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703: How I Lost More Than a Quarter Ton and Gained a Life
A moving, funny, tongue-in-cheek, and deadly serious story about how one woman lost and found herself by going online.
Nancy Makin weighed an astounding 703 pounds in May 2000. She was forty-five years old and suffered from diabetes and other obesity-related maladies. Thanks in equal parts to shame and logistics, she'd been homebound for a dozen years.
But all that changed after a gift from her a computer. A technophobe, Nancy ignored it for months, until finally boredom and curiosity pushed her into cyberspace. And there, in a political chat room, she found the friendliness, the connection, the acceptance she'd been missing for so long. Nobody flinched when Nancy spoke up; people treated her with the same respect accorded to anybody else. Thanks in great part to these new emotional connections, Nancy's life was transformed.
She followed no particular diet plan; no pills, potions or ab-crunching exercises played a part. There was no silver bullet, no magical, elusive ingredient-and yet today Nancy has lost more than 530 pounds. Nancy's tale is one of redemption, a story of reevaluating her worth and insisting she had value simply because she was human. It will show a growing America that there is hope, there's always hope... if you believe!
Nancy Makin weighed an astounding 703 pounds in May 2000. She was forty-five years old and suffered from diabetes and other obesity-related maladies. Thanks in equal parts to shame and logistics, she'd been homebound for a dozen years.
But all that changed after a gift from her a computer. A technophobe, Nancy ignored it for months, until finally boredom and curiosity pushed her into cyberspace. And there, in a political chat room, she found the friendliness, the connection, the acceptance she'd been missing for so long. Nobody flinched when Nancy spoke up; people treated her with the same respect accorded to anybody else. Thanks in great part to these new emotional connections, Nancy's life was transformed.
She followed no particular diet plan; no pills, potions or ab-crunching exercises played a part. There was no silver bullet, no magical, elusive ingredient-and yet today Nancy has lost more than 530 pounds. Nancy's tale is one of redemption, a story of reevaluating her worth and insisting she had value simply because she was human. It will show a growing America that there is hope, there's always hope... if you believe!
304 pages, Hardcover
Published April 15, 2010
16 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
February 22, 2017
The outline of this book sounds a lot more coherent than it really was. It reads like an adaptation of one of the author's motivational speeches, and I am guessing it probably was, because that is how the author makes her living these days. So it's not in a conventional autobiographical format.
Which is too bad, as there's some fascinating stuff there. The author was raised in an Irish Catholic family of girls in Seattle, only to be yanked out of that environment at a young age to be subjected to a renegade Catholic religious cult near Montreal. And on escaping, turning into a child of the late 1960s, marrying early, becoming a military wife, then a single mom in culinary school. However, the author does not reflect on these events, or depict how they led her to overeat. In fact, she never really says why or even what she eats. It's just something that happens. Other autobiographical elements are also seem underfleshed -- I truly wondered why the author allowed her narcisstic, shrewish mother -- the one who forced the entire family to join the cult -- to remain in her life when any other sane person would have kicked such a toxic parent to the curb. That element still bothers me in fact, as what ultimately happened to the older sister who embraced the cult and became a nun.
What the book did well was depict how it feels to be dangerously obese. In one harrowing section, the author at her heaviest moves into a new apartment and lies down for a nap, but is unable to get back on her feet because of her size. It's a page-turner for snippets like that alone. Yet when she does lose the weight, it's disturbingly easy and pat; a reader might feel cheated.
In sum, a gripping read, but on reflection, could have been a LOT better.
Which is too bad, as there's some fascinating stuff there. The author was raised in an Irish Catholic family of girls in Seattle, only to be yanked out of that environment at a young age to be subjected to a renegade Catholic religious cult near Montreal. And on escaping, turning into a child of the late 1960s, marrying early, becoming a military wife, then a single mom in culinary school. However, the author does not reflect on these events, or depict how they led her to overeat. In fact, she never really says why or even what she eats. It's just something that happens. Other autobiographical elements are also seem underfleshed -- I truly wondered why the author allowed her narcisstic, shrewish mother -- the one who forced the entire family to join the cult -- to remain in her life when any other sane person would have kicked such a toxic parent to the curb. That element still bothers me in fact, as what ultimately happened to the older sister who embraced the cult and became a nun.
What the book did well was depict how it feels to be dangerously obese. In one harrowing section, the author at her heaviest moves into a new apartment and lies down for a nap, but is unable to get back on her feet because of her size. It's a page-turner for snippets like that alone. Yet when she does lose the weight, it's disturbingly easy and pat; a reader might feel cheated.
In sum, a gripping read, but on reflection, could have been a LOT better.
April 9, 2012
Not a typical weight-loss book, which is a good thing. After getting to an all-time high of 703 pounds, and isolating herself from all social interaction, the author has pretty much given up on life. Until she finds a way to reconnect with the people again through the WWW. Compared to society's negative opinions of the morbidly obese, internet friends don't judge on appearance, and Nancy is slowly able to rebuild her self-esteem. Once she starts caring about herself again and finding joy in living, her weight starts to melt away; friends and interaction become more important than stuffing down negative feelings with food.
While I wasn't expecting a detailed memoir of her whole life, her background kinda/sorta helps to explain how she got to be so heavy. The loss of the weight is the shortest part of the book, and felt a bit rushed. But Nancy makes some excellent points about how, for many of us, paradoxically, excess weight is not really about the food. It's about how we deal with our emotions: some scream, some drink or use other addictive substances, and some choose food as the vice of choice. Why not? It's always available, and there's a food to fit every mood...
She didn't follow a diet plan as she lost weight, and, even now, doesn't freak out if she eats an extra bite of a sweet one day, and feels that life is more enjoyable when we are not obsessing about everything that goes into our mouths. Once the emotions were under control, for her anyway, the food and activity pieces of the puzzle just fell into place. There was the obligatory (for these types of stories!) appearance on Oprah to end the book, but the life story, while interesting in parts, was a bit of a slog to get to the point of the book.
While I wasn't expecting a detailed memoir of her whole life, her background kinda/sorta helps to explain how she got to be so heavy. The loss of the weight is the shortest part of the book, and felt a bit rushed. But Nancy makes some excellent points about how, for many of us, paradoxically, excess weight is not really about the food. It's about how we deal with our emotions: some scream, some drink or use other addictive substances, and some choose food as the vice of choice. Why not? It's always available, and there's a food to fit every mood...
She didn't follow a diet plan as she lost weight, and, even now, doesn't freak out if she eats an extra bite of a sweet one day, and feels that life is more enjoyable when we are not obsessing about everything that goes into our mouths. Once the emotions were under control, for her anyway, the food and activity pieces of the puzzle just fell into place. There was the obligatory (for these types of stories!) appearance on Oprah to end the book, but the life story, while interesting in parts, was a bit of a slog to get to the point of the book.
April 18, 2011
This was a fascinating memoir of a woman whose weight ballooned to 703 pounds and who was homebound and living on disability. Her childhood was strange as she had 7 sisters and a strict Catholic mother who dominated her husband. When she was a little girl the family left their comfortable life in Seattle and joined an off-shoot monastic community in Quebec that had been formed in defiance of the Vatican II reforms. It is a horrible, bordering on abusive, experience that seems to be one of the obvious catalysts that contributed to her morbid weight gain. Her story is fascinating and horrifying and amazing. Her recovery started after a sister gave her a rehabbed computer. She started to make personal connections with other people on line that began to help her grow in her concept of self-worth. She loses so much weight that she has to go off disabilty and starts to clean people's houses, which continues her ability to develop deeply connected relationships with her clients, one of whom pays for the surgery she needs to get rid of all the excess skin flaps. It is an amazing story that culminates with her finally going on Oprah with her story and getting the book deal. She now gives motivational speeches.
June 19, 2022
4.5 stars
Nancy Makin has an incredible story. She starts from when she's a child and her family joins what I can only call a cult. The family dynamics were really strange to me, and therefore fascinating.
Makin shares what led to her massive weight gain (her heaviest weight was 703 lbs) and social isolation. Briefly, she also tells what happened to help her lose the weight and allow her to reenter society.
She has a really wonderful (dark, sarcastic) sense of humor that kept the book from becoming emotionally overwhelming.
The only drawbacks worth mentioning: She uses God's name as an exclamation (in vain), and she has some Catholic beliefs I disagree with.
Overall, an excellent read that I highly recommend!
Nancy Makin has an incredible story. She starts from when she's a child and her family joins what I can only call a cult. The family dynamics were really strange to me, and therefore fascinating.
Makin shares what led to her massive weight gain (her heaviest weight was 703 lbs) and social isolation. Briefly, she also tells what happened to help her lose the weight and allow her to reenter society.
She has a really wonderful (dark, sarcastic) sense of humor that kept the book from becoming emotionally overwhelming.
The only drawbacks worth mentioning: She uses God's name as an exclamation (in vain), and she has some Catholic beliefs I disagree with.
Overall, an excellent read that I highly recommend!
January 11, 2013
When Nancy Makin weighed herself in 2000, she was 703 lbs. She was barely mobile, never left her home, and had all kinds of obesity-related health problems. Even though she knew her weight was problematic, she wasn't really able to do anything about it until she developed a sense of self-worth - this, oddly enough, she did by connecting with people online. Her sister gave her a computer and she went out onto the internet and forged friendships and relationships in cyberspace. This activity distracted her from her own problems and negative feelings and eventually enabled her to get a grip and take control.
Nancy's story was not what I'd expected. This is really a memoir - let's start at the beginning with my parents and how they met and go from there - and not just a tale of how Nancy gained a lot of weight and then lost it again. I got to the part where her mother forces her and her sister to join a cult (as children) and was gobsmacked. Wait, what? They joined a CULT? What am I reading?
I thought there would be a moment where Nancy had some kind of epiphany (isn't that how it usually happens?) that made her see what she was doing to herself and her family. And she sort of does, but that's not what changes her behavior. What does happen is that she gets so wrapped up in her online life that she forgets to eat, forgets to entertain all of the bad feelings, and finds that she's losing weight. Oh hey. She eventually has to work for it - when she's finally scheduled to have surgery to remove the excess flesh that remains from her days as the 703 lb woman. That's a major battle/struggle.
I'm not sure what to think of her story. I'm glad she's healthier and happier (and no longer heavy), but how did she ever allow herself to get to the point where everything was so hard and hopeless? *perplexed*
Nancy's story was not what I'd expected. This is really a memoir - let's start at the beginning with my parents and how they met and go from there - and not just a tale of how Nancy gained a lot of weight and then lost it again. I got to the part where her mother forces her and her sister to join a cult (as children) and was gobsmacked. Wait, what? They joined a CULT? What am I reading?
I thought there would be a moment where Nancy had some kind of epiphany (isn't that how it usually happens?) that made her see what she was doing to herself and her family. And she sort of does, but that's not what changes her behavior. What does happen is that she gets so wrapped up in her online life that she forgets to eat, forgets to entertain all of the bad feelings, and finds that she's losing weight. Oh hey. She eventually has to work for it - when she's finally scheduled to have surgery to remove the excess flesh that remains from her days as the 703 lb woman. That's a major battle/struggle.
I'm not sure what to think of her story. I'm glad she's healthier and happier (and no longer heavy), but how did she ever allow herself to get to the point where everything was so hard and hopeless? *perplexed*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2010
An admirable story, told in fairly plain prose with the occasional dip into self-helpy love yourself moments. While not a scholar or a gifted author, this book still has a few clear and important messages. Overeating is not about food, and yes, America has some issues with fear, control, and appearance. None of these things are new or surprising, but the author does a good job of laying her thoughts out simply and directly. Not an amazing read, but still, you want to applaud the intentions. And thank god, not once does she discuss her diet, exercise plan or her current weight-loss regimen in any way that feeds into someone else's desire to know her "secret." Which is, I think, the book's most important (if not directly stated) point.
March 30, 2011
This book was . . . odd. It started out being a memoir about the author's childhood experiences in a cult, which was actually pretty interesting. The rest of the book, however, seemed to consist of a lot of "People were mean to me and then I moved, and then I lost my job and then people were mean to me and then I lost weight." And her weight loss "plan" appears to be "I got a job cleaning houses, and became so obsessed with the internet that I forgot to eat." I'm not really sure what this book was trying to be.
December 23, 2017
The author had a top weight of 703 lbs. She lost the majority (over 500 lbs) of that weight and recounts her story here in hopes of inspiring other people.
It was a decent story. The author started the story as a child and worked her way forward, but there were large gaps in time in her story. I listened to the audio, so sometimes lost where we were: what age she was, what weight. I found her childhood particularly interesting. She never really said how she lost all the weight, but I still found the perspective interesting. She didn’t leave her house for years; when she did, they needed special equipment to get her out and to the hospital. The comments and stares are things you don’t think about. Even how to do so many things that so many of us take for granted. When she did leave her house, her son would stand in such a way to try to block people’s stares. There are just so many things we take for granted.
It was a decent story. The author started the story as a child and worked her way forward, but there were large gaps in time in her story. I listened to the audio, so sometimes lost where we were: what age she was, what weight. I found her childhood particularly interesting. She never really said how she lost all the weight, but I still found the perspective interesting. She didn’t leave her house for years; when she did, they needed special equipment to get her out and to the hospital. The comments and stares are things you don’t think about. Even how to do so many things that so many of us take for granted. When she did leave her house, her son would stand in such a way to try to block people’s stares. There are just so many things we take for granted.
May 31, 2012
This is a memoir of a women who works her way up to, and then back down from 703 pounds. I was morbidly curious, frankly I'm disgusted by people that get to be over say 350, and cannot fathom it. However, it happens, it happens a lot, and there has to be some very good reasons for it. I know that sounds terrible for me to say, but I'm sure I am not alone in the sentiment and it is true. Even with my Sociology degree, respect and understanding for the morbidly obese was not discussed and certainly is not in public realm.
That said, Nancy Makin taught me some much needed humility. She shares her story as a way to give hope to others in her situation, and to show people like me that big people have feelings, families and a need for self-worth. I had never thought about the fact that household scales do not go beyond say 300 pounds so after a person reaches that point, they really have no idea what they weight. Nancy would look at a 10 foot walk as being almost too daunting, and stairs as being a week's worth of effort. Her grandchildren had to get up on the furniture when Nancy went to get up just in case she fell, she didn't want to risk them getting injured or killed! I'm not trying to be funny,these were serious limitations, that I can easily say most of the world know nothing about.
I won't spoil the plot with her ups and down through life, but what I will say is Nancy is a talented writer and witty to boot. She lost all of her weight on her own, without surgery or a strict plan. I laughed out loud, or at least snickered fairly often which I did not expect when I began the book. I also teared up when Nancy wrote of driving for the first time in 16 years, eating in a restaurant for the first time in 18 years, and wearing her first pair of Levi's in her 40s. Nancy is a worthy role model by candidly sharing her challenges while offering encouragement to others. Much of the book was her sharing her life story, not necessarily directly tied to her weight. I'm embarrassed to say I wanted to hear more about what she ate, I waited the whole book to hear the gory details only to have Nancy say (essentially), 'people that just want to hear what I ate all day, or when I last had sex are not interested in me as a person, they are interested in the sensationalism of my situation, and I'm not willing to give them that satisfaction.' It's true, and I will never view an obese person the same way again, thanks to this book. Everyone should read this book, for one reason or another. If I haven't convinced you, she was cool enough to be on Oprah!
That said, Nancy Makin taught me some much needed humility. She shares her story as a way to give hope to others in her situation, and to show people like me that big people have feelings, families and a need for self-worth. I had never thought about the fact that household scales do not go beyond say 300 pounds so after a person reaches that point, they really have no idea what they weight. Nancy would look at a 10 foot walk as being almost too daunting, and stairs as being a week's worth of effort. Her grandchildren had to get up on the furniture when Nancy went to get up just in case she fell, she didn't want to risk them getting injured or killed! I'm not trying to be funny,these were serious limitations, that I can easily say most of the world know nothing about.
I won't spoil the plot with her ups and down through life, but what I will say is Nancy is a talented writer and witty to boot. She lost all of her weight on her own, without surgery or a strict plan. I laughed out loud, or at least snickered fairly often which I did not expect when I began the book. I also teared up when Nancy wrote of driving for the first time in 16 years, eating in a restaurant for the first time in 18 years, and wearing her first pair of Levi's in her 40s. Nancy is a worthy role model by candidly sharing her challenges while offering encouragement to others. Much of the book was her sharing her life story, not necessarily directly tied to her weight. I'm embarrassed to say I wanted to hear more about what she ate, I waited the whole book to hear the gory details only to have Nancy say (essentially), 'people that just want to hear what I ate all day, or when I last had sex are not interested in me as a person, they are interested in the sensationalism of my situation, and I'm not willing to give them that satisfaction.' It's true, and I will never view an obese person the same way again, thanks to this book. Everyone should read this book, for one reason or another. If I haven't convinced you, she was cool enough to be on Oprah!
July 27, 2015
703 is the true story of Nancy Makin, who, at her heaviest, weighed 703 pounds. Her life was unusual from the start. As a child, she was sent by her mother to live in a religious cult which she hated. She got out a few years later, moving back home with her family. By 16, she was both a mother and a wife. As a young adult, she began putting on weight, and eventually, lived as a prisoner in her home, struggling to move around and rarely leaving her apartment. She felt trapped, alone, and desperate. One day, her sister brings her a computer. She logs on to chat rooms and message boards, making many new friends, and finally begins to feel the connection she has longed to feel. With the new positivity in her life, she finally begins to lose the weight, regaining her life once and for all.
This book really interested me. I always see shows on TV about people that are this size and virtually immobile. A lot of times, people view them as monsters, but they are humans too, and Nancy reminds us of that. It was nice to finally get to see inside the head of one of these people I see on TV all the time. I’m reminded that we all have flaws and that some people’s flaws are just more visible than others.
I thought this book was well written, and I like that Nancy chronicled much of her life, including her childhood and younger years before the weight gain. I always like to have a bit of back story, especially when it is unusual like Nancy’s. She could have written an entire book about her experiences in the religious cult, or about being pregnant at 15, and married at 16. Wow! What a life story.
A problem I had was that I was still left wondering how she got to be that size, how exactly she got to lose the weight, and how long it took her. I would have liked more in depth explanations of those things. I really liked her voice though, and think I would like her a lot in person. She was really funny, and would often joke with people about her weight. Now, this was probably a defense mechanism, but I liked that she tried to find humor in the situation rather than feeling sorry for herself all the time. I think other fans of memoirs will enjoy this one.
This book really interested me. I always see shows on TV about people that are this size and virtually immobile. A lot of times, people view them as monsters, but they are humans too, and Nancy reminds us of that. It was nice to finally get to see inside the head of one of these people I see on TV all the time. I’m reminded that we all have flaws and that some people’s flaws are just more visible than others.
I thought this book was well written, and I like that Nancy chronicled much of her life, including her childhood and younger years before the weight gain. I always like to have a bit of back story, especially when it is unusual like Nancy’s. She could have written an entire book about her experiences in the religious cult, or about being pregnant at 15, and married at 16. Wow! What a life story.
A problem I had was that I was still left wondering how she got to be that size, how exactly she got to lose the weight, and how long it took her. I would have liked more in depth explanations of those things. I really liked her voice though, and think I would like her a lot in person. She was really funny, and would often joke with people about her weight. Now, this was probably a defense mechanism, but I liked that she tried to find humor in the situation rather than feeling sorry for herself all the time. I think other fans of memoirs will enjoy this one.
December 7, 2010
The book took a while to get off the ground, but was fairly interesting. Those looking for food plans or diet tips should look elsewhere. This book is the personal journey of someone who had a weird childhood and became isolated as an adult by her weight which eventually became 703 pounds. She talks about how overweight people have to think of things others don't think about. Spindly chairs, especially chairs with arms, are enemies. Narrow store aisles. Air flight? Forget it. Stairs? Another enemy. The overweight are second class citizens and people who claim to never discriminate or be hurtful to anyone often have no compunction about doing so with the overweight. I've been an overweight adult and have gained and lost numerous pounds. I've never been as large as 703, but I understood Nancy's travails. The book lapses into platitudes toward the end, but still worth reading. Despite the strange childhood, Nancy is careful to say throughout the book that her weight is the result of her own bad choices, and she takes full responsibility for her state. The good news is that she lost a bunch of weight. Nancy’s sister gave her a computer and Nancy discovered the internet community. Friends she never met pulled her from her isolation and she began to lose weight. She communicated with others instead of sitting and eating. She eventually was able to start work again and formed her own business. Nancy is maintaining her weight loss and writes and is on the lecture circuit.
February 4, 2011
I cannot imagine having a life like this author, her parents were a bit different. Especially her mother. They took the whole family to a convent type establishment in Canada and the children were seperated from the parents. Nancy, the author, adored her father and being seperated from him was extremely difficult for her. Food was scarce and many times rotten. She learned to hord when she could and to over eat when the food was good. After the convent she moved around and then ended back up there only to finally refuse to return. Pregnant at 15 and married that same year, brought more changes and more weight. Her life seemed like one diet after another and yet when she was in the hospital the tests told another story.
Nancy was over 703 pounds and yet malnurioused. Her body was obese, but her system was starving for nutrients. I think that is the way it is in America. We have some many options for food and yet many of us chose the nutrient free/high calorie alternative. Do you reach for an apple, or a brownie?
Nancy lost the weight and she did it without surgery or other aids. She learned to eat healthy and to eat normally. Eat when your hungry, eat nutrient rich foods and treat yourself every once in awhile.
She now is a public speaker and helps others do what she did. Her life was one bad thing after another, until she took over. Changing her life allowed her to find it.
This is an inspiring book, a bit long in places, but interesting all the same.
Nancy was over 703 pounds and yet malnurioused. Her body was obese, but her system was starving for nutrients. I think that is the way it is in America. We have some many options for food and yet many of us chose the nutrient free/high calorie alternative. Do you reach for an apple, or a brownie?
Nancy lost the weight and she did it without surgery or other aids. She learned to eat healthy and to eat normally. Eat when your hungry, eat nutrient rich foods and treat yourself every once in awhile.
She now is a public speaker and helps others do what she did. Her life was one bad thing after another, until she took over. Changing her life allowed her to find it.
This is an inspiring book, a bit long in places, but interesting all the same.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2012
Interesting read about a woman who loses hundreds of pounds -- except the book isn't really about losing weight, as much as it is a detailing of her abusive childhood and eventually finding affirmation in her adult life. It reminded me of The Glass Castle, except not as well written, since this book didn't have a solid theme. I scanned some reviews before I read the book, and some people were upset that she didn't give details as to her weightloss, which didn't bother me at the time -- I mean, who wants a chronicle of every squat, lunge, and broccoli stem? Except this book didn't have details at all. So this woman lost 500 pounds because she starting chatting with people online? Just seemed confusing that it wasn't really touched upon in the book. Nonetheless, the book is still enjoyable as the author's style is pleasant (minus the part where she describes Joe Biden's hairplugs as "debonair" -- eww), if a bit unfocused.
June 28, 2010
This is a surprisingly good book. This is not just another weight loss story... this is a REAL overview of this individuals extremely real struggle with emotional eating and how she is able to turn her life around. As an eating disorder therapist it was great to read a book that did not revolve around a diet, but rather focused on real life solutions and a real life plan. Nancy is likable and you truly desire for her to make it to a better place in her life and it is a joy to watch as this unfolds. I would recommend this book!!
August 7, 2011
Really loved this book. Most of it took place in my hometown which made it that much more interesting. I've always been interested in people's struggles. She tells an engaging story with a wonderful outcome. Read the majority of it in one sitting.
June 27, 2012
What a life Nancy Makin has led. Kudos to her for her bravery in sharing her story, and being an inspiration to others.
August 28, 2024
This was such an inspiring story! I am always so interested in how people are motivated to make changes in their lives. Especially when there is such a large obstacle in the way, such as the incredible extra weight Nancy was carrying. She had such a crazy and interesting childhood, between all the moves, and living in such an extreme situation. Even though she did go through such a challenging time, she seemed to keep a positive attitude, which is probably what got her through to succeed in the end. One thing that stood out was her talking about how she never blamed anyone else for her situation. She took full accountability, which seemed to be a difference from others she met in similar situations. I suppose if someone feels fully accountable for what gets them into a situation, it does then give them more power to try to get themselves out.
December 31, 2019
Interesting story. It brings new perspective to get into the mind of someone that obese. She is a very good writer and her story had great flow. Interesting life. But also missing key company. I know she didn’t want to focus on the fantastic out of respect for herself and others that are in a similar situation. But really how much DID she eat, and more importantly why? Was she just bored, lonely, was it just a bad habit at that point? Also when she lost the weight it sounded too easy, and keeping it off just as easy. Maybe it is for her. But there’s not much said about that.
That said I really enjoyed hearing her story and empathized in many ways. Good example of how something can get so out of control without you even realizing it’s happening. Until it’s too late.
That said I really enjoyed hearing her story and empathized in many ways. Good example of how something can get so out of control without you even realizing it’s happening. Until it’s too late.
September 3, 2023
Engaging, humorous, and insightful, this book was much more than just a story of weight gain and loss. Nancy told her story with grace and empathy; not minimizing her failures, but giving hope and expressing the importance of inherent human value and dignity.
Some reviews have complained of not enough details or too many "motivational" aspects of the book; I think Nancy knew just what she was doing. As she explained, the embarrassing or intimate parts of an obese person's life are not something to be sensationalized or put on display; these are people too, and they deserve privacy and respect. This story helps me to have empathy and understanding for a life not purposefully chosen.
Highly recommend.
Some reviews have complained of not enough details or too many "motivational" aspects of the book; I think Nancy knew just what she was doing. As she explained, the embarrassing or intimate parts of an obese person's life are not something to be sensationalized or put on display; these are people too, and they deserve privacy and respect. This story helps me to have empathy and understanding for a life not purposefully chosen.
Highly recommend.
May 24, 2017
Was good.
I found the start a bit whiny - but she wasn't as near as much "victim" as I thought it would be. Which was amazing!!!
I like how it didn't just chronicle the weight loss, but also from childhood, and her pregnancy and birth, and the actual gain of the weight as well.
A great book - for those struggling to lose - as well as everyone else. We need to share our stories and become better for it - not stay in our own little world.
I found the start a bit whiny - but she wasn't as near as much "victim" as I thought it would be. Which was amazing!!!
I like how it didn't just chronicle the weight loss, but also from childhood, and her pregnancy and birth, and the actual gain of the weight as well.
A great book - for those struggling to lose - as well as everyone else. We need to share our stories and become better for it - not stay in our own little world.
February 2, 2017
FAscinating book, although the editing could have made it a better book. The beginning went on too long, but Nancy is such an endearing narrator that you can't help but keep turning the pages. She is so frank and open and funny. Her outlook is refreshing and her story while perhaps shocking, is ultimately inspiring.
July 6, 2021
I really liked this book, not something I knew anything about- to hear about such crazy weight from the first-person perspective. I felt like I gained a real sense of compassion for someone in this situation which I would normally only look at judgmentally. Nancy is such a joyful person in spite of all she has been through.
July 30, 2019
She had great tragedy and as a teacher I kept hoping that none of my students ever have her childhood. I understand some of her blue days and loneliness. I think the book could easily have edited down by 80 pages. She was incredibly courageous.
August 3, 2021
I loved this book. I think Nancy gives a good picture of her life. I think she is funny. I love her positive attitude and how she owns her choices and mistakes. As a personal trainer and life coach I found this book insightful.
Really wonderful book.
Really wonderful book.
November 15, 2021
What an amazing life story she has! Hers is the story of how darkness can sneak up and take over our lives so easily sometimes and about how what seems like a small change at the time can bring us back into the light.
November 9, 2017
The tail end was full of eye rolls. She comes from a different era, kept insisting she loved men and wasn't one of those feminists. Meh.
January 14, 2018
Well written, engaging and inspirational.
April 15, 2021
This was a sobering expose' written with sincerity, charm, humor, horror, excitement, despair, enlightenment, and inspiration.
January 17, 2019
Scary interesting read. Scary, because this could be me, interesting, because we all deal with our issues differently. Nancy's story is inspiring, because she chose the healthy way out of her predicament, and she didn't let the fact that it was brought on by her own poor choices deter her from changing. A feel-good read.
June 13, 2022
The author starts by recounting traumatic and bizarre events in her childhood. Then delves into early adulthood and eventually how she came to reach her maximum weight. The author talks about religion more at the end of the book (though it was a big part of her childhood as well) and she says a few negative things about feminism. Overall though, I appreciated the honest narrative.
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