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Sugarfiend
If her life is a box of chocolates, acid-tongued, sugar-obsessed Estelle Brown should learn how to pick them better. Her boyfriend’s left her for a bulimic hand model, her roomate’s skipped town, and her boss is in love with her. Fed up and In the middle of her latest of a lifetime of doomed diet attempts – cutting sugar cold turkey – Estelle decides to quit quitting for good, pack her bags, and lose herself on a 7-day Caribbean cruise. But even on a floating monument to binge eating, the diet industry follows her. Across from every buffet is a studio full of treadmills. Next to every plate of fried calamari is a large diet Coke. As a ship full of wary passengers ducks for cover, Hurricane Estelle wages her own personal war against moderation. But the consequences land her in the belly of the broke, alone, and forced to take a job as –of all things-- a detox consultant for the ship. Is Skinny the answer to Happy? Is Sweet n Low the new black? Is that Denise Austin chick … for real? No, no and yes, oddly. But for a Sugarfiend, it’s not the destination that matters, it’s all the cupcakes you get to eat along the way.
286 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2012
About the author
Caroline Burau
4 books34 followersCaroline Burau lives and writes in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 10, 2014
Except for the fact that her boyfriend just dumped her, her boss is in love with her and she’s a sugar addict who has just gone cold turkey, Estelle Brown seems to have her life together. That’s when you take into account that she’s a reformed alcoholic and drug user.
But sugar may prove to be the hardest habit to quit yet. When her best friend and roommate Gloria skips town, leaving her alone with her addiction and self-destructive personality, all bets are off. Estelle hits the road as well and ends up on a hilarious journey from self-loathing to self-acceptance.
I’ve read enough chicklit to say that this isn’t your run of the mill romantic comedy, as I like to refer to them. The heroine doesn’t usually have Estelle’s sordid substance abuse past. But it definitely added some depth to her character, making it easy to see why she is so easily unhinged.
Estelle is not only a character with depth, but she’s relateable. She’s weak about men, alcohol and food, but her strength comes in her humor, and her ability to pick herself back up again. I would totally hang out with her. And probably have fun eating a carton of ice cream with her. She’s real.
I wasn’t a fan of the prologue because I found it confusing, but once you get into chapter one it picks up and then at around page 90, I got the alerts, which is what I call it when I can suddenly stay awake and read all night. When she landed herself in jail, I really dug in. I can say I truly enjoyed the read, and ride. At times I wanted to choke Estelle and demand she stop her insanity, but more than anything I wanted her to succeed. And when a character makes you care, then all is right in literary land.
But sugar may prove to be the hardest habit to quit yet. When her best friend and roommate Gloria skips town, leaving her alone with her addiction and self-destructive personality, all bets are off. Estelle hits the road as well and ends up on a hilarious journey from self-loathing to self-acceptance.
I’ve read enough chicklit to say that this isn’t your run of the mill romantic comedy, as I like to refer to them. The heroine doesn’t usually have Estelle’s sordid substance abuse past. But it definitely added some depth to her character, making it easy to see why she is so easily unhinged.
Estelle is not only a character with depth, but she’s relateable. She’s weak about men, alcohol and food, but her strength comes in her humor, and her ability to pick herself back up again. I would totally hang out with her. And probably have fun eating a carton of ice cream with her. She’s real.
I wasn’t a fan of the prologue because I found it confusing, but once you get into chapter one it picks up and then at around page 90, I got the alerts, which is what I call it when I can suddenly stay awake and read all night. When she landed herself in jail, I really dug in. I can say I truly enjoyed the read, and ride. At times I wanted to choke Estelle and demand she stop her insanity, but more than anything I wanted her to succeed. And when a character makes you care, then all is right in literary land.
October 13, 2012
Estelle Brown has an addictive personality ... her latest addiction is anything and everything sugary. Fed up with everything in her life, Estelle embarks on a 7-day Caribbean cruise that is anything but sugar free! The trial and tribulations that Estelle encounters on her journey will ultimately teach her life lessons about self-acceptance, love and happiness.
Sugarfiend is a wickedly humorous story with a lot of laugh-out-moments that will tickle your funny bone. Written in witty style, author Caroline Burau weaves a quirky tale told in the first person narrative by the sassy and sarcastic protagonist Estelle Brown. Estelle engages the reader to follow along on her journey that is full of trials and tribulations, it's not easy to kick a sugar addiction when chocolate, cupcakes, and everything sugary stares you in the face! It is a story about a woman with an addictive personality, self-esteem issues, and a penchant for self-depreciation, who could easily have self-destructed if it wasn't for her realistic and comical attempt to find happiness and self-acceptance.
Estelle Brown is a sassy, sarcastic, straight-forward lady whose comical side shines through as she battles with her Type A personality and addictive behaviors. She's a normal person that the reader can relate to, come on ... tell me you don't have a weakness for sweets ... or any addictions for that matter! I think she has a strong sense of character as she was able to admit that only she is to blame for her addictions, I think that is admirable. Even though she has battled with various addictions: men, alcohol, and food, her strength lies in her humor, it is her saving grace and makes her real in my eyes. There are times when I wanted to slap her and tell her to deal with her issues, but overall I couldn't help but feel for Estelle and stand in her corner cheering for her.
Rich in detail and vivid descriptions of an entertaining 7-day cruise; with a realistic and engaging supporting cast of characters; and some really witty and humorous dialogue and interactions; combined with a storyline that masterfully deals with a difficult issue, makes Sugarfiend an entertaining and compelling read.
Sugarfiend is a story that takes a realistic look at a person who is a work in progress. Told in a humorous style, author Caroline Burau engages the reader to take a look at the imperfect and humanistic side of life, while providing some thought provoking life lessons.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Sugarfiend is a wickedly humorous story with a lot of laugh-out-moments that will tickle your funny bone. Written in witty style, author Caroline Burau weaves a quirky tale told in the first person narrative by the sassy and sarcastic protagonist Estelle Brown. Estelle engages the reader to follow along on her journey that is full of trials and tribulations, it's not easy to kick a sugar addiction when chocolate, cupcakes, and everything sugary stares you in the face! It is a story about a woman with an addictive personality, self-esteem issues, and a penchant for self-depreciation, who could easily have self-destructed if it wasn't for her realistic and comical attempt to find happiness and self-acceptance.
Estelle Brown is a sassy, sarcastic, straight-forward lady whose comical side shines through as she battles with her Type A personality and addictive behaviors. She's a normal person that the reader can relate to, come on ... tell me you don't have a weakness for sweets ... or any addictions for that matter! I think she has a strong sense of character as she was able to admit that only she is to blame for her addictions, I think that is admirable. Even though she has battled with various addictions: men, alcohol, and food, her strength lies in her humor, it is her saving grace and makes her real in my eyes. There are times when I wanted to slap her and tell her to deal with her issues, but overall I couldn't help but feel for Estelle and stand in her corner cheering for her.
Rich in detail and vivid descriptions of an entertaining 7-day cruise; with a realistic and engaging supporting cast of characters; and some really witty and humorous dialogue and interactions; combined with a storyline that masterfully deals with a difficult issue, makes Sugarfiend an entertaining and compelling read.
Sugarfiend is a story that takes a realistic look at a person who is a work in progress. Told in a humorous style, author Caroline Burau engages the reader to take a look at the imperfect and humanistic side of life, while providing some thought provoking life lessons.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
October 4, 2012
Did I enjoy this book: I did enjoy this book. It had some great laugh out loud moments and lines.
Our leading lady is very sarcastic, straight forward, and downright funny at times. In the beginning, I wasn't sure if I was going to like Estelle. There were times that I did and other times where I really did not. But I think that's what made her such a great character. Estelle is a normal person...as normal as addicts are...you want to help her but you want to wash your hands of her at the same time. I did like the fact that she blamed no one but herself for her addictions. That takes strong character in my opinion.
Estelle's wit and sarcasm comes through in her dialogue and inner thoughts. My favorite line that brought tears from so much laughter was when Estelle was about to start her new detox plan. She says to Lauren, "If I shit anything wild...a Smurf, a foosball table, an I-pod..Jimmy Hoffa...you'll be the first person I call." (I'm even laughing now, typing and remembering this line and the circumstances that surround it.) My favorite inner thought of Estelle's had to be when she was explaining how yoga and meditation help her. "It's a good way to silence all the inner voices in my head that used to say things like 'eat that' or 'drink that' or 'take your ping pong paddle and beat that redhead in the yellow thong to death with it.' Things like that." These are just two examples of Estelle's wit that is throughout Sugarfiend. She is always sarcastic, unabashed, funny, and self-deprecating.
The supporting characters were wonderful. Heni was like a mom and a friend. Tweezer was sad. Lauren was a life saver on the cruise ship. Bill seems genuine and funny. Jack, Estelle's former boss, tries so hard to be "normal" despite the tragedy that paralyzed him. Gloria, like Estelle, was lost and trying to find her way.
The ending was great...I loved it.
Would I recommend it: If you like chick lit, then read it. There were some great laugh out loud lines in this book.
Will I read it again: I will not.
http://everyfreechancebookreviews.blo...
Our leading lady is very sarcastic, straight forward, and downright funny at times. In the beginning, I wasn't sure if I was going to like Estelle. There were times that I did and other times where I really did not. But I think that's what made her such a great character. Estelle is a normal person...as normal as addicts are...you want to help her but you want to wash your hands of her at the same time. I did like the fact that she blamed no one but herself for her addictions. That takes strong character in my opinion.
Estelle's wit and sarcasm comes through in her dialogue and inner thoughts. My favorite line that brought tears from so much laughter was when Estelle was about to start her new detox plan. She says to Lauren, "If I shit anything wild...a Smurf, a foosball table, an I-pod..Jimmy Hoffa...you'll be the first person I call." (I'm even laughing now, typing and remembering this line and the circumstances that surround it.) My favorite inner thought of Estelle's had to be when she was explaining how yoga and meditation help her. "It's a good way to silence all the inner voices in my head that used to say things like 'eat that' or 'drink that' or 'take your ping pong paddle and beat that redhead in the yellow thong to death with it.' Things like that." These are just two examples of Estelle's wit that is throughout Sugarfiend. She is always sarcastic, unabashed, funny, and self-deprecating.
The supporting characters were wonderful. Heni was like a mom and a friend. Tweezer was sad. Lauren was a life saver on the cruise ship. Bill seems genuine and funny. Jack, Estelle's former boss, tries so hard to be "normal" despite the tragedy that paralyzed him. Gloria, like Estelle, was lost and trying to find her way.
The ending was great...I loved it.
Would I recommend it: If you like chick lit, then read it. There were some great laugh out loud lines in this book.
Will I read it again: I will not.
http://everyfreechancebookreviews.blo...
May 2, 2012
I received a copy of Sugarfiend from author Carolyn Burau in exchange for an honest review. I found this novel very interesting. This is the I think the third book I’ve read lately that has a unique format – more story-telling from the main character instead of a dialogue driven format. It worked for this book in my opinion. The heroine is Estelle Brown, a sugarfiend who just can’t say no to a box of chocolates...or syrup...or raw cookie dough. Her life starts to fall apart when her boyfriend dumps her for a bulimic model (again), her roommate and best friend leaves town suddenly, and her boss announces he is love with her. Estelle packs up everything and decides to chase after her best friend and bring her home but takes a detour, finds a hot mess duo of twin sisters who convince her to take a cruise with them, and hops aboard without looking back. While there, Estelle will learn lessons about life, love and if being skinny truly does mean being happy.
This book has a bit of everything – addiction, romance, sarcasm, love, and one woman being pretty darn confused in life. Sometimes it was a bit too all over for my taste; it was hard to keep up with everything that was happening. But Burau has a knack for story-telling, because even if I seemed a step behind Estelle, I still wanted to read fast to figure out what would happen next. If you don’t appreciate strong language or sexual scenes, this probably won’t be for you. But if you can find the lessons from the raw story that Burau gives us, I think you will enjoy this book too.
This book has a bit of everything – addiction, romance, sarcasm, love, and one woman being pretty darn confused in life. Sometimes it was a bit too all over for my taste; it was hard to keep up with everything that was happening. But Burau has a knack for story-telling, because even if I seemed a step behind Estelle, I still wanted to read fast to figure out what would happen next. If you don’t appreciate strong language or sexual scenes, this probably won’t be for you. But if you can find the lessons from the raw story that Burau gives us, I think you will enjoy this book too.
October 14, 2012
I was a little confused with this book. It had that autobiographical feel to it at times even though it's a work of fiction. I wasn't impressed with the writing style and it felt like the author was trying to hard to make the protagonist come off as snarky but ended up being a tad bitchy. BUT with that being said, there were some laugh out loud moments in the book and the story had some depth to it. With a careless and recklessness about the characters, it certainly had me nervous for the protagonist at times. However, I did not enjoy the narration. It felt choppy and just didn't flow well. It was just MEH for me.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews