Fat Mom on a Mountain: Fifty Weeks that Restored My Life

by Kriste O'Brien

Kriste was overweight and turning fifty. Her approaching birthday milestone was a harsh reminder that life was moving quickly, and time was running out to become the woman she once imagined she’d be. Out of shape, uninspired, and riddled with self-doubt, Kriste was determined to make the changes necessary to tackle the next half of her life with grace, bravery, and self-love.

In this honest memoir, follow Kriste on her fifty-week journey out of her comfort zone and on the path to becoming a woman who faces her fears, tackles weight issues, finds her voice, and scrambles up mountains.

Fat Mom on a Mountain is an honest portrayal of a mother who is trying to find herself by peeling away the layers she accumulated through life. Raw, sarcastic, and emotional, this book will leave you inspired and ready to conquer a mountain of your own.

Genres: Travel

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2021

About the author

Kriste O’Brien lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children. When she’s not working her day job, she enjoys hiking in the White Mountains, running on her local rail trail, seeing live music, and traveling to new places. After the death of her beloved mother in 2013, Kriste has tried to honor her memory by setting and achieving once unimaginable goals: whitewater rafting in Maine, running a half-marathon, earning her master’s degree, climbing mountains, and writing a book!

Reviews

[Jodie Stevens · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars, rounding up for the author’s courage to leave her comfort zone and have an adventure! I wanted to love this, since I am on a similar middle aged get back in shape journey, but I just couldn’t handle the stream of consciousness type writing. I promise, not every younger woman is judging older women for being overweight, out of shape, “old”, bad at writing, being inexperienced at tent breakdown/backpack adjustments etc etc etc. There were some very touching passages, but overall I was a little disappointed.

[Laura Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found myself seeing many parallels between myself and Kriste through this book. She does a wonderful job of telling her story, but I struggled with her constant negativity, especially towards the end. I found myself just wanting to get it over with. The ending is also fairly abrupt and another chapter could make this a bit better.

[Shay Kent]

DNF

[Suzanne Kohlmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not great. I wanted to like it. I listened to the entire book waiting for the redemption arc, but it never happened. This poor woman is a hot mess. By the end she still doesn't like herself and hadn't learned a thing about weight loss that isn't salads and protein shakes. I wanted a woman who grew in her 50th year. I feel like this person would have been better off having a year of therapy than a year of self doubt, starvation, binge eating, and intense training for something she didn't really want to do.

[donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard to read because words ran together with no spacing, were missing, or were misused.

I enjoyed the storyline, but the proofreader failed miserably. Many words had no spacing between especially in the italicized sections indicating thought. Words were occasionally missing or the wrong one was used. Sentences were split strangely within paragraphs. Paragraph format was inconsistent.

[Cynthia Mccormack · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agree with other reviewers regarding the atrocious editing on this book. The story was padded; author went on tangents that did not contribute to the theme. The writing of complete paragraphs as one long word throughout the book are ridiculous. All these flaws discredit the author by making the book a struggle to read. I stayed with it because I really wanted to see if she made it.

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this book on a cheap ebook site and decided by the description of it, that it would inspire me. I guess it did - I read the whole book but it was disappointing along the way. I guess the author felt authentic in describing her attitudes and perceptions of life but it just made me really wish she was in counseling instead of spitting it all out on paper. I mean, she hates her job, weighs too much, is out of shape (but at least has been athletic in the past), can't make friends easily, etc. etc. etc. which cause her to have a hard time reaching her 50th birthday goal of losing 50 lbs. and climbing a high mountain. I kept reading hoping to see her GROW stronger but she was still whining at the end which is very abrupt. Guess reaching that goal means stop writing the book literally. To top it off, the editing was horrible - typos and misspelled words just make me clinch my jaw. Read at your own risk.

[Steve Erdody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most relatable book I may have ever read

I came across this by accident and read the preview about someone turning 50 who is wanting to lose weight to get ready for an epic hike, so I said what the heck, and I am very glad I did. So much of Kriste's story resonated to me, to the point that I highlighted more in this book than maybe any other. I did a big hike at 50 in memory of my brother, I live in NH, I yoyo with my weight, I'm overly punctual, I have 2 girls and a boy, so I kept saying "I get it".

Now most will not share these same things, but many will. The story uses humor and self deprecation to share her story of the struggles she faced to ultimately meet her goal. I have already recommended it to a few others who would appreciate Kriste's story.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kristi O'Brien wanted to mark her 50th birthday with an epic event, so she chose to climb Half Dome in Yosemite. But first, she had to overcome her fear of heights and lose 50 pounds.

Kriste is, at times, a bundle of contradictions. She loves to travel but hates to fly. She's always been athletic but struggles with her weight. She craves the solitude of nature but is an extrovert. The book is about working through those contradictions and making it to the top of the most challenging hike in Yosemite.

I appreciated Kriste's honest account of her struggles to get ready and her openness about her fear. I cheered when she made it to the top, but wished there was more of a denouement to the book. How did they make it back down? What changed in her life after she met her goal?

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many of the struggles the author has, are familiar to me. First, is weight gain/loss/gain/loss…and promising yourself that today is the day to eat healthy, then making that promise the next day, and again the next week, all while beating yourself up over it.

Next, the underlying insecurity that coincides. Can I do this? Am I enough? Where do I fit in? We are often our own worst enemy.

Lastly weaved throughout this book the author expresses the deep feeling of loss that happens and with the death of a parent. It gets easier but never really goes away.

The author takes you through her ups and downs, and ultimate triumphs in a way that is relatable, funny and very honest.

[Joe McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome ! Funny, heartfelt, inspiring

This is one of my favorite books ever. And I read ALOT.
Kriste is so open, so honest, so revealing. One moment she is sharing her angst, struggles with weight and fitness, and then she Is laughing and channeling her inner bad-ass (her words, which I loved.)
She is not afraid to reveal her vulnerabilities, but what shines through most clearly is her determination.
This is such a relatable, inspiring book.
Kriste, please write another one. I love your style!

[Holly Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspirational without being preachy.

I really enjoyed this book. Why did I read it? Cuz I'm a fat girl about to be 56, who for the last 10 years has been going downhill due to autoimmune disorder. I miss being physical. I miss my small hikes compared to this authors. I miss playing disc golf. I miss doing more than just sitting and going from chair to chair, due to much difficulty standing and walking now.

I think the author should be very very proud of herself. I know I would! A well done book and an enjoyable read.

[Sandy Scarboro · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Fat Mom on a Mountain “, we follow a mother and wife on her way to her 50th birthday. She is not going quietly into her fifth decade. She makes a plan to lose 50 pounds and climb Yosemite’s Half Dome. We follow her very real journey as she struggles to reach her goals. Kristie O’Brien is relatable and funny. Although I’m not planning to climb a mountain, I was very inspired to do my best regardless of my age.

[Cindy Bergvall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring year in the life of preparing to take in a challenge and face fears. Her husband and children’s support was heart warming. Her persistent to take on multiple challenges-train for climbing, lose weight and write a book was admirable. She completely changed her life in just one year! The formatting for the kindle on the IPhone was off though making parts difficult to read and there were some repeating sentences in parts of the book.

[Joan Early Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started climbing the Adirondack High Peaks after a divorce. I was in better shape than the author, but was not an experienced hiker or climber. The fears and growth experienced by the author as she pursued her goal ring true. Reinvention through physical achievements is a wonderful thing. And her struggles with the weight and food craving bugaboo are so human. Some of us are less in the grip of the food monster, but it has its talons out always. A thoroughly enjoyable, heart-felt read.

[Julie Booth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The end was great, but overall I was disappointed. As a 55 year old who has a lot of parallels with the author and loves to hike, I thought this would be right up my alley. I found her annoying, quite honestly. I think it’s a personality clash - like, in real life, I would get along with her fine at work, but she would annoy me, especially if we were in a position to get any closer. Oh well, I have no doubt this book speaks to a lot of women, and that’s not a bad thing.

[Tricia Gabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man! I loved this book! I finished it in 4 days! Sometimes I can’t finish a book for 4 YEARS!! Kriste is real. Says what we’re all thinking. (Ok at least ME!) Setting goals and sticking to them is HARD! She did a bunch of them. Great book! I’m proud of what she accomplished. I’m feeling energized myself now. Whoo hoo!!

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Loved this book! So relatable and real. It’s amazing how so many of us equate or worth with our weight and when we are able to finish something hard, there is a shift in our thinking. She did a fantastic job of relaying her worries and fears of what she wanted yet was scared of. I hope she does a sequel .

[Jessica F C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone that enjoyed Wild or Lost might enjoy this book. Approaching her 50th birthday she sets herself a challenge to lose weight and do a big solo trek.. I enjoyed this book as its combines talk of diets, working out, setting challenges and being comfortable doing it solo. Books like this often make me wonder if I could do such a trek, but I often conclude I prefer just reading about it..

[Kim K · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read

She was likable, and I was cheering for her to accomplish her goals. My dislikes was her extreme dieting when she had teenagers at home. Hope they don’t adopt weird eating habits. Kids learn by watching. Also, when she felt like the odd one out with the REI youngsters, wonder if she thought of the woman on the tour bus who could have used a friend. Karma?

[Jkors · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly inspiring book. Full of adventure, humor and relatable honesty., Kriste’s story will absolutely inspire and motivate you to find your mountain, overcome your fears, reinvent yourself and accomplish things you never thought you could.

[Cindy Dyson Eitelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty enjoyable, but not as gripping as I'd hoped. Not very inspirational either, although I could see other people finding so. She overcame a lot of fear to do this thing, and I highly recommend it.

[Thomas M. Muller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very motivational!

Fat Mom's story made me wants to set goals, get up and go! Introverts, like me, need that push once in a while. (The Kindle version needs some serious editing!!)

[Tia Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

So much of this book resonated with me as a 50+ overweight mom. The author’s lifelong struggle with weight and other issues was so real. What a proud life event for her. It was truly inspiring.

[Annette French · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked her writing style as it kept me mostly engaged. Although the book was more about her eating habits with weight problems she has tried to overcome over her life. I would have liked to read more of the hikes and nature.

[Barbara Cranston · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHE DID IT!

This is Kriste O’Brien’s first book-I hope it is not her last. Her words carried me along. I felt her fear and anxiety. I trained with her without leaving my favorite chair. She spoke for every overweight woman who feels she is “ never good enough”.

[Mandy Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a backpacker/hiker I enjoyed reading this! genuinely made me happy to read how someone overcame hard obstacles they've never done before and the accomplishment our beautiful outdoors can do for someone.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few spelling mistakes that should’ve been caught by an editor. However, a good, inspiring read!!

[Nicole Coulter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring, real life story of an almost 50 year old trying to do something crazy. She is likable and real, she has grit and a decent amount of self-deprecating humor.

[Kelly Behr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I loved het grit and determination, never gave into her fears. Wonderful family support that helped so much to achieve her goal.