The Latte Years: A Story of Losses, Gains and Life Beyond the After Photo

by Philippa Moore

At twenty-four Philippa Moore is overweight, unhappily married, and still living in her hometown of Hobart, Tasmania. After a wake-up call in a department-store changing room, Phil suddenly realises that she is on the wrong path. What happened to the high-achieving, vivacious young woman she once was? With determination and courage she takes control of her life, shedding the kilos and her dying relationship, and starting over again in Melbourne, where she launches an award-winning health and fitness blog, Skinny Latte.

Despite her success, however, something is still missing. Determined to find it, Phil sets out on an international odyssey, travelling the length and breadth of North America and throwing herself into every new experience she encounters. A tarot reader in New Mexico tells her a dark, handsome husband is in her future but, still scarred from her failed relationship, she can scarcely bring herself to believe it. When she arrives in London, though, she finds the life she has always been looking for – and with it, just as the tarot cards predicted, new love. From running the London marathon to being made redundant, she leaps over every hurdle she encounters, coming to realise that, as she says, 'excuses for not doing the things that you dream of doing are just that: excuses.'

More than a weight-loss memoir, this is a story of a life restarted, and the battles that are still to be won once the 'after' photo has been taken. Told with humour and insight, Phil's story is one of courage and perseverance, which can't fail to inspire everyone who reads it to live their best life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philippa is a friend of a friend, that was the reason why I picked up this book. I am not sure if I would have picked it up otherwise, but I did enjoy it enormously.

I found my own struggles reflected in many pages of the book and since I am on an epic weight loss journey myself (for the past 20 months), I can relate on that level too.

It's really not about weight loss though. It's about self-confidence, learning to be your own best friend, not seeking external validation, to keep going even if the sh*t hits the fan.

A brilliant debut. I hope you will write more.

[Catherine]

Look, I just haven't warmed to the author's tone. There seems to be a lot of external attribution, woe is me, and it's all a little too neat and tidy. Abandoned.

[Fiona Bullen]

There were so many things I related to in this book, I found myself nodding my head, thinking "yes, I've been there ". I really enjoyed it and felt really positive after reading it.

[Jocelyn (foxonbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, triumphant, brash, introspective, apologetic, brave and above all, compelling. The Latte Years was a series of snapshots of a life in motion, and I read it in about four hours.

[readingwithronnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK - THE LATTE YEARS
AUTHOR: PHILIPPA MOORE
PAGES: 315

At twenty-four Philippa Moore is overweight, unhappily married, and still living in her hometown of Hobart, Tasmania. After a wake-up call in a department-store changing room, Phil suddenly realises that she is on the wrong path. What happened to the high-achieving, vivacious young woman she once was? With determination and courage, she takes control of her life, shedding the kilos and her dying relationship, and starting over again in Melbourne, where she launches an award-winning health and fitness blog, Skinny Latte.
Despite her success, however, something is still missing. Determined to find it, Phil sets out on an international odyssey, travelling the length and breadth of North America and throwing herself into every new experience she encounters. A tarot reader in New Mexico tells her a dark, handsome husband is in her future but, still scarred from her failed relationship, she can scarcely bring herself to believe it. When she arrives in London, though, she finds the life she has always been looking for – and with it, just as the tarot cards predicted, new love. From running the London marathon to being made redundant, she leaps over every hurdle she encounters, coming to realise that, as she says, 'excuses for not doing the things that you dream of doing are just that: excuses.'
More than a weight-loss memoir, this is a story of a life restarted, and the battles that are still to be won once the 'after' photo has been taken. Told with humour and insight, Phil's story is one of courage and perseverance, which can't fail to inspire everyone who reads it to live their best life. (Goodreads)

***This review is by my mum, I have not read this book and have no intention to***

My daughter is an avid reader and follower of Goodreads. She is constantly entering their book giveaways. She thought this book may interest me, entered and won a copy.
If it was not for the fact that I had promised my daughter to write a review once read I probably would have put this book down after starting. I didn’t find the beginning to be that interesting. The reading was a bit tedious, but I am glad I continued. I soon became gripped in the story and wondered where the time went while I was reading. I found myself approaching the train station before I knew it.

Having been on the weight roller-coaster most of my life, I could relate to what Philippa was saying. But was that just it, was it also the humor, the sadness, the sincerity with which she told it. There are many motivational books on the market, but this one seems different. It is real and one that I am sure many people can relate to. How many times did I say ‘yes’ while reading. How many times have just those experiences happened to me and others I know.

It is not a book that tells you to go out and do something. It is one that tells you what someone else has done. It is up to you how you use that information.

It is someone’s life experience/adventures. All I can say is give it a go and if you find that it doesn’t quite sit well to start with, preserve because before long you will wonder why you ever thought you didn’t want to read it. Maybe there are too many home truths.
Thank you Philippa for a truly inspiring book.

[Anna Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

After following the 'Skinny Latte Strikes Back' blog for some time and really enjoying the writing and stories, this book was highly anticipated and did not disappoint. The author's voice is clear and you empathise with her on every step of the journey, both the bits that shock you and the bits that make you laugh out loud. Her courage and perseverance when dealing with difficult situations is incredible and it was inspiring to hear the lessons learnt from each challenge. In parts, the story was very relatable as I'm sure every woman experienced thoughts and feelings of self-doubt. The book almost felt like you were a fly on the wall in the author's life, which, at times, felt a little uncomfortable but ultimately, you feel grateful that the author has shared their life and their inspiring story with you. This is a genre I wouldn't normally read, however I am glad I did read this book. I look forward to this author's next book.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so wonderful on so many levels. It's one that makes you laugh out loud, nod your head in agreement, and even cry until you can't see the page.
For me, as someone who's been on a similar journey, and experienced the highs and lows she writes about; every page spoke to me. Often mirroring how I've felt over the years; which is oddly comforting. Her writing style speaks to you from the heart, capturing many of the indescribable feelings anyone on a similar journey will have felt; emotional at times, and hilariously funny at others. There is also the priceless lesson of taking chances and turning dreams and wishes into reality.
If you're looking to lose weight and could do with some added inspiration, then this book could be the one for you.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book, I live in Hobart and Philippa is a few years older than me. Its a little self indulgent at times. There were a few parts where I thought, 'ok, we get it, move on with the story'.
Pictures would have been great, even just a before and after pic. Descriptions are not the same.

Its also kind of boring to read about someone explaining a holiday they took. Its not really that interesting.

I read a review in a magazine for this book saying it could have been 100 pages shorter, and I agree.
Overall enjoyable, but probably wouldn't read again.

[Skeetergal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting, funny, sad and thought-provoking

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wonderful read filled with lots of life lessons learned.

[Carleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Dead last is better than didn't finish, and didn't finish is better than didn't start." -Author unknown

"Someone has to come last. If we're lucky it's not always us. But even if it is, it's the price you have to pay for putting yourself out there. For daring to try. For not being in the stands as a mere observer of your life but out in the ring, getting knocked down, fighting the best life you can. It takes a lot of guts"-Philipa Moore

[Sharon · Rating 1 out of 5]

The beginning of the book was good and I thought I was in for a satisfying read, but the book, for me, fell apart quite quickly. There were a lot of sweeping statements and emotional struggles that weren't followed through with, or explained. So in the end it was just surface story telling. I was disappointed.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good inspiration and a recommended read. I could understand how she felt and why she reacted how she did, but at times I was frustrated at her conceited and self-absorbed attitude to why others around her acted like they did. Its all part of lifes learning experience and so it was a good lesson for me to try and take a more impartial view at lifes curve balls.

[Kathryn West · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was a memoir. It's an honest account of a woman's struggle to lose weight, get out of a toxic relationship and start again and all the lessons she learnt along the way. Many ups and downs and much counselling later this is the story she had to write.

[Sarah R Beesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just go and read it already

This strikes so many chords. It’s been unputdownable. It’s incidentally crossed my path at a time I needed a boost to my confidence and a reminder it’d be essential to find my light again.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy, inspiring memoir.

[Imma Winna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. The journey Phillip finds herself on and descriptions of letting go of "friends" resonated with me.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me. I found this a quick read and it wound up being very topical to read a book about a woman reinventing her life after a major relationship shift.

[Sarah Leah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read like a teenagers diary.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel seen.

[Neko · Rating 1 out of 5]

Self indulgence whinge fest! It started off somewhat okayish but very quickly fell apart. It should have stayed as a blog only and not as a book. I'm deleting this off my Kindle now.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many things in this book resonated with me. If only we could all go back and give our past selves advise from what we have learned!
Phillipa's journey of development from a young, insecure woman struggling to be herself to a brave, confident person who ran a marathon and won life is thoughtful, funny, inspiring, and entertaining.
This is so different to my usual reads, but I am so glad I gave it a go.

[Marie Abanga · Rating 5 out of 5]

A candid account about getting on the dreaded scale to shed more than the nagging kilos

Philippa nails her soul search in this anecdocte: "Growing up in a small town does one of two things to a person – it either breeds a fierce desire for independence and adventure, so you leave as soon as you can or it gives you Hotel California syndrome (as in, you can check out whenever you want but …)" . However, her lack of self esteem, her abundance of self doubt, her poor choices which ranged from all she stuffed in with regards to food, and the quick 'yes I do' to the first 'suitor' who barely proposed but took his dance lessons seriously; quickly shoved her desire to the back of her oversized closet.

Philippa got it when one day no matter how hard she tried to lift the size 18/20 pants up, they just wouldn't zip up. She looked at recently developped pictures and all but threw up... that was it and as she put it: "Becoming conscious of what I had actually been doing to myself had frightened me".

Gladly enough, this time she had had enough and something had to be done. She started out with the scale and both her eyes and heart near collapsed at the figure she read. Thanks to the encouragement of her friends, family and above all herself, she finally got to her ideal weight. But, it was a journey that involved so many loses and many more marvelous gains. Not only did she shed the kilos as the after photo will show, she shed her old self for a fresh new self confident and independent her. She even ran full and semi-marathons, travelled quite some and met her soul mate. She admits it to the core when she writes: "I had proof in front of me that if I tried, I would find out what I was capable of. It was an amazing feeling that I clung to with all my might".

Thank you Philippa for sharing your incredible journey with us, your physical and mental aches, your bizzare and super friends, your ever supportive family, and above all a glimpse into your soul mate and your marriage. I will sincerely be failing myself if I give this book any less than a 5 star. I have pretty much walked some of her shoes and closet, and I do mean it when I say I wholeheartedly recommend this memoir to all.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.

The Latte Years was a personal memoir that followed Philippa ‘Phil’ Moore throughout a weight-loss journey and the trials in the years that followed. It didn’t focus so much on her diet and exercise strategies, it mainly detailed a life derailment and the energies spent getting it back on track.
Unlike others, I didn’t laugh at this book. I actually found it quite heavy and heartbreaking. It was one I had to put down and come back to because I honestly couldn’t handle reading it all in one sitting. Though the author wasn’t seeking it, she gained my pity, and not in a good way. What she managed to achieve was amazing, and I wish she’d seen that she deserved to brag about it more. Instead it got hightailed by a slew of negative events. Even with the affirmation at the end, it didn’t move the pit from my stomach.
Ultimately, what I got out of was that your dreams are possible if you work hard and don’t give in, and sometimes we all need a little help to get on track. Not bad lessons to learn, even if I found the narrative a little heavy handed.

[Kathy Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this memoir - at first it seemed a tale along the lines of the Ugly Duckling but it proved to be so much more than that. Philippa Moore's journey began as an unhappy, overweight early 20-something, lacking purpose and battling low self esteem. She started a blog devoted to her weight loss journey, a blog that ended up being about so much more - and there began the at times rocky road that led her to her destiny. As I find to be the case with many memoirs, some of the content was highly relatable (e.g. her vivid description of London, especially her early months there depicting the simultaneous beauty and grime of the city), and some aspects less so (her detailed description of the London Marathon was a bit of a snoozefest for me - never been much of a runner!). But ultimately I found the story uplifting and inspiring, and recommend it as such.

[Isabel Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Philippa writes of her experiences in an unhappy relationship, how she struggled with her weight, and her physical journey from Hobart to Melbourne and out into the wide world. It's about love, friendship, blogging, being honest with yourself and with others, getting out of situations in which you feel stuck...things that many of us can relate to, I think. I found this book inspiring, it made me want to grab life by the horns and follow in Philippa's foot steps. Highly recommended.

[Sherry Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this story really interesting. I think lots of readers would be interested in how a person completely upends their life and basically becomes someone new. But by the end of it I was getting a leetle bit tired of all the 'me'. There was talk of spiritual physical and emotional development but sometimes she seems to miss the mark in taking responsibility for her actions. She mentions so many people she has fallen out with and doesn't seem to understand her own role in this. Apparently they are ALL just jealous of her. Hopefully she is still growing up like all of us :)

[––––•(-•The Insomniac Book Hoarder•- · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is ahhhh mazing in its entirety! I would love to say more, but I'm late for church as it is. But know, that this book will make a profound impact to where you are at now and where you will be later. It's full part memoir and a most parts awesome. READ THIS! (I cannot stress this enough)


Will add a more coherent review later on. X

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm not sure on this one. I liked the stuff about weight but found her quite vitriolic about her 'trolls' and found her repeated discussion of how they didn't want her light to shine etc a bit annoying. I didn't really like her didacticism either.

However, still a great achievement to lose the weight and inspired me to go for a hilly walk!

[Pam Powder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Philippa's story is really inspirational and being from Tasmania myself I found it quite relatable. Sadly though I couldn't get past all
the platitudes and cliches in the writing and found myself eye rolling and skim reading to finish.