member for many many years, it's not as simple as tracking points and doing some exercise. I wish she was honest. She has to have a pers chef and a trainer not to mention a few good pairs of spanxs. I'm sure there is another memoir in the works. I'm glad I took this out of the library cause this book isn't worth buying.
May 18, 2012
I gave this book three stars because I like a good success story. Otherwise, it would have gotten two stars. The entire first half was more about Hudson's rise to stardom and how she was used to being the best until she got voted off American Idol. It glosses over the interesting parts of her life, like how she met her fiance and how she dealt with personal tragedy, and is a little too upbeat to be believable. The parts about how she started her whole family on Weight Watchers was interesting and fun to read, but I bought the book thinking she was going to be just like me: a fat girl who struggled with weight her whole life. Not a I-Thought-I-Was-Fine girl who decided to lose weight to get more Hollywood opportunities. In the end, I guess I just couldn't relate to most of the story.
March 17, 2013
I'm a really big fan of J-Hud, so when I found this at the library I thought "Sure!" As a fan, I enjoyed reading her story, but there wasn't really any new information. Everything about her early life, Idol, Dreamgirls, albums, and awards was rushed to get to the Weight Watchers stuff. The few stories that we got were alright, and I get that the title is about her changing her life through weight loss, but I was hoping for more. Yes, I know she's a spokesperson for Weight Watchers, and her info was helpful, but there wasn't much new that anyone that has read diet basics wouldn't already know. I would have loved more Idol stuff, but there was more info on food points. Also like 15 recipes at the end. As Randy Jackson would say, "it was just OK for me, dawg..." 2 stars.
September 30, 2012
As much I love and have loved Jennifer Hudson since American Idol, I did not love this book - to be honest, I didn't even read the last chapter because I was so over it. The story jumps from one milestone to the next without much lead up or explaination in between. Also, she never goes into detail about her family tragedy, which to me, had a huge impact on her life and what follwed.
Jennifer is quite self confident, which is great! Being a full figured woman myself, it's very inspiring. However, at some points I feel that she boardlined on arrogence - and that bothered me.
I was very much anticipating this book and am saddened by such a huge disappointment.
Jennifer is quite self confident, which is great! Being a full figured woman myself, it's very inspiring. However, at some points I feel that she boardlined on arrogence - and that bothered me.
I was very much anticipating this book and am saddened by such a huge disappointment.
February 9, 2017
I guess I shouldn't have been disappointed but I was. The title says 'how I changed my ways and lost what weighed me down' and that is exactly what this is about. I thought this would be more about her life and it is at the beginning but about half way through it gets to be a commericial for Weight Watchers. She does talk quite a bit about her journey to fame but very little about her personal life. I was surprised no mention was made about her mother and brother being murdered.
February 29, 2012
The first part of the book was interesting, reading about her life.The 2nd half of the book was all about Weight Watchers. I know its a big part of her life but I didn't want to read half a book about it.
March 6, 2012
This was not great, sorry JHud. I wanted to get inspired but this was underwhelming. Repetitive and too choppy, it was hard to follow at times.
March 13, 2012
I want my money back. And I borrowed it from the library. SO BAD.
April 4, 2012
This book really lacked depth. She's very inspirational, but this was more of a summary than a life story.
March 29, 2012
Advertising for weight watchers, with a personal twist. Enough said.
April 8, 2012
While Jennifer seems very sweet I just found this book to be redundant and quite boring.
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