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Fat Girl Slim #1
Fat Girl Slim
Fat and friendless, carer to her mother by day and a secret binge eater by night, 28-year-old Alison hates her life.
She feels powerless to help herself until one day she encounters the person she would like to be and determines to transform herself.
Admiration soon turns to obsession and as Alison loses weight she discovers she’s capable of things she never imagined.
Will she get the life she desires or the life she deserves?
She feels powerless to help herself until one day she encounters the person she would like to be and determines to transform herself.
Admiration soon turns to obsession and as Alison loses weight she discovers she’s capable of things she never imagined.
Will she get the life she desires or the life she deserves?
263 pages, ebook
Published July 17, 2018
528 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
Marina Johnson
12 books72 followersMarina Johnson loves all things British, including the weather when it stops raining. She keeps trying to write something serious and straightforward but it never quite turns out that way.
She also writes under the pen name Joanne Ryan https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
She also writes under the pen name Joanne Ryan https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
April 21, 2019
Disappointing
I thought I’d find a really cool story about transformation and epiphanies leading to the unfurling of a new-and-improved life for Alison.
Nope.
Self-admittedly starving herself, running for hours, locking her mother into her room, lying, manslaughter, being a crap friend, haughty and deceitful with huge emphasis on life being absolutely crap if you aren’t a size ten...
Yeah..not my cup of (black, zero calorie) tea at all.
I thought I’d find a really cool story about transformation and epiphanies leading to the unfurling of a new-and-improved life for Alison.
Nope.
Self-admittedly starving herself, running for hours, locking her mother into her room, lying, manslaughter, being a crap friend, haughty and deceitful with huge emphasis on life being absolutely crap if you aren’t a size ten...
Yeah..not my cup of (black, zero calorie) tea at all.
October 21, 2018
Alison starts the book obese, miserable, lonely and living with her controlling mother.
When Alison sees a woman named Bella, she wants to be like her. Beautiful, slim and loving life.
Cue Alison making changes.
Cue Alison going a little bit crazy.
Cue Alison doing things that she never thought she had the guts to do.
Cue Alison realising that all is not as it seems...
A book that I couldn’t put down because I wanted to see how Alison came through it all. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more.
When Alison sees a woman named Bella, she wants to be like her. Beautiful, slim and loving life.
Cue Alison making changes.
Cue Alison going a little bit crazy.
Cue Alison doing things that she never thought she had the guts to do.
Cue Alison realising that all is not as it seems...
A book that I couldn’t put down because I wanted to see how Alison came through it all. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more.
June 3, 2019
Eh, I like the premise but HATE the main character. Do not understand the reviews saying she's likeable... She is the opposite of likeable.
April 9, 2025
At the beginning I really felt for the main character Alison, but that soon changed.
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree and she became just like her mother.
I loved the book and read it in one sitting, I look forward to reading more from this author.
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree and she became just like her mother.
I loved the book and read it in one sitting, I look forward to reading more from this author.
July 19, 2023
Fat Girl Slim. (Fat Girl Slim #1). by Marina Johnson.
I would not have thought I would have enjoyed this book as much as I did!
Alison has always been a big girl … and did endure a lot of snickering behind her back … and sometimes to her face. She did well at school .. got some very high marks .. but she didn’t get a chance to go and get herself a career! She has dedicated many years looking after her mother .. who always belittling her! She decides she needs a change … and there starts her journey … to becoming Fat Girl Slim!
I would not have thought I would have enjoyed this book as much as I did!
Alison has always been a big girl … and did endure a lot of snickering behind her back … and sometimes to her face. She did well at school .. got some very high marks .. but she didn’t get a chance to go and get herself a career! She has dedicated many years looking after her mother .. who always belittling her! She decides she needs a change … and there starts her journey … to becoming Fat Girl Slim!
April 2, 2023
Great read
*slight spoiler alerts*
I've had a bit of a reading block lately, and someone bought me this to read.
I really enjoyed it and found I wanted to pick it up when I had time.
I love the motivation of Alison, albeit maybe a little unrealistic, but that's what fiction is all about!
I'd have liked a little more about the start of the obsession with Bella, but all in all, a great read.
*slight spoiler alerts*
I've had a bit of a reading block lately, and someone bought me this to read.
I really enjoyed it and found I wanted to pick it up when I had time.
I love the motivation of Alison, albeit maybe a little unrealistic, but that's what fiction is all about!
I'd have liked a little more about the start of the obsession with Bella, but all in all, a great read.
April 25, 2019
Emotional pendulum
This book had my emotions swinging between sympathy & disgust whilst she has not had a great life that is not an excuse for bad decision making! Like a nosey neighbour peering behind a curtain I just had to know more!
This book had my emotions swinging between sympathy & disgust whilst she has not had a great life that is not an excuse for bad decision making! Like a nosey neighbour peering behind a curtain I just had to know more!
June 29, 2021
Brilliant
Weird story but loved it all the same. This book didn’t take me long to read as I love it.
Weird story but loved it all the same. This book didn’t take me long to read as I love it.
February 23, 2023
The last chapter had me on the edge of my seat!
June 18, 2021
I loved it! Fat Girl Slim is written in the first person from the point of view of Alison, a very overweight, downtrodden 28-year-old who has been caring for her miserable mother since the woman had a stroke some ten years earlier.
I felt great sympathy for Alison, coping with her cantankerous and controlling mother; a woman who has browbeaten Alison all her life, ensuring she has no friends or family and no job.
For Alison, seeing Bella in the supermarket and determining to be just like her, was the starting point in changing her life. She needed to lose a lot of weight, so stopped comfort eating and started to exercise. Initially she exercised at home, but having built up her stamina, was soon able to pound the pavements at night - when nobody would see her, and after the mother went to sleep so that she could not dissuade her from her new exercise regime.
The word 'Diet' makes me run towards the fridge, so I was delighted that Alison had found something - or rather someone - that motivated her do something about her weight, and thereby her life. Losing a few pounds gave her the confidence to think about making other changes. And it tickled me that when she wanted a cleaning job she used reverse psychology on her mother, to get her mother to insist that she apply for one.
I was surprised when Alison spoke up for herself in her job interview. And as the story progressed, I was a little more than surprised by the things that she was doing, things that she could easily justify to herself... but not to me. She definitely crossed the line.
I ripped through this story in a couple of days, all the time worrying that Alison would get herself into serious trouble. I did like Alison as a character, but I could not condone some of her actions.
If you enjoy a dark comedy, I would highly recommendFat Girl Slim.
I felt great sympathy for Alison, coping with her cantankerous and controlling mother; a woman who has browbeaten Alison all her life, ensuring she has no friends or family and no job.
For Alison, seeing Bella in the supermarket and determining to be just like her, was the starting point in changing her life. She needed to lose a lot of weight, so stopped comfort eating and started to exercise. Initially she exercised at home, but having built up her stamina, was soon able to pound the pavements at night - when nobody would see her, and after the mother went to sleep so that she could not dissuade her from her new exercise regime.
The word 'Diet' makes me run towards the fridge, so I was delighted that Alison had found something - or rather someone - that motivated her do something about her weight, and thereby her life. Losing a few pounds gave her the confidence to think about making other changes. And it tickled me that when she wanted a cleaning job she used reverse psychology on her mother, to get her mother to insist that she apply for one.
I was surprised when Alison spoke up for herself in her job interview. And as the story progressed, I was a little more than surprised by the things that she was doing, things that she could easily justify to herself... but not to me. She definitely crossed the line.
I ripped through this story in a couple of days, all the time worrying that Alison would get herself into serious trouble. I did like Alison as a character, but I could not condone some of her actions.
If you enjoy a dark comedy, I would highly recommendFat Girl Slim.
February 19, 2020
This book is as addictive as chocolate digestives - very, I could not stop reading it. Alison's character is so well written. Aged 28 - that weird age where it is the best part of a decade since teenage years, yet people still talk to you as though you're still at school. Alison was unable to finish her university studies because she cares for her mother - a forthright and unlikeable woman. Gradually, Alison has put weight on and buys all her clothes at the supermarket. I started to empathise with her and was so pleased when she got the chance of a part-time cleaning job - a way of escaping from her controlling mother. Alison starts a diet and takes up running, she gradually transforms physically and there was something she said at her cleaning job interview that made me think 'would Alison really say this?' Well, yes she absolutely would. What an interesting character - I really enjoyed reading her twisty ways that created such suspense! Cannot spoil the plot - but I am never, ever getting a cleaner. A subtly satirical glimpse of women's issues and survival going too far. Misery meets Bridget Jones's Diary - but works very well!
November 18, 2024
Currently included in audiable ~ This turned out to be an easy listen as predicted and definitely was needed and what I was looking for. Sadly it didn't have much more to it than what the book description already gives particularly in the first half of the story however the 2nd half did pick up a little more with a wee bit of a twist delivering some messages if more than just a woman on a diet.
This book if you look into the deeper meaning exposes how many of us may use food as a means of escape and how dealing with her mother has left her with some child wounds that could open dialect for deeper concept of how her mental state actually was during this stage due to various events that took place. Without ruining the plot for anyone who reads this, all I'd say is the 2nd half is definitely more revealing and more interesting than the first half!
📚 📚 📚
Placeholder can't concentrate atm on much, so I chose this as an easy listen, but this isn't quite as evoking as much as I'd hoped it would be... I still have hope for the remaining half or so of the audio! @ 46%
This book if you look into the deeper meaning exposes how many of us may use food as a means of escape and how dealing with her mother has left her with some child wounds that could open dialect for deeper concept of how her mental state actually was during this stage due to various events that took place. Without ruining the plot for anyone who reads this, all I'd say is the 2nd half is definitely more revealing and more interesting than the first half!
📚 📚 📚
Placeholder can't concentrate atm on much, so I chose this as an easy listen, but this isn't quite as evoking as much as I'd hoped it would be... I still have hope for the remaining half or so of the audio! @ 46%
March 5, 2019
Haha what can I say apart from it was hilarious?!
I found the character of the mother so realistic and I found myself hating her as much as Alison does.
Alison is a complete doormat and completely controlled by her bed-ridden mother.
Alison becomes obsessed with a girl called Bella that she sees in the supermarket one day, assuming that beautiful Bella has the perfect life. As Alison begins to make changes in herself she realises that perhaps she is the one that has the power all along.
I seriously began to wonder if I should like Alison when she starts to act a little bonkers and can't seem to stop herself from lying. But still I couldn't put it down and NEEDED to find out what happened to her in the end.
I found the character of the mother so realistic and I found myself hating her as much as Alison does.
Alison is a complete doormat and completely controlled by her bed-ridden mother.
Alison becomes obsessed with a girl called Bella that she sees in the supermarket one day, assuming that beautiful Bella has the perfect life. As Alison begins to make changes in herself she realises that perhaps she is the one that has the power all along.
I seriously began to wonder if I should like Alison when she starts to act a little bonkers and can't seem to stop herself from lying. But still I couldn't put it down and NEEDED to find out what happened to her in the end.
January 1, 2019
Brilliant
I loved this book. I don't give many books 5 star ratings but this one is very deserving. I loved the main character. I sympathized with her yet was horrified at the same time. The story line is believable. Everything that happened is very much possible in reality which is quite scary. The author wrote in a lovely, natural flow right until the end. Sometimes I've found that good books have been ruined by what appears to be the author rushing the storyline to get it finished but not this time. I'll definitely be looking at what else the author has on offer.
I loved this book. I don't give many books 5 star ratings but this one is very deserving. I loved the main character. I sympathized with her yet was horrified at the same time. The story line is believable. Everything that happened is very much possible in reality which is quite scary. The author wrote in a lovely, natural flow right until the end. Sometimes I've found that good books have been ruined by what appears to be the author rushing the storyline to get it finished but not this time. I'll definitely be looking at what else the author has on offer.
April 10, 2019
Very unique!
This book delves into the very lonely life of Alison.
Alison loves with her domineering elderly mother who for the past ten years seems to want Alison all to herself. Her mother seems very sadistic by belittling Alison at every opportunity and almost encouraging her to be fat.
One day, Alison meets a complete stranger who gives her the boost she needs to regain her self confidence. This has now become an unhealthy obsession which fuels the fire for no more biscuits and a career change.
I did enjoy this book and I did recommend it a friend.
This book delves into the very lonely life of Alison.
Alison loves with her domineering elderly mother who for the past ten years seems to want Alison all to herself. Her mother seems very sadistic by belittling Alison at every opportunity and almost encouraging her to be fat.
One day, Alison meets a complete stranger who gives her the boost she needs to regain her self confidence. This has now become an unhealthy obsession which fuels the fire for no more biscuits and a career change.
I did enjoy this book and I did recommend it a friend.
January 24, 2020
What an unexpected story!
Really enjoyed it, although it left me quite ambivalent at times, and with way more questions than answers. Marina Johnson is masterful at building suspense especially considering the genre.
I’m not sure I like or am even rooting for the protagonist, Alison. Her character is very complicated and interesting if nothing else. I think the most lasting emotion from this book is a feeling of injustice and no consequences for actions to a degree I’m not sure would happen in the real world.
Really enjoyed it, although it left me quite ambivalent at times, and with way more questions than answers. Marina Johnson is masterful at building suspense especially considering the genre.
I’m not sure I like or am even rooting for the protagonist, Alison. Her character is very complicated and interesting if nothing else. I think the most lasting emotion from this book is a feeling of injustice and no consequences for actions to a degree I’m not sure would happen in the real world.
February 17, 2020
Definitely not a diet book
I did not know what to expect from this book and I was pleasantly surprised
Although the main character lost a huge amount of weight the story revolved around her very complicated life both at home and at work rather than the weight loss
I constantly switched from being sympathetic and shocked at her thoughts and the things she did
I would definitely recommend this book to others and l am sure along the way that some will be able to recognise part of themselves in Alison
I did not know what to expect from this book and I was pleasantly surprised
Although the main character lost a huge amount of weight the story revolved around her very complicated life both at home and at work rather than the weight loss
I constantly switched from being sympathetic and shocked at her thoughts and the things she did
I would definitely recommend this book to others and l am sure along the way that some will be able to recognise part of themselves in Alison
November 20, 2018
A great read
I bought this because of the reviews and I wasn't disappointed. A strange collection of odd dysfunctional characters set in a story that twists about in really quite a dark way but is weirdly compelling and additive at the same time. I just kept reading as I needed to know where it would all end. I loved the writing it skipped along at a great energetic pace, so easy to read. A refreshingly unusual story, would definitely recommend.
I bought this because of the reviews and I wasn't disappointed. A strange collection of odd dysfunctional characters set in a story that twists about in really quite a dark way but is weirdly compelling and additive at the same time. I just kept reading as I needed to know where it would all end. I loved the writing it skipped along at a great energetic pace, so easy to read. A refreshingly unusual story, would definitely recommend.
August 27, 2019
A definite wicked twist
The characters were well written seemed almost like Alison diary, you could visualise the characters so well.
Marina your imagination for her was hilarious, a twisted Cinderella type story.
Such a good story that will have your emotions rise through out the book. This is definitely don't Judge a book by its cover story.
I hope we hear more Alison life the future! Thank you for your words Marina look forward to reading more from you xx
The characters were well written seemed almost like Alison diary, you could visualise the characters so well.
Marina your imagination for her was hilarious, a twisted Cinderella type story.
Such a good story that will have your emotions rise through out the book. This is definitely don't Judge a book by its cover story.
I hope we hear more Alison life the future! Thank you for your words Marina look forward to reading more from you xx
April 17, 2019
Loved it so much
This book was so good. Well written and not your typical chick story, loved the twist in the story and never saw it coming. It had me biting all my nails wondering how it would all end. I won't spoil the plot but if you like stories with unexpected twists then this is a book for you!
This book was so good. Well written and not your typical chick story, loved the twist in the story and never saw it coming. It had me biting all my nails wondering how it would all end. I won't spoil the plot but if you like stories with unexpected twists then this is a book for you!
September 3, 2020
Hit a chord for this fat girl got slim!
Fascinating twisty tale with a sharp shock element. The dark side of Alison was a bit ‘off putting’ when I’d been giving her my empathy all along but it made want to keep going to see what happened next.
All in all a good read - especially if you need a push towards exercising 😀
Fascinating twisty tale with a sharp shock element. The dark side of Alison was a bit ‘off putting’ when I’d been giving her my empathy all along but it made want to keep going to see what happened next.
All in all a good read - especially if you need a push towards exercising 😀
July 28, 2018
Highly entertaining with lots of dark comedy and really quite wicked. As the title says it is NOT a diet book. Alison's life has not been easy and she has her ways of coping, which, given the circumstances are understandable. Well written and definitely a 'recommended read.'
September 26, 2018
Very good read.
I enjoyed this book, the characters were well written and a few unexpected twists and turns in the plot.
Not your average book, I think this author is something special.
I enjoyed this book, the characters were well written and a few unexpected twists and turns in the plot.
Not your average book, I think this author is something special.
October 21, 2018
A nice read, with a good twist.
nice read, with a good twist of an ending. Not what I was expecting at all. Well worth a read. Roller coaster of emotion towards the main character which kept me gripped till the end.
nice read, with a good twist of an ending. Not what I was expecting at all. Well worth a read. Roller coaster of emotion towards the main character which kept me gripped till the end.
October 21, 2018
Loved this book
I loved this little book. I couldn't put it down. The main character is so real, I could empathise so well with the main character about being over weight. A book with a sense of humour, nothing too deep. An enjoyable easy read ☺
I loved this little book. I couldn't put it down. The main character is so real, I could empathise so well with the main character about being over weight. A book with a sense of humour, nothing too deep. An enjoyable easy read ☺
November 16, 2018
I absolutely LOVED this book. I read it in 2 days and that was only because I had to go to work! It was funny, sad, heartwarming and really twisty. I loved the storyline and couldn’t stop reading because I was desperate to know what happens. Really recommend this book it was brilliant.
January 27, 2019
Very enjoyable.
I chose it as it seemed an easy read, which it was but also gripping. I loved it and raced through it as much as I could with a young family. Thank you for writing it. I will definitely look at your other titles.
I chose it as it seemed an easy read, which it was but also gripping. I loved it and raced through it as much as I could with a young family. Thank you for writing it. I will definitely look at your other titles.
April 15, 2019
Loved it! Inspiring how she lost the weight, but what a girl she turned into, a bunny boiling, murderous, skinny Minnie. Couldn't put this book down, hilarious in places, great storyline with a totally unexpected twist at the end 🍰🍩🍫
April 18, 2019
A really enjoyable book.
Loved it, brilliant characters and a fabulous story with a surprising twist. I read it in one sitting and look forward to seeing other books by this author.
Loved it, brilliant characters and a fabulous story with a surprising twist. I read it in one sitting and look forward to seeing other books by this author.
April 25, 2019
Fun quick read
An addictive read, light entertainment with a twist. Really enjoyed this book and would recommend if you are looking for an easy read that will keep you entertained.
An addictive read, light entertainment with a twist. Really enjoyed this book and would recommend if you are looking for an easy read that will keep you entertained.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews