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Eat Cake. Be Brave.
From the star of USA reality show The Radkes and creator of the viral "Red Ribbon Week" video, this is a hilarious and inspiring story of finding self-confidence in a world of naysayers.
My name is Melissa Radke, and there is a very real chance you have no idea who I am or why I wrote a book. But admit it, you're curious!
Even though millions of people seem to like watching my videos and The Radkes TV show bemoaning the trials of parenting, marriage, French braiding, faith, and living life as an anti-aging female, you may still be wondering who let me write a book. I mean, books are written by people who say things like, "I was having a root canal and I literally died in the chair. I saw heaven. Also, when I came back to earth I could speak Mandarin." Yeah, that didn't happen to me.
I wrote this book because when I turned 41 I made the decision to live brave, bolder, and freer. I thought our lives were supposed to change when we turned 40. But mine changed when I turned 41 and I set out to prove that it wasn't too late for me. And maybe, just maybe, reading about my journey to find my sense of self-worth will help you rightfully believe in yours. This book is about how all the years of my life led up to the one that changed it.
So, cut a big slice and raise a fork...
Here's to bravery.
Here's to courage.
Here's to cake.
(And not the crappy kind, like carrot.)
My name is Melissa Radke, and there is a very real chance you have no idea who I am or why I wrote a book. But admit it, you're curious!
Even though millions of people seem to like watching my videos and The Radkes TV show bemoaning the trials of parenting, marriage, French braiding, faith, and living life as an anti-aging female, you may still be wondering who let me write a book. I mean, books are written by people who say things like, "I was having a root canal and I literally died in the chair. I saw heaven. Also, when I came back to earth I could speak Mandarin." Yeah, that didn't happen to me.
I wrote this book because when I turned 41 I made the decision to live brave, bolder, and freer. I thought our lives were supposed to change when we turned 40. But mine changed when I turned 41 and I set out to prove that it wasn't too late for me. And maybe, just maybe, reading about my journey to find my sense of self-worth will help you rightfully believe in yours. This book is about how all the years of my life led up to the one that changed it.
So, cut a big slice and raise a fork...
Here's to bravery.
Here's to courage.
Here's to cake.
(And not the crappy kind, like carrot.)
320 pages, Hardcover
First published July 17, 2018
207 people are currently reading
2260 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Radke
4 books160 followersMELISSA RADKE IS AN AUTHOR, PUBLIC SPEAKER, PODCASTER AND TELEVISION PERSONALITY.
Melissa’s online videos have reached over 400 million people around the world with her comedy and heart.
With a love of writing about real life, parenting, and the importance of learning our identity, Melissa’s released her national bestselling book, Eat Cake. Be Brave. through Grand Central Publishing.
Melissa Radke was also the star of a family-friendly television show, The Radkes, on the USA Network. The show was an unscripted sitcom that focused on her big loud southern family and all their charm.
Melissa’s podcasts, Ordinary People. Ordinary Things. and Stream(H)er have premiered at #1 and #10 respectively in her categories and have garnered rave reviews with over 98% five-star ratings.
Melissa Radke is also the author of the wildly successful column Stretch Marks where she loves to talk about things that make grown men turn red and mutter “oh dear God” under his breath and leave the room.
Melissa has always been destined for the stage, so for the last several years she has spoken all over the United States bringing laughter and encouragement to corporate events, civic organizations, schools, and women gatherings.
Melissa’s online videos have reached over 400 million people around the world with her comedy and heart.
With a love of writing about real life, parenting, and the importance of learning our identity, Melissa’s released her national bestselling book, Eat Cake. Be Brave. through Grand Central Publishing.
Melissa Radke was also the star of a family-friendly television show, The Radkes, on the USA Network. The show was an unscripted sitcom that focused on her big loud southern family and all their charm.
Melissa’s podcasts, Ordinary People. Ordinary Things. and Stream(H)er have premiered at #1 and #10 respectively in her categories and have garnered rave reviews with over 98% five-star ratings.
Melissa Radke is also the author of the wildly successful column Stretch Marks where she loves to talk about things that make grown men turn red and mutter “oh dear God” under his breath and leave the room.
Melissa has always been destined for the stage, so for the last several years she has spoken all over the United States bringing laughter and encouragement to corporate events, civic organizations, schools, and women gatherings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
May 24, 2020
Many thanks to for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review
This book was sent to me by the publisher! If you would like to know how to get ARCs and review copies, feel free to watch my video, Advanced Reader Copies 101!
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this was so much more than a fluffy celebrity memoir. it as poignant, funny and heartbreaking. i smiled, laughed and cried. review to come
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November 7, 2024
This book was the whole enchilada. "Eat Cake Be Brave" will make you laugh, because she is a master at being painfully real. You will see yourself, whether you want to or not, in so many chapters. It will make you cringe because maybe you have been the person that she speaks of that was hurt or maybe because you were the person who has hurt others. ((hand raised)) You will cry because you will feel the pain that she went through, even if you have never experienced exactly what she is describing. So many times throughout the book, I just wanted to hop in my car and drive to Lufkin, TX and give her a big ol' hug! It will challenge you to be a better version of yourself. She doesn't pull any punches here. She is raw, real and honest about how she dealt with real-life relationship issues, rejections and, poor decisions. Through it all though, there was a plan to bring it all around to do some good. This book is part of it. So many have been helped by her sharing what God has brought her through already. The way she shares Jesus is so special. He is accessible, loving, kind, gentle and dependable. If you don't know Him...you will want to after reading about His faithfulness in this book.
November 23, 2020
Eat Cake. Be Brave. by Melissa Radke is a delightful read that will make you giggling and smile all along the way.
Seriously, I liked this book! It was sugary sweet, delightfully fun and just all around great. I had not heard of Melissa Radke before, but I did want to sink my teeth into some comedic biographies. This woman is just the kind of girl I want to read about! She's funny, she is real and has an interesting story to read about. I gotta say, she's right. I love her now! She seems like the kind of woman I'd want to be friends with.
This woman wrote a fantastic book that is all about dealing with life, insecurities, following your dreams and being comedic while doing it. She hasn't had the easiest life - things have gone wrong, and that's totally okay. But she came out on the other side of it, and managed to make light of it! She adopted two children, she's made a book, she has a great marriage and is doing her best and living her life. I dig it. I like books like this that feel real but still teach you something.
My negative for this book: There's some more stuff I wanted to read. Melissa will bring up stuff (her marriage wasn't amazing for some of it... but why?) and then never discuss it. If you're gonna bring up the dirty laundry, you kinda gotta air it. Maybe not in excessive detail, but I was actually curious how they overcame the bad hump in their relationship. How?! Why?! Give me advice girl, because you seem to have a good head on your shoulders and you write it well.
Overall, this book is a great comedic biography to pick up if you're seeking something lighter to read.
Four out of five stars.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Seriously, I liked this book! It was sugary sweet, delightfully fun and just all around great. I had not heard of Melissa Radke before, but I did want to sink my teeth into some comedic biographies. This woman is just the kind of girl I want to read about! She's funny, she is real and has an interesting story to read about. I gotta say, she's right. I love her now! She seems like the kind of woman I'd want to be friends with.
This woman wrote a fantastic book that is all about dealing with life, insecurities, following your dreams and being comedic while doing it. She hasn't had the easiest life - things have gone wrong, and that's totally okay. But she came out on the other side of it, and managed to make light of it! She adopted two children, she's made a book, she has a great marriage and is doing her best and living her life. I dig it. I like books like this that feel real but still teach you something.
My negative for this book: There's some more stuff I wanted to read. Melissa will bring up stuff (her marriage wasn't amazing for some of it... but why?) and then never discuss it. If you're gonna bring up the dirty laundry, you kinda gotta air it. Maybe not in excessive detail, but I was actually curious how they overcame the bad hump in their relationship. How?! Why?! Give me advice girl, because you seem to have a good head on your shoulders and you write it well.
Overall, this book is a great comedic biography to pick up if you're seeking something lighter to read.
Four out of five stars.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
May 12, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I didn't know of Melissa Radke, but let's be honest...I adored the title and cover. So, I dove in. Non fiction isn't usually my bedtime (truth: middle of the night) choice, unless it's a true crime book (which I do NOT recommend doing.) This book was genuine, funny, poignant and felt real. Radke has a new fan in me. I also loved that she talked about how God plays a role in her life, but it wasn't the tiniest bit preachy. This book made me think about how hard I am on myself 99% of the time, and about how we all struggle and sometimes don't realize everyone else's path/struggles. Highly recommend this one.
June 20, 2018
I’m no bookworm and yet from the preface to the end I couldn’t put this book down. Her pictures in between the chapters bring familiarity to the upcoming and previous chapters within the book. Through the words to her kids, husband, mother and other woman in her family whom she calls her chicken fried woman, and many more brings to life the kind of person Melissa is and the person many readers including myself inspire to be like......BRAVE.
June 4, 2018
Amazing! I did not expect anything less from Melissa- everything she does is incredible from her podcast “Ordinary People, Ordinary Things”, her videos, to her first book. She is so relatable, and and entertaining you will not want to put this book down. I finished it in two days, and am reading it again. She is hilarious and will have you laughing hysterically, but turn the page and her raw emotions can have you reaching for Kleenex. She really knows how to reach the reader by being real. The book has you feeling like you are sitting and talking with your best friend over, well...a big slice of cake and a glass of sweet tea! Greater things are yet to come for and from Melissa Radke!
June 4, 2018
Melissa Radke knocked it out of the ball park with her first book!!! Her story will have you laughing one minute and in tears the next as she shares her life story! Once you start, you won’t want to put it down!!!
September 19, 2018
I find it funny that the week I try and start my new diet, this is the book I pick up and read. It couldn't have been more perfect. Notice the cake in the picture above? It was from my "last hurrah" dinner the night before.
Anyway, what I found out about Melissa Radke is that she is a woman who struggles like the rest of us. Melissa has an immensely beautiful way of telling us all about it in a way that makes you feel less alone.
Brave perfection is the best way to describe Eat Cake. Be Brave. I loved it
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June 4, 2018
Find me a woman, a girl, a Mom, a wife, who doesn’t relate with something in this book and I will show you someone without a pulse. Melissa has an incredible way of sharing her life and somehow making us all think we are reading about our own experiences at some time or another. You will laugh and you will cry but mostly you breathe a sigh of relief as Melissa shows you that you are not alone in this crazy beautiful life. I had to make myself only read a few chapters a day it was so good. When you finish this book it will leave your mind racing to all the people in your life who you can’t wait to buy this for for.
June 3, 2018
INCREDIBLE! Grab a piece of cake a glass of Sweet Tea or Diet Coke amongst your dirty laundry, screaming kids and undone homework. This is worth the read. You will find yourself going, “Yup” or “ I would be her best friend”.
***Spoiler - grab some Kleenex’s and maybe even a whole cake!
***Spoiler - grab some Kleenex’s and maybe even a whole cake!
June 5, 2018
THIS BOOK Y’ALL! Seriously, love this book so much. I’m known for starting a book and putting it down within a few minutes. If I’m not sucked in, I won’t finish it. From the moment I started reading the preface all the way to the acknowledgments, I was sucked in. I couldn’t stop reading. This is a perfect summer read especially for a road trip, long flight or just around the pool. You’re not going to want to put it down.
You will laugh, you will cry, you might even do both at the same time. It’s cringe-worthy at times, suspenseful, extremely raw and encouraging. I don’t know one woman in my life that I wouldn’t recommend this book to.
You will laugh, you will cry, you might even do both at the same time. It’s cringe-worthy at times, suspenseful, extremely raw and encouraging. I don’t know one woman in my life that I wouldn’t recommend this book to.
May 31, 2018
I was very delighted with this book it was entertaining from start to end. I read it whenever I was free at work and it was perfect. Eat Cake Be Brave is a book I totally recommend to anyone who needs a light read with so much motivation.
June 11, 2022
This was the perfect memoir for my current state of mind. 🤗 The author is SO funny and her stories and way of writing had me laughing out loud so many times which my heart needed.
She always wanted to be a cheerleader and in elementary school her mom tried to convince her non-athletic daughter otherwise.
Mom: You have to jump for that.
Melissa: I know, I can do it.
Mom: I’ve never seen you get off the ground.😆And you have to do cartwheels.
Melissa: I’ve been practicing!
Mom: You broke my ottoman. 😂
She is very open and honest about her weight struggles and how people have been so very mean to her. 😔 But she has chosen to let that be her teacher and not become bitter about it. She truly is brave and the storms of life have made her stronger. I love stories of overcoming even though the struggle is so hard and real.
The last half of the book was more serious in nature. A few uses of God’s name in quotes and some parts were a little crude.
Overall thoroughly enjoyable and I wish she would write another book!!
*Bought hard copy from Book Outlet.
She always wanted to be a cheerleader and in elementary school her mom tried to convince her non-athletic daughter otherwise.
Mom: You have to jump for that.
Melissa: I know, I can do it.
Mom: I’ve never seen you get off the ground.😆And you have to do cartwheels.
Melissa: I’ve been practicing!
Mom: You broke my ottoman. 😂
She is very open and honest about her weight struggles and how people have been so very mean to her. 😔 But she has chosen to let that be her teacher and not become bitter about it. She truly is brave and the storms of life have made her stronger. I love stories of overcoming even though the struggle is so hard and real.
The last half of the book was more serious in nature. A few uses of God’s name in quotes and some parts were a little crude.
Overall thoroughly enjoyable and I wish she would write another book!!
*Bought hard copy from Book Outlet.
May 25, 2018
Melissa Radke did not disappoint in her first book, “Eat Cake. Be Brave.”. The viral sensation, known for her dislike of “Red Ribbon Week”, continues to weave her colorful, true stories and blessed me. She shares such topics as dating, trying out for cheerleader, college, marriage, infidelity, infertility, depression, adoption, family and her faith in Jesus. In true Melissa Radke form, one minute she has you laughing out loud and the next your heart aches. She reminds us that we are not what others see, or say or believe us to be, but we are a masterpiece of God’s own hand and we can and WILL be brave and live the life He created us to live. She feels like my new best friend, straight outta Texas, listen to her wisdom y’all, she loves you so.
May 24, 2018
I loved this book. I literally belly laughed in public a few times, and I shed some tears. If you need a good laugh, a little reflection, or some encouragement this is the book for you.
June 6, 2018
The first time I ever encountered Melissa Radke is when she spoke to my soul about spirit week. It was then that I knew I would follow her and watch everything of hers. There was a particular video I watch where she talks about the year she decided to be brave and not say no anymore. It spoke to me on a whole new level. I am so glad she included that story in her book. I feel that the book would have been missing something had she left it out. The thing about writing a non fiction memoir type book is that you have to be able to convey what you were feeling in that moment to your prospective audience. Melissa does an amazing job of including the reader in her story. She talks directly to the reader on more than one occasion.
The writing style was what you would expect if you have seen her videos. I read it just as if she was speaking every word to me directly. Her voice echoing in my mind. (I can't wait to hear the audiobook). Personally, on books like this I like the personal flare in the writing. If it where a traditional non-fiction where the third wall isn't broken it wouldn't have worked. She knows how to appease her prospective audience.
The feelings change with every chapter she writes. The more personal chapters about her marriage I felt as though I fell on the floor with her when I heard the phone conversation. I was with her when she returned home and then returned to Tennessee. I was with her when she was on the phone with her father desperately needing a little push to get out the door and have a good time with her friends. She brought me along with her when she tried out with the voice, when she was in college, and when she birthed her first born. I felt every emotion she felt and that my friends is not easy to do when you are a new writer. However, I was there, she took me there.
Without giving too much away about the book, it is a must read. I will recommend it to every single one of my mom friends time and time again. It is ok to eat the cake when you are on a diet. It is ok. Melissa said it best, Eat Cake. Be Brave.
The writing style was what you would expect if you have seen her videos. I read it just as if she was speaking every word to me directly. Her voice echoing in my mind. (I can't wait to hear the audiobook). Personally, on books like this I like the personal flare in the writing. If it where a traditional non-fiction where the third wall isn't broken it wouldn't have worked. She knows how to appease her prospective audience.
The feelings change with every chapter she writes. The more personal chapters about her marriage I felt as though I fell on the floor with her when I heard the phone conversation. I was with her when she returned home and then returned to Tennessee. I was with her when she was on the phone with her father desperately needing a little push to get out the door and have a good time with her friends. She brought me along with her when she tried out with the voice, when she was in college, and when she birthed her first born. I felt every emotion she felt and that my friends is not easy to do when you are a new writer. However, I was there, she took me there.
Without giving too much away about the book, it is a must read. I will recommend it to every single one of my mom friends time and time again. It is ok to eat the cake when you are on a diet. It is ok. Melissa said it best, Eat Cake. Be Brave.
June 5, 2018
I thought I’d read this book and like it because I like Melissa. I had no idea that it would feel so familiar and cause me to laugh and cry and speak out loud and want to hunt a girl down and beat her in the name of Jesus and for the love of a girlfriend.. My emotions were all over the map in the hours that I read it. I literally could not put it down. I now need a chiropractor because of the hours I sat in one position consuming every word. Melissa is refreshing, honest, and raw. You just feel like you’re reading your best friends life story with nuggets of wisdom and encouragement scattered through out. Melissa has written us a message of hope, she doesn’t offer a “five step fix your life by doing blah blah blah..” she does so much more by peeling back the layers of wounds along the path of her life and sharing each lesson she learned along the way and by challenging us all to live our best life, our bravest life and she does it all while sweetly pointing to the Father. I will read and reread this beautiful work and thank God for the purpose of Melissa’s heartfelt message to us all.
June 4, 2018
This book will make you laugh, cry, and think at times she may have been reading your mind. I don’t know how she does it but you will feel like you are having a personal conversation with her one on one. You feel the heartbreak from her life and sometimes want to go punch someone.
All high school girls, and anyone who has been a high school girl, NEED to read Eat Cake. Be Brave. You will realize you are not alone and there is life after the hurt. This woman has helped me heal some things in my life I thought were healed and I found out were just buried.
All high school girls, and anyone who has been a high school girl, NEED to read Eat Cake. Be Brave. You will realize you are not alone and there is life after the hurt. This woman has helped me heal some things in my life I thought were healed and I found out were just buried.
June 13, 2018
Listen!!!! If you are looking for 100% realness and all of the feels, this is THE book for you!! Eat Cake. Be Brave. takes us all on a journey through the ups and downs of Melissa’s life. Just go ahead and grab your Kleenex because one chapter will have you laughing until you are crying, while the next sends you into a full-on ugly cry (or was that just me??). Do yourself a favor....grab this book, your Kleenex and join us all as we are eating cake and being brave!!
June 4, 2018
This book will make you laugh and make you cry. And then make you laugh some more. It is raw and wonderful. Melissa Radke bares her soul with her first book and makes you love her and her family along the way!
May 29, 2018
I have been following Melissa Radke on Facebook since the Red Ribbon Week video. She makes me laugh regularly and puts into words the feelings I often experience. I also listen to her podcast and was concerned that I had already heard her story. However, this book...is so special. She shares tough stories of love and acceptance and loss and adoption. She shares a Christian message that resonates with me. Radke writes, "I am Christian. Not the kind that protests at your funeral. Not the kind that protests your marriage. I am more the kind that laughs the loudest and jokes the saltiest. I forgive quickly and easily because that was what was done for me. I hate injustice and yet feel powerless against it sometimes. So I pray, because God hates injustice, too." Yes! That's the kind of Christian I want to be and that's the kind of Christian the world needs more of.
October 4, 2018
Do NOT Miss the Opportunity to Read this Incredible Book! If you struggled with weight issues, miscarriages, low self-esteem and need some good natured humor, this is a must!
Unlike some of the readers of this book, I did not know that Melissa Radke was famous! After reading the book it is obvious why, she is so popular: great sense of humor; intensely honest; she has overcome the loss of 5 children (I know that pain to well, and I have been healed through God's mercy but it was a long road) as it was for her; she suffered her youth and adulthood as being overweight (and was abused for it -been there too); she has overcome her issues by acceptance that life is hard and we must let go; love others, love them when they hurt you terribly; her loyalty; and her carpe diem attitude (live in the moment).
While some parts are so serious, there are some parts that were hysterical! Much of the book is shaped by how others students saw her as imperfect because of her weight. Her humiliation led her to spend 3rd grade eating lunch in the bathroom because she wasn't slender and had no friends. Her mother was such a positive influence and shared insights that began the climb to be brave. At times, Melissa is a bit irreverent and including some of her stunts!
Initially I was drawn to this book. It seemed so ridiculous, a heavy woman looking like an Olympian and holding a blue cake, for me (bravery was secondary...don't be fooled). Melissa is so kind, she would be the type of friend, I would be honored to know. She shares her Christian values in a very non-offensive way but it is oh, so real.
By the way, 5 Stars are rarity for me!
Unlike some of the readers of this book, I did not know that Melissa Radke was famous! After reading the book it is obvious why, she is so popular: great sense of humor; intensely honest; she has overcome the loss of 5 children (I know that pain to well, and I have been healed through God's mercy but it was a long road) as it was for her; she suffered her youth and adulthood as being overweight (and was abused for it -been there too); she has overcome her issues by acceptance that life is hard and we must let go; love others, love them when they hurt you terribly; her loyalty; and her carpe diem attitude (live in the moment).
While some parts are so serious, there are some parts that were hysterical! Much of the book is shaped by how others students saw her as imperfect because of her weight. Her humiliation led her to spend 3rd grade eating lunch in the bathroom because she wasn't slender and had no friends. Her mother was such a positive influence and shared insights that began the climb to be brave. At times, Melissa is a bit irreverent and including some of her stunts!
Initially I was drawn to this book. It seemed so ridiculous, a heavy woman looking like an Olympian and holding a blue cake, for me (bravery was secondary...don't be fooled). Melissa is so kind, she would be the type of friend, I would be honored to know. She shares her Christian values in a very non-offensive way but it is oh, so real.
By the way, 5 Stars are rarity for me!
February 18, 2020
I'm gonna be honest with you because I feel like the synopsis wasn't.
This is not a self-improvement book, this is a memoir.
Which if I rate it as such is not bad but that's not what was advertised via the description, title or section it was filed under. The synopsis tells us this is a story about a girl who decides to change her life and be braver on her 41st birthday which leads us to believe we'll be reading a story ultimately about how she goes about changing her life during that year. However, this does NOT take place in the year following her birthday. We address the birthday in the early chapters and the remainder of the book is filled with backstories and ends with her birthday again where she tells us she's decided to be brave now and is grateful for the experiences of her life. The end. 😑 Which isn't a bad format for a book if it's a memoir but is definitely not functional for a self-improvement book.
I think Melissa has a great life story that is interesting and her experiences have really helped her grow. I loved that the audiobook was read by her and she has a great personality. However I didn't feel there was a strong lesson for the reader to "take home" in this and it was kind of a downer, instead of uplifting like I was hoping. It's not something I see myself remembering much about months from now or recommending in the future.
Content Notes/Warnings:
- Some Language
- Loss/Grief
- Depression
- Infertility
- Cheating
This is not a self-improvement book, this is a memoir.
Which if I rate it as such is not bad but that's not what was advertised via the description, title or section it was filed under. The synopsis tells us this is a story about a girl who decides to change her life and be braver on her 41st birthday which leads us to believe we'll be reading a story ultimately about how she goes about changing her life during that year. However, this does NOT take place in the year following her birthday. We address the birthday in the early chapters and the remainder of the book is filled with backstories and ends with her birthday again where she tells us she's decided to be brave now and is grateful for the experiences of her life. The end. 😑 Which isn't a bad format for a book if it's a memoir but is definitely not functional for a self-improvement book.
I think Melissa has a great life story that is interesting and her experiences have really helped her grow. I loved that the audiobook was read by her and she has a great personality. However I didn't feel there was a strong lesson for the reader to "take home" in this and it was kind of a downer, instead of uplifting like I was hoping. It's not something I see myself remembering much about months from now or recommending in the future.
Content Notes/Warnings:
- Some Language
- Loss/Grief
- Depression
- Infertility
- Cheating
October 13, 2019
So funny. And it made me cry multiple times. A true gem.
January 9, 2019
wowza ...u might think that this read will be a light hearted, even a funny, hilarious read based on that cover there but think again... it is full of emotions (such rawness, weak, a lifetime of change, learning, experience, she is just so extremely honest, candid, open, out there blowing in the breeze (and I appreciate that ... i truly believe when we are extremely honest and true to every one it might help others to adjust their own lives ... same goes with marriage, why folks walk around acting like it is so easy, they are just plain mean to others, we have to be honest and open to help others, i think if you did u would help others to know it is okay to have a hard time ... u just have to work at it ... give at advice and help ... a lifeline to trying this or that??!) and bold to reveal so much of her life which can be learning moments for so many, i would think??!) and funny, hilarious, great times, but there are so many dark hard to listen to moments too. Melissa and her book here ... she is so easy to love, u will fall in love with her spirit, her attitude, her gusto!! she is just to awesome. but there are several times in this read ... and I don't see any where that u as a reader might be concerned ... like if you have a (this is something i have noticed most recently a TRIGGER WARNING (I was shocked to see that no one else says anything, i listen or read many things that i don't allow it to change me, effect me, but some might be concerned or shocked or whatever emotion u might feel??!) - be warned ... if u have an issue with suicide talking (i was extremely thankful to hear over and over that Melissa did have a counselor or someone she was working with to help her mental, or whatever issues she was dealing with at that time!! her marriage, whatever.) or chatting about the possibility of it or maybe she didn't feel it was that ...but it is at least thought of or imply there... or maybe it is just me??!) I have never walked in her shoes, or any bodies shoes that has been in a similar situation ... but i was scared ... i don't know maybe GOD would shock u out of that similar situation ...but i don't know??! just know u might wanna be gentle with yourself if that kind of life situation might bug u or work on your feelings and such. i have never walked through the weight life ... i have gained weight since i got married so i know how that feel ... or i can imagine how it feels ... what i felt a similarity to ... was the bullying and how it makes you feel .. how it changes your daily life and keeps you from things you might wanna do ...but don't 'cause the bullies pick on you and keep u from the right path u shouldn't gone ... u change yourself to make them leave u alone.(don't wanna give anything away but??!) like another similar situation that i had in my life was when a past bully approached me and did wanna plead for his forgive of that stupid things he did or might have said ... i had already worked it right in my own mind ... so all good. u just have to remind yourself that it is not you ... it is the bully ... something is wrong within that person not u who is being bullied. i don't believe that being honest and open like Melissa has done is wrong in and way ... it can only help, heal, and give others advice that they can use to learn and ease maybe past issues or heal ones that might happen in their futures ... like because of her pain ... we might get a clue about our own ways or maybe be more sympathetic to others woes. what a listen ... well done and so educational ... what made me use one of my Audible credit to buy this book? the cover ... wait 'til u hear about the cover ... what a shocker??! i think a lot of our lives are or could be shocking to others ... we all put up a front to make others think we are just fine ... when really life or other things are totally weighting us down. way down. life is life. it is never perfect ... and we need to give each other a break ... nobody is perfect, ever!! we are all human and need to us all to be more sympathetic and understanding ... would make the world so so much better if we did!! emotional roller coaster, but in a huge learning way, indeed!!
July 7, 2019
This book was just ok..
If this was a self help book I’d be all for it..
But it wasn’t.
I wasn’t supposed to feel like crying half the time and triggered the other half..
This book not only wasn’t as promising as I had hoped but it also was full of things that belong in a book titled “how to get back up” or ‘how to: life.” Not really a comedic memoir called “Eat cake. Be brave.”
The writing itself was not bad at all, it just did not fit my expectations/what was presented.
In spite of this, there were many parts I did enjoy. I felt like there were a couple of funny parts. I felt like it was full of amazing quotes and powerful messages. It also had stories that had me shaking with emotion and gasping to myself.
Overall,
While being a decent book, it didn’t live up to my expectations. It also felt a bit generic.
It gets a three stars from me.
🥑🥑🥑
If this was a self help book I’d be all for it..
But it wasn’t.
I wasn’t supposed to feel like crying half the time and triggered the other half..
This book not only wasn’t as promising as I had hoped but it also was full of things that belong in a book titled “how to get back up” or ‘how to: life.” Not really a comedic memoir called “Eat cake. Be brave.”
The writing itself was not bad at all, it just did not fit my expectations/what was presented.
In spite of this, there were many parts I did enjoy. I felt like there were a couple of funny parts. I felt like it was full of amazing quotes and powerful messages. It also had stories that had me shaking with emotion and gasping to myself.
Overall,
While being a decent book, it didn’t live up to my expectations. It also felt a bit generic.
It gets a three stars from me.
🥑🥑🥑
September 10, 2018
I loved this book. Thank you Melissa Radke for reminding me to Be Brave. I totally enjoyed listening to this audio book. As someone who has been overweight the majority of her life, I too, can relate to the life experiences that Melissa shares.
June 14, 2018
Like many others, I was first introduced to Melissa Radke with her Red Ribbon Week video. This video had me rolling and sharing. Then came more videos. Some gave me laughs and some had me reaching for the Kleenex.
This book was no different. Melissa is a brilliant storyteller and she has the ability to summarize it into a lesson we can all relate to. Her heartaches and desperate moments are gut-wrenching, but word by word, line by line she pulled us out right alongside her.
If you're fearful you'll be wiping away tears the entire time you read Eat Cake. Be Brave., I assure you, you won't. You'll definitely laugh and will probably snort like I did. For sure you'll annoy the people around you with your spontaneous outbursts of joy.
Is this book for you? It is if you fit in any of these categories:
- Tried out for cheerleading
- Was an awkward 7th grader
- Got a perm that your mom said was fantastic but your friends just wanted to touch it
- Wrote your name as "Mrs. _____" (whomever you had a crush on in middle/high school. For the record I don't know if Melissa did this but I did)
- Had infertility problems
- Adopted or loved a child so much you gave a child up for adoption
- Are fiercely committed to your marriage, even in the midst of it crumbling
- Adore your father
- Have a mother who emails essays to you full of run-on sentences and would be horrified if you said the word "poop" in public (Again, not sure about her mom...)
- Ever questioned your worth or purpose
- Want to be brave
The only drawback to this book is that it took her 43 years to write it. Get the hard copy so you can underline, highlight and make notes. Because every page has nuggets you'll want to remember. Melissa I hope you're working on your second future bestseller. This one is golden.
*I received this book as part of the book launch team through NetGalley. However if I'd paid $1000 for this book it would still be worth every penny.*
This book was no different. Melissa is a brilliant storyteller and she has the ability to summarize it into a lesson we can all relate to. Her heartaches and desperate moments are gut-wrenching, but word by word, line by line she pulled us out right alongside her.
If you're fearful you'll be wiping away tears the entire time you read Eat Cake. Be Brave., I assure you, you won't. You'll definitely laugh and will probably snort like I did. For sure you'll annoy the people around you with your spontaneous outbursts of joy.
Is this book for you? It is if you fit in any of these categories:
- Tried out for cheerleading
- Was an awkward 7th grader
- Got a perm that your mom said was fantastic but your friends just wanted to touch it
- Wrote your name as "Mrs. _____" (whomever you had a crush on in middle/high school. For the record I don't know if Melissa did this but I did)
- Had infertility problems
- Adopted or loved a child so much you gave a child up for adoption
- Are fiercely committed to your marriage, even in the midst of it crumbling
- Adore your father
- Have a mother who emails essays to you full of run-on sentences and would be horrified if you said the word "poop" in public (Again, not sure about her mom...)
- Ever questioned your worth or purpose
- Want to be brave
The only drawback to this book is that it took her 43 years to write it. Get the hard copy so you can underline, highlight and make notes. Because every page has nuggets you'll want to remember. Melissa I hope you're working on your second future bestseller. This one is golden.
*I received this book as part of the book launch team through NetGalley. However if I'd paid $1000 for this book it would still be worth every penny.*
June 5, 2018
I've read MANY books...MANY!!! I thought this might be a good read with an inspirational message but SERIOUSLY!!! I found myself laughing then snorting...tears in my eyes to reaching for the box of kleenex...feeling frustrated to wanting to punch people in the face...wanting to high five Melissa to really doing a cartwheel for her (You're welcome!).
I went into the bathroom stall and ate lunch with her. I went to every cheerleading tryout and every audition. I felt the pain of those deprecating tattoos being etched all over my skin as they were etched on hers. I was there when her heart was shattered in so many pieces from infertility to loss of a child to a deep betrayal of trust. I wept with her.
But, she wouldn't let me stay in tears, not sad tears anyway, not for long. Almost as quickly as I began to cry or got angry over injustice, she would interject her humor or a hilarious story that had me snorting and crying from laughter. It was like the roller coaster of emotions I felt when I watched the cemetery scene of Steel Magnolias. You know, when M'Lynn is having an emotional outburst (understandably so) and says she just wants to hit somebody hard until they feel as bad as she does. Clairee grabs Ouiser by the shoulder and says, "HIT THIS! GO AHEAD M'LYNN, SLAP HER!" And as hard as the tears are flowing, you suddenly break out into a hysterical laughter....snorting and snotting the whole time. It sounds gross but it's a lovely experience. You just feel all the feels simultaneously, or so it seems.
And that's what this book was like for me. If I could sum it up into a description you might understand, it would be that scene from Steel Magnolias. I think that's fitting. Melissa comes from a long line of strong, southern Steel Magnolias. Steel Magnolias know how to take the pain, hurt, and loss in life and turn it into healthy, joyful redemption. She knows who she is because she knows to WHOM she belongs. She's unapologetically "too much" for some but she'll never be "not enough" again. If you ask me, I'll say, "She's BRAVE!"
Eat Cake. Be Brave. Melissa Radke, I'm so glad you did both.
I went into the bathroom stall and ate lunch with her. I went to every cheerleading tryout and every audition. I felt the pain of those deprecating tattoos being etched all over my skin as they were etched on hers. I was there when her heart was shattered in so many pieces from infertility to loss of a child to a deep betrayal of trust. I wept with her.
But, she wouldn't let me stay in tears, not sad tears anyway, not for long. Almost as quickly as I began to cry or got angry over injustice, she would interject her humor or a hilarious story that had me snorting and crying from laughter. It was like the roller coaster of emotions I felt when I watched the cemetery scene of Steel Magnolias. You know, when M'Lynn is having an emotional outburst (understandably so) and says she just wants to hit somebody hard until they feel as bad as she does. Clairee grabs Ouiser by the shoulder and says, "HIT THIS! GO AHEAD M'LYNN, SLAP HER!" And as hard as the tears are flowing, you suddenly break out into a hysterical laughter....snorting and snotting the whole time. It sounds gross but it's a lovely experience. You just feel all the feels simultaneously, or so it seems.
And that's what this book was like for me. If I could sum it up into a description you might understand, it would be that scene from Steel Magnolias. I think that's fitting. Melissa comes from a long line of strong, southern Steel Magnolias. Steel Magnolias know how to take the pain, hurt, and loss in life and turn it into healthy, joyful redemption. She knows who she is because she knows to WHOM she belongs. She's unapologetically "too much" for some but she'll never be "not enough" again. If you ask me, I'll say, "She's BRAVE!"
Eat Cake. Be Brave. Melissa Radke, I'm so glad you did both.
June 7, 2018
This book blends the harsh reality of the world we live in and all the humor of a sassy, Southern woman and wraps it up in the love of Jesus. The amount of life Melissa Radke has walked and the things she's experienced and endured could shatter a person, but she eloquently spills each thread of her heart onto the pages of this lifelong journey and bravely shares it with you.
If you're in a hard spot or you need encouragement that not everyone is a Pinterest-worthy, yoga model that bakes cakes in her spare time while speaking three languages...READ THIS BOOK!
It is not only relate able and real, it's funny! and hopeful! and honest! and so much more. She doesn't set an impossible standard or belittle small accomplishments that pave the way to the life change.
Reading this book was easy, literally I couldn't put it down and read it in less than a week. But also because you will feel her pain and hurt when she hurts. And you'll also celebrate BIG the moments she gets it right. No spoilers but I was a blubbering MESS during the chapter about her dad! #DADDY'SGIRLFORLIFE
I laughed, I cried, I laugh-cried. This book calls out the warrior in all of us but holds your hand if you're too scared of what brave might look like.
Melissa, thank you for this gift. Thank you for you're vulnerability and raw truth. Thank you for being brave enough to call us to the mat and let us in on the secret: Life is short and God's got it. Now just eat the dang cake and go be Brave!
If you're in a hard spot or you need encouragement that not everyone is a Pinterest-worthy, yoga model that bakes cakes in her spare time while speaking three languages...READ THIS BOOK!
It is not only relate able and real, it's funny! and hopeful! and honest! and so much more. She doesn't set an impossible standard or belittle small accomplishments that pave the way to the life change.
Reading this book was easy, literally I couldn't put it down and read it in less than a week. But also because you will feel her pain and hurt when she hurts. And you'll also celebrate BIG the moments she gets it right. No spoilers but I was a blubbering MESS during the chapter about her dad! #DADDY'SGIRLFORLIFE
I laughed, I cried, I laugh-cried. This book calls out the warrior in all of us but holds your hand if you're too scared of what brave might look like.
Melissa, thank you for this gift. Thank you for you're vulnerability and raw truth. Thank you for being brave enough to call us to the mat and let us in on the secret: Life is short and God's got it. Now just eat the dang cake and go be Brave!
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