Wake Up, I'm Fat!: A Memoir

by Camryn Manheim

In this New York Times -bestselling inspirational memoir, Camryn Manheim, Emmy Award-winning costar of The Practice , chronicles her journey from a self-hating, "overweight" teenager, who desperately wanted to fit in, to a self-loving, fat activist who is proud to be a misfit.   Wake Up, I'm Fat! shares her intelligent, candid, poignant, and often hilarious stories of being fat in a society obsessed with being thin.

Camryn takes us from her days as a motorcycle-riding hippie in Santa Cruz to her enrollment at New York University's prestigious school of drama--where Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner broke the unspoken theater rules of size by casting her in the role of the ingenue--and finally to Hollywood, where she dispelled the fallacy that large women can't be portrayed as sensual, sophisticated, and confident.

Camryn's endearing honesty, sass, and razor-sharp wit will appeal to any reader who has ever felt like an outcast or yearned to make peace with their body.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Humor, Biography Memoir, Autobiography, Feminism

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Emily Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME book... holds a special place in my heart because it changed my life forever! Before I read this book, I had no idea that there was any such thing as a man who preferred larger women, and it never occurred to me to accept myself the way I am. After reading this book, I wore a tank top and shorts for the first time since I was a kid, started to actually like myself for the first time ever, and began to have hope again... and to top it all off, the book is funny as hell! Just an all around great book written by a woman who is someone to look up to all around.

[Inken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gods, I wish I’d read this book 20 years ago! For all of us who spent years listening to people, who supposedly cared about us, telling us how much better we would be (note: not our lives but ourselves!) if we just weren’t fat, that our only value lay in our appearance, this is the book to read.

Ms Manheim has been fat since her early teens but as a self-confessed ballsy chick, she hasn’t generally let it hold her back. Manheim has experienced hurt and humiliation on many levels from family, friends, supposedly smart professors at NYU’s School of the Arts (who publicly shamed her in front of her classmates), as well as agents, directors, producers, writers and critics in the entertainment industry. All for no other reason than her size! But, as the years went by, Manheim, who is gloriously outspoken and determined, has learned to stand up for herself on many occasions against an overwhelmingly judgmental society that treats fat people like something shameful and embarrassing.

Growing in her self-confidence as a smart and talented actor, she has gone from accepting roles as the grandma or best friend who never gets to kiss the boy to being the ingénue and even the lead. Manheim created her own one-woman show, which finally brought her to the attention of casting directors and agents who had formerly ignored her. Believing in her own ability and instincts, she successfully stood up against the notoriously rigid and unforgiving Broadway star Celeste Holm. Having been a central part of award-winning shows like “The Practice”, making movies with Robert Redford, chewing the scenery as the bad guy in “Person of Interest” or “Major Crimes”, and numerous on- and off-Broadway shows, Manheim is now a major player in the entertainment industry.

Admittedly, things have improved a lot over the past 20 years but overweight people are still subjected to daily criticism and blame. I’m sure I’m not alone in experiencing being treated as some kind of criminal just because of my appearance. Being told we would never amount to anything, we would never have friends/good job/decent boyfriend, while our character meant nothing. Manheim tried smoking to control her weight, taking speed (which nearly killed her) and starvation diets. Some of us have tried laxatives or getting drunk enough to throw up the rest of the day. Sometimes we hate ourselves so much that we can’t look in the mirror or binge-eat all day because hey, we’re so fat already what difference does it make?

Over the years, Manheim has had a contentious relationship with her Fat. In the past, it was her enemy: someone who made her life utterly miserable. Gradually Fat has become an ally and friend. Manheim has achieved the one thing so many of us strive for every single day: total self-acceptance. Her book is a fantastic example and teaching point on how to do that.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, fast read, not deep, but refreshing.

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it. A quick, easy read. It is laugh-out-loud funny. Camryn shares her story: how she became an actress and the highs and lows along the way. She's forthright and funny. She doesn't apologize for who she is: a woman who happens to be fat.

What I found so interesting, is the perspective. Often when we meet people, our first reactions aren't that they're skinng or fat, our first reactions are how much we like or don't like them. But to someone with image issues, whatever our "issue" is, is what takes center stage in our minds. We assume that people are looking at us as fat, or they're only seeing the bad hair day or the blemish on our faces. We don't realize that, very often, those things are second place to them. I remember seeing Camryn accept her Emmy, and being surprised when she said, "This is for all the fat girls."

She always comes across as so poised and confident in her interviews. I find myself surprised, but not surprised at her image issues. Her honesty is refreshing and I could connect with her on so many levels.

There is liberal use of the "F" word, so if that is something that normally bothers you, you will find it spread throughout the book.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh, it was OK. Quite different than what I was expecting, actually. I could connect with a lot of what she said about the struggle of being fat. But this book was a little more militant than I was wanting. Always on the defensive. Always. I don't know. I guess I just don't care about "fat acceptance" as much as she does.

[Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Hilarious and easy to read, but at the same time as strong as Maheim's attitude. Behind her fierce boldness, there's you, me, and every fat girl who ever denied herself happiness because of her weight. I feel after reading this book I'm one step closer to acceptance.

[Sinahi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camryn talks about herself being an overweight teenager trying to fit in. Until she made it into New York University where she studied drama and ended up in Hollywood. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to make a biography on someone in the drama industry.

[Chelsea · Rating 1 out of 5]

I fought to get through this poorly written book. UGGG. What a bore.

[Spider the Doof Warrior · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book about a very cool actress.

Also full figured women can be hot too. I'm not saying this just because I am full figured either.

[The Porch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining in parts, especially her dating stories. But her tone is often defensive, pissed off and self righteous. Ick.

[Winter Sophia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest, Inspiring, Moving, Hilarious, Heart Wrenching, Warm, Insightful & Empowering! A Beautifully & Motivational Read! I Loved It!

[Lucie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely struggled to get through this book as you can tell it took me quite a while to finish. I did have an interesting moment while I was waiting for my COVID-19 vaccine when somebody asked me what I was reading and why I was reading it? Well I think the title says it all wake up I’m fat. Her stories were understandable but not anything extra ordinary or inspiring.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Camryn Manheim. Isn't she the beautiful woman with all those earrings on that legal show?' That's what I thought a long time ago when I didn't quite know who she was. She still remains the one I remember. The others were men or skinny minnies. They all look and acted the same. Not much has changed since in Hollywood's movies and television. For someone that has a hard time differentiating faces of actors and actresses (remember how I told you I had a hard time with Rob and Jon on Game of Thrones?) Give me individuals! Ms. Manheim is a grand individual. I have tried to catch her on every show on the big screen or small. I was sorry to see her leave Ghost Whisperer. But then again I did love Aisha in the friend role. She, too, is unique. Both these two friends were more interesting that the overly sexed main actress.

So when my friend Michele offered to let me read this gem I was excited. A couple years later I have taken it off the shelf and actually read it. Sorry it took so long, Michele.

Now to the meat of this book. Fat. I've been skinny, I've been--well the size I am now. But I always felt fat. In my family were folks of all sizes so I felt accepted no matter what size I was. But go to the store and I often couldn't find my size or the styles were ugly. The worst was when my daughter wanted to go shopping together. She didn't inherit my size or anything else. We were at opposite ends of the rack. We rarely could find a store with both our sizes. But she liked the younger looks so I would get relegated looking at jewelry or standing around doing nothing. We stopped shopping together.

Camryn had it worse. Her chosen profession was into the world of men who only love skinny actresses. Her parents didn't accept her. Well, don't let me tell her story. See what one of us has gone through. Watch how she handles her life and grows. If you didn't love her from the beginning like I did, hopefully, you will love her at the end of the book. Even more, this should be required reading for everyone who doesn't shop Lane Bryants, or the flowered muumuus at the XX end of the rack. You think skinnies are the norm? They're not. If you think telling the larger person to diet is going to change things, you are wrong. How about love. What happened to kindness and love?

By the way, the reason this book took me so long to read was the font size. I had to take it in bits. But those bits with a bookmark and bright light got me through. Still I would have liked the Kindle version better.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second reading and I tell ya I loved it just as much as the first time. So many books have come and gone from my shelves but this one will continue to stay. Overall I have very little in common with Camryn Manheim (other than the obvious!) and yet I feel like she and I could be great friends. Reading it was as if she was talking directly to me. Some people don't like that writing style but I love it. And, well, she is hilarious; so many laugh-out-loud guffaws as I read! I learned a new word which I really like: Roshomon meaning through our own eyes, we see what we see. It's all Roshomon. p. 168. On p. 167, Camryn talks about a humiliating experience when a man said something cruel to her about her weight. Her response was great and I want to remember it for my own use someday. She said, "Was it your intention to embarrass me in front of my friend? And if so, the shame doesn't belong to me, it belongs to you." Love it. One more thing I have to mention that made me pee my pants cause I could so relate: p. 134-137. She talks about her anxiety of going to the beach and how all day long she's trying to look thin in her suit and when others come around she has to cover up. The chapter is hilarious cause it just hits it. But the funny part was when she wrote how that night everybody's all relaxed from a nice day at the beach and kicking back with beers and just chillin' and playin Pictionary. Meanwhile she is filled with pent-up anxiety from her "relaxing" day at the beach...The fire was crackling, you could hear the tide lapping on the shore, and you could hear me screaming as I played with a vengeance. "IT'S A TREE, GOD DAMN IT, IT'S A FUCKING TREE, AND A GOD DAMN HOUSE, YOU PUT IT TOGETHER YOU HAVE THE SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON. WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?" LMFAO!!! I've been there, Camryn!! I get it!!!

[Tamara Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a funny story how I found this book.I went to a used bookstore and there it was...in the bargain bin.Needless to say, I had to rescue this book from being thrown away.I paid a quarter for this book and I haven't been sorry for buying it at all.

Why do I love this book? Because unlike other plus size women, she doesn't apologize for how she looks but instead, she praises being healthy.I definitely understand where she is coming from because I'm a plus size woman and I know how cruel society can be. Also, she talks about everything from her name change to working on "The Practice", which is definitely a big step for plus size women everywhere.

After I read her book, I began to think about my own body and how I sometimes feel out of place around thin women.Once I finished, I realized that it doesn't matter what other people think of your body, it's what you think of your body that counts.

This is a book that I feel every girl and woman should have an opportunity to read.Not only will it inspire plus size women and girls, but it will also give new insight to those who have never understood what it is to be "fat".

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The star of The Practice and Law & Order tells it like it is for women in show business...and fat girls everywhere
Read this saucy, sassy autobio and you'll find Camryn Manheim just as engaging, funny, honest and intelligent in real life as any of the TV or film characters she's portrayed. You'll find what you see is what you get with her (in more ways than one!)...and if you are or ever have been overweight, shy, unattractive or otherwise a social misfit, I flat guarantee you will relate to her experiences and feel for her as well.

That Camryn has triumphed over societal expectations, professional bias and the just plain ass-headedness of others to become the success she has is a tribute to her spirit.
As talented a writer as she is an actress, Camryn has a vibrant, one-of-a-kind personality that makes this a must-add for anyone's library...even if they aren't into TV shows or burdened with weight issues.

[Devon · Rating 4 out of 5]

2023 review: This book was one of the first I read on the topic of fat acceptance. Although I still had many years to go after reading of eating disorder and intense self-hatred, it was one of the things in my life that made me start to think “maybe there’s another way” and for that I am intensely grateful to Camryn Manheim.
It also made me feel like if only I just worked at the ren faire it would all be fine.



2003 review: I’d recommend this book over Shanker's "Fat Girl Guide." This book was fantastic.

My only regret is that Manheim isn't into the ladies.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually, I owned a signed copy of this book and have gotten rid of it. I love Camryn Manheim, my daughter and I got to meet her at a book-signing here in town. I loved the book, too, but at the time, my daughter was so young and there were so many f-words in the book, I knew that if I kept it, she would pick it up to read. I think now that she's 21, she would love it, like I did. I regret not keeping it, but I don't regret my reasons for giving it away. I would recommend this book to any woman struggling with self and self image.

[YoSafBridg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always liked Manheim as an actress, and this book got pretty decent reviews before it came out (i was doing collection development/buying in this area at the time~so i had to read all the reviews). I picked it up immediately and read it (on and off breaks at the bookstore~shhh, don't tell) even though my co-workers made fun of me for doing so.
Manheim has a great sense of humour as well as self-confidence and i highly recommend the book.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot, because I liked Manheim's persona a lot. The writing is not great--way too many "so" and "such a" phrases substituting for ampler description particularly bugged me. My four stars are for the humor--certain chapters had me laughing out loud--and for the good hard look at how fat oppression runs constantly in our culture. It's an old phrase, and one Manheim thankfully doesn't use, but it runs underneath the entire book: Fat is a feminist issue.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this. LOVED! For me, it was jointly a fascination with celebrity in most of its forms, and my new passion as a fat activist. This was more upbeat (I think) and real than The Fat Girl's Guide to Life. Though, it does show what some people will do to their kids in hopes that they will no longer need to be embarrassed by fat children. And, what women will do when they're pushed, and pushed, and pushed.

[Celia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really didn't know much about Camryn Manheim before reading this book, and it was interesting - well written, funny and very moving in places. I became a little distracted with it towards the end when it's very focussed on her time at The Practice and winning her Emmy, but really enjoyed her thoughts on her weight and fat activism.

[Fairywitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A life changing book for me, and a MUST-READ for any woman or girl who's ever underappreciated herself because of something - anything - in looks.
Camryn Manheim writes about her own experiences in a warm, funny, eye-opening, highly enjoying style.
Why are still here, then? Go grab a copy ASAP!!
<3

[Spook Sulek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd never really heard of Manheim before, but now I'm hoping The Practice is available on Netflix! Her attitude towards so many facets of her life (p. 165), her moxie (p. 130), and her activism (p. 76 and 216 are my favourite examples) are easily apparent throughout the pages of this lovely memoir. A fun, fast read.

[Megan Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

While all of the stories were really interesting, I found myself struggling to get into this book. There were parts that I didn't want to put down, and parts that I struggled to pick the book back up again. I think the message of this book is incredible though. Staying true to yourself, following your dreams, and not letting your weight hold you back.

[Jennifer Kronk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love camryn Manheim and I loved this book. She writes about how frustrating it can be to be less than ideal in a world that punishes all of those who are not perfect.
So we are clear, I think she is damn sexy and quite a role model to me. And my copy is auotographed!

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have nothing against this book, I just couldn't find the energy to finish it. The third that I did read was funny and well written, I just have no interest in finishing it. I'm hoping I'll finish it at a later point.

[Dana Cordelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an articulate, touching and really funny autobiography. I could really relate to Ms. Manheim, and I hope other young women can find as much encouragement and self-love as she has. No matter what you look like!

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, touching, and very readable, Camryn tells it like it is...what life is like for a woman who happens to be fat and who is also trying to make it as an actress. I was happily surprised and relieved to know that often she had felt or thought the same thing as me about being overweight.

[Nima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't remember exactly when I read this book, probably around the same time I started to get involved with the Curvy Revolution,but, you want to talk inspiring, this is it!! I was completely moved, and have since read and re-read this book. This truly is, "For all the fat girls out there."