Playing the Fat Girl

by dodd-mikyla

Mikyla Dodd was a chubby child, a fat teenager and an obese young woman. This is the inspiring story of how she made it as an actress in the incredibly size-ist world of TV, overcame her food addiction, and shed nine stone to reach a healthy weight today.

Genres: Nonfiction

279 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2008

Reviews

[Josephine (Jo) · Rating 3 out of 5]

8th October 2010
A very touching account of the love-hate relationship between Mikyla and food. Her relationship with her father was really sad and I felt so angry on her behalf on many occasions whilst reading the book. I am delighted that Mikyla has now managed to lose a lot of the weight but more importantly that she is comfortable with herself and has learned to love herself. I understand the battle that a large person has with the whole issue of eating and trying not to eat, there is no way to 'go cold turkey' with food, it is like telling an alcoholic they must drink a little three times a day. There is no denying that it is truly hard and I congratulate Mikyla on the willpower and her sunny nature in the face of so much unkindness at various jobs but worst of all from her own family!

[The Novel Vault · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book/memoir,
I found it very inspirational, and interesting, which was interesting in and of itself, because a lot of the people mentioned from Coronation street and Hollyoaks I don't know, because I don't watch those shows and even if i did, it was a bit before my time anyway, so that was something.

[Gail murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written but long winded

[Aishwarya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broke my heart in a way that woke me up

[Keryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sad story but well written and different to so many of the 'addict' autobiographies as Dodd brings through the whole concept of acting (ie.'playing' in the title) and how her weight affected the parts she was chosen to play in the various performances from child to woman, plus of course her family life which was a big factor in her situation. A good book for anyone who wants to understand discrimination of a different kind. Worthwhile reading.

[chucklesthescot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could relate to this book as I've had to struggle with being obese over the last 15 years. I liked her humour and recognised her 'laughing at herself first' method of survival as I do that myself. Her insecurities run through the book even when she finds success on Hollyoaks. You don't have to be a fan of the series to read and enjoy this book.

[Bubblesthefairy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great insight into the personal life of Mikyla Dodd the actress from Hollyoaks and her up and down relationship with food. I felt that i knew her when i was reading this as i can identify alot with there thoughts and feelings. A good quick read!!!

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story of a big girl happy to remain a big girl, who got into acting and TV despite her massive size.