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Eight Inches to Make Johnny Smile
New job, new flat, new man?
Shy Mat finally gets a chance to break free from his parents and strike out on his own. But joining the local diet club, Weight Fighters, and hopping on the scales takes everything he has; does he have enough left in him to stick to his diet and act on his feelings for gorgeous Johnny who runs the group?
Flirty Johnny has staying power as far as diets are concerned, and all he wants is to win the Valentine’s Challenge. But meeting Mat changes everything. Can Johnny find the staying power to battle his own demons and get what he realises he really wants - to win Mat's heart?
Shy Mat finally gets a chance to break free from his parents and strike out on his own. But joining the local diet club, Weight Fighters, and hopping on the scales takes everything he has; does he have enough left in him to stick to his diet and act on his feelings for gorgeous Johnny who runs the group?
Flirty Johnny has staying power as far as diets are concerned, and all he wants is to win the Valentine’s Challenge. But meeting Mat changes everything. Can Johnny find the staying power to battle his own demons and get what he realises he really wants - to win Mat's heart?
36 pages, ebook
First published February 1, 2015
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195 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
February 3, 2015
4.5 stars
Based on the cover and title, I was expecting a fluffy read with some feel-good moments and hawt sex.
Fool me once.
This book was poignant, real, BETTER. It left my expectations in the dust.
I loved the authors' naughty Love's Lanscapes story:
It was clever and well written, and Eight Inches to Make Johnny Smile follows suit, packing a major emotional punch in fewer than 40 pages.
Body shaming is practically a right of passage in our shallow, judgmental society. I'm amazed anyone survives intact.
Mat is overweight and feels hopeless and worthless. He hears whispers and sarcastic remarks wherever he goes. He's Fat Mat, boring and disgusting.
Food is Mat's only friend, his solace and comfort, his boyfriend, his emotional support.
This is what I wanted to do to Mat's controlling, manipulative parents:
And to the awesome ladies in Mat's weight loss group:
I wanted to squeeze the hell out of Mat and make it all better.
And Johnny with his oversized sweaters, shy smiles, and sweet notes? Hell, I was a blubbering fool at the end. *hugs tissue box*
The last chapter gets down with the naughty and dirty, but this story is MORE.
It's about finding camaraderie in people, not take-away cartons; accepting yourself, flaws and all; buying eight cups of coffee and screwing your courage to the sticking-place.
Because love, imperfectly perfect, doesn't care what you weigh; it's just waiting for you to say YES.
I sort of want to give the authors a standing ovation.
*claps & cheers*
Based on the cover and title, I was expecting a fluffy read with some feel-good moments and hawt sex.
Fool me once.
This book was poignant, real, BETTER. It left my expectations in the dust.
I loved the authors' naughty Love's Lanscapes story:
It was clever and well written, and Eight Inches to Make Johnny Smile follows suit, packing a major emotional punch in fewer than 40 pages.
Body shaming is practically a right of passage in our shallow, judgmental society. I'm amazed anyone survives intact.
Mat is overweight and feels hopeless and worthless. He hears whispers and sarcastic remarks wherever he goes. He's Fat Mat, boring and disgusting.
For such a long time now, he had wanted so hard that the numbness spread right from his heart outwards, making his face so stony that the only time he smiled was when he unwrapped another packet.
Food is Mat's only friend, his solace and comfort, his boyfriend, his emotional support.
This is what I wanted to do to Mat's controlling, manipulative parents:
And to the awesome ladies in Mat's weight loss group:
I wanted to squeeze the hell out of Mat and make it all better.
And Johnny with his oversized sweaters, shy smiles, and sweet notes? Hell, I was a blubbering fool at the end. *hugs tissue box*
The last chapter gets down with the naughty and dirty, but this story is MORE.
It's about finding camaraderie in people, not take-away cartons; accepting yourself, flaws and all; buying eight cups of coffee and screwing your courage to the sticking-place.
Because love, imperfectly perfect, doesn't care what you weigh; it's just waiting for you to say YES.
I sort of want to give the authors a standing ovation.
*claps & cheers*
June 10, 2015
First of all I have a message for Mat's parents.
And
Oh wait, I forgot something
Ok, now that we got this out of the way...
I was warned before reading this that it was not going to be the fluffy, steamy story the title implies. BUT I didn't really expect it will rip my heart out! In 36 pages!
The story addresses body images issues and the way overweight people are treated in today's society.
Mat is overweight. Growing up he was bullied by almost everyone including his own parents. He wants to be invisible, he feels he's worthless and will never be good for anyone. He eats for comfort and the vicious cycle goes on and on. And I really felt that the authors truly got to the bottom of it.
The more they called him names, the more he ate. In a way it was to spite them, but also to spite and spike himself.
He joins the local diet club and this is where he meets Johnny, who works there. Where Mat is shy and closed off, Johnny is joy and sunshine. The romance blooms and the ending is swoon worthy.
This is Mat's story but in some way, it is Johnny's too.
I also loved the sense of family in the diet club. Mat found so much more than a boyfriend there.
High five to the authors and smooches to the gorgeous guy on the cover;)
October 28, 2015
Editor's Review:
Wow, what a privilege it is to be able to get first peek at stories like this. Claire Davis and Al Stewart are an exceptional writing team, producing stories with a brilliant and seamless mix of tenderness, romance and sexiness.
This is a longish short story - 10k - and it's Mat's story primarily, but it's Johnny's story too. It's a gay romance, but it's unconventional, in that it addresses a real issue that is profoundly detrimental to a lot of people. I don't mean obesity itself, but the discrimination and damage to self-image that comes with it.
BUT...it's not a tragic story. It's one with a rather gooey happy ending. I won't say more than that.
It's out on February 1st 2015, and it's a glorious Valentine's Day gift for those who like real sexy characters presented through great writing.
Wow, what a privilege it is to be able to get first peek at stories like this. Claire Davis and Al Stewart are an exceptional writing team, producing stories with a brilliant and seamless mix of tenderness, romance and sexiness.
This is a longish short story - 10k - and it's Mat's story primarily, but it's Johnny's story too. It's a gay romance, but it's unconventional, in that it addresses a real issue that is profoundly detrimental to a lot of people. I don't mean obesity itself, but the discrimination and damage to self-image that comes with it.
BUT...it's not a tragic story. It's one with a rather gooey happy ending. I won't say more than that.
It's out on February 1st 2015, and it's a glorious Valentine's Day gift for those who like real sexy characters presented through great writing.
June 18, 2016
Thank you, Dani, for making me aware of this awesome book!
WOW! Just wow! I wasn’t expecting to experience so many different things while reading this short story. I smiled and cried, was angry and melted into a puddle of goo. My insides went to washing machine full spin.
I’d like to make an enormous compliment to the authors who were able to make me feel so much in just 36 pages! That really is an achievement not many authors are able to pull off. In addition to that, this book is very well written!
Don’t be fooled by the title of the book. If you expect to read something dirty and smutty, you have to look elsewhere. This story deals with discrimination and the effects this can have on a person, with shitty and unsupportive parents, but also with learning how to accept yourself with the help of awesome friends and finding a love you never thought was written in the stars for you.
I wouldn’t have minded reading another 300 pages about Mat and Johnny. As it is, I know for sure that this won’t be my last book written by these authors.
WOW! Just wow! I wasn’t expecting to experience so many different things while reading this short story. I smiled and cried, was angry and melted into a puddle of goo. My insides went to washing machine full spin.
I’d like to make an enormous compliment to the authors who were able to make me feel so much in just 36 pages! That really is an achievement not many authors are able to pull off. In addition to that, this book is very well written!
Don’t be fooled by the title of the book. If you expect to read something dirty and smutty, you have to look elsewhere. This story deals with discrimination and the effects this can have on a person, with shitty and unsupportive parents, but also with learning how to accept yourself with the help of awesome friends and finding a love you never thought was written in the stars for you.
I wouldn’t have minded reading another 300 pages about Mat and Johnny. As it is, I know for sure that this won’t be my last book written by these authors.
February 7, 2017
This really warmed my heart. Johnny and Mat and their fears and insecurities are so familiar. I love how this short gets resolved.
A beautiful message and a valid motivation to start working on those extra pounds ;-)
5 stars!
A beautiful message and a valid motivation to start working on those extra pounds ;-)
5 stars!
February 4, 2015
This was just what I needed. Loved them both.
February 3, 2015
Once again the combination of Davis and Stewart has created wonderful characters that, even in their extremeness, we can all relate too.
Having grown up a chubby kid, it's hard not feel a connection to the sad bits of this story, but in the end, the story isn't about the sad bits. While the story of Mat and Johnny is about weight loss and love, it's even more about being able too look at ourselves and not have our whole view be that of our flaws.
It's about loving ourselves. (And NOT in the way you might expect from a Davis/Stewart joint. Mind out of the gutter, people!)
It's a story about seeing ourselves and finding someone who sees us too.
And it's sweet and sexy, on top of all that!
I'm giving it 5 apples but only because GR won't let me give it more.
Loved this.
March 14, 2015
A very sweet story! My heart broke for Mat and all teasing and fat shaming he had endured throughout his life. Even his parents made him feel awful :( I loved Johnny and his positive attitude. And all the ladies at Weight Fighters who accepted Mat right away and welcomed him into their circle of friends. The ending left me with a big smile on my face. And let's not forget to give some love to the hottie on the cover!
January 25, 2015
Eight Inches to Make Johnny Smile was quite a wake up call for me. I realized how tired I am of reading those 'perfect' characters that just don't represent the reality of who or what people are. Books often show these women that think they are fat...but are a damn size 6...sorry honey that's not fat! That's normal! Since when does a woman have to be a size 2 to be pretty?
Ugh! Okay sorry so I'm rambling!
This book quickly sent me back to my childhood issues that effect me to this day. I grew up with a small built mom and a sister that never weighed more than 100lbs. I wasn't big...I was normal. But a few people that were important to my emotional growth (Not going to name them sorry.) screwed me up something awful. They would force me to eat until my plate was clean (always more food than I needed) and then shove diet pills down my throat and tell me how I should work out more..or watch what I ate. To make things fun...I was only about 12 when this crap started...and I wonder why I still can't look in a mirror and see myself as beautiful. To this day I see only my imperfections...I see someone that is majorly over weight...when I'm not!
I have never wanted to GUT PUNCH a character as badly as I did Mat's parents! Oh my gosh...can you say jerks! I mean really...who in the hell treats their kid that way! I don't care how old they are...it will never be okay!
Okay...so lets see if I can get off of my crap and back onto the review huh?
Moving past the impact the book had on me, which was a good thing in case you were curious, I want to touch on the characters themselves.
Mat is a really sweet computer geek with weight issues that no one lets him live down. When he gets his own flat and a new job (where his coworkers are jerks) he decides to try something new to lose the weight. Joining a group was the last thing he expected to work...but he's willing to give it a try.
Johnny is the groups leader and motivator. He has lost a ton of weight and is looking awesome...even if he does still wear the baggy clothes from his past. (I could say more but don't want to spoil it.)
When Mat and Johnny meet lets just say that things get seriously interesting! I adore these two and their romance panned out beautifully. Everything was well planned, well worded and expertly developed.
Claire and Al's writing style definitely leaves a deep impact on the reader. Their words drag the reader into a world that is so real that it's difficult to remember that you are reading about a make-believe world. The message within this story is an important one for everyone in my opinion. To get an insight into the life of someone that is doing everything that they can to lose weight....and the people around him just laughing and throwing around painful words and actions...if you can read this and not be moved in some way...well I'd be surprised!
Want to know the only negative thing that I can say about this book?
It ended too soon!! I wanted to know so much more about the characters...
Not just Mat and Johnny...but there is a lot I want to know about them and their relationship as well. For instance I want to know if they reach their goals, where does their relationship go...oh so many things! I also want to know about Mary and Shelley and that jerk Simon!
Each and every character is so well developed that I quickly became attached and wanted to know what made them tick. Yep...for a 40 page book...this one packs a punch that leaves the reader wanting more!
So, if you haven't already figured it out...I highly recommend this book and think you should head on over and one-click that bad boy!
Ugh! Okay sorry so I'm rambling!
This book quickly sent me back to my childhood issues that effect me to this day. I grew up with a small built mom and a sister that never weighed more than 100lbs. I wasn't big...I was normal. But a few people that were important to my emotional growth (Not going to name them sorry.) screwed me up something awful. They would force me to eat until my plate was clean (always more food than I needed) and then shove diet pills down my throat and tell me how I should work out more..or watch what I ate. To make things fun...I was only about 12 when this crap started...and I wonder why I still can't look in a mirror and see myself as beautiful. To this day I see only my imperfections...I see someone that is majorly over weight...when I'm not!
I have never wanted to GUT PUNCH a character as badly as I did Mat's parents! Oh my gosh...can you say jerks! I mean really...who in the hell treats their kid that way! I don't care how old they are...it will never be okay!
Okay...so lets see if I can get off of my crap and back onto the review huh?
Moving past the impact the book had on me, which was a good thing in case you were curious, I want to touch on the characters themselves.
Mat is a really sweet computer geek with weight issues that no one lets him live down. When he gets his own flat and a new job (where his coworkers are jerks) he decides to try something new to lose the weight. Joining a group was the last thing he expected to work...but he's willing to give it a try.
Johnny is the groups leader and motivator. He has lost a ton of weight and is looking awesome...even if he does still wear the baggy clothes from his past. (I could say more but don't want to spoil it.)
When Mat and Johnny meet lets just say that things get seriously interesting! I adore these two and their romance panned out beautifully. Everything was well planned, well worded and expertly developed.
Claire and Al's writing style definitely leaves a deep impact on the reader. Their words drag the reader into a world that is so real that it's difficult to remember that you are reading about a make-believe world. The message within this story is an important one for everyone in my opinion. To get an insight into the life of someone that is doing everything that they can to lose weight....and the people around him just laughing and throwing around painful words and actions...if you can read this and not be moved in some way...well I'd be surprised!
Want to know the only negative thing that I can say about this book?
It ended too soon!! I wanted to know so much more about the characters...
Not just Mat and Johnny...but there is a lot I want to know about them and their relationship as well. For instance I want to know if they reach their goals, where does their relationship go...oh so many things! I also want to know about Mary and Shelley and that jerk Simon!
Each and every character is so well developed that I quickly became attached and wanted to know what made them tick. Yep...for a 40 page book...this one packs a punch that leaves the reader wanting more!
So, if you haven't already figured it out...I highly recommend this book and think you should head on over and one-click that bad boy!
July 9, 2019
>: In this short story we meet Mat, a sweet man is very overweight and who’s parents don’t let him forget it. Maybe they don’t realize their insults, but Mat knows and those arrows strike their mark every time. “Me and Dad thought you’d likely never find a job, the size you got to.” Ugh. He’s taunted and tormented for his size for his whole life, by family, neighbors, classmates and at his new job in IT. Simon is the biggest total bully there.
But Mat has moved into his own place and one thing he’s doing for himself is starting Weight Fighters, a support/diet group. It takes a lot of courage for him to go in and then he nearly flees when the weigh-in leader is a “thin man with pretty eyes and a kind face that lit up when he saw Mat”. No matter, the women of the group stampede Mat in the best way and he is there to stay.
Johnny, the leader, is kind, supportive and just the one you’d want to cheer you on to a better you. He’s been heavy, he knows what it’s like. He wears baggy sweaters (a leftover from heavy days?) and a smile. He’s safe to talk to and maybe become a friend.
This story is very short (it was 59 pages on my iPad) and it is missing absolutely nothing. I did think Simon was an idiot – didn’t know it upset Mat? Are you stupid? You call him “lard arse” and worse! Fat shaming, the “tolerated” form of bigotry that goes on all over. Even the old woman in the store, telling Mat (who is a stranger to her) to put away the crisps, is reminiscent of people all over.
Mat, he broke my heart. He’s so hopeful, he’s trying so hard. “As he drove off home, even his car engine sounded healthier.” He has to battle his weight but more so, those demons in his head. “…grinning back at Mat like he was a regular person, not a lump of lard.” Oh, Mat, you are a regular person, and a good one.
They hit a few bumps along the way, understandable since Johnny has his own issues. Mat’s response, binging on food, was so real. I wanted to hug him.
My only quibble with this lovely thing is the cover. While the man on the cover is adorable, he’s too thin to be Mat and he’s dressed wrong to be Johnny. Silly, I know!
For anyone who’s had self-esteem issues, been made to feel inferior because of their bodies or had issues that aren’t readily apparent, this is such an amazing story. These two imperfect people making the perfect couple. Holy pete, but I loved it.
But Mat has moved into his own place and one thing he’s doing for himself is starting Weight Fighters, a support/diet group. It takes a lot of courage for him to go in and then he nearly flees when the weigh-in leader is a “thin man with pretty eyes and a kind face that lit up when he saw Mat”. No matter, the women of the group stampede Mat in the best way and he is there to stay.
Johnny, the leader, is kind, supportive and just the one you’d want to cheer you on to a better you. He’s been heavy, he knows what it’s like. He wears baggy sweaters (a leftover from heavy days?) and a smile. He’s safe to talk to and maybe become a friend.
This story is very short (it was 59 pages on my iPad) and it is missing absolutely nothing. I did think Simon was an idiot – didn’t know it upset Mat? Are you stupid? You call him “lard arse” and worse! Fat shaming, the “tolerated” form of bigotry that goes on all over. Even the old woman in the store, telling Mat (who is a stranger to her) to put away the crisps, is reminiscent of people all over.
Mat, he broke my heart. He’s so hopeful, he’s trying so hard. “As he drove off home, even his car engine sounded healthier.” He has to battle his weight but more so, those demons in his head. “…grinning back at Mat like he was a regular person, not a lump of lard.” Oh, Mat, you are a regular person, and a good one.
They hit a few bumps along the way, understandable since Johnny has his own issues. Mat’s response, binging on food, was so real. I wanted to hug him.
My only quibble with this lovely thing is the cover. While the man on the cover is adorable, he’s too thin to be Mat and he’s dressed wrong to be Johnny. Silly, I know!
For anyone who’s had self-esteem issues, been made to feel inferior because of their bodies or had issues that aren’t readily apparent, this is such an amazing story. These two imperfect people making the perfect couple. Holy pete, but I loved it.
February 15, 2015
If you're thinking that the Eight Inches in the title is something dirty, think again. This book isn't dirty. It is, however, very well written and uplifting and well worth the time I spent reading it (approx. 30 min).
While I would have loved some bow chicka wow wow in there, just because I love me some smut, I enjoyed the story anyway.
While I would have loved some bow chicka wow wow in there, just because I love me some smut, I enjoyed the story anyway.
January 26, 2020
Eight Inches to Make Johnny Smile is a lovely story with a surprisingly serious theme. The characters are conflicted and real, but the storyline isn't overly angsty.
Still, something was missing, I just couldn't get connected with the characters.
2.5 stars
Still, something was missing, I just couldn't get connected with the characters.
2.5 stars
February 4, 2015
4 Stars
Don’t let the title fool you. It tends to lead the mind into a direction that simply isn’t.
This story is as heart-breaking, as it is heart-warming, and it has completely thrown me emotionally off-kilter for such a tiny little story. I feel like I’ve been hit in the chest with a bag of feels.
This story was beautifully written, well-paced and had an abundance of insecure and sweet, loveable characters (and some not so loveable – asshole parents!!)
I gobbled this down in one quick sitting. I definitely want more reads like this – so if anyone has any similar recs, if you could be so kind as to throw them my way I’d be much obliged.
Don’t let the title fool you. It tends to lead the mind into a direction that simply isn’t.
This story is as heart-breaking, as it is heart-warming, and it has completely thrown me emotionally off-kilter for such a tiny little story. I feel like I’ve been hit in the chest with a bag of feels.
This story was beautifully written, well-paced and had an abundance of insecure and sweet, loveable characters (and some not so loveable – asshole parents!!)
I gobbled this down in one quick sitting. I definitely want more reads like this – so if anyone has any similar recs, if you could be so kind as to throw them my way I’d be much obliged.
August 1, 2016
4.5 Stars
I love when characters I love find their perfect match and these authors always make that a thing. Every time.
I love when characters I love find their perfect match and these authors always make that a thing. Every time.
March 8, 2016
O my goodness what a delightful story.
Sometimes heartbreaking. I must say at 90% i had to stop overwhelmed by ugly crying I just couldn't stop. I know I'm a pussy and easy crying but I was really howling, enough about me.
Johnny and Mat both awesome characters. Mat has an overweight. Thanks to years of being bullied he is very insecure and feels inferior. No support from his parents they have empathy from below zero and 'helping' him further into the ground.
But then.... Ha.... He turns his own cards and joins the Weight Fighters.
A very supporting group with fun and lovely people and an attractive leader Johnny.
The struggle, the support, all the feelings it was an amazing story, very well written.
I really want to applause and bow
A #mustread when you love a short story with feelings allover about people who are not flawless but so real and lovely you only can fall in love with them.
I didn't even know i loved short stories only after reading one from these authors. I just want to read all they have written
Sometimes heartbreaking. I must say at 90% i had to stop overwhelmed by ugly crying I just couldn't stop. I know I'm a pussy and easy crying but I was really howling, enough about me.
Johnny and Mat both awesome characters. Mat has an overweight. Thanks to years of being bullied he is very insecure and feels inferior. No support from his parents they have empathy from below zero and 'helping' him further into the ground.
But then.... Ha.... He turns his own cards and joins the Weight Fighters.
A very supporting group with fun and lovely people and an attractive leader Johnny.
The struggle, the support, all the feelings it was an amazing story, very well written.
I really want to applause and bow
A #mustread when you love a short story with feelings allover about people who are not flawless but so real and lovely you only can fall in love with them.
I didn't even know i loved short stories only after reading one from these authors. I just want to read all they have written
November 18, 2016
Bonita historia sobre gente imperfecta, como somos todos. Me encantaría que los autores se decidieran por escribir un libro, los relatos cortos ya me saben a poco con ellos :)
November 1, 2016
3.5 stars
Well, this was cute, sweet, and a little heartbreaking.
Shy Mat is overweight, like really overweight. His parents are not helping with his already low self-esteem.
“How’s the job going?” Mum asked, making him cough slightly as he swallowed the cake whole.
“Fantastic,” he lied. “I really love it.”
“Well, thank heaven for that. Me and Dad thought you’d likely never find a job, the size you got to.”
But everything changes when Mat joins Weight Fighters. He immediately feels accepted within the group. No one makes derogatory comments about his weight and it even seems he’s found a friend in Johnny, the man who set up the group.
But Mat has a very hard time believing Johnny could be interested in more from him. That is until Johnny kisses him one night…
I really liked this, but it did feel underdeveloped. It’s only 40 pages, so not a lot to cram an entire story (romance) in. This could have easily have been an entire novel, instead of a short.
I really liked shy Mat and how he finally found the strength within himself to start losing weight.
But I did feel as if the last chapter (a sex scene without any introduction) was added simply to add some smut to this story. I would have liked it better if it was integrated into the story more or completely left out.
But besides that, this was a very enjoyable read.
Well, this was cute, sweet, and a little heartbreaking.
Shy Mat is overweight, like really overweight. His parents are not helping with his already low self-esteem.
“How’s the job going?” Mum asked, making him cough slightly as he swallowed the cake whole.
“Fantastic,” he lied. “I really love it.”
“Well, thank heaven for that. Me and Dad thought you’d likely never find a job, the size you got to.”
But everything changes when Mat joins Weight Fighters. He immediately feels accepted within the group. No one makes derogatory comments about his weight and it even seems he’s found a friend in Johnny, the man who set up the group.
But Mat has a very hard time believing Johnny could be interested in more from him. That is until Johnny kisses him one night…
I really liked this, but it did feel underdeveloped. It’s only 40 pages, so not a lot to cram an entire story (romance) in. This could have easily have been an entire novel, instead of a short.
I really liked shy Mat and how he finally found the strength within himself to start losing weight.
But I did feel as if the last chapter (a sex scene without any introduction) was added simply to add some smut to this story. I would have liked it better if it was integrated into the story more or completely left out.
But besides that, this was a very enjoyable read.
January 2, 2016
Anyone who has ever been seriously overweight will get this story, and probably be as moved as I was by it.
For anyone who has felt the bone numbing terror, angst, and humiliation of walking into a room full of strangers you are sure are going to judge you, just because you are fat, because they don't know your story, and you are sure they don't want to know it, and you are sure you don't want to tell it.
For anyone who has faced the horror of trying to find a seat in a home or restaurant or airport (or anywhere) you can fit into (and pray to God that a booth with a stationary table or something similar not be the only seating available).
For anyone who has faced the fear of having someone touch you intimately, for fear of them turning you away or making fun of you.
For anyone who has dealt with the constant whispers, or the outright rude comments, people feel is somehow their right to say to you. To tell you, "Maybe you shouldn't eat that?" or "Do you really think that's a good decision?" or "You'd be so pretty/handsome if you just lost some weight!"
Remember:
For anyone who has felt the bone numbing terror, angst, and humiliation of walking into a room full of strangers you are sure are going to judge you, just because you are fat, because they don't know your story, and you are sure they don't want to know it, and you are sure you don't want to tell it.
For anyone who has faced the horror of trying to find a seat in a home or restaurant or airport (or anywhere) you can fit into (and pray to God that a booth with a stationary table or something similar not be the only seating available).
For anyone who has faced the fear of having someone touch you intimately, for fear of them turning you away or making fun of you.
For anyone who has dealt with the constant whispers, or the outright rude comments, people feel is somehow their right to say to you. To tell you, "Maybe you shouldn't eat that?" or "Do you really think that's a good decision?" or "You'd be so pretty/handsome if you just lost some weight!"
Remember:
February 3, 2015
I read this book for two reasons 1. Al Stewart has the hottest profile pic on GR & 2. Dani recommended it.
I will admit I had bypassed it previously because I don’t ever knowingly read stories about people with body issues because it distracts me but with this one it was the core of the story. This was good…got me nice and riled up, had me rooting for love, there were several morals “don’t judge a book by its cover”, “don’t make assumptions”, “sometimes parents are assholes too”…most importantly “there is someone for everyone”. I liked this but WTF you two…I definitely am done with the tease, you need to put out a full book, at least something 150 pages.
I will admit I had bypassed it previously because I don’t ever knowingly read stories about people with body issues because it distracts me but with this one it was the core of the story. This was good…got me nice and riled up, had me rooting for love, there were several morals “don’t judge a book by its cover”, “don’t make assumptions”, “sometimes parents are assholes too”…most importantly “there is someone for everyone”. I liked this but WTF you two…I definitely am done with the tease, you need to put out a full book, at least something 150 pages.
August 4, 2015
Ms. Davis and Mr. Stewart never cease to amaze me with their ability to write and their story topics. Eight Inches to Make Johnny Smile is not some fantasy story that you think would never actually exist. It's a very real story in which you can identify with the characters and you know what they are going through and it makes you feel like you are a part of the story.
Solid 5 stars for such a realistic story!
They also get a bonus start to total 6 for such a clever title :)
Solid 5 stars for such a realistic story!
They also get a bonus start to total 6 for such a clever title :)
February 4, 2015
Cute, sweet...whatever you want to say about it. We've all been there....well, most of us have if we're totally honest. Unhappy with our bodies, which in turn just makes us unhappy full stop. Poor Mat, I really felt for him and the way his 'cow' of a mother in particular kept prodding away at his self confidence. The very last thing you need when your self esteem is low anyway, is a person who should be supporting you without question but makes you feel worse. Been there, done that. 4 stars.
January 23, 2015
Such a privilege to be able to read this fabulous little story before it was published - and it's just so lovely and wonderful that I plan on reading it again. Probably tonight.
The characters are really well written and very easy to relate to. I loved their interactions and the realistic way that their own demons blinded them to the problems the other was facing. a great, likeable supporting cast too, with the exception of the very well written parents, who I completely loathed to the point I'd love to give them a slap.
Beautiful little story that will leave you with a big grin on your face. Don't miss it.
The characters are really well written and very easy to relate to. I loved their interactions and the realistic way that their own demons blinded them to the problems the other was facing. a great, likeable supporting cast too, with the exception of the very well written parents, who I completely loathed to the point I'd love to give them a slap.
Beautiful little story that will leave you with a big grin on your face. Don't miss it.
January 23, 2015
Essentially it's a love story.
With issues.
And weight loss.
Yes, it tackles the day to day trauma that overweight people face including bullying, guilt and overbearing parents but still manages to be all shades of wonderful.
If only real life weight loss clubs were like this and had their own 'Johnny' at the helm.
All in all another cracking short read from the minds of Davis and Stewart.
Thanks.
With issues.
And weight loss.
Yes, it tackles the day to day trauma that overweight people face including bullying, guilt and overbearing parents but still manages to be all shades of wonderful.
If only real life weight loss clubs were like this and had their own 'Johnny' at the helm.
All in all another cracking short read from the minds of Davis and Stewart.
Thanks.
April 10, 2016
Dee recommend this book and she obviously knows what she's doing because I loved it but she didn't know just how important this book would be to me though because I also struggle with my weight, I'm trying really hard to lose it right now.. Except, I don't have a supportive group or a Johnny in my life for the hard days. Thank you Al and Claire for writing this story. You don't know how hard I wish there was a happy ending like this for everyone who is overweight.
June 13, 2016
Creo que de los relatos cortos es mi favorito, Mat y Johnny son maravillosos ♡♡♡
La portada un horror, eso sí.
La portada un horror, eso sí.
February 1, 2015
5 chocolate hearts (melted)
5 cream pies in the face for making me cry (even happy tears)
5 big smiles
I loved this story. I loved Mat (I wanted to take him home and hide him from the harsh world he was living in), and I loved the ladies from the weight watchers' group. And of course I loved Johnny. Real people, real problems, real feeling and real love. This was a beautiful story for Valentine's Day, or any time.
And yes, you didn't just make Johnny smile.
5 cream pies in the face for making me cry (even happy tears)
5 big smiles
I loved this story. I loved Mat (I wanted to take him home and hide him from the harsh world he was living in), and I loved the ladies from the weight watchers' group. And of course I loved Johnny. Real people, real problems, real feeling and real love. This was a beautiful story for Valentine's Day, or any time.
And yes, you didn't just make Johnny smile.
February 5, 2015
This was SO sweet, SO touching, and I am so glad that I read this right away after I found it (through Dani's review, thanks a bunch, girl!).
It took a touchy subject and a sad life, and made me sympathize, hope, dream, and win right alongside Mat and Johnny.
I loved every second of this short read. So highly recommended.
It took a touchy subject and a sad life, and made me sympathize, hope, dream, and win right alongside Mat and Johnny.
I loved every second of this short read. So highly recommended.
August 2, 2016
When there is no love in your heart and the hopeless is knocking on your door …...
You did it, guys! In 36 pages, you did it! You embraced the dark side and the good side of the human race,and mixed with kink and humor.
It's just so simple to wish to be included, to be complete , to be whispered‘you are beautiful inside and out’, after you've had so many insults off people.
I loved it!
You did it, guys! In 36 pages, you did it! You embraced the dark side and the good side of the human race,and mixed with kink and humor.
It's just so simple to wish to be included, to be complete , to be whispered‘you are beautiful inside and out’, after you've had so many insults off people.
I loved it!
April 3, 2015
That was so sweet.. *sigh*
May 12, 2015
Wow! Just wow! With a title like this I was expecting a raunchy story instead of a sweet, very relatable story. This was short but so very good! My only niggle was Mat being spelled with one T.
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