Pray Away Pounds: A Novel

by Lisa Ray Turner

The Mormon We can't drink. We can't smoke. But we can eat.... Ella Oliver finds herself avoiding mirrors while reading articles in women's magazines. Her husband Steve has just changed careers - from architect to mechanic - and he has other warning signs. To make matters worse, Ella has somehow changed dress sizes several times during their years of marriage, and the numbers aren't getting smaller. This time, she determines, her vague anxieties will lead to action. She will go to Pray Away Pounds, her ward's near-legendary weight-loss support group.... But what has Ella gotten herslf into? Only the most delightful collection of well-meaning, hard-working, and deeply eccentric sisters and brothers in the gospel.

Genres: Fiction, Lds Fiction

210 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1993

Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, short LDS book about a Relief Society support group for losing weight. In addition to trying to shed a few pounds, Ella worries that her husband is having a mid-life crisis, shuttles her kids from place to place, and tries get her Visiting Teaching done. Her eccentric but loving ward made me laugh--it was all too familiar.

[Suzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books is about a Relief Society support group for losing weight. It looks into depth on one woman's life. What I liked was how it made me think and the different reminders of giving people the benefit of the doubt since I can't really know what their exact situation is. An interesting read.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pray Away Pounds is the name of the support group. Not only do they support each other in their battle to lose weight, but also life's trials. I love the hymns! There's also a recipe at the beginning of each chapter.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is more about friendship than dieting. There is a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor. I loved the "hymns".

[E. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun mormon read from hatrack river.

[Eloise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book-I think each ward needs to have a support group like this! Very uplifting and funny.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read that helped me laugh at myself and with the main character.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny Mormon fiction