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How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love
"Thick. Heavy. Big boned. Plump. Full figured. Chunky. Womanly. Large. Curvy. Plus-size. Hefty." To sixteen-year-old Emery Jackson, these are all just euphemisms for the big "F" word—"fat." Living on a Southern California beach with her workout fiend dad, underwear model sister, and former model mother, it is impossible for Emery not to be aware of her weight.
Emery is okay with how things are. That is, until her "momager" signs her up for Fifty Pounds to Freedom, a reality show in which Emery will have to lose fifty pounds in fifty days in order to win the million dollars that will solve her family's financial woes. Emery is skeptical of the process, but when the pounds start to come off and the ratings skyrocket, she finds it hard to resist the adoration of her new figure and the world of fame. Emery knows that things have changed. But is it for the better?
Emery is okay with how things are. That is, until her "momager" signs her up for Fifty Pounds to Freedom, a reality show in which Emery will have to lose fifty pounds in fifty days in order to win the million dollars that will solve her family's financial woes. Emery is skeptical of the process, but when the pounds start to come off and the ratings skyrocket, she finds it hard to resist the adoration of her new figure and the world of fame. Emery knows that things have changed. But is it for the better?
272 pages, Paperback
First published April 22, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
July 12, 2017
Sixteen year old Emery is fine with who she is. Her family and the people around her are the ones who have a problem with her. Well not exactly her...it's her weight. Emery is overweight.
That's right, kids. I'm officially the Big O. And I don't mean Oprah.
That might not be a problem but in this family it is. Her dad is a former basketball player turned fitness guru (or something like that-he was vague to me), mom is a botoxed former model and then sister Angel is sure to be the next big star.
Then Emery is approached to do a reality TV show. For one million dollars she has to lose 50 pounds in fifty days.
Emery is no pushover and she completely thinks it is a stupid idea.
"You think going on a reality show will make me more normal? Have you seen reality TV shows lately? I have three words for you: Honey Boo Boo."
She finds out then that her family is having some financial problems and she pretty much is needed to do this show.
Her life is completely turned around by trainers, dieticians and a counselor. Then the sudden fame. I cannot image being a teenage girl and being on live TV and weighing myself. The author, who is male does a pretty bang up job with being inside a young females head.
I will admit to loving most of this book but there are times when the story wasn't wrapped up well and then some of the plot just felt that 'it had to go somewhere it might as well be this' kinda stuff.
For a young adult book it also does have some cussing and sex and stuff...if you worry about that. It also has some standing up for yourself when you are a fat chick too. (I've said before how I wish books like these were around when I was a teenager.)
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
That's right, kids. I'm officially the Big O. And I don't mean Oprah.
That might not be a problem but in this family it is. Her dad is a former basketball player turned fitness guru (or something like that-he was vague to me), mom is a botoxed former model and then sister Angel is sure to be the next big star.
Then Emery is approached to do a reality TV show. For one million dollars she has to lose 50 pounds in fifty days.
Emery is no pushover and she completely thinks it is a stupid idea.
"You think going on a reality show will make me more normal? Have you seen reality TV shows lately? I have three words for you: Honey Boo Boo."
She finds out then that her family is having some financial problems and she pretty much is needed to do this show.
Her life is completely turned around by trainers, dieticians and a counselor. Then the sudden fame. I cannot image being a teenage girl and being on live TV and weighing myself. The author, who is male does a pretty bang up job with being inside a young females head.
I will admit to loving most of this book but there are times when the story wasn't wrapped up well and then some of the plot just felt that 'it had to go somewhere it might as well be this' kinda stuff.
For a young adult book it also does have some cussing and sex and stuff...if you worry about that. It also has some standing up for yourself when you are a fat chick too. (I've said before how I wish books like these were around when I was a teenager.)
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
March 13, 2014
Not to be sexist, but I cannot believe that this book was written by a man! I AM Emery. Reading this book, it is almost creepy in how spot on this writing captures the soul of a typical teenage girl. Are we really that predictable or is Ken Baker a telepath?
The voice of Emery is REAL, witty, humorous , strong and like many of us, sometimes bitchy and judgemental. It is also so refreshing to see a main character with so many "flaws" that is not a doormat. Yes she still has feelings, she still gets hurt but she is a warrior. She doesn't crumple into a ball and will herself to disappear when the going gets tough. She makes mistakes but she doesn't stop striving to become a better, happier version of herself.
I did have a few qualms with this book though. For one, I felt like her personality was a little inconsistent at times. However with her being a teenager she is still figuring out the type of person that she wants to be. Two, in my opinion the book ended too abruptly and I would have liked to have seen much more resolution with some of the significant plot twists. Lastly I felt that the biggest reveal of the novel was a little too farfetched. Even the "lurking outside a room eavesdropping a secret conversation cliché" would have worked out better.
At the end of the day though,
I would buy this book! If you don't know me you probably do not understand the significance of that statement. I don't buy books. I am a broke college student who can barely afford the internet connection to post this review. Yet despite this rather disparaging financial reality, I would still have bought this book if I had not had the good luck to receive it for free in exchange for an honest review.
Anyone that has ever struggled with what it means to be "you" will enjoy this novel. 4/5
August 6, 2016
This book. Wow. My original expectations were blown out of the water, as what I actually got was a very hard hitting, outstanding read.
You see, this book takes on today's epidemic of obesity, today's obsession with "reality" TV, today's issue of teenagers growing old before their years, today's issue of prejudice wherever you turn, and the age old problem of conditional and unconditional love. Sound intrigued? I was, and I wasn't let down.
The story centres around Emery, an overweight and overlooked member of today's society. She has a sarcastic, cynical and somewhat abrasive personality - but as the story progresses, her walls start to crumble and you see her mellow as she starts to confront her buried "problems".
I loved her as a character, her outgoing mind set is exactly what I wish I had. She was quick, witty and hilarious. You can clearly see the development as the story progresses, and I empathised with her situation. When we occasionally got a glimpse of the strong character, she was quashed by others - something I'm sure we have all felt at least once in our lives. Her "blog" was one of favourite parts of this book. Baker used her as voice of the generation to address all of these issues head on. I actually re-read her blog entries as I was completely enamoured with her every word. She challenged society and questioned why - why do we have to follow this generic template set out for us? Why do we have to conform to make others happy - happiness starts with yourself and should always be your upmost priority. She was wise beyond her years, but needed to accept her own words before she could be truly free.
Moreover, I was very impressed with the way this book challenged a lot of today's issues and prejudice - but in a very thought provoking and intelligent manner. In a way, this story re-enforces the fact that, to some extent, we are all prejudice. We may not mean to be, but what we say and think can have repercussions on other people. We may not intend to hurt others, but we do.
Overall, this was a truly brilliant read. Not just for Emery and her "voice of the generation", but for the hidden messages and morals you get. This book delivers some serious messages in a very cleverly thought our manner. Definite recommend and is something all teenagers should be reading!
I received a free copy of this book, from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinions or thoughts, and any expressed are that of my own.
You see, this book takes on today's epidemic of obesity, today's obsession with "reality" TV, today's issue of teenagers growing old before their years, today's issue of prejudice wherever you turn, and the age old problem of conditional and unconditional love. Sound intrigued? I was, and I wasn't let down.
The story centres around Emery, an overweight and overlooked member of today's society. She has a sarcastic, cynical and somewhat abrasive personality - but as the story progresses, her walls start to crumble and you see her mellow as she starts to confront her buried "problems".
I loved her as a character, her outgoing mind set is exactly what I wish I had. She was quick, witty and hilarious. You can clearly see the development as the story progresses, and I empathised with her situation. When we occasionally got a glimpse of the strong character, she was quashed by others - something I'm sure we have all felt at least once in our lives. Her "blog" was one of favourite parts of this book. Baker used her as voice of the generation to address all of these issues head on. I actually re-read her blog entries as I was completely enamoured with her every word. She challenged society and questioned why - why do we have to follow this generic template set out for us? Why do we have to conform to make others happy - happiness starts with yourself and should always be your upmost priority. She was wise beyond her years, but needed to accept her own words before she could be truly free.
Moreover, I was very impressed with the way this book challenged a lot of today's issues and prejudice - but in a very thought provoking and intelligent manner. In a way, this story re-enforces the fact that, to some extent, we are all prejudice. We may not mean to be, but what we say and think can have repercussions on other people. We may not intend to hurt others, but we do.
Overall, this was a truly brilliant read. Not just for Emery and her "voice of the generation", but for the hidden messages and morals you get. This book delivers some serious messages in a very cleverly thought our manner. Definite recommend and is something all teenagers should be reading!
I received a free copy of this book, from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinions or thoughts, and any expressed are that of my own.
February 8, 2014
Feel free to read the full review on Musings of a Book Lover.
Emery (named after the emery board one finds in a nail salon) has just been told that she is now considered obese by the family doctor. Sure, she’s tried diets, but the call of “Coronary Highway” is too strong. Who wouldn’t want to eat two double cheeseburgers, a large fry and a diet coke (It is, after all, the Standard American Diet)? Well, everyone in Emery’s dysfunctional family doesn’t eat that way.
Her botox-injecting mom wants to sign up the family up for a reality television show that features Emery losing 50 pounds in 50 days. Emery wants no part of this because she doesn’t mind who she is. Her boyfriend, Ben, is a gentle giant, and they are both so not the Highland Beach norm of over-processed humans with their augmented body parts and fake faces. However, when Emery sees that they are about to be kicked out of their house, Emery realizes that half of the prize money can save the family home. Emery agrees to be a part of the madness of a reality tv show.
While I found Emery as somewhat vulgar, she was trying to help others at the same time. You got to see some good insights from a 16 year-old through her vlog posts on self-acceptance. That is one aspect of this book that I quite enjoyed. I liked how Emery talked about trying to find acceptance because of her weight. It was empowering what Emery learned along the way about herself and how she shared it with her audience.
The ending also did not tie up the loose ends and was rather ambiguous. Emery had a chance to set things straight with her self and her family, but she ran away instead. This reader was left with several questions that went unanswered. Just like “reality tv,” the story is unrealistic. There were a few nuggets of truth (which was nice) in a heaping pile of dysfunctionality! This book premise had great potential, but I feel that it fell short.
This book was provided by the publisher for an honest review.
Emery (named after the emery board one finds in a nail salon) has just been told that she is now considered obese by the family doctor. Sure, she’s tried diets, but the call of “Coronary Highway” is too strong. Who wouldn’t want to eat two double cheeseburgers, a large fry and a diet coke (It is, after all, the Standard American Diet)? Well, everyone in Emery’s dysfunctional family doesn’t eat that way.
Her botox-injecting mom wants to sign up the family up for a reality television show that features Emery losing 50 pounds in 50 days. Emery wants no part of this because she doesn’t mind who she is. Her boyfriend, Ben, is a gentle giant, and they are both so not the Highland Beach norm of over-processed humans with their augmented body parts and fake faces. However, when Emery sees that they are about to be kicked out of their house, Emery realizes that half of the prize money can save the family home. Emery agrees to be a part of the madness of a reality tv show.
While I found Emery as somewhat vulgar, she was trying to help others at the same time. You got to see some good insights from a 16 year-old through her vlog posts on self-acceptance. That is one aspect of this book that I quite enjoyed. I liked how Emery talked about trying to find acceptance because of her weight. It was empowering what Emery learned along the way about herself and how she shared it with her audience.
The ending also did not tie up the loose ends and was rather ambiguous. Emery had a chance to set things straight with her self and her family, but she ran away instead. This reader was left with several questions that went unanswered. Just like “reality tv,” the story is unrealistic. There were a few nuggets of truth (which was nice) in a heaping pile of dysfunctionality! This book premise had great potential, but I feel that it fell short.
This book was provided by the publisher for an honest review.
June 4, 2016
I received a copy from the publisher on Netgalley in exchange for a review.
First of all the good parts, well, that is easy. Everything up to almost the last page was fun, interesting and I really liked it.
Emery was likeable, though I wanted to shake her at times. She became fat because she likes eating junkfood, and not just junkfood, but mountains of it. I sometimes was disgusted by how she described all that food and how she all sneaked it in and ate it.
I loved how she gradually changed and though lots of things went wrong, she stayed strong and kept going.
Her family however... Her mom is obsessed with how she looks (and uses botox for extra firmness), her sister is (thanks to mom) addicted to her weight and how she looks, her dad... well he is mostly MIA.
I really didn't like how the didn't support her most of the times. They thought she would give up, wouldn't make it. And that made me sad, a family should support their family members, and parents should be there for their kids, not just leave them hanging.
I really liked the reality tv show, that was a fun idea to do and added an extra twist to the whole: Girl has to diet theme.
Ben, ah Ben. He was cute and sweet, and he deserved better.
Now for the -1 star; the ending. I absolutely, seriously HATE endings like in this book. Making me all excited, making me all want that ending because of everything that happens (the twists! The diet! Ben!) and then BAM. And I am really really sad. I absolutely loved the book up until the ending.
But this kind of ending? It should be forbidden. Now I still got many questions left, things still open and waiting to be closed. It is a shame. :(
If you don't mind sudden endings, and you do like: reality shows, punky big girls, bad parenting and a girl trying to diet, then this book is for you.
First of all the good parts, well, that is easy. Everything up to almost the last page was fun, interesting and I really liked it.
Emery was likeable, though I wanted to shake her at times. She became fat because she likes eating junkfood, and not just junkfood, but mountains of it. I sometimes was disgusted by how she described all that food and how she all sneaked it in and ate it.
I loved how she gradually changed and though lots of things went wrong, she stayed strong and kept going.
Her family however... Her mom is obsessed with how she looks (and uses botox for extra firmness), her sister is (thanks to mom) addicted to her weight and how she looks, her dad... well he is mostly MIA.
I really didn't like how the didn't support her most of the times. They thought she would give up, wouldn't make it. And that made me sad, a family should support their family members, and parents should be there for their kids, not just leave them hanging.
I really liked the reality tv show, that was a fun idea to do and added an extra twist to the whole: Girl has to diet theme.
Ben, ah Ben. He was cute and sweet, and he deserved better.
Now for the -1 star; the ending. I absolutely, seriously HATE endings like in this book. Making me all excited, making me all want that ending because of everything that happens (the twists! The diet! Ben!) and then BAM. And I am really really sad. I absolutely loved the book up until the ending.
But this kind of ending? It should be forbidden. Now I still got many questions left, things still open and waiting to be closed. It is a shame. :(
If you don't mind sudden endings, and you do like: reality shows, punky big girls, bad parenting and a girl trying to diet, then this book is for you.
July 22, 2014
Ah, Emery, our heroine. SHE is a fabulous character, and a fabulous person, and completely respectable because she takes responsibility for the good, the bad, and the ugly. That is what I liked about this book, and that is what will resonate with readers.
What was unfortunate was that this book had several opportunities to expand and add some depth (namely in the relationship with her dad, her "secret," and the ending of the story), and it just didn't go there. Truly, the ending was a fail in my opinion, and I think the author will be hard pressed to find a single reader who thought it fit.
Additionally, there were some holes that didn't work given the 24/7 observation of Emery, and they nagged at the reader.
This is definitely a high school level book, and readers looking for a fairly solid portrayal of a girl with weight issues will find it -- less the vulnerability that should be there.
Caution -- there is language (including a couple of Fbombs), teenage sex, and underage drinking and taking pills. None of it is overly descriptive, but there's enough I'd recommend it ages 15 and up.
Thank you to the publisher, Running Press, and NetGalley for providing this free ARC in exchange for an honest review -- the only kind I give!
What was unfortunate was that this book had several opportunities to expand and add some depth (namely in the relationship with her dad, her "secret," and the ending of the story), and it just didn't go there. Truly, the ending was a fail in my opinion, and I think the author will be hard pressed to find a single reader who thought it fit.
Additionally, there were some holes that didn't work given the 24/7 observation of Emery, and they nagged at the reader.
This is definitely a high school level book, and readers looking for a fairly solid portrayal of a girl with weight issues will find it -- less the vulnerability that should be there.
Caution -- there is language (including a couple of Fbombs), teenage sex, and underage drinking and taking pills. None of it is overly descriptive, but there's enough I'd recommend it ages 15 and up.
Thank you to the publisher, Running Press, and NetGalley for providing this free ARC in exchange for an honest review -- the only kind I give!
September 6, 2016
I think Baker has almost got it here. He certainly has Southern CA down, the life of a reality star, and the paparazzi all to a tee- He is an E! News correspondent after all. However, he's not a teenaged girl, and while I don't generally have a problem with writers writing from a perspective that is not their own, you can tell that he doesn't quite get it. There is a little too much feminist preaching going on, the sassiness and sarcasm don't quite jibe, and there's no vulnerability. I do love the family that surrounds our heroine, Emery, however: a botox-obsessed mom, a bratty, stupid older sister, and an absentee dad. I actually wish we had just a bit more insight into that absentee dad: the story would be richer if we had more dialog from him in between his "missing" periods.
July 1, 2016
HOLY CRAP.
This isn't your typical YA read, I think everyone should read this book, FANTASTIC!!
This isn't your typical YA read, I think everyone should read this book, FANTASTIC!!
April 17, 2019
I read it in the wrong mindset but it isn't the best book for something with any eating disorder issues. Also, the ending was very unsatisfying and left so many major plot points unanswered.
July 26, 2016
4.5 Stars
'How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love' is a hilarious young adult contemporary novel that also deals with deep topics in a brutally honest way. The book speaks of obesity, our society, self image (especially among females), confidence, and being yourself - no matter what. The story revolves around Emery Jackson and her family as they embark on a reality TV show featuring Emery as she attempts to lose fifty pounds in fifty days. The cameras and crew are always on, regardless of what Emery or anyone else in the house may be doing. I love Emery as a main character because she's bold, honest, witty, and smart. She's also aware of her flaws, like her weight issues, as well as the bigger problems in her life - including her family and their issues, her lack of self confidence, and hiding behind snarky comments to hide her real feelings. She's the true picture of an American teenage girl - an honest picture that just about any reader can relate to. I loved her witty dialogue and sarcastic observations - I was laughing throughout the entire book at her comments and situations - a couple of times I was laughing so hard I had to stop reading until I calmed down. Everything that Emery talks about, from Hollywood messing with girls' self image to slutty Halloween costumes - it's all true and and messed up, but she talks about it in a snarky, witty way that blew me away and totally won my heart. I have to say I'm very impressed that the author was able to create such a realistic teenage female character that the reader can identify with. A lot of authors have problems with originality in their characters - and the fact that the author is male makes it all the more impressive in my mind.
The story is a roller coaster of emotions - sad, funny, inspiring, introspective, and honest. I keep referring to the honesty of the book and the characters because it really stood out for me the entire time and I feel that it gives the story depth. Going alongside Emery in her journey to losing weight and what ensues afterwards was exciting and eye-opening. The story's told from Emery's point of view, so the reader gets an inside peek into her mind and feelings the entire time. It was a fantastic way to present the story and definitely helps to immerse the reader into the story and to identify with Emery right away. Overall, I found this to be a highly entertaining as well as enlightening novel - and I normally don't read YA contemporary fiction. I highly recommend it for fans of the genre as well as those looking for a fantastic realistic story that just about everyone can relate to on some level.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
'How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love' is a hilarious young adult contemporary novel that also deals with deep topics in a brutally honest way. The book speaks of obesity, our society, self image (especially among females), confidence, and being yourself - no matter what. The story revolves around Emery Jackson and her family as they embark on a reality TV show featuring Emery as she attempts to lose fifty pounds in fifty days. The cameras and crew are always on, regardless of what Emery or anyone else in the house may be doing. I love Emery as a main character because she's bold, honest, witty, and smart. She's also aware of her flaws, like her weight issues, as well as the bigger problems in her life - including her family and their issues, her lack of self confidence, and hiding behind snarky comments to hide her real feelings. She's the true picture of an American teenage girl - an honest picture that just about any reader can relate to. I loved her witty dialogue and sarcastic observations - I was laughing throughout the entire book at her comments and situations - a couple of times I was laughing so hard I had to stop reading until I calmed down. Everything that Emery talks about, from Hollywood messing with girls' self image to slutty Halloween costumes - it's all true and and messed up, but she talks about it in a snarky, witty way that blew me away and totally won my heart. I have to say I'm very impressed that the author was able to create such a realistic teenage female character that the reader can identify with. A lot of authors have problems with originality in their characters - and the fact that the author is male makes it all the more impressive in my mind.
The story is a roller coaster of emotions - sad, funny, inspiring, introspective, and honest. I keep referring to the honesty of the book and the characters because it really stood out for me the entire time and I feel that it gives the story depth. Going alongside Emery in her journey to losing weight and what ensues afterwards was exciting and eye-opening. The story's told from Emery's point of view, so the reader gets an inside peek into her mind and feelings the entire time. It was a fantastic way to present the story and definitely helps to immerse the reader into the story and to identify with Emery right away. Overall, I found this to be a highly entertaining as well as enlightening novel - and I normally don't read YA contemporary fiction. I highly recommend it for fans of the genre as well as those looking for a fantastic realistic story that just about everyone can relate to on some level.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2014
FIRST THOUGHTS:
Wavering between 3.5-3.75 stars. Irreverent, fun and a little over the top! This story looks at reality TV in another light, combining one girl's journey towards dealing with her feelings (and weight) with high drama in her life and relationships.
REVIEW:
How I Got Skinny, Famous and Fell Madly in Love (henceforth to be called How I Got Skinny…) sounds like the title of a celebrity memoir. It is, in fact, sort of such a thing as it recounts the story of one Emery Jackson, who winds up signing on to star in a reality show – “50 Pounds to Freedom” – where the goal is to lose 50 pounds in 50 days in order to win the prize money. Even though parts of the novel are utterly ridiculous, and some characters leave much to be desired, it was still pretty entertaining in the way that reality shows can be.
How I Got Skinny… is irreverent, and funny, and obviously over the top! But what else would you expect from a book about reality TV? It’s the second reality TV show book I’ve encountered this year (here’s the first!), but it read differently because Emery actually consents to be on the show. In a way, she’s still muscled into it (since it’s really the lesser of two evils), but the important part is that she’s required to say yes.
And once she signs off, Emery’s life completely changes. She’s given a team to help her with the weight loss – a nutritionist, a therapist, a personal trainer. What she endures for the sake of her weight loss (and the show, obviously) is very extreme, and I felt very uncomfortable and put off at times. Obviously, the stakes are high and time is short, but Emery goes through a lot. Almost too much, if I’m being honest.
Even though I was a little traumatized, I just had to keep reading – and it was all because of Emery. She’s just hilarious! She’s sassy, smart and very much unafraid to say what she’s thinking and feeling. Yes, the girl has issues (and not just with her weight), but who in the world doesn’t? I really enjoyed reading from her POV, as it kind of made the entire experience (which could’ve been sad and horrible) into something sort of funny (even though parts were still sad and pretty terrible).
While How I Got Skinny… might not necessarily have a universal appeal, it will still work for certain readers. After all, Emery carries this novel along very well with her sassy, fun self, and sometimes, that can be enough. While I do wish there had been slightly more character and story development, it was still a diverting read.
{If you liked this review, check out Alexa Loves Books for more!}
Wavering between 3.5-3.75 stars. Irreverent, fun and a little over the top! This story looks at reality TV in another light, combining one girl's journey towards dealing with her feelings (and weight) with high drama in her life and relationships.
REVIEW:
How I Got Skinny, Famous and Fell Madly in Love (henceforth to be called How I Got Skinny…) sounds like the title of a celebrity memoir. It is, in fact, sort of such a thing as it recounts the story of one Emery Jackson, who winds up signing on to star in a reality show – “50 Pounds to Freedom” – where the goal is to lose 50 pounds in 50 days in order to win the prize money. Even though parts of the novel are utterly ridiculous, and some characters leave much to be desired, it was still pretty entertaining in the way that reality shows can be.
How I Got Skinny… is irreverent, and funny, and obviously over the top! But what else would you expect from a book about reality TV? It’s the second reality TV show book I’ve encountered this year (here’s the first!), but it read differently because Emery actually consents to be on the show. In a way, she’s still muscled into it (since it’s really the lesser of two evils), but the important part is that she’s required to say yes.
And once she signs off, Emery’s life completely changes. She’s given a team to help her with the weight loss – a nutritionist, a therapist, a personal trainer. What she endures for the sake of her weight loss (and the show, obviously) is very extreme, and I felt very uncomfortable and put off at times. Obviously, the stakes are high and time is short, but Emery goes through a lot. Almost too much, if I’m being honest.
Even though I was a little traumatized, I just had to keep reading – and it was all because of Emery. She’s just hilarious! She’s sassy, smart and very much unafraid to say what she’s thinking and feeling. Yes, the girl has issues (and not just with her weight), but who in the world doesn’t? I really enjoyed reading from her POV, as it kind of made the entire experience (which could’ve been sad and horrible) into something sort of funny (even though parts were still sad and pretty terrible).
While How I Got Skinny… might not necessarily have a universal appeal, it will still work for certain readers. After all, Emery carries this novel along very well with her sassy, fun self, and sometimes, that can be enough. While I do wish there had been slightly more character and story development, it was still a diverting read.
{If you liked this review, check out Alexa Loves Books for more!}
May 1, 2014
How I got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love is part social commentary, part coming of age, and completely hilarious. I loved all of the pop culture references and the main character, Emery is such a wise ass. I loved her. I lost count of how many times she made me laugh out loud. She does not hold back. At all. She is very self deprecating- it's her coping mechanism. How she deals with her family and the world. Her mom seemed nice enough, but it was easy to see that both of her parents favored Emery's sister, Angel. She was the "pretty" one. It was kind of sad really. But Emery is strong- I knew she would be fine no matter what.
How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love centers around a family style reality show and a weight loss competition all rolled into one. If Emery can lose 50lbs in 50 days then her and her family win 1 million dollars. Emery is a total standout star of this book. She is charming, and I loved seeing the story through her. She had an awesome "voice". Ken Baker did such an excellent job with her character development. I could so easily see her being one of my friends. She is really warm and inviting, which is super weird to say because she comes off as brash. But it's in her thought process and her moments when she was alone that I feel like the reader truly gets to know her. Plus, she loves Jenna Marbles- so she is automatically ok in my book.
I am a bit of a reality tv junkie, so of course I ate up all of the "behind the scenes" production stuff throughout the story. And the author, Ken Baker works at E! so I like to think that we are getting the real low down on what goes on behind the scenes with reality tv. Just reading parts of the contract that they had them sign was nuts. But I totally believe it.
How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love (man that is a lot to type!) was every bit as addictive as reality tv to read. It was so much fun to read. If you like pop culture, you will love this book. The only kind of sour note for me was the ending. And I will say that it was only half sour. It wasn't what I was expecting, that's for sure. I still have not decided whether I liked it or if I was disappointed with it. I think I need a second book to see what happens! Ken, please make that happen.
How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love centers around a family style reality show and a weight loss competition all rolled into one. If Emery can lose 50lbs in 50 days then her and her family win 1 million dollars. Emery is a total standout star of this book. She is charming, and I loved seeing the story through her. She had an awesome "voice". Ken Baker did such an excellent job with her character development. I could so easily see her being one of my friends. She is really warm and inviting, which is super weird to say because she comes off as brash. But it's in her thought process and her moments when she was alone that I feel like the reader truly gets to know her. Plus, she loves Jenna Marbles- so she is automatically ok in my book.
I am a bit of a reality tv junkie, so of course I ate up all of the "behind the scenes" production stuff throughout the story. And the author, Ken Baker works at E! so I like to think that we are getting the real low down on what goes on behind the scenes with reality tv. Just reading parts of the contract that they had them sign was nuts. But I totally believe it.
How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love (man that is a lot to type!) was every bit as addictive as reality tv to read. It was so much fun to read. If you like pop culture, you will love this book. The only kind of sour note for me was the ending. And I will say that it was only half sour. It wasn't what I was expecting, that's for sure. I still have not decided whether I liked it or if I was disappointed with it. I think I need a second book to see what happens! Ken, please make that happen.
January 6, 2014
My copy was provided by Netgalley.
This book was an insanely fun book to read. Emery was a sarcastic, honest person who didn't have a filter. While at times that isn't a good thing, it taught Emery how to really live, how to achieve her own version of freedom. She ate mountains of junk food, getting fatter and sicker everyday. She looked in the mirror and felt disgusted by herself, but didn't change anything about that. But this explores not only the hardships of losing weight, but how you can change yourself for the better. Emery doesn't care about being skinny. She just wants to be healthy and loved and she tries to express this to all teenagers out there.
Some characters in books hardly change at all or change for the worse, but Emery changed for the better. When things got bad, like drama with her boyfriend, paparazzi, and her family, she stayed strong, never giving up on herself and others. She stayed true to herself, except for straying a few times, but straightened herself out in the end.
What I didn't like was how superficial her family is. They never supported her and they always looked down on her. Her mother always inspected Emery body, making her feel bad about herself. Her father is basically nonexistent and Angel, Emery's sister, is a self-absorbed brat most of the time. A family should always support each other, but no one wanted to help Emery. They all expected her to fail.
Except for Ben. Ben is her kind, selfless boyfriend who is also overweight like Emery. He never gave up on Emery and thought that no matter what she looked like, he would love her.
The ending of this book was kind of a disappointment. The whole book led to her final weigh-in and the ending was not what I was expecting at all. It made all my excitement dissipate. I have so many questions about what happens next, and problems that weren't solved, and that ending didn't help at all. At least Emery got what she had always wanted.
But the ending was too abrupt for my liking, ending way too fast and I felt cheated. Yet the book was a fun read, with its witty narrator and it was a fast read as well.
This book was an insanely fun book to read. Emery was a sarcastic, honest person who didn't have a filter. While at times that isn't a good thing, it taught Emery how to really live, how to achieve her own version of freedom. She ate mountains of junk food, getting fatter and sicker everyday. She looked in the mirror and felt disgusted by herself, but didn't change anything about that. But this explores not only the hardships of losing weight, but how you can change yourself for the better. Emery doesn't care about being skinny. She just wants to be healthy and loved and she tries to express this to all teenagers out there.
Some characters in books hardly change at all or change for the worse, but Emery changed for the better. When things got bad, like drama with her boyfriend, paparazzi, and her family, she stayed strong, never giving up on herself and others. She stayed true to herself, except for straying a few times, but straightened herself out in the end.
What I didn't like was how superficial her family is. They never supported her and they always looked down on her. Her mother always inspected Emery body, making her feel bad about herself. Her father is basically nonexistent and Angel, Emery's sister, is a self-absorbed brat most of the time. A family should always support each other, but no one wanted to help Emery. They all expected her to fail.
Except for Ben. Ben is her kind, selfless boyfriend who is also overweight like Emery. He never gave up on Emery and thought that no matter what she looked like, he would love her.
The ending of this book was kind of a disappointment. The whole book led to her final weigh-in and the ending was not what I was expecting at all. It made all my excitement dissipate. I have so many questions about what happens next, and problems that weren't solved, and that ending didn't help at all. At least Emery got what she had always wanted.
But the ending was too abrupt for my liking, ending way too fast and I felt cheated. Yet the book was a fun read, with its witty narrator and it was a fast read as well.
March 17, 2017
"How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love" is a truly spectacular read that captures so many aspects of what it's like to be a teen in this modern time. Those aspects include the struggle of being "perfect" when you just want to be you, our society's obsession with reality tv, and also what it's like to fall in and out of love with someone unexpected. After reading this book, I was a little surprised it was written by a man. Not to be sexist, but he did a really good job on writing from the perspective of a teenage girl. What is this book about, you ask? Emery quite the odd one out in her family. Her mother is a former model, her older sister is an underwear model, and her dad is workout obsessed. Emery, on the other hand, is an overweight 16 year old girl in a long lasting relationship with food. Her family has been experiencing some financial difficulties, but with their connections to the health and fitness world they score an opportunity for a reality show. "Fifty Pounds to Freedom" is a reality show that Emery has been offered to go on for fifty days to lose weight and get healthy. The thing is, Emery is fine with the way she is already, but to save her family's financial situation she accepts the offer for the show. If she loses fifty pounds in fifty days, her family wins one million dollars. When the pounds start to shave off and the show's ratings skyrocket, Emery realizes things have changed. And things HAVE changed, but is it for the better? I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a really well thought out and written read. It's not the fastest read, but the author keeps you interested throughout the whole novel.
March 15, 2017
Received from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Emery's fat. She tells us that over and over and over again. Hey, Emery? Guess what? I'm fat too. As the title suggests, by the end of the book Emery is no longer fat. Yet she's still a mess. I had hope for her given that she had a strong personality, seemed to know what she wanted in life and started to show some insight into her reasons for turning to food as a coping mechanism. Instead, we are left with a twist ending that felt more like a cop out than a resolution to the story. I may still be fat but at least I'm working on my issues and not running from them!
Emery's fat. She tells us that over and over and over again. Hey, Emery? Guess what? I'm fat too. As the title suggests, by the end of the book Emery is no longer fat. Yet she's still a mess. I had hope for her given that she had a strong personality, seemed to know what she wanted in life and started to show some insight into her reasons for turning to food as a coping mechanism. Instead, we are left with a twist ending that felt more like a cop out than a resolution to the story. I may still be fat but at least I'm working on my issues and not running from them!
July 2, 2015
This is so bad because a lot of books on my currently reading shelf were ones I was reading when I got sick. This one I know I finished and I wish I could read it again and write a proper review. I have to say it was a very good book and I would definately recommend it. It was surprising. I think it is good for teenagers but I found it enjoyable as an adult. I have to find it and read it again but trust me, it is worth the read.
October 7, 2014
This was a quick and fast paced read. I really have nothing negative to say about it. This is definitely a book for teens as the themes are of today's prevalent social problems of our young society; fat and slut shaming. The main character is very likable, relatable, funny and real. The story ends well and on a positive note.
April 16, 2015
While I wasn't a huge fan of the show, and have not a lot of an idea as to why it was so popular, this book was fab! The main character I loved so much, blunt and witty and funny... This book, I think, also put a good view on obesity. As in, sure it shouldn't be encouraged but even so be happy with how you look.... I guess? I make no sense. But still, ADORED IT.
January 22, 2014
A sharp, funny book for anyone who has ever looked in the mirror and felt disappointed. With surgical precision, Ken Baker cuts to the heart of our love affair with external validation and reminds us to stop letting other people tell our story.
November 28, 2013
E-galley received from Netgalley for review.
People read this, it's a Read Now title on Netgalley and it's awesome!
(although I feel slightly cheated by the title+ending combo.)
People read this, it's a Read Now title on Netgalley and it's awesome!
(although I feel slightly cheated by the title+ending combo.)
May 27, 2015
Unsatisfying ending, but a pretty easy, entertaining read. Probably better suited for a teen audience. Good subject matter.
March 25, 2015
I liked this. 3.5. But the ending was just a WTF??? Feels like Baker gave up, like Emery.
March 10, 2019
How I Got Skinny, Famous and Fell Madly in Love by Ken Baker is, underneath the layer of fun and satire, a dark novel. I do not know if it was written for teens or young adults or for an adult audience but it reflects the age we live in, where our unwritten motto is: we do it because we can. In this case we are doing it to an obese 16-year old high school student.
It is nonetheless a fun story and highly readable. While I am normally completely comfortable pointing out another (grammatical) faults blissfully ignoring my own there were some in the book that bothered me because it seemed to reflect that this was a ready to order screenplay for possible low budget film. As a reader one felt a little used. And this besides the ads for the Toyota Prius.
There were a number of things I did like though, one of which was the lively narrative and of course the main character, Emery: ‘She is very intelligent … and has a talent for sizing up a person the moment she meets them’. Overall the development of the supporting characters, including her 17-year old sister, Angel, her Mom and her absentee father is poor.
Overall though it is a pretty ugly story, and I feel worried that it may not be a unique one. Sometimes I wonder if we are living in a fall-down society, maybe world, and if at some level n our humanity we have a death-wish, and whether this unarticulated desire gives God the permission to destroy us: reset and power off and power on. I was out walking the dog early this morning (the time changed this weekend) and I heard freight-trains, one after another – these monsters are 150 or more cars long, carrying at lightening-speed precious cargo to the nearest dollar stores. This is Sunday - 6 AM – have people lost the right for a decent night’s sleep? The rail executives do this because they can, and of course it is a form a evil in the small. But it has become pervasive: I cross a major roadway by a school and Church and I find it extraordinary how many drivers are comfortable driving through a stale red light. This is in a “Community Safety Zone”, that includes a primary school and small park for young children, and one wonders what sorrow and burdens they are carrying that make them indifferent to the safety and well-being of pedestrians and school kids. So I think, in its simplistic way, How I Got Skinny, Famous and Fell Madly in Love reflects this societal despair. We seem incapable of making ourselves better. We can’t even drive our cars properly.
The book therefore is peppered with our sins, Botox, speed, cosmetic surgery, extreme dieting, and if it had been written for Canada is would have included marijuana, and betrayal, and it deals with the onslaught superficially throughout. So in short – especially if the book was designed to be read by teens – it comes across as condescending. My experience with teens and young people is that they are smarter than this, deserve more and deserve to be treated better than this.
There is an excellent review of the book by Kate Maxwell at Kate’s BookLoversMusings Blog which I liked overall and includes this statement “However, it is NOT a book I would recommend to young adults due to some of the material in the book. (I am sure I am living in a bubble, but would like to think that kids under seventeen are still somewhat innocent!)”, and I agree.
Edwin
It is nonetheless a fun story and highly readable. While I am normally completely comfortable pointing out another (grammatical) faults blissfully ignoring my own there were some in the book that bothered me because it seemed to reflect that this was a ready to order screenplay for possible low budget film. As a reader one felt a little used. And this besides the ads for the Toyota Prius.
There were a number of things I did like though, one of which was the lively narrative and of course the main character, Emery: ‘She is very intelligent … and has a talent for sizing up a person the moment she meets them’. Overall the development of the supporting characters, including her 17-year old sister, Angel, her Mom and her absentee father is poor.
Overall though it is a pretty ugly story, and I feel worried that it may not be a unique one. Sometimes I wonder if we are living in a fall-down society, maybe world, and if at some level n our humanity we have a death-wish, and whether this unarticulated desire gives God the permission to destroy us: reset and power off and power on. I was out walking the dog early this morning (the time changed this weekend) and I heard freight-trains, one after another – these monsters are 150 or more cars long, carrying at lightening-speed precious cargo to the nearest dollar stores. This is Sunday - 6 AM – have people lost the right for a decent night’s sleep? The rail executives do this because they can, and of course it is a form a evil in the small. But it has become pervasive: I cross a major roadway by a school and Church and I find it extraordinary how many drivers are comfortable driving through a stale red light. This is in a “Community Safety Zone”, that includes a primary school and small park for young children, and one wonders what sorrow and burdens they are carrying that make them indifferent to the safety and well-being of pedestrians and school kids. So I think, in its simplistic way, How I Got Skinny, Famous and Fell Madly in Love reflects this societal despair. We seem incapable of making ourselves better. We can’t even drive our cars properly.
The book therefore is peppered with our sins, Botox, speed, cosmetic surgery, extreme dieting, and if it had been written for Canada is would have included marijuana, and betrayal, and it deals with the onslaught superficially throughout. So in short – especially if the book was designed to be read by teens – it comes across as condescending. My experience with teens and young people is that they are smarter than this, deserve more and deserve to be treated better than this.
There is an excellent review of the book by Kate Maxwell at Kate’s BookLoversMusings Blog which I liked overall and includes this statement “However, it is NOT a book I would recommend to young adults due to some of the material in the book. (I am sure I am living in a bubble, but would like to think that kids under seventeen are still somewhat innocent!)”, and I agree.
Edwin
January 1, 2019
This was a hilarious yet touching story of not only just a "fat girl" trying to come to terms with herself and her body, but also a satire against "reality" TV. I think for the most part, we are all aware how staged reality TV actually is, but this gave us a closer, actual look at how things are behind the scenes.
Emery is 16-years-old, the black sheep of an otherwise "perfect" family. Her father is never home, her mother is obsessed with her looks and getting her husband to notice her (spoiler: nothing works) and having a perfect family, and her sister is just obsessed with herself. Emery deals with her stress about her family by eating, which has led to her being severely obese. She's fine with it, until her mother wants her to sign up for a reality TV show where she would have to lose 50 pounds in 50 days.
Emery was so...real. She had her flaws, and that made her much easier to relate with. She is just a teen girl. There are enough problems with that as it is, but she has to deal with this crazy family on top of that. She was hilarious and fun, although she did spend a lot of time making fun of herself or being self-deprecating, to mask her pain. And although she acted like she had no care in the world, everything her family said hurt, but she is a master at hiding her pain.
I don't know how Baker did it (especially being a dude) but Emery's voice was so real and perfect. He was able to exactly capture the essence of a teenage girl and her struggles. Sure, she might have some issues and flaws, but so does every teenage girl, and hers were realistic. She was still a likeable character, one that you will be rooting for.
The rest of the characters, although not worth mentioning separately, were also entertaining. Their depth--or purposeful lack of--was enough for them to help serve their purpose for the story without either taking over or fading too much into the background. Ben was also such a sweetheart. I do like that the romance was one that was already there. There was no hot guy that only liked her after she got hot. Ben was already there for here from the beginning, no matter what happened or what she looked like. (Okay, slight disappointment that nothing happened with Ryan. No fear, there wasn't a love triangle or anything.)
Baker's writing will keep you entertained. You will laugh, but you will also feel for Emery. I admire the way she handled everything that was thrown at her. Emery grows and matures throughout the story, and that speaks a lot for her character. I also appreciate the themes of loving yourself first and being comfortable in your own body, no matter what it looks like.
The secrets were a bit predictable, and I think there needed to be a lot more closure at the end. However, this was still a very enjoyable read, one that I would recommend.
I received an ARC from the publisher, this did not affect my honest opinion.
This review first appears on The NerdHerd Reads
Emery is 16-years-old, the black sheep of an otherwise "perfect" family. Her father is never home, her mother is obsessed with her looks and getting her husband to notice her (spoiler: nothing works) and having a perfect family, and her sister is just obsessed with herself. Emery deals with her stress about her family by eating, which has led to her being severely obese. She's fine with it, until her mother wants her to sign up for a reality TV show where she would have to lose 50 pounds in 50 days.
Emery was so...real. She had her flaws, and that made her much easier to relate with. She is just a teen girl. There are enough problems with that as it is, but she has to deal with this crazy family on top of that. She was hilarious and fun, although she did spend a lot of time making fun of herself or being self-deprecating, to mask her pain. And although she acted like she had no care in the world, everything her family said hurt, but she is a master at hiding her pain.
I don't know how Baker did it (especially being a dude) but Emery's voice was so real and perfect. He was able to exactly capture the essence of a teenage girl and her struggles. Sure, she might have some issues and flaws, but so does every teenage girl, and hers were realistic. She was still a likeable character, one that you will be rooting for.
The rest of the characters, although not worth mentioning separately, were also entertaining. Their depth--or purposeful lack of--was enough for them to help serve their purpose for the story without either taking over or fading too much into the background. Ben was also such a sweetheart. I do like that the romance was one that was already there. There was no hot guy that only liked her after she got hot. Ben was already there for here from the beginning, no matter what happened or what she looked like. (Okay, slight disappointment that nothing happened with Ryan. No fear, there wasn't a love triangle or anything.)
Baker's writing will keep you entertained. You will laugh, but you will also feel for Emery. I admire the way she handled everything that was thrown at her. Emery grows and matures throughout the story, and that speaks a lot for her character. I also appreciate the themes of loving yourself first and being comfortable in your own body, no matter what it looks like.
The secrets were a bit predictable, and I think there needed to be a lot more closure at the end. However, this was still a very enjoyable read, one that I would recommend.
I received an ARC from the publisher, this did not affect my honest opinion.
This review first appears on The NerdHerd Reads
May 17, 2023
One of the main ingredients for me liking a book is me liking the main character. I loved Emery. She was outspoken at times, funny (using humor to mask pain). She's put in a strange position when she finds out her family is short of funds and could be homeless soon. An opportunity which she hates and would never agree to comes up and she feels she has to do it for the money. She's going to be the center of a family reality show. Cameras will be following her around all the time. She hates the idea. But the main thing is she's under a lot of pressure. The show is called " Fifty Pounds to Freedom" and she's the one who must lose the weight to win a million dollars. She has a supportive boyfriend, that helps. The fact that she's an overnight sensation is hard to take but she sees she has power like never before. Young girls are copying her, counting on her and following everything she does. With her life in the spot light will Emery be able to still remain the person she is and keep the parts she likes about herself. Or will she lose more than just some weight?
This story is about the struggle to be "normal" when you're overweight and everything around you is geared towards being thin. It's also about a dysfunctional family and how Emery chooses to deal with their quirks. And it's about "reality" TV shows and how not in reality they really are. It's humorous and Emery is a character you can root for and enjoy.
This story is about the struggle to be "normal" when you're overweight and everything around you is geared towards being thin. It's also about a dysfunctional family and how Emery chooses to deal with their quirks. And it's about "reality" TV shows and how not in reality they really are. It's humorous and Emery is a character you can root for and enjoy.
June 6, 2020
Not the best... despite all the reviews that claim it was very insightful for the perspective of e teenage girl, I thought the opposite. As a teenage girl who has an eating disorder, this book is not. it. It glamorized all this weight loss and extreme diets. It also happened in a wayyyy shorter time frame imaginable. Your weight loss, body image issues, and starvation is not cured by sneaking off with your boyfriend and whatnot. The fact that is was written by a middle aged man also kind of creeped me out. I also just didn’t like Emery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2021
I’m kind of conflicted over this book. There are some things it does really well, but they’re overwhelmed by the things that fall short. I had some issues with the heroine’s self-deprecation given her voice is a teen girl and the book is written by an adult male, but the biggest problem with this book is the ending. There were so many things that were just glossed over or swept under the rug so the book just fizzled; a complete and total letdown. Cute, but I’m not sure I’d read it again.
August 13, 2019
I enjoyed this. Picked it up off the Clearance shelf at Half Priced Books and read it in a DAY. The exposition was rocky but intentional. I genuinely disliked all the characters by the time the plot was in full swing. Solid ending. Like I said, I enjoyed this.
This book has great body positive messages. Where were books like this when I was young?
This book has great body positive messages. Where were books like this when I was young?
February 1, 2020
Nothing funny about this one. A 16 year old girl is fat shamed by her family, classmates and then by a reality TV show. At 5' 6" and 192 lbs. no way is she rolling in fat. Yes, she has extra weight but the descriptions were way off base. Not sure why I finished it as the ending was just silly (and not in a ha! ha! way).
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