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Rae Earl #2
My Madder Fatter Diary
RAE'S BACK! But now it's 1990. The Berlin wall is down and the Happy Mondays are up, really up, but the new decade's brought new mortifications for Rae Earl and she's MADDER and FATTER than ever. About to enter the most important year of her life - her actual bloody A Level year - everyone expects her to concentrate on schoolwork but how can she when Haddock's backside is still a national treasure and revision at home is just NOT HAPPENING! It's hell outside the house too, if hell was in Stamford, Lincolnshire, and punishment for sins was a fiery eternity of awkwardness. In My Madder Fatter Diary, Rae reveals her real-life teenage diary once again, transporting us to a Britain instantly recognisable to those who remember Bryan Adams at the top of the charts and anybody who's been eighteen and agonisingly embarrassed by EVERYTHING. It's wet-your-knickers hilarious. It's blub-your-eyes-out sad. It's the touching, romantic, MAD, FAT story of what happened next.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
37 people are currently reading
1629 people want to read
About the author
Rae Earl
16 books246 followersI come from Stamford in Lincolnshire. It’s where a lot of TV and films are shot because it hasn’t changed much in 500 years. My childhood was like most people’s – a mixture of lovely and very odd. Lovely because I spent a lot of time with good friends, music and tadpoles. Odd because I spent a lot of time worrying about everything – like war, murderers and poisonous mushrooms (don’t ask). I was a bit weird. Like we all are.
After school I went to Hull University to study English Literature – which I LOVED. At that point the government actually still gave you money to study – so I GOT PAID to READ BOOKS for 3 years. I then worked in radio for 15 years. Firstly as the person who makes the adverts (all those annoying jingles that stay in your head for DAYS – that’s me!) Secondly as a breakfast presenter. I got to interview lots of famous boy bands and once nearly broke Cheryl Cole’s chair on stage. We don’t talk about that. I got in trouble. I’ve always written things but most of them were actually slightly rubbish. Or they were about people and I never wanted them to see it. I don’t think I was any good at writing till I was 35 and that was after a lot of practice.
I have a shed in my back garden I go to. It’s full of brilliant things – like a mini stable and horses, loads of stationery and a giant old railway station clock (slight ‘Dr.Who’ vibe). My first book ‘My Mad, Fat Diary’ was published a few years ago. Hattie is my third. My second is potentially the best book ever written since Shakespeare – but I can’t make it work so at the moment it’s just a bit rubbish. I haven’t given up hope though.
After school I went to Hull University to study English Literature – which I LOVED. At that point the government actually still gave you money to study – so I GOT PAID to READ BOOKS for 3 years. I then worked in radio for 15 years. Firstly as the person who makes the adverts (all those annoying jingles that stay in your head for DAYS – that’s me!) Secondly as a breakfast presenter. I got to interview lots of famous boy bands and once nearly broke Cheryl Cole’s chair on stage. We don’t talk about that. I got in trouble. I’ve always written things but most of them were actually slightly rubbish. Or they were about people and I never wanted them to see it. I don’t think I was any good at writing till I was 35 and that was after a lot of practice.
I have a shed in my back garden I go to. It’s full of brilliant things – like a mini stable and horses, loads of stationery and a giant old railway station clock (slight ‘Dr.Who’ vibe). My first book ‘My Mad, Fat Diary’ was published a few years ago. Hattie is my third. My second is potentially the best book ever written since Shakespeare – but I can’t make it work so at the moment it’s just a bit rubbish. I haven’t given up hope though.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
September 28, 2015
After reading the first instalment last year, I was blown away with how connected I felt to Rae and her story. I was going through a particularly difficult time and related so much to what she was going through. The constant bullying she indured was similar to what was happening to me so I instantly connected to the pain she expressed in her diary entries. The bleak, numb throb of feeling unwanted and unloved was something that bound us both together. When I had finished I was wanting more, what happened next in her young life? Did she lose the weight she said she would? Did she get with her beloved Haddock? Was she finally learning to appreciate the wonderful Rae is was? Unfortunately I couldn't find anything on a sequel, so instead I sucked myself into the beautifully made TV show (which was a delightful surprise!) but my thirst for more of the original Rae continued, and it was only last week when I spotted out of the corner of my eye, at the bottom corner of the teen fiction section in Waterstones that I found this book. I nearly screamed the ear off my sister with my sheer excitement! And after reading and finishing the book in one sitting I can proudly say it did not disappoint. Rae was back, and her satirical wit leapt off the page. It was wonderful returning to her life, like an old friend catching up. She's as funny as she's ever been and I regularly found myself cackling along with her various observations of her motley crew. It was lovely to have them all back, like a big school reunion. Battered Sausage, Mort, Fig, and of course Mr-man-of-her-dreams-Haddock. Whilst packed with humour, it also pulls on her heart strings as Rae continues to struggle with accepting herself and finding her place in the world. It's deeply relatable for me as someone who is Rae's age and struggling with the same issues of growing into adulthood; leaving school, finding a university, dealing with leaving the friends you love, figuring out who you are in this strange and confusing world. And having to deal with the fact that you're a little bit insane. Her anxiety was my anxiety, her insecurities were my insecurities. It really helped me understand my own issues better as I worked through them with Rae. The ending was quite beautiful, with grown up, modern day Rae Earl filing us in with all the questions we so desperately wanted after the last diary entry in the book. It is bittersweet, and made my heart ache at the loss of a good friend, and whilst not everything wrapped up nicely in a little bow, it stayed true to real life, because well, it was real life. This was this women's personal and uncensored diary of her teenage counterpart. And I am forever grateful she was brave and unashamed of publising them, because they have made a big diffidence in my life and I am sure, in many others.
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July 20, 2014
In spite of the improbability, I had a slight hope that Rae's attitude would have improved since the first book, but no– in this one she is still a vile, spoiled, hateful human being who is happiest when she's looking down on other people (ironic, given how she complains about being judged for her obesity on literally EVERY page).
The casual homophobia from the first book is thankfully gone, but that doesn't count for much. Having a disability myself, I had to stop myself punching the nearest wall when she disgustedly calls a man with phocomelia a "flid," and is deeply in awe after her mother treats him like an actual human being (wow, imagine that!). Another low point is when she witnesses an old lady falling over on some ice, resulting in her chin splitting open– Rae is "grateful something EXCITING has happened." There are countless similar moments where I just wanted Rae to fall over and hit HER head, just in case a head injury might inspire some actual empathy.
I've seen people elsewhere excuse her nastiness because she has depression. Newsflash: Being mentally-ill and being a nasty piece of work are not mutually-exclusive. Pretty much all of my friends have been dealing with mental illness in its various forms, and if anything, it's made them kinder and more tolerant towards others. I spent both books wondering how on earth Rae even HAD any friends. I think it's because, mercifully for them, they weren't privy to all the internal vitriol and pure hatred she was harbouring for everyone that wasn't her.
And when it comes to the teenage angst excuse and her derision for her mother? Her mum pays for her to go to the pub, and Rae complains that she is asked to "start paying for food and 'board'". I had to pay for all my own things years before I got to Rae's age, so I'd have been over the bloody moon if my mum could have afforded to pay for me to gallivant around town (especially if I was constantly being a mouthy, ungrateful brat towards her like Rae was!).
There were times, though, when her self-centredness became hilarious rather than just exasperating. Rae's mother's boyfriend is Moroccan, and at one point in the book he's on the receiving end of an abusive message through their letterbox. It could not have been more obvious that it was totally racist and therefore aimed at him, but Rae's immediate port of call is to assume it's aimed at her (I am at a loss as to how "fuck off back to where you came from," would make you think the message was meant for you when you'd lived in the same town your ENTIRE LIFE). Oh, and cue a comparison between being fat to being a person of colour, because Rae cannot go one second without comparing her self-imposed problems to others' unavoidable ones.
Best quotes of the book:
"Some people need to count their blessings and be a bit less melodramatic."
"Does anyone exist in my mum's life other than her?!"
Glass houses, Miss Earl...
I wrote way more than I wanted to here. I hate wasting precious time on terrible books, and this one just pushed all my buttons. Avoid like the plague.
The casual homophobia from the first book is thankfully gone, but that doesn't count for much. Having a disability myself, I had to stop myself punching the nearest wall when she disgustedly calls a man with phocomelia a "flid," and is deeply in awe after her mother treats him like an actual human being (wow, imagine that!). Another low point is when she witnesses an old lady falling over on some ice, resulting in her chin splitting open– Rae is "grateful something EXCITING has happened." There are countless similar moments where I just wanted Rae to fall over and hit HER head, just in case a head injury might inspire some actual empathy.
I've seen people elsewhere excuse her nastiness because she has depression. Newsflash: Being mentally-ill and being a nasty piece of work are not mutually-exclusive. Pretty much all of my friends have been dealing with mental illness in its various forms, and if anything, it's made them kinder and more tolerant towards others. I spent both books wondering how on earth Rae even HAD any friends. I think it's because, mercifully for them, they weren't privy to all the internal vitriol and pure hatred she was harbouring for everyone that wasn't her.
And when it comes to the teenage angst excuse and her derision for her mother? Her mum pays for her to go to the pub, and Rae complains that she is asked to "start paying for food and 'board'". I had to pay for all my own things years before I got to Rae's age, so I'd have been over the bloody moon if my mum could have afforded to pay for me to gallivant around town (especially if I was constantly being a mouthy, ungrateful brat towards her like Rae was!).
There were times, though, when her self-centredness became hilarious rather than just exasperating. Rae's mother's boyfriend is Moroccan, and at one point in the book he's on the receiving end of an abusive message through their letterbox. It could not have been more obvious that it was totally racist and therefore aimed at him, but Rae's immediate port of call is to assume it's aimed at her (I am at a loss as to how "fuck off back to where you came from," would make you think the message was meant for you when you'd lived in the same town your ENTIRE LIFE). Oh, and cue a comparison between being fat to being a person of colour, because Rae cannot go one second without comparing her self-imposed problems to others' unavoidable ones.
Best quotes of the book:
"Some people need to count their blessings and be a bit less melodramatic."
"Does anyone exist in my mum's life other than her?!"
Glass houses, Miss Earl...
I wrote way more than I wanted to here. I hate wasting precious time on terrible books, and this one just pushed all my buttons. Avoid like the plague.
September 6, 2020
I loved this just as much as the first my mad fat diary. It's so real, so honest. In this one we find out even more about Rae, what she has gone through, her every day life. Both good and bad parts.
As much as Rae says in the book how good 'Haddock' was to her, I still can't see it. It sounds like he knew exactly how she felt and probably felt he was helping her by saying how pretty she would be thinner. It's not helpful and he really doesn't sound like the best person to be around, along with 'Battered Sausage'. Maybe things were different then, but it just doesn't sound a good circle of friends - aside from Mort.
Mort was probably the most decent friend (based on the books) and obviously helped Rae through a lot with no judgement, not getting fed up because she couldn't stay all happy and jokey all the time.
Both books just need to be read, they are so worth it, I could actually feel emotions reading through the books - so many mixed emotions!
As much as Rae says in the book how good 'Haddock' was to her, I still can't see it. It sounds like he knew exactly how she felt and probably felt he was helping her by saying how pretty she would be thinner. It's not helpful and he really doesn't sound like the best person to be around, along with 'Battered Sausage'. Maybe things were different then, but it just doesn't sound a good circle of friends - aside from Mort.
Mort was probably the most decent friend (based on the books) and obviously helped Rae through a lot with no judgement, not getting fed up because she couldn't stay all happy and jokey all the time.
Both books just need to be read, they are so worth it, I could actually feel emotions reading through the books - so many mixed emotions!
May 13, 2019
Super spoilery TWs -
I don't think I've ever seen myself in a book more than in this book. Not even in terms of mental health issues, but being a fat girl, the joker of the group at school, the low self esteem, the fear of being left behind when school is over - relatable.
This is a sequel to My Mad Fat Diary, we are now in 1990, and in the finishing sixth form / going to uni phase of life.
Rae isn't a likeable character, which I've noticed is a lot of the criticism from people who rated this low. But here's the thing, this isn't a book about a girl who is dealing with mental illness, self harm, a stressful home life and body dysmorphia. This is a non fiction diary, sharing the thoughts and feelings of a real human being (and takes place nearly 30 years ago may I add!)
I swear no one who writes a diary would be lovely and happy about everything and everyone. The whole point of this is to be an outlet for frustration, anger, sadness and personal questioning.
In this second book we find out more about Rae and the illnesses she is dealing with (as well as her mother) Maybe I'm just a forgetful person, but I can't remember her OCD being talked about much or at all in the first book, or her mothers fight with depression.
It's not all doom and gloom though, there are some pretty decent poems (and some very bad ones) about all sorts of funny and weird things, there's also a trip that happens towards the end that's such a breath of fresh air for Rae and her life. And of course the music references are in full force, along with all the laughs and drama in her friendship group.
I don't think I've ever seen myself in a book more than in this book. Not even in terms of mental health issues, but being a fat girl, the joker of the group at school, the low self esteem, the fear of being left behind when school is over - relatable.
This is a sequel to My Mad Fat Diary, we are now in 1990, and in the finishing sixth form / going to uni phase of life.
Rae isn't a likeable character, which I've noticed is a lot of the criticism from people who rated this low. But here's the thing, this isn't a book about a girl who is dealing with mental illness, self harm, a stressful home life and body dysmorphia. This is a non fiction diary, sharing the thoughts and feelings of a real human being (and takes place nearly 30 years ago may I add!)
I swear no one who writes a diary would be lovely and happy about everything and everyone. The whole point of this is to be an outlet for frustration, anger, sadness and personal questioning.
In this second book we find out more about Rae and the illnesses she is dealing with (as well as her mother) Maybe I'm just a forgetful person, but I can't remember her OCD being talked about much or at all in the first book, or her mothers fight with depression.
It's not all doom and gloom though, there are some pretty decent poems (and some very bad ones) about all sorts of funny and weird things, there's also a trip that happens towards the end that's such a breath of fresh air for Rae and her life. And of course the music references are in full force, along with all the laughs and drama in her friendship group.
February 4, 2015
I have loved these books but have also found them uncomfortable reads. Whilst I didn't have anywhere near as horrendous a time as a teenager, it was pretty miserable and this book resurfaced some of those very awkward adolescent feelings.
Some may find the book a let down in terms of plot (and in comparison to the E4 tv show) but Rae Earl's experiences are just a really good reflection of what growing up is really like. The important thing to me was it was all real.
Some may find the book a let down in terms of plot (and in comparison to the E4 tv show) but Rae Earl's experiences are just a really good reflection of what growing up is really like. The important thing to me was it was all real.
June 12, 2021
This book was so much better than the first! The author dove pretty deep into her mental instability and self hatred. I feel like this is one of the bravest things I’ve ever read. To put all your secret thoughts out there for everyone to see? Ballsy. Some of her entries were a bit repetitive and obsessive, but the author does a good job of explaining that as part of her illness in the foreword. This book also had the afterword that the first was missing (which had me welling up). Both books really just need to be published as one because the first is just a glimpse into her life. I will miss hearing her voice in my head. She has the ability to be in a dark whole of depression and still pop off with the most hilarious things. Well done, Rae!
December 15, 2025
The lovely Rae Earl grew up in Stamford, just a few miles from my hometown and this sequel to My Mad Fat Diary was a valuable addition to her story, following her journey through A-levels and whatever was to come next.
Poor Rae had a lot to contend with in her everyday life, more than the average teenager, and this was compounded by her fairly severe mental health struggles. Despite this, it seems that she managed to hide her struggles fairly well a lot of the time and had a great circle of friends who got her through this quite frankly terrible period of her life. I loved Rae's relationship with them and the sense of community she got from school - I personally didn't have that experience at 6th form and I dread to think how she would have got on if those lovely friends were not around, providing a real anchor of sanity in the dark days.
Laugh out loud funny at points but also very sad; because these are genuine diary entries the reader really gets a sense of Rae's muddled inner psyche at this time in her life. Her unrequited love for Haddock is a continuing theme and for some reason the author's epilogue at the end where she explains what happened next really got to me! I'm so glad everything turned out OK for her, even though it wasn't necessarily what she was hoping for. A great book for teenagers wanting a look at teenage life from the olden days (!) or for the middle aged wanting a slice of nostalgia. The issues young people faced in the late 80s and 90s are no different to now but I think there are even more levels of stress added through social media and the general state of the world today. I dread to think how Rae would have dealt with today's news as I think even the sanest adult struggles at times. I'm happy Rae is now happy and got through those toughest of times.
Poor Rae had a lot to contend with in her everyday life, more than the average teenager, and this was compounded by her fairly severe mental health struggles. Despite this, it seems that she managed to hide her struggles fairly well a lot of the time and had a great circle of friends who got her through this quite frankly terrible period of her life. I loved Rae's relationship with them and the sense of community she got from school - I personally didn't have that experience at 6th form and I dread to think how she would have got on if those lovely friends were not around, providing a real anchor of sanity in the dark days.
Laugh out loud funny at points but also very sad; because these are genuine diary entries the reader really gets a sense of Rae's muddled inner psyche at this time in her life. Her unrequited love for Haddock is a continuing theme and for some reason the author's epilogue at the end where she explains what happened next really got to me! I'm so glad everything turned out OK for her, even though it wasn't necessarily what she was hoping for. A great book for teenagers wanting a look at teenage life from the olden days (!) or for the middle aged wanting a slice of nostalgia. The issues young people faced in the late 80s and 90s are no different to now but I think there are even more levels of stress added through social media and the general state of the world today. I dread to think how Rae would have dealt with today's news as I think even the sanest adult struggles at times. I'm happy Rae is now happy and got through those toughest of times.
February 4, 2024
I found her so frustrating at times that I wanted to strangle her!!! But I felt this one had somewhat of a clearer arc than the last one, which makes a bit of sense. The first one was just kind of Adrian Mole-esque, Georgia Nicholson although, of course, it wasn't fiction, but this one had the build-up to A-Levels, the dull summer beforehand, the first attempt at university, the dropping out, the taking a year out, the diet, the trip to Poland and off to uni again, this time a bit more successfully. I felt like Rae grew up a bit this time around, whereas she didn't come near to growing up in the first one. Enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2022
If you love the show but haven't read the books yet don't start them thinking they would be anything like the show. Snippets are the same but doesn't follow completely the same story line.
Still liking the books though...Well worth a read! 🖊💿
Totally honest account of a teenage girl 😀
Still liking the books though...Well worth a read! 🖊💿
Totally honest account of a teenage girl 😀
August 12, 2024
A great continuation of an epic tale. Deals with dark and serious topics (sexual abuse, self-harm, depression, mental illness) but is simultaneously absolutely hilarious. It is hard not to love Rae and her eccentric mother with a Morrocan bodybuilder tattooed on her ass. Rae is a literary talent! Everyone will be able to relate to Rae no matter where they are from or who they are - what she recounts in her diaries is a universal experience. As with the first one, I highly recommend the audiobook read by Abigail Hardiman. The TV adaptation is good but the source material is much better.
August 6, 2014
A while ago, there was a TV production of My Mad Fat Diary on and I watched it every single week, without fail. I loved that show, still do if I get chance to watch replays. When I went to a bookshop (just after the show had started) I saw the volume one and bought it. It didn't take me long to finish as diaries are usually a quick read. It was hilarious, though I couldn't find much reference to the show.
The day before yesterday I went to the bookshop and found the volume two and couldn't resist buying. As is obvious, it only took me a day and a bit to finish this. Quite a quick read, and a funny one. Rae's personality is hilarious and it carries on well from the second one. Though I did find myself laughing and sometimes even cringing for her, at times she did get quite annoying. I don't think there was one diary entry she didn't mention her love for Haddock and/or how much she wanted to "do" him. This eventually started to get old and tiring and very repetitive. There were other things she also repeated like how fat she was and about her OCD and anxiety.
Overall I gave this a 3/5 stars because although I found myself a bit annoyed by the ever repeating entries, I was entertained by it and would probably read it again.
The day before yesterday I went to the bookshop and found the volume two and couldn't resist buying. As is obvious, it only took me a day and a bit to finish this. Quite a quick read, and a funny one. Rae's personality is hilarious and it carries on well from the second one. Though I did find myself laughing and sometimes even cringing for her, at times she did get quite annoying. I don't think there was one diary entry she didn't mention her love for Haddock and/or how much she wanted to "do" him. This eventually started to get old and tiring and very repetitive. There were other things she also repeated like how fat she was and about her OCD and anxiety.
Overall I gave this a 3/5 stars because although I found myself a bit annoyed by the ever repeating entries, I was entertained by it and would probably read it again.
March 6, 2014
I love Rae Earl. Well, she's shared three years of her intimate thoughts, passions, and fears with us. I have so enjoyed learning them, rooting for her all the way.
In this second volume of Rae's diaries, once again, the skillful editing of the adult author carries us fluently through her mind and story whilst perfectly preserving the feel of the angst-ridden scribblings of a sex-starved, obese teenager struggling with her mental health.
Somehow volume 2 of Rae's diaries is even more engaging and laugh-out-loud-funnier than volume 1. And this second volume brings us much more insight into the history and day-to-day experience of Rae's mental condition.
"God is after me and will kill me if I don't close the door 36 times."
... Wow.
Don't burn your diaries, Rae. You'll want those when you're eighty.
In this second volume of Rae's diaries, once again, the skillful editing of the adult author carries us fluently through her mind and story whilst perfectly preserving the feel of the angst-ridden scribblings of a sex-starved, obese teenager struggling with her mental health.
Somehow volume 2 of Rae's diaries is even more engaging and laugh-out-loud-funnier than volume 1. And this second volume brings us much more insight into the history and day-to-day experience of Rae's mental condition.
"God is after me and will kill me if I don't close the door 36 times."
... Wow.
Don't burn your diaries, Rae. You'll want those when you're eighty.
April 24, 2020
Rae just comes across as a selfish self centred brat throughout the book. If things don't go her way she throws a strop and blames it in mental health. I understand this is someone's real life thoughts and feelings and we've all felt this way but at times it was infuriating. It was definitely a case of 'I've started, so I'll finish' when it came to getting through this book. It was anti-climactic and left one with literary blue balls. Definitely wouldn't recommend.
August 21, 2016
I'm really happy about Rae and Haddock's happy endings.
July 24, 2014
i couldnt wait to finish this book because it was soooo boring!
December 6, 2021
I don't know how to feel
Me costó MUCHO leerlo también, y volvemos al problema/no problema. Es un diario íntimo: I mean, no tiene que entretenerme. Pero aún así por momentos es muy lento de leer. Definitivamente la parte que más me gusto fue el final, donde Rae nos habla de cómo terminó todo, porque en sí el diario no termina con un final porque no es una historia ficticia. La vida sigue, SU vida siguió. Y uno como lector se queda con las ganas de saber qué pasó después. Bueno, eso nos lo cuenta en las últimas páginas Rachel.
Dolorosamente real (pero solo duele porque estoy pasando por algo similar solo que yo no lo estoy tomando bien). No puedo creer como Haddock lo fue todo para ella, cómo ella lo AMÓ, y para él ella fue solo una amiga; y que de hecho perdieron todo el contacto después de lo que leímos. O sea, él pasó de ser todo, a nada. Así. A desparecer de su vida. I mean, yo sé que estas cosas pasan, pero me dolió. Me dolió mucho porque pensé que él iba a ser más, pero no.
Todo lo que dice Rachel al final me encantó, me encantó como nos hace un resumen de su vida y de cómo siguen todos. Fue muy muy real. Más allá de que pueda ser entretenido o no, todo fue muy real y me pude identificar en un montón de partes.
Ahora quiero ver la serie.
Me costó MUCHO leerlo también, y volvemos al problema/no problema. Es un diario íntimo: I mean, no tiene que entretenerme. Pero aún así por momentos es muy lento de leer. Definitivamente la parte que más me gusto fue el final, donde Rae nos habla de cómo terminó todo, porque en sí el diario no termina con un final porque no es una historia ficticia. La vida sigue, SU vida siguió. Y uno como lector se queda con las ganas de saber qué pasó después. Bueno, eso nos lo cuenta en las últimas páginas Rachel.
Dolorosamente real (pero solo duele porque estoy pasando por algo similar solo que yo no lo estoy tomando bien). No puedo creer como Haddock lo fue todo para ella, cómo ella lo AMÓ, y para él ella fue solo una amiga; y que de hecho perdieron todo el contacto después de lo que leímos. O sea, él pasó de ser todo, a nada. Así. A desparecer de su vida. I mean, yo sé que estas cosas pasan, pero me dolió. Me dolió mucho porque pensé que él iba a ser más, pero no.
Todo lo que dice Rachel al final me encantó, me encantó como nos hace un resumen de su vida y de cómo siguen todos. Fue muy muy real. Más allá de que pueda ser entretenido o no, todo fue muy real y me pude identificar en un montón de partes.
Ahora quiero ver la serie.
July 26, 2020
A must read! I thoroughly enjoyed the witty and tongue-in-cheek commentary on 90s teenage life. Dark topics like mental health and eating disorders are delivered in a very human and honest way with such a realistic, relatable inner monologue. I saw many aspects of my own insecurities reflected in this book, allowing me, like many other readers, to connect deeply with the narrator.
Rae Earl, like in the television series, is a hilarious and lovable narrator with a punchy writing structure. Other reviews have described her as 'bratty' but I would argue it was beneficial to include the more troublesome sides of her personality. She isn’t always the perfect model of morality, e.g. her over-sexualisation of Haddock (which did get repetitive), but traits such as this reflected her age realistically. The diary is an easy and entertaining read with funny NSFW recollections and content that brought me back to my own teenagehood.
I haven’t read the first diary but this sequel made complete sense on its own.
Rae Earl, like in the television series, is a hilarious and lovable narrator with a punchy writing structure. Other reviews have described her as 'bratty' but I would argue it was beneficial to include the more troublesome sides of her personality. She isn’t always the perfect model of morality, e.g. her over-sexualisation of Haddock (which did get repetitive), but traits such as this reflected her age realistically. The diary is an easy and entertaining read with funny NSFW recollections and content that brought me back to my own teenagehood.
I haven’t read the first diary but this sequel made complete sense on its own.
February 14, 2021
If you need a bit of cheering up, I'd recommend getting acquainted with Rae Earl! I only recently discovered she'd published a second installment of her diary, after reading the first one many moons ago. It wasn't quite as good as I remember the first one being - it just seemed to drag a bit in places. Having said that, it's still very funny and touching too. I laughed out loud in places. I started missing her and her friends as soon as I'd finished, so then I had to re-watch the entire TV show again (which is quite different to the books in terms of supporting characters and plot, but still features the same great Rae). If you're looking for something to cheer you up, then this is it.
October 4, 2017
I am a huge Mad Fat Diary fan. I loved the first book, the tv show and now I love this book.
Hats off the Rae Earl for having the bravery to publish these diaries, there is no way I could publish mine.
Rae's diaries are so relatable to teenage life. I love her love of music and you can tell it's her passion from reading the diaries.
I appreciate this may not be a book for all people and I'm aware the diary has received criticisms. Why not just give the first book a go, or the t.v. show :)
Hats off the Rae Earl for having the bravery to publish these diaries, there is no way I could publish mine.
Rae's diaries are so relatable to teenage life. I love her love of music and you can tell it's her passion from reading the diaries.
I appreciate this may not be a book for all people and I'm aware the diary has received criticisms. Why not just give the first book a go, or the t.v. show :)
September 20, 2018
2/5
It was a bit of a let down compared to the first book and I kinda ended up skim reading slightly. Not even bothering with the poems.
But I did appreciate the little talk by the author by the end.
However, I do think she should have written someone based on her life without the diary forms and all where it was lightly based on her life. I just think it would have been more interesting and well improved if it had been done so.
It was a bit of a let down compared to the first book and I kinda ended up skim reading slightly. Not even bothering with the poems.
But I did appreciate the little talk by the author by the end.
However, I do think she should have written someone based on her life without the diary forms and all where it was lightly based on her life. I just think it would have been more interesting and well improved if it had been done so.
July 6, 2024
I cried a bunch again, because I see myself in teenage Rae again. But the again, just like everybody else I read stories about, she's better than me at everything. She's not fat anymore, she's successful and she's got a husband and family. Even people with serious illnesses are able to overcome them and thrive in life
the abrupt ending was a letdown because I keep forgetting real life doesn't have grand season finales. Completely on me.
the abrupt ending was a letdown because I keep forgetting real life doesn't have grand season finales. Completely on me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2025
This is hands down one of the most important books I’ve ever read. I’m not exaggerating when I say I cried. I’ve never felt so seen by a character, like someone truly gets what it’s like to go through this. Rae Earl writes with so much honesty, humor, and heart, and it hit me in a way few books ever have. If you’ve ever struggled with mental health or self-image, this book will speak to you. Rae, you’re amazing. Thank you for sharing your story.
!
December 2, 2017
**SPOILERS**
I was a bit disappointed that Rae didn't end up with Haddock in the end but at the same time I like it because it makes a lot of sense.
That said, I really enjoyed this because we get to see how Rae grows up and learns to love herself and her life a bit more and I do love a happy ending
I was a bit disappointed that Rae didn't end up with Haddock in the end but at the same time I like it because it makes a lot of sense.
That said, I really enjoyed this because we get to see how Rae grows up and learns to love herself and her life a bit more and I do love a happy ending
March 28, 2021
Great book. Made me happy and sad in all measures. It was difficult at times to read about how Rae felt but it needs to be said so anyone else that's reads it understands that people feel the same. Loved the 'what happened next' ending which gave us some closure and an insight into Rae once she was older.
February 9, 2025
3.5/4 stars. It’s definitely not as good as the first as it’s quite disjointed and doesn’t feel like it flows well. It also shows how bad of a time it was for young women, it’s sad that Rae has such a downer on herself and only feels better when she looses weight. Still fun to read and there’s some really funny parts with her mum and Adnan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2020
Both of Rae’s books just take me back to my teens, it sounds exactly like my old diaries and it almost makes me wish that I hadn’t thrown away my diaries! It differs from the series which I saw first but I still loved both books!
March 27, 2021
A rare case where I prefer the televised version to the books. It turns out what always seemed too good to be true really was. But real life Rae Earl is hilarious and painfully relatable and got the happy ending she deserves. That's a good one right there.
January 2, 2022
I loved this book. I was drawn to the books after watching the TV series and found the first book to be very reminiscent of the programme. This book felt like a much more in depth story and we really got to understand why Rae had lots of the struggles she did. A great read!
July 29, 2023
The sequel to My mad fat diary, Rae continues to long for Haddock and trying to take care of her inner demons. Not as great as the prequel, but bloody amazing. Like Rae says in the end, we all have problems in life - reading about someone else’s might help us to take care of our own.
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