What do you think?
Rate this book
The Shape of Us
Four different women. The same big problem. One magical solution?
Despite excelling at university, Mezz has ended up the second-choice doctor in a two-doctor town, and won't be winning Mother of the Year any time soon. Miserably overweight, she knows it's only a matter of time until her gorgeous husband starts to stray...
Jewels runs a successful business and lives in her dream house. All she needs to make life complete is a baby. She'll do anything to lose weight and become a mother... just as soon as the Tim Tams are finished.
Ellie's life looks perfect on Facebook. But unlike the sunny snapshots, her world in Canberra is dull: she left everything behind in London, and the woman she sacrificed her life for is hardly ever home. Her ever-increasing waistline is testimony to just how small Ellie's life has become.
Kat's baby is her world. As a Bosnian refugee, she wants nothing more than a stable, happy life for Ami, but Kat's relationship with Ami's dad is collapsing. If she could just lose the 'baby weight' maybe Josh would look at her the way he used to.
When Mezz, Jewels, Ellie and Kat meet in an online weight-loss forum, a common goal accelerates their friendship. As the kilos start to disappear but their problems don't, they begin to realise that weight-loss might not be the key to happiness, but that supporting and believing in the ones you love, and yourself, just might be ...
Despite excelling at university, Mezz has ended up the second-choice doctor in a two-doctor town, and won't be winning Mother of the Year any time soon. Miserably overweight, she knows it's only a matter of time until her gorgeous husband starts to stray...
Jewels runs a successful business and lives in her dream house. All she needs to make life complete is a baby. She'll do anything to lose weight and become a mother... just as soon as the Tim Tams are finished.
Ellie's life looks perfect on Facebook. But unlike the sunny snapshots, her world in Canberra is dull: she left everything behind in London, and the woman she sacrificed her life for is hardly ever home. Her ever-increasing waistline is testimony to just how small Ellie's life has become.
Kat's baby is her world. As a Bosnian refugee, she wants nothing more than a stable, happy life for Ami, but Kat's relationship with Ami's dad is collapsing. If she could just lose the 'baby weight' maybe Josh would look at her the way he used to.
When Mezz, Jewels, Ellie and Kat meet in an online weight-loss forum, a common goal accelerates their friendship. As the kilos start to disappear but their problems don't, they begin to realise that weight-loss might not be the key to happiness, but that supporting and believing in the ones you love, and yourself, just might be ...
384 pages, Paperback
Published March 28, 2017
18 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Ireland
11 books221 followersLisa Ireland is an Australian writer of contemporary women’s fiction. After working for many years as a primary school teacher, Lisa is a now a full-time writer.
Her novel, Feels Like Home, is an Australian Bestseller. In 2015 Lisa was one of the Top Ten Debut Fiction Authors in Australia. She has five books published to date, and her sixth novel, THE SECRET LIFE OF SHIRLEY SULLIVAN, will be released in MAY 2020.
When she’s not writing, Lisa can be found running (okay, shuffling), drinking coffee at her favourite cafes, or perusing the shelves of her local bookstore.
She loves eating but not cooking, is an Olympic class procrastinator, and (most importantly) minion to a rather large dog.
Her novel, Feels Like Home, is an Australian Bestseller. In 2015 Lisa was one of the Top Ten Debut Fiction Authors in Australia. She has five books published to date, and her sixth novel, THE SECRET LIFE OF SHIRLEY SULLIVAN, will be released in MAY 2020.
When she’s not writing, Lisa can be found running (okay, shuffling), drinking coffee at her favourite cafes, or perusing the shelves of her local bookstore.
She loves eating but not cooking, is an Olympic class procrastinator, and (most importantly) minion to a rather large dog.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
April 22, 2017
Four women from very diverse backgrounds meet through an online weight loss forum. It all starts with anonymity but as the women start to chat privately on a blog their friendship blossoms and they decide to meet up. It soon becomes much more than weight loss support as the four friends bare their souls and talk about their hopes and fears.
”….these three kindred spirits she was so lucky to have in her life.” – Mezz
The Shape of Us is a heart-felt story of friendship, family, love and commitment. Each of the women had their own story and I was deeply invested in each of them. You are invited into their lives to share their trials and triumphs and the enduring bond of friendship. Readers will find it hard not to see a little of themselves in these women.
The story is definitely easy to read but easy reading doesn’t necessarily mean light and fluffy. It has great depth and emotion. Real problems are explored; marital issues, self image, infertility, isolation, miscarriage.
”I think we all need to find our own ways to live in our bodies.” – Ellie
It’s not all plain sailing as the friends start to bicker and judge each others decisions. As some start to lose weight and others don’t cracks start to appear in their new found friendship. It takes a catastrophe to bring the friends back together and realise they are more than friends, they are family.
”Sitting at the table with Mezz, Ellie and Jewels, Kat felt a sudden sensation of homecoming.”
The Shape of Us is shaping up to be one of my top reads of 2017.
”….these three kindred spirits she was so lucky to have in her life.” – Mezz
The Shape of Us is a heart-felt story of friendship, family, love and commitment. Each of the women had their own story and I was deeply invested in each of them. You are invited into their lives to share their trials and triumphs and the enduring bond of friendship. Readers will find it hard not to see a little of themselves in these women.
The story is definitely easy to read but easy reading doesn’t necessarily mean light and fluffy. It has great depth and emotion. Real problems are explored; marital issues, self image, infertility, isolation, miscarriage.
”I think we all need to find our own ways to live in our bodies.” – Ellie
It’s not all plain sailing as the friends start to bicker and judge each others decisions. As some start to lose weight and others don’t cracks start to appear in their new found friendship. It takes a catastrophe to bring the friends back together and realise they are more than friends, they are family.
”Sitting at the table with Mezz, Ellie and Jewels, Kat felt a sudden sensation of homecoming.”
The Shape of Us is shaping up to be one of my top reads of 2017.
August 3, 2019
"These were her people. She'd finally found her tribe."
Female friendships tend to be all encompassing. This book displays this theme beautifully, of the sisterhood providing comfort and support.
This started as a light hearted read for me, something to take my mind off the recent incessant heat and humidity. In fact, the book opens with an easy humorous tone. Four voluptuous ladies, Ellie, Kat, Jewels & Mezz meet online via the weight loss forum "W.O.N!" (Weight Off Now! Woo! air punch!). Strangers to each other, they shared their stories of their weight loss goals. Quickly forming a bond, they go on to create their own private blog "Fat Chat" where they can completely share their secrets and bare their souls. Things which they feel they cannot even share with their nearest and dearest.
These four women have completely backgrounds, personalities and lifestyles, yet they feel like kindred spirits. They decide to meet in person one weekend, and the friendships bloom from there.
The fun story soon incorporated more serious topics. As the book progressed, so did the life themes. Body image perceptions, how we feel about ourselves, relationship breakdowns, infertility, what makes us happy. But at no point was the story gloomy or a downer. The characters are so believable and relatable, I'm sure most of us know a Ellie, Kat, Jewels or Mezz. Or maybe we are like one of them.
This is a book where I cared about the characters and what happened to them. Have a pack of tissues at the ready. Next to the tim-tams.
October 16, 2020
Most of us know what it’s like when you want or need to lose weight. It’s a struggle and for some they will win the battle and lose the weight and for some they just can’t win the battle no matter what they do. It’s frustrating to say the least and for Mezz, Ellie, Jewels and Kat they to know how difficult it is. These four women are strangers to one another, but when they join an online weight forum they all hold one thing in common that is they all want to lose weight.
In time these four women start to form friendships they then decide to leave the online forum and start their own blog. As we follow each of these women we get a clearer picture of their private lives and it appears some of them are not only struggling with weight loss.
The Shape of Us is a book that covers issues that many of us have gone through or know of someone that has and I think that’s why we can relate to this story. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I can’t wait to read more of her books as she really knows how to catch the reader's attention. This is an emotional and heart wrenching book so keep the tissues handy. Highly recommended.
In time these four women start to form friendships they then decide to leave the online forum and start their own blog. As we follow each of these women we get a clearer picture of their private lives and it appears some of them are not only struggling with weight loss.
The Shape of Us is a book that covers issues that many of us have gone through or know of someone that has and I think that’s why we can relate to this story. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I can’t wait to read more of her books as she really knows how to catch the reader's attention. This is an emotional and heart wrenching book so keep the tissues handy. Highly recommended.
December 19, 2018
When Mezz, Jewels, Ellie and Kat all joined an online weight forum, they didn’t know each other. But slowly they could feel a connection. So when Ellie suggested they start a private blog for just the four of them, they were all keen. Slowly their friendships deepened, until the weight loss which had drawn them together didn’t seem quite so important.
Each of the women had their own problems in their private lives. Kat’s relationship with the father of her adorable little girl, Ami, was falling apart. While Ellie’s relationship was also strained, and she couldn’t see a future. Jewels had been trying unsuccessfully to fall pregnant, while her sister fell pregnant at the drop of a hat. And Mezz, a small-town doctor, was unhappy with her life as well as her weight.
The four friends supported each other, were there for each other and were the happiest they’d been in quite some time in the new-found friendships. But would that remain the case? What would be their futures?
The Shape of Us by Aussie author Lisa Ireland is an excellent novel. Slow-burning as the characters are introduced and the reader gets to know them; heart wrenching as the problems they face hit home as something a lot of us have faced – or we know someone who has; and shows us how empathy, support and friendship toward the ones we love is often all we need. Highly recommended. By the way - make sure you have a BIG box of tissues ready!!!
Each of the women had their own problems in their private lives. Kat’s relationship with the father of her adorable little girl, Ami, was falling apart. While Ellie’s relationship was also strained, and she couldn’t see a future. Jewels had been trying unsuccessfully to fall pregnant, while her sister fell pregnant at the drop of a hat. And Mezz, a small-town doctor, was unhappy with her life as well as her weight.
The four friends supported each other, were there for each other and were the happiest they’d been in quite some time in the new-found friendships. But would that remain the case? What would be their futures?
The Shape of Us by Aussie author Lisa Ireland is an excellent novel. Slow-burning as the characters are introduced and the reader gets to know them; heart wrenching as the problems they face hit home as something a lot of us have faced – or we know someone who has; and shows us how empathy, support and friendship toward the ones we love is often all we need. Highly recommended. By the way - make sure you have a BIG box of tissues ready!!!
February 7, 2023
The Shape of Us by Lisa Ireland
Synopsis /
Four different women. The same big problem. One magical solution?
Despite excelling at university, Mezz has ended up the second-choice doctor in a two-doctor town, and won't be winning Mother of the Year any time soon. Miserably overweight, she knows it's only a matter of time until her gorgeous husband starts to stray...
Jewels runs a successful business and lives in her dream house. All she needs to make life complete is a baby. She'll do anything to lose weight and become a mother... just as soon as the Tim Tams are finished.
Ellie's life looks perfect on Facebook. But unlike the sunny snapshots, her world in Canberra is dull: she left everything behind in London, and the woman she sacrificed her life for is hardly ever home. Her ever-increasing waistline is testimony to just how small Ellie's life has become.
Kat's baby is her world. As a Bosnian refugee, she wants nothing more than a stable, happy life for Ami, but Kat's relationship with Ami's dad is collapsing. If she could just lose the 'baby weight' maybe Josh would look at her the way he used to.
When Mezz, Jewels, Ellie and Kat meet in an online weight-loss forum, a common goal accelerates their friendship. As the kilos start to disappear but their problems don't, they begin to realise that weight-loss might not be the key to happiness, but that supporting and believing in the ones you love, and yourself, just might be.
My Thoughts /
3.5 rounded to 4 stars
My thoughts on this book reminded me of the ladies and their struggle with the ups and downs of weight loss – they were also like a rollercoaster ride.
I must applaud Lisa Ireland for tackling a topic like obesity and putting it fairly and squarely in the eyes of the reader.
In The Shape of Us, Ireland relates the story of four lead characters – all of whom think they are overweight and all dream of being thinner. Four overweight women, all from different walks of life, with little to nothing in common EXCEPT their desire to lose weight and regain their happiness. Although the girls all share the same wish - to be slimmer – their reasons for that couldn’t be more different. Or are they? But more to the point – can you equate being thin with happiness?
The book opens with excerpts of messages posted to a message board in an on-line forum, called WON (Weight Off Now). In the forum Users: Ellie Phant, Kitty Kat and Mezz – all ‘Newbies’ are posting messages about starting the program, and Princess Jewels, who’s an ‘Old Hand’ is encouraging the Newbies on their weight loss journey.
But they were four very different individuals, without very much in common. What if the only thing binding them together was their fat? With every kilo that slipped away from their collective bodies, it seemed the bond between the four of them became a little looser. Maybe Ellie, Mezz and Kat were friends for a purpose and not friends for life?
The bookcover blurb hints that the story is more than just dieting and weight loss and indeed it is, it’s just slow burn to get there.
Ireland places strong focus on the impact that being overweight has on the women's confidence, relationships, and their struggles with body positivity and self-image.
"As part of my research I talked to lots of people - mainly women - about dieting, weight loss and body image," Ireland said. "The thing that struck me the most was that people who had given up on the idea of losing weight were generally happier and more confident than the people who were actively dieting. I read lots about body positivity and am totally convinced that this is a path worth pursuing."
It was the desire to lose weight that brought these women together, but it was the friendships they formed because of that desire that will last the test of time. A problem shared is a problem halved, and these ladies had problems, all of which they faced head on and together as a united group. Some of the sub themes Ireland included surround issues with fertility, marital problems, relationship breakdowns and terminal illness. Once we got into this space in the story it tugs at the heartstrings. I did enjoy Ireland’s evolution of the friendship between these four women. For the most part all four had varying opinions on the same topic and how they would approach a problem; but they were all in agreeance that their friendship was a safe non-judgmental space. They may not agree on views, but they all agreed on one thing – they would always be supportive of one another.
I would hope that in today’s society you can recognise that being ‘healthy’ doesn’t have to equal body size. But you’ve only have to open some social media sites to know that’s not always the case. As a mum to girls it’s always been about body acceptance not size. Look what your body can do! You’ve walked that hill! You’ve finished that marathon! Let’s focus on the things our amazing bodies can do for us and less on the wrapping they come in.
Synopsis /
Four different women. The same big problem. One magical solution?
Despite excelling at university, Mezz has ended up the second-choice doctor in a two-doctor town, and won't be winning Mother of the Year any time soon. Miserably overweight, she knows it's only a matter of time until her gorgeous husband starts to stray...
Jewels runs a successful business and lives in her dream house. All she needs to make life complete is a baby. She'll do anything to lose weight and become a mother... just as soon as the Tim Tams are finished.
Ellie's life looks perfect on Facebook. But unlike the sunny snapshots, her world in Canberra is dull: she left everything behind in London, and the woman she sacrificed her life for is hardly ever home. Her ever-increasing waistline is testimony to just how small Ellie's life has become.
Kat's baby is her world. As a Bosnian refugee, she wants nothing more than a stable, happy life for Ami, but Kat's relationship with Ami's dad is collapsing. If she could just lose the 'baby weight' maybe Josh would look at her the way he used to.
When Mezz, Jewels, Ellie and Kat meet in an online weight-loss forum, a common goal accelerates their friendship. As the kilos start to disappear but their problems don't, they begin to realise that weight-loss might not be the key to happiness, but that supporting and believing in the ones you love, and yourself, just might be.
My Thoughts /
3.5 rounded to 4 stars
My thoughts on this book reminded me of the ladies and their struggle with the ups and downs of weight loss – they were also like a rollercoaster ride.
I must applaud Lisa Ireland for tackling a topic like obesity and putting it fairly and squarely in the eyes of the reader.
In The Shape of Us, Ireland relates the story of four lead characters – all of whom think they are overweight and all dream of being thinner. Four overweight women, all from different walks of life, with little to nothing in common EXCEPT their desire to lose weight and regain their happiness. Although the girls all share the same wish - to be slimmer – their reasons for that couldn’t be more different. Or are they? But more to the point – can you equate being thin with happiness?
The book opens with excerpts of messages posted to a message board in an on-line forum, called WON (Weight Off Now). In the forum Users: Ellie Phant, Kitty Kat and Mezz – all ‘Newbies’ are posting messages about starting the program, and Princess Jewels, who’s an ‘Old Hand’ is encouraging the Newbies on their weight loss journey.
But they were four very different individuals, without very much in common. What if the only thing binding them together was their fat? With every kilo that slipped away from their collective bodies, it seemed the bond between the four of them became a little looser. Maybe Ellie, Mezz and Kat were friends for a purpose and not friends for life?
The bookcover blurb hints that the story is more than just dieting and weight loss and indeed it is, it’s just slow burn to get there.
Ireland places strong focus on the impact that being overweight has on the women's confidence, relationships, and their struggles with body positivity and self-image.
"As part of my research I talked to lots of people - mainly women - about dieting, weight loss and body image," Ireland said. "The thing that struck me the most was that people who had given up on the idea of losing weight were generally happier and more confident than the people who were actively dieting. I read lots about body positivity and am totally convinced that this is a path worth pursuing."
It was the desire to lose weight that brought these women together, but it was the friendships they formed because of that desire that will last the test of time. A problem shared is a problem halved, and these ladies had problems, all of which they faced head on and together as a united group. Some of the sub themes Ireland included surround issues with fertility, marital problems, relationship breakdowns and terminal illness. Once we got into this space in the story it tugs at the heartstrings. I did enjoy Ireland’s evolution of the friendship between these four women. For the most part all four had varying opinions on the same topic and how they would approach a problem; but they were all in agreeance that their friendship was a safe non-judgmental space. They may not agree on views, but they all agreed on one thing – they would always be supportive of one another.
I would hope that in today’s society you can recognise that being ‘healthy’ doesn’t have to equal body size. But you’ve only have to open some social media sites to know that’s not always the case. As a mum to girls it’s always been about body acceptance not size. Look what your body can do! You’ve walked that hill! You’ve finished that marathon! Let’s focus on the things our amazing bodies can do for us and less on the wrapping they come in.
August 11, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Lisa Ireland inserted herself onto my list of favourite Australian rural romance novelists with her wonderful book, Feels Like Home. Now Lisa branches out into the growing women’s fiction or life lit genre, with The Shape of Us. This a powerful novel about the wonders of female friendship, when four complete strangers bond over weight loss, all joining the same program, WON, a weight loss forum. The results are not a tribute to the weight loss industry, but rather an unforgettable yarn of the pull of friendship. Ireland chooses to use weight as a backdrop rather than let it take over this full bodied narrative. Ireland illustrates how friendship can form through online posts, which is very relevant in today’s social media focussed world. Ireland also sensitively portrays hard hitting issues such as the immigrant experience, infertility, adultery, marriage crisis, domestic abuse, illness and sexuality. Lisa Ireland’s first venture into the field of women’s fiction is a success story. I also want Lisa Ireland to know I really appreciate her willingness to confront issues pertinent to some many women, across Australian and the world of any age or life situation. How many times do we step on those dreaded scales, or get out the tape measure and wonder how the weight managed to creep up on us? Ireland is courageous and thoughtful in her approach to addressing issues many women and men can relate to, the weight loss experience. A powerful tale of love, friendship and self belief. One not to be missed!
Lisa Ireland inserted herself onto my list of favourite Australian rural romance novelists with her wonderful book, Feels Like Home. Now Lisa branches out into the growing women’s fiction or life lit genre, with The Shape of Us. This a powerful novel about the wonders of female friendship, when four complete strangers bond over weight loss, all joining the same program, WON, a weight loss forum. The results are not a tribute to the weight loss industry, but rather an unforgettable yarn of the pull of friendship. Ireland chooses to use weight as a backdrop rather than let it take over this full bodied narrative. Ireland illustrates how friendship can form through online posts, which is very relevant in today’s social media focussed world. Ireland also sensitively portrays hard hitting issues such as the immigrant experience, infertility, adultery, marriage crisis, domestic abuse, illness and sexuality. Lisa Ireland’s first venture into the field of women’s fiction is a success story. I also want Lisa Ireland to know I really appreciate her willingness to confront issues pertinent to some many women, across Australian and the world of any age or life situation. How many times do we step on those dreaded scales, or get out the tape measure and wonder how the weight managed to creep up on us? Ireland is courageous and thoughtful in her approach to addressing issues many women and men can relate to, the weight loss experience. A powerful tale of love, friendship and self belief. One not to be missed!
July 20, 2017
Why am I only writing this review now? I finished this book some months ago now, and it has remained with me ... which is always the sign of a great read. The Shape of us is a novel about one of my favourite things ... relationships. Relationships with partners, friends, and most importantly, the relationship we, as women, have with our bodies. This is an important book, and one everyone should read. Highly recommend with five well-deserved stars.
August 9, 2022
This book has been sitting on my kindle waiting to be read for such a long time and I am kicking myself for not reading it sooner, it is a beautiful story about friendship, about finding yourself, coming to terms about your body shape and it is heartbreaking as well so make sure that you have a box of tissues ready because you will need them but it is also a heartwarming story, this is one to read, come along and meet Jewels, Mezzz, Ellie and Kat.
These four woman all from different backgrounds, meet on an online weight loss forum, they all have their own reasons for wanting to lose weight.
Jewels comes from a big Italian family, she is happily married to Matt and runs a successful business selling cupcakes and cannoli, yum but she is desperate to have a baby and losing weight might just be the way to help.
Mezz, is a Doctor in a country town, she is married to Sean and they have three boys but life isn’t going the way she hoped it would she feels like a bad mother and with all of the weight she has put on feels she is lacking in the wife department as well, she is hoping to lose some weight and feel healthier and more attractive to Sean.
Ellie has moved from London to Canberra to be with the woman she loves and everything looks to be fabulous except Ellie is lonely her partner Jenn has a high profile job and is jet setting here there and everywhere and Ellie feels that her weight is not helping.
Kat came to Australia from Bosnia as a young teenager with her mother as refugee’s, these days she is living in a small coastal town with her partner Josh and their baby Amira but when things go pear shaped with Josh Kat becomes a single mother and is more determined than ever to lose the excess kilos gained while pregnant.
Some are doing well losing weight some not and they decide to start their own private blog here they will have the odd difference of opinion as they all have different personalities there are some clashes, but you can see their friendship growing stronger. Their personal lives are starting to implode here and there but they gain strength from each other.
This is a beautifully written story that takes a lot into account that woman worry about every day in their lives and it is done so well with lots of emotion, I loved getting to know these woman and see them find themselves and to see them show such support at the end the tears came in bucket loads, but I loved this story so much, it is one that I highly recommend.
These four woman all from different backgrounds, meet on an online weight loss forum, they all have their own reasons for wanting to lose weight.
Jewels comes from a big Italian family, she is happily married to Matt and runs a successful business selling cupcakes and cannoli, yum but she is desperate to have a baby and losing weight might just be the way to help.
Mezz, is a Doctor in a country town, she is married to Sean and they have three boys but life isn’t going the way she hoped it would she feels like a bad mother and with all of the weight she has put on feels she is lacking in the wife department as well, she is hoping to lose some weight and feel healthier and more attractive to Sean.
Ellie has moved from London to Canberra to be with the woman she loves and everything looks to be fabulous except Ellie is lonely her partner Jenn has a high profile job and is jet setting here there and everywhere and Ellie feels that her weight is not helping.
Kat came to Australia from Bosnia as a young teenager with her mother as refugee’s, these days she is living in a small coastal town with her partner Josh and their baby Amira but when things go pear shaped with Josh Kat becomes a single mother and is more determined than ever to lose the excess kilos gained while pregnant.
Some are doing well losing weight some not and they decide to start their own private blog here they will have the odd difference of opinion as they all have different personalities there are some clashes, but you can see their friendship growing stronger. Their personal lives are starting to implode here and there but they gain strength from each other.
This is a beautifully written story that takes a lot into account that woman worry about every day in their lives and it is done so well with lots of emotion, I loved getting to know these woman and see them find themselves and to see them show such support at the end the tears came in bucket loads, but I loved this story so much, it is one that I highly recommend.
September 17, 2018
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**4.5 stars**
The Shape of Us by Lisa Ireland. (2017).
Four women meet online in a weight loss forum. Mezz; overweight, overworked and convinced her husband will stray. Jewels; fat, fabulous and craves a baby. Ellie; lonely but her Facebook life looks perfect to her London friends and she makes sure there's no photos of her body. Kat; thinks if she loses her baby weight then her little girl's dad will stick around. The four learn that losing weight might not be the key to happiness they think it is but believing in yourself and your loved ones might be.
I quite enjoyed this book. This is a heartfelt story of four women bonding over weight issues which leads to the kind of friendship and love that we all need in our lives.
The book starts off light hearted and touching and then it got quite full on and deep with an emotional turn to the story. I wasn't expecting the change in tone which ended with me emotional and in tears a few times; proof of a talented author! Those readers that have ever wanted/needed to lose a significant (or even small) amount of weight for any reason will probably find themselves relating to the characters very easily with the ladies feeling very 'real'. If you think this book is about four women that lose weight and lead happy lives because of it, you would be wrong. This book focuses on relationships (with yourself, your partner, your friends, your loved ones) and I'm sure will really hit home for a lot of readers. Not one to miss!
**4.5 stars**
The Shape of Us by Lisa Ireland. (2017).
Four women meet online in a weight loss forum. Mezz; overweight, overworked and convinced her husband will stray. Jewels; fat, fabulous and craves a baby. Ellie; lonely but her Facebook life looks perfect to her London friends and she makes sure there's no photos of her body. Kat; thinks if she loses her baby weight then her little girl's dad will stick around. The four learn that losing weight might not be the key to happiness they think it is but believing in yourself and your loved ones might be.
I quite enjoyed this book. This is a heartfelt story of four women bonding over weight issues which leads to the kind of friendship and love that we all need in our lives.
The book starts off light hearted and touching and then it got quite full on and deep with an emotional turn to the story. I wasn't expecting the change in tone which ended with me emotional and in tears a few times; proof of a talented author! Those readers that have ever wanted/needed to lose a significant (or even small) amount of weight for any reason will probably find themselves relating to the characters very easily with the ladies feeling very 'real'. If you think this book is about four women that lose weight and lead happy lives because of it, you would be wrong. This book focuses on relationships (with yourself, your partner, your friends, your loved ones) and I'm sure will really hit home for a lot of readers. Not one to miss!
November 16, 2020
4.5*
Four Australian women - Mezz (Meredith), Jewels (Giulia), Ellie and Kat (Katya) each join an online lifestyle program for the purpose of losing weight. Each woman is seriously overweight and has found that their weight (or their associated self-image issues) is impacting on important areas of their busy lives. And yet, this is not a book about weight loss, but about female solidarity and the experience of many women in the modern world.
The women start messaging each other in the online forum, and strong bonds of friendship and support are formed. In this "safe space" away from their private lives, the women share their common and varied challenges - issues with partners, careers, children (or lack of children), wider family and community. Not unexpectedly, each is also engaged in a personal battle around self-image, self-worth and personal fulfilment.
As the women achieve varying degrees of success from the online program, their friendship strengthens and they agree to meet up in person. Several momentous personal crises crop up and the women come together, despite their surface differences, in the process proving the importance of belonging, friendship and having reliable support networks.
Having once participated in one of the better-known Australian online lifestyle programs, I can attest that Lisa Ireland's portrayal of this environment is frighteningly (although often also hilariously) accurate. Her insight into the pressures on modern women, especially those who don't conform to the slim ideal, is impressive and struck many chords for me as a reader. I genuinely cared for these fictional characters and empathised with many of the struggles they face. Each of the central four characters is multi-dimensional and well-developed, with each showing considerable personal development over the course of the novel. I felt that their backstories, and the supporting characters, were also quite realistic and sensitively portrayed.
The Shape of Us is quality writing, a step up from what I would normally expect from a novel fitting the "chick lit" genre to be. It was simultaneously entertaining and thought-provoking, raising some important issues about the way women/mothers/wives are perceived and perceive themselves in modern Australia. Readers, be warned that this book is a tear-jerker in parts and, if you identify with one or more of the characters as much as I did, you may end up feeling a little like a wrung-out sponge at times!
Highly recommended.
Four Australian women - Mezz (Meredith), Jewels (Giulia), Ellie and Kat (Katya) each join an online lifestyle program for the purpose of losing weight. Each woman is seriously overweight and has found that their weight (or their associated self-image issues) is impacting on important areas of their busy lives. And yet, this is not a book about weight loss, but about female solidarity and the experience of many women in the modern world.
The women start messaging each other in the online forum, and strong bonds of friendship and support are formed. In this "safe space" away from their private lives, the women share their common and varied challenges - issues with partners, careers, children (or lack of children), wider family and community. Not unexpectedly, each is also engaged in a personal battle around self-image, self-worth and personal fulfilment.
As the women achieve varying degrees of success from the online program, their friendship strengthens and they agree to meet up in person. Several momentous personal crises crop up and the women come together, despite their surface differences, in the process proving the importance of belonging, friendship and having reliable support networks.
Having once participated in one of the better-known Australian online lifestyle programs, I can attest that Lisa Ireland's portrayal of this environment is frighteningly (although often also hilariously) accurate. Her insight into the pressures on modern women, especially those who don't conform to the slim ideal, is impressive and struck many chords for me as a reader. I genuinely cared for these fictional characters and empathised with many of the struggles they face. Each of the central four characters is multi-dimensional and well-developed, with each showing considerable personal development over the course of the novel. I felt that their backstories, and the supporting characters, were also quite realistic and sensitively portrayed.
The Shape of Us is quality writing, a step up from what I would normally expect from a novel fitting the "chick lit" genre to be. It was simultaneously entertaining and thought-provoking, raising some important issues about the way women/mothers/wives are perceived and perceive themselves in modern Australia. Readers, be warned that this book is a tear-jerker in parts and, if you identify with one or more of the characters as much as I did, you may end up feeling a little like a wrung-out sponge at times!
Highly recommended.
September 12, 2017
Beautiful. A warm and engaging read about friendships and all the forms they can take. Have your tissues ready! Loved it.
March 23, 2017
Those who’ve grappled with their weight or with body image issues will very much relate to this book, although it will (also) appeal more broadly as ultimately it’s about friendships and relationships… and their ups and downs.
I could relate to all four of our lead characters but also recognised others, including the bitchy know-all who only had 10kg (20lbs) to lose and thinks she conquered the world, to unsupportive friends and family, to those pursuing other elixirs of perfection and / or peddling miracle cures.
So, the weightloss program; the struggle to stay on it; the ditching of it; the excuses and accompanying guilt were very familiar. And very real. Not to mention the body image and confidence issues.
And I think I many women (and men I suspect) will relate to feelings of insecurity when it comes to their physical appearance and attractiveness to their partners.
While this is a bit of a #spoileralert, I think it’s useful to flag that the women take their friendship out of the weightloss program forums pretty quickly, forming their own little online group and I very much enjoyed the way Ireland offered up the different media – moving from third person narratives to first person blog / online posts, giving us more insight into their thinking.
So, as the backcover blurb indicates, this novel is about far more than weight and weightloss.
I suspect Ireland was tempted by the happily-ever-after here and she ‘almost’ goes there. The conclusion was tied a bit too neatly for me, but… I also think I would have struggled with the lack of closure otherwise. Thankfully she doesn’t give everyone everything they wanted. And, I should warn you, tears will be shed.
Read the full review on my blog: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
4.5 stars
I could relate to all four of our lead characters but also recognised others, including the bitchy know-all who only had 10kg (20lbs) to lose and thinks she conquered the world, to unsupportive friends and family, to those pursuing other elixirs of perfection and / or peddling miracle cures.
So, the weightloss program; the struggle to stay on it; the ditching of it; the excuses and accompanying guilt were very familiar. And very real. Not to mention the body image and confidence issues.
And I think I many women (and men I suspect) will relate to feelings of insecurity when it comes to their physical appearance and attractiveness to their partners.
While this is a bit of a #spoileralert, I think it’s useful to flag that the women take their friendship out of the weightloss program forums pretty quickly, forming their own little online group and I very much enjoyed the way Ireland offered up the different media – moving from third person narratives to first person blog / online posts, giving us more insight into their thinking.
So, as the backcover blurb indicates, this novel is about far more than weight and weightloss.
I suspect Ireland was tempted by the happily-ever-after here and she ‘almost’ goes there. The conclusion was tied a bit too neatly for me, but… I also think I would have struggled with the lack of closure otherwise. Thankfully she doesn’t give everyone everything they wanted. And, I should warn you, tears will be shed.
Read the full review on my blog: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
4.5 stars
March 28, 2017
This novel is a brilliant example of Women's Fiction (or life-lit). I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end, why? because I could relate to it so much. The four ladies in the book meet online in a forum with one common interest - they all want to lose weight. The support network that evolves among them is amazing. Lisa went to great lengths to make each character totally believable. There are happy and sad stories within but its an excellent example of how women support each other through thick and thin even though they were total strangers in the beginning. Please Lisa let this be the start of many women's fiction books that you intend to write. Do yourself a favour and read this book - you will not be disappointed :)
August 31, 2017
I don't think there are words to adequately express how much I loved this book.
Kat, Ellie, Mezz and Jewels all have a reason to lose weight. They join an Internet forum to do so, and as a result a friendship is born between these four very different women.
I think one of the things I loved the most about "The Shape of Us" is that it's so relatable. I have a group of three amazing friends I met online at an Internet forum. It's an incredible feeling to meet such kindred spirits that it fails to matter how you came into each other's lives.
The four women Lisa Ireland has created are all so unique and credible and real. They aren't just names on a page, they are real people to me. I can actually envision them sitting at their computer screens, pouring their hearts out.
It's an incredible story of friendship, and shows exactly how amazing the Internet can be. One of my standout reads from 2017, and one I am shouting to my friends to read.
Kat, Ellie, Mezz and Jewels all have a reason to lose weight. They join an Internet forum to do so, and as a result a friendship is born between these four very different women.
I think one of the things I loved the most about "The Shape of Us" is that it's so relatable. I have a group of three amazing friends I met online at an Internet forum. It's an incredible feeling to meet such kindred spirits that it fails to matter how you came into each other's lives.
The four women Lisa Ireland has created are all so unique and credible and real. They aren't just names on a page, they are real people to me. I can actually envision them sitting at their computer screens, pouring their hearts out.
It's an incredible story of friendship, and shows exactly how amazing the Internet can be. One of my standout reads from 2017, and one I am shouting to my friends to read.
April 16, 2017
Lisa Ireland is a top-notch Aussie author for me, as I’ve loved her rural romances. The Shape of Us marks her first foray into women’s fiction (a term I do not like, but seems to be recognised globally – can’t we say general fiction?) with the story of four women, all quite different, but with one common goal to lose weight. It’s a topic that nearly any woman will recognise and empathise with – the need to lose that few kilos or more (especially as I’m writing this over Easter where chocolate is practically on tap). But don’t dismiss this book as The Biggest Loser in story form, it’s a strong exploration into friendships and the willingness to go the extra mile for those you love. Plus, the ending is incredibly powerful.
The Shape of Us begins as a new round of the W.O.N. (Weight Off Now!) forum swings into action. Four women introduce themselves – Ellie, Mezz, Kat and Jewels. Jewels is known to the W.O.N. community as snide Shelley (moderator, weight loser extraordinaire and all round smug snob) reminds us, having failed previously. But this time will be different as Jewels desperately wants a baby and weight loss may help her conceive. Ellie moved from England to Canberra for love. Now she rarely sees her partner, is stuck in a job she could do in her sleep and turns to food for comfort. Mezz is the eternal outside in a country town – the GP of no one’s choice and barely sees her kids, who have a few problems. Kat has had a baby, the incredibly cute Ami and she’s worried that Josh is about to stray because of her weight.
The women bond over the forum and eventually decide to leave W.O.N. and Shelley for a secret blog. It becomes much more than weight loss as they share their problems and fears. When they all meet in person, their bond grows stronger than ever. But it will be tested as the women try to lose weight in different, sometimes extreme ways but even more as unexpected events occur.
Lisa Ireland has written a book that explores women’s friendships, warts and all. I loved the outspoken Jewels, who calls a spade a spade (yet won’t always take that kind of directness from others). Ellie was the quiet achiever who really grew on me as a character. She’s calm, kind and has a degree of acceptance that most of us could only hope to achieve. Mezz is harried, busy and unhappy - it’s not until she reluctantly takes a hard look at herself that she can see where the cracks are. Yet she’s utterly determined to do the right thing for her friends. Kat is the youngest, sweet and hiding a tumultuous past. Yet she is the wisest of the bunch! The main characters are drawn beautifully, with memorable quirks and traits that will leave them whole in your head long after the book is finished.
I also liked that The Shape of Us didn’t have any quick fixes for weight loss and that the women didn’t instantly become size 6 supermodels. It explores many methods of weight loss; some sensible, some with absolutely no evidence (aka hokey). I liked how the weight loss theme continued through the story but became more of a background feature as the women opened up more to each other. I really didn’t expect the event towards the end that changed the lighter tone of the book – it was heartbreaking! It was powerfully and sensitively written and reaffirmed that Lisa Ireland is one of my favourite Aussie writers.
Thank you to Pan Macmillan for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
The Shape of Us begins as a new round of the W.O.N. (Weight Off Now!) forum swings into action. Four women introduce themselves – Ellie, Mezz, Kat and Jewels. Jewels is known to the W.O.N. community as snide Shelley (moderator, weight loser extraordinaire and all round smug snob) reminds us, having failed previously. But this time will be different as Jewels desperately wants a baby and weight loss may help her conceive. Ellie moved from England to Canberra for love. Now she rarely sees her partner, is stuck in a job she could do in her sleep and turns to food for comfort. Mezz is the eternal outside in a country town – the GP of no one’s choice and barely sees her kids, who have a few problems. Kat has had a baby, the incredibly cute Ami and she’s worried that Josh is about to stray because of her weight.
The women bond over the forum and eventually decide to leave W.O.N. and Shelley for a secret blog. It becomes much more than weight loss as they share their problems and fears. When they all meet in person, their bond grows stronger than ever. But it will be tested as the women try to lose weight in different, sometimes extreme ways but even more as unexpected events occur.
Lisa Ireland has written a book that explores women’s friendships, warts and all. I loved the outspoken Jewels, who calls a spade a spade (yet won’t always take that kind of directness from others). Ellie was the quiet achiever who really grew on me as a character. She’s calm, kind and has a degree of acceptance that most of us could only hope to achieve. Mezz is harried, busy and unhappy - it’s not until she reluctantly takes a hard look at herself that she can see where the cracks are. Yet she’s utterly determined to do the right thing for her friends. Kat is the youngest, sweet and hiding a tumultuous past. Yet she is the wisest of the bunch! The main characters are drawn beautifully, with memorable quirks and traits that will leave them whole in your head long after the book is finished.
I also liked that The Shape of Us didn’t have any quick fixes for weight loss and that the women didn’t instantly become size 6 supermodels. It explores many methods of weight loss; some sensible, some with absolutely no evidence (aka hokey). I liked how the weight loss theme continued through the story but became more of a background feature as the women opened up more to each other. I really didn’t expect the event towards the end that changed the lighter tone of the book – it was heartbreaking! It was powerfully and sensitively written and reaffirmed that Lisa Ireland is one of my favourite Aussie writers.
Thank you to Pan Macmillan for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
April 8, 2017
Four overweight women make friends via an online weight loss forum, come together to meet each other in person, develop strong bonds that help them through some of the toughest of times, and discover weight is a very personal problem to overcome (or come to terms with). This is the story of Mezz, Jewels, Ellie and Kat who all think that if they can just lose a few kilos, life will change for them in astonishing ways.
A story about female friendships, Ms Ireland has given us a strong story and interesting characters. I especially enjoyed the little introspective thoughts they had, which made them more relatable and real.
I was a little disappointed that the last quarter of the story dissolved into an old and overused plot device - I would have liked to see the author use something other than . However, it is well written, with all four of the main characters reacting differently to what could only be a difficult time for all of them.
4.5 stars, but nudged up to 5.
A story about female friendships, Ms Ireland has given us a strong story and interesting characters. I especially enjoyed the little introspective thoughts they had, which made them more relatable and real.
I was a little disappointed that the last quarter of the story dissolved into an old and overused plot device - I would have liked to see the author use something other than . However, it is well written, with all four of the main characters reacting differently to what could only be a difficult time for all of them.
4.5 stars, but nudged up to 5.
March 12, 2017
Thoughts:
- When I started this book I was worried it would be like so many books that have come before it, where the characters lose weight and their lives miraculously improve. I need not have worried. This book was beautiful.
- It ticked a lot of boxes in regards to diversity, and managed to avoid stereotypes.
- A brilliant commentary on body image, fad diets, and the pressure to be thin.
- We get the perspective of each of these characters, and some of the inner dialogue was so real, it was actually difficult to read. (Self-loathing, sense of failure, self-worth and success measured by kilos lost or gained, etc.)
- Also portrays the incredible power of friendship.
- Would recommend this to anyone who has ever struggled with body image, or felt like they don't measure up.
- When I started this book I was worried it would be like so many books that have come before it, where the characters lose weight and their lives miraculously improve. I need not have worried. This book was beautiful.
- It ticked a lot of boxes in regards to diversity, and managed to avoid stereotypes.
- A brilliant commentary on body image, fad diets, and the pressure to be thin.
- We get the perspective of each of these characters, and some of the inner dialogue was so real, it was actually difficult to read. (Self-loathing, sense of failure, self-worth and success measured by kilos lost or gained, etc.)
- Also portrays the incredible power of friendship.
- Would recommend this to anyone who has ever struggled with body image, or felt like they don't measure up.
May 27, 2017
A beautiful novel that celebrates the power of female friendship and finding your own tribe and family. Lisa Ireland has created four amazing characters who are drawn together because of their desire to lose weight and doesn't flinch away from depicting the realities and tensions in a true friendship. This book made me laugh and cry, and it inspired me both as a woman and as a writer. We need more stories that celebrate the reality of women's lives with such heartfelt honesty.
December 9, 2018
A heartfelt book with real, relatable characters. I would have read this in one sitting if I didn't have to sleep!
May 22, 2017
This book tells the story of a group of four women who meet on an online weight loss group and become friends. The book starts strongly - the writing is easy and pleasant and the book acknowledges that there are different types of loneliness. I also liked that it recognises that weight loss is a complex issue and there is no one answer that is right for everybody.
However, the book could have easily lost 100 pages without anyone noticing and it does get quite silly towards the end. It's like the author felt she had to reference every single women's fiction trope in the same book and boy, they're certainly all there. It was a bit much! I was skimming by the time I got to the last 50 pages. I did still finish it, though, so there is that.
Three stars.
However, the book could have easily lost 100 pages without anyone noticing and it does get quite silly towards the end. It's like the author felt she had to reference every single women's fiction trope in the same book and boy, they're certainly all there. It was a bit much! I was skimming by the time I got to the last 50 pages. I did still finish it, though, so there is that.
Three stars.
April 23, 2017
I can't imagine where one would start to write a novel like this, with four voices, four stories, a myriad of relationship issues, personal struggles, family situations - and one common thread holding everything together. But wow - Lisa Ireland has nailed it! There is so much in this story but it's written in such a friendly, easy style that we are carried along quite effortlessly. These women are all of us - or at least bits of us and this makes them feel like real people. A lovely story. I really enjoyed it.
July 28, 2017
This book hit home, mainly because I met my best friend on a WL forum over a decade ago. As well as a heap of other friends that I remain in regular contact with.
I was in a flood of tears by the end, having endured a similar experience that the characters went through.
A fantastic read for anyone who has ever signed up for a program, whether you finished it or not, if you've ventured on to forums and mostly if you have friends still you made from them.
A brilliant book.
I was in a flood of tears by the end, having endured a similar experience that the characters went through.
A fantastic read for anyone who has ever signed up for a program, whether you finished it or not, if you've ventured on to forums and mostly if you have friends still you made from them.
A brilliant book.
June 11, 2017
A brave journey with a very delicate subject. One many will avoid openly discussing. This book made me think and challenged my view of the battle many women face when it comes to body image. Diverse characters facing the same challenge and choosing totally different paths. Insightful, compelling and brave.
April 22, 2017
It’s hard to know where to start with this amazing book. I’ve read Lisa Ireland before, she’s an author of several rural romance novels but this is a step into the women’s fiction or “life lit” genre that has become one of my absolute faves to read. It’s the story of four women who have little in common other than joining a weigh loss initiative (called WON or Weight Off Now!) and coming together in the section on the forum for those who have 30+ kg to lose. After a condescending couple of posts from a WON-veteran who is at her “goal weight” after losing far less than any of the four women have to lose, they take their burgeoning friendship off the official forums to a private blog where they can talk freely.
The way in which these four women develop a friendship really spoke to me. I have been an internet addict since around 1998, when we first got dial up (oh the days) in my parent’s house. Over the years I have made so many great friends online – some of whom I’ve been friends with for over a decade and a half and we’ve still never met physically. Others I’ve met in person as well and catch up with or hang out with on a regular basis. I enjoyed the way several of the women didn’t really intend to “get personal” with the others but the blog becomes an outlet for them to spill out things from their personal lives which they perhaps cannot share with anyone else. Mezz has insecurities about her fit husband straying with one of the Lycra-clad “Pony-tails” at school drop off, Jewels has insecurity issues against her seemingly perfect sister, Ellie finds herself alone in a country not her own with a partner she may never be able to truly be a family with and Kat just wants to give her beautiful daughter the dream childhood she never had after the Bosnian war, with a home of her own. All of their lives kind of start to come apart in different ways even as the women are knitting together this strong, honest friendship which isn’t without its imperfections as they all try different things in order to lose those kilos.
I’ve read books tackling weight loss issues before and so many of them involve characters finding the “magic” combination that works for them but this book serves up some grim realities when it comes to the statistics for losing weight and keeping it off. I felt that each of them had reasons for wanting to lose weight that revolved around another person – Mezz wanted to feel as though her husband would find her attractive again, having no idea that it wasn’t her size that was keeping him distant from her, Jewels has been told to lose weight in order to get pregnant so it’s her desire for a child that fuels her but her love of baking makes it quite difficult for her to even get started, Kat wants to keep her boyfriend and Ellie likewise is determined to look better for her fit other half. What I enjoyed was the realism that sees them struggle, fail, backslide, try radical things etc. It felt genuine, including the usage of one of those fad shakes/cleanse things where you consume only a certain brand of liquids and it can only be bought through a consultant that feels almost like some sort of cult. What the underlying message is for these women is that they need to come to terms with themselves, the problems in their lives and ‘love the skin they’re in’ before they will ever be happy. Losing weight isn’t going to magically make the other problems they have go away. Mezz will still feel as though people look sideways at her and ask what her husband sees in her, Jewels will still feel as though her sister steals the spotlight….unless they have that self confidence to stand in their own spotlight.
I was forewarned about the darker turn the book takes in the final quarter or so as it’s a topic I often struggle with but I felt as though it was very well handled and really did help to not only cement the way in which the women had built this friendship but also explore the different ways in which they dealt with such a serious topic. It was really heartbreaking and it’s something that I think about a lot, it’s probably my greatest fear. I had a lot of admiration for the character it concerned – actually she was probably my favourite of the four although I loved them all to be honest.
This is a superbly written, very powerful book that I think will find a home on many people’s favourites shelf. I know it definitely has on mine. It’s the sort of book where I’m still thinking about the characters days later, mulling things over in my head and reflecting on different parts of the story. Definitely one that will stick with me.
The way in which these four women develop a friendship really spoke to me. I have been an internet addict since around 1998, when we first got dial up (oh the days) in my parent’s house. Over the years I have made so many great friends online – some of whom I’ve been friends with for over a decade and a half and we’ve still never met physically. Others I’ve met in person as well and catch up with or hang out with on a regular basis. I enjoyed the way several of the women didn’t really intend to “get personal” with the others but the blog becomes an outlet for them to spill out things from their personal lives which they perhaps cannot share with anyone else. Mezz has insecurities about her fit husband straying with one of the Lycra-clad “Pony-tails” at school drop off, Jewels has insecurity issues against her seemingly perfect sister, Ellie finds herself alone in a country not her own with a partner she may never be able to truly be a family with and Kat just wants to give her beautiful daughter the dream childhood she never had after the Bosnian war, with a home of her own. All of their lives kind of start to come apart in different ways even as the women are knitting together this strong, honest friendship which isn’t without its imperfections as they all try different things in order to lose those kilos.
I’ve read books tackling weight loss issues before and so many of them involve characters finding the “magic” combination that works for them but this book serves up some grim realities when it comes to the statistics for losing weight and keeping it off. I felt that each of them had reasons for wanting to lose weight that revolved around another person – Mezz wanted to feel as though her husband would find her attractive again, having no idea that it wasn’t her size that was keeping him distant from her, Jewels has been told to lose weight in order to get pregnant so it’s her desire for a child that fuels her but her love of baking makes it quite difficult for her to even get started, Kat wants to keep her boyfriend and Ellie likewise is determined to look better for her fit other half. What I enjoyed was the realism that sees them struggle, fail, backslide, try radical things etc. It felt genuine, including the usage of one of those fad shakes/cleanse things where you consume only a certain brand of liquids and it can only be bought through a consultant that feels almost like some sort of cult. What the underlying message is for these women is that they need to come to terms with themselves, the problems in their lives and ‘love the skin they’re in’ before they will ever be happy. Losing weight isn’t going to magically make the other problems they have go away. Mezz will still feel as though people look sideways at her and ask what her husband sees in her, Jewels will still feel as though her sister steals the spotlight….unless they have that self confidence to stand in their own spotlight.
I was forewarned about the darker turn the book takes in the final quarter or so as it’s a topic I often struggle with but I felt as though it was very well handled and really did help to not only cement the way in which the women had built this friendship but also explore the different ways in which they dealt with such a serious topic. It was really heartbreaking and it’s something that I think about a lot, it’s probably my greatest fear. I had a lot of admiration for the character it concerned – actually she was probably my favourite of the four although I loved them all to be honest.
This is a superbly written, very powerful book that I think will find a home on many people’s favourites shelf. I know it definitely has on mine. It’s the sort of book where I’m still thinking about the characters days later, mulling things over in my head and reflecting on different parts of the story. Definitely one that will stick with me.
November 21, 2017
This book is, on the surface, a book about four women (Jewels, Mezz, Ellie and Kat) who have joined a weight loss program (WON). Look a little deeper and it's about much more than that. The program includes a compulsory online forum where participation (including weight check-in) is expected. The forum brings together the four women, each carefully sharing information and guarding their emotions. Soon a connection grows, and there is a casual diary like quality to the messages these four women send to each other that draws the reader in. After a nasty interaction with another user in the forum, the four women decide to split from the official message board and begin their own messaging group.
From this point, the focus of the novel shifts to the friendship being forged between these women rather than on the weight loss they are trying to achieve. We come to know each of the women, and their particular circumstance and history that has eventually led them to WON. The bond of friendship between the women is sealed when they all spend a weekend away together at Jewel’s family beach house, blissfully unaware of the tragedy about to unfold that will test them all.
This story is beautifully readable, delicate and hard hitting, honest in its portrayal of the complex thoughts surrounding weight, not only how women think about themselves but also how they see themselves in the wider world. And while vulnerabilities are exposed, at times excruciatingly, these are balanced with strengths that are perhaps, undervalued and unrecognised in daily life.
This is a wonderful read, a perfect gift, excellent for book club as it will provoke robust discussion.
Melissa Sargent
LOVEthatBOOK
www.melissa-sargent.com
April 6, 2017
Lisa had me from the first page, where women where logging in to a weight loss forum and introducing themselves. Following their journey reminded me of one that I wish to be on - a path to healthy habits!
This is the story of 4 very different women who meet in a forum, develop a chat room friendship and eventually a bond that can't be broken. What begins as a place to talk about weight loss becomes so much more, especially when they all come together for a weekend in St Leonards. These bonds are tested over time and it is how they help each other get through to the other side that really reminds you that the bonds of friendship can be unbreakable, if you find the right friends.
The book is well written and is a story that we can all relate to - worries about weight, about our selves and about our family (whatever form that might take). It is easy to read and if you are anything like me, will be sucked in to the dramas pretty quick. When you get to the end of the chapter you just need to read another one, to see what happened.
These ladies create for themselves a family, a sisterhood that needs to withstand the ultimate test. There is not much more I can say but, be prepared to have the tissues handy.
I LOVE having such a wide range of talented local authors in Geelong. What I love more is watching their writing develop as they tackle new stories and even new genres. Lisa has made a wonderful transition from Romance to Fiction. I can't wait to see what she takes on next!
This is the story of 4 very different women who meet in a forum, develop a chat room friendship and eventually a bond that can't be broken. What begins as a place to talk about weight loss becomes so much more, especially when they all come together for a weekend in St Leonards. These bonds are tested over time and it is how they help each other get through to the other side that really reminds you that the bonds of friendship can be unbreakable, if you find the right friends.
The book is well written and is a story that we can all relate to - worries about weight, about our selves and about our family (whatever form that might take). It is easy to read and if you are anything like me, will be sucked in to the dramas pretty quick. When you get to the end of the chapter you just need to read another one, to see what happened.
These ladies create for themselves a family, a sisterhood that needs to withstand the ultimate test. There is not much more I can say but, be prepared to have the tissues handy.
I LOVE having such a wide range of talented local authors in Geelong. What I love more is watching their writing develop as they tackle new stories and even new genres. Lisa has made a wonderful transition from Romance to Fiction. I can't wait to see what she takes on next!
April 19, 2017
I enjoyed The Shape of Us for many reasons. Although I have struggled with my weight (and body image) my whole adult life, I would not be seen as obese by any means but at the upper level of normal bordering on overweight. Problem is simple. Love food, hate exercise. Not a good combo! I try and eat as healthy as I can so I can cheat and I try and do some exercise but I certainly don’t love it! I was able to relate, even in a small way, with each of the women characters. Their families, partners, jobs, struggles with life, and not just weight but also the deeper issues that have lead to them being the weight they are and what lead them to join an online weight loss community called WON. It even has one of those annoying, bossy (bully!), bitchy, “I am so superior” contributors that is eventually put in her place.
Heartwarming, funny, real, relatable and hard to put down. Safe to say, Lisa Ireland has a new fan and follower thanks to the opportunity of being able to read this, enjoy it and share my experience with other readers.
Heartwarming, funny, real, relatable and hard to put down. Safe to say, Lisa Ireland has a new fan and follower thanks to the opportunity of being able to read this, enjoy it and share my experience with other readers.
July 23, 2017
A emotional and moving book. Mezz, Kat, Ellie and Jewels meet through an online health and fitness program. As time goes on the four women meet in person and develop strong friendships including time spent together at a relaxing beach house. Lisa Ireland explores a range of issues through the lives of these women including career vs family, relationship values and common path or lack of this, fertility, family relationships, refugee history and of course health and fitness options. The book is really relevant with all the online fitness programs available and something that a lot of people are involved in at this current time. Later in the book there is a major development for one of the women and we see the impact on the friendships and how they support each other. Lisa Irelands writes with reality in mind with different personalities and clashes being explored. The Epilogue ties all the story-lines together really well. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
April 17, 2017
A most enjoyable read. I enjoyed the transition from a tenuous online connection, to the solid real life friendship formed by the 4 lead characters. A woman's size and weight struggles are often the least interesting thing about them - and in this book, that's exactly what we discover. That said, I think the author did a good job exploring the internal dialogue that many of us struggle with around food and weight. However, dieting struggles pale into the background as the book goes on, and I became far more interested in their other stories.
I try to only read at night, because I have "stuff to do"....but I ended up spending a couple of lovely afternoons reading as well....because I couldn't wait until bedtime. That's a sign of worthwhile read for me, if ever there was one!
I try to only read at night, because I have "stuff to do"....but I ended up spending a couple of lovely afternoons reading as well....because I couldn't wait until bedtime. That's a sign of worthwhile read for me, if ever there was one!
May 6, 2017
beautiful
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews