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13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl
13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl: A Novel | Mona Awad
"Honest, searing, and necessary."Elle"Heartbreaking[rife] with beauty and humor.As addictive as potato chips and as painful as the prospect of eating nothing but 4-ounce portions of steamed fish for the rest of your life."Chicago Tribune"A valuable addition to the canon of American womanhood."TimeGrowing up in the suburban hell of Misery Saga (a.k.a. Mississauga), Lizzie has never liked the way she lookseven though her best friend Mel says shes the pretty one. She starts dating guys online, but shes afraid to send pictures, even when her skinny friend China does her makeup: she knows no one would want her if they could really see her. So she starts to lose. With punishing drive, she counts almonds consumed, miles logged, pounds dropped. She fights her way into coveted dresses. She grows up and gets thin, navigating double-edged validation from her mother, her friends, her husband, her reflection in the mirror. But no matter how much she loses, will she ever see herself as anything other than a fat girl? In her brilliant, hilarious, and at times shocking debut, Mona Awad simultaneously skewers the body image-obsessed culture that tells women they have no value outside their physical appearance, and delivers a tender and moving depiction of a lovably difficult young woman whose life is hijacked by her struggle to conform. As caustically funny as it is heartbreaking, 13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl introduces a vital new voice in fiction.NAMED ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF 2016 BY ELLE, BUSTLE, AND THE GLOBE AND MAIL (CANADA)NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE MONTH BY THE HUFFINGTON POST, BUSTLE AND BOOKRIOTFrom the Trade Paperback edition.
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ElizaMarie
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This one was tough. Some of these stories resonated with me, but others felt like they were just mean-spirited.

During my hematology appointment, I had planned on reading but found it uncomfortable, so I ended up listening instead.

#LibbyLoan

RaeLovesToRead Mona Awad is a great writer, but I HATED this book with a passion. I think it was supposed to be more satirical than it came across. If you're buds with me on GR I've written practically an essay about it. 3w
ElizaMarie @RaeLovesToRead I don't use GR, so I don't know if I “follow“ you or “friend you“. I only have an account - don't remember when/how I signed up. But I would love the link, to read your thoughts on this. 3w
RaeLovesToRead This is my profile... not sure how to send an individual review: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/35995783?ref=nav_profile_l 3w
ElizaMarie @RaeLovesToRead I was able to find your review --- And YES! You definitely hit the nail on the head. There was very little personality given to her other than being the “fat girl“. And it was just too much! I am glad I am not the only one that didn't enjoy this one. Bunny though --- I loved that one! 3w
23 likes4 comments
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BeeMagical
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Pickpick

Book 103📚 4.1⭐️

This book hits you like a slap in the face. Awad attacks our obsession with the female form in 13 brutal but provoking chapters. Nothing sugar coated here.

Follow Beth‘s story as her relationship and weight changes with her body. Set in central Ontario, there are some pretty hilarious references.

Reggie Oof I wanna punch everyone on Twitter who has made comments about Lizzo‘s weight this past week. 10mo
BeeMagical @reggie Totally agree. Why are we talking about weight. Why is this an acceptable public debate? (edited) 10mo
35 likes1 stack add2 comments
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BeeMagical
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OK! As IF I found these at the thrift store! Pretty sure they are fairly new!😱 (aside from 13 ways)

The tagged as been on my list ever since Bunny!💕 & it‘s my first Awad physical copy!👌🏻

5feet.of.fury Great finds! 1y
36 likes1 comment
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Sarahreadstoomuch
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Mehso-so

Finished this for book group…. I liked the writing style a lot, but the story was just so depressing. No matter what size she was, she was never happy… she never had positive relationships with anyone…. Anyway. Despite this not fitting the #teamslaughter theme at all, I did find a LOT of word search words. Can‘t wait to count them all up in a couple days! #scarathlon +6

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JacintaMCarter
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Pickpick

#2021Book116
I really liked the main character in this book and could relate to a lot of her struggles. Some of the side characters made me angry, but I could also understand where they were coming from. My main complaint about this book is that it kind of jumped from one scene to the next without smooth transitions between them.

35 likes1 stack add
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Bookalong
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Pickpick

5🌟Nominated for the Giller Prize in 2016 Awad's debut 13 WAYS OF LOOKING AT A FAT GIRL is a tough read as Awad does a fantastic job really peeling back the layers of diet culture and body dysmorphia. Its different than her later books so dont expect thoes but I found it hard to put down, much like all her work. #bookreview #canlit

13 likes1 stack add
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charl08
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Not shown, the two books I acquired after this stack but am totally counted as reading my own books...

Palimpsest Every time I see this title I think of the poem 13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbird by Wallace Stevens. 3y
charl08 @Palimpsest I wonder if it's deliberate. 3y
readordierachel That Ada Limon collection is wonderful 3y
53 likes3 comments
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charl08

Trixie's cooing at me to come out, come out, so I do, I pull back the curtain and stand before the mirror under the track lighting, Trixie hovering behind me. She looks me up and down, her head cocked to one side. "Cute," she says. But this means nothing. To Trixie, even the apocalypse is cute. Scorched earth. Galloping black horses foaming at the mouth. The shadow of the scythe-wielding dealer of Fate bearing down on her. All super cute.

29 likes1 stack add
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jhod
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Essay and exam deadlines today so I comfort read more Agatha! Also finished the tagged (good but prefer Bunny). This week I aim to finish Monogamy and also hope to read this as its borderless book club on Thursday!
#bookreport

charl08 Good luck! I have yet to pick it up... (Bad Charlotte) 3y
73 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Clwojick
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Pickpick

I ended up really liking this one! This is my first (completed) book for the #BuzzwordBookathon event. @hes7 #buzzword #girl

hes7 Yay! 4y
81 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Clwojick
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Listening to book 1 of #BuzzwordBookathon while at work this evening. I‘m not that far into it yet, but so far I think I like it. I‘m not sure 🤷🏻‍♀️

Melismatic This is on my TBR - I loved ‘Bunny‘. 4y
hes7 Interested to see what you think of it. 4y
64 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Megabooks
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Mehso-so

Does anyone else repeatedly reread a book you hate? Maybe not hate but that frustrates you? I often say to my mom, there is nothing more boring that talking about weight and calories. I have been every size from 0 to 20. I was actually unhappier smaller because I hated the constant restriction. The narrator of this book will do anything to be thin. It is the ultimate prize. Not for me anymore, and yet I keep reading this book. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

Trashcanman I once restarted Bleak House like 3 or 4 times thinking maybe it wouldn't suck as much the more I read it. It still sucked... 4y
Megabooks @Trashcanman the thing is, this is the fourth time I‘ve read this book. I‘m a glutton for punishment sometimes. A little self flagellation feels good. Dickens is one of my least favorite authors. I‘ve only liked one I‘ve tried to read. I can think of the plot but not the name. A tale of two cities is the only assigned book in high school I didn‘t finish. 😝 4y
britt_brooke Why have you read this four times?! 😆 4y
See All 20 Comments
Scochrane26 @britt_brooke That‘s what I was going to ask! 4y
Megabooks @britt_brooke @Scochrane26 I think there‘s some truth to the mother-daughter relationship in the book as it relates to mine with my mother. I think the narrator and I made such different decisions based on that, idk, it‘s like an interesting examination I can‘t get away from. Especially because I‘m stuck in a house with my mother. 😂😂 4y
britt_brooke @Megabooks 🤣 Hmm, interesting! And I think I‘m going to stack it. 4y
merelybookish I had very mixed feelings about this book. I couldn't decide if she was critiquing diet culture or complicit in continuing to promote it. 4y
Megabooks @merelybookish exactly. I hate the way the narrator relates to herself and I can‘t decide how the author feels either. That‘s another reason it‘s interesting. 4y
Crazeedi @Megabooks I hear you, spent 20 years as a bodybuilder, had 10% (sometimes less) bodyfat, and I'm so much more content now as a slightly flabby woman comfortable in her own skin 4y
merelybookish @Megabooks yes, it was like the message was so internalized, any critique got undermined. 4y
BarbaraBB You‘re punishing yourself. I am spending so much time already thinking of my weight I really don‘t want to read about it as well 🙈 4y
runswithscissors007 great discussion! 4y
Megabooks @Crazeedi I‘d imagine that in addition to the exercise there are prescribed diets for competitive bodybuilding, which would drive me bananas!! Kudos to you for having the fortitude to do that but also to letting yourself be comfortable at a different size too. 4y
Megabooks @BarbaraBB oh Barbara, you are gorgeous my dear! I‘m sure it‘s frustrating no being able to be outdoors and active now, but even after lockdown, I‘m sure you will still be gorgeous!! 4y
BarbaraBB You‘re a darling but my weight has always been too of mind. My whole life. It‘s ridiculous and exhausting - and I don‘t know why I do it. But I definitely don‘t want to read about it 😂 4y
Megabooks @BarbaraBB definitely don‘t read this book! But seriously, I think it is in the front of too many women‘s minds, including my mom, which is why she and I clash so much because I don‘t care as much. 4y
BarbaraBB And you are so right! It‘s a non issue and I am so frustrated with myself that it keeps being top of mind? I am a smart and healthy and blessed woman why would I care?! Anyway I never talk about this because I know how silly it is, so I am sorry for this outburst on your thread!! 🙈😘 4y
Megabooks @BarbaraBB no problem! I think most women feel this way. We compare ourselves to other women. It‘s just so hard to reframe your mind and say, “I am beautiful and worthy as I am.” As a plus sized woman, I took a page from Lindy West‘s book and started looking at other women my size and even bigger that are fashion bloggers/models and it has really helped my self esteem and helped me find flattering clothes! 4y
BarbaraBB You are beautiful, that is the most stupid about it all. Thin women are not more beautiful at all. And I love the plus sized influencers and what they are doing for our self esteem. 💚 4y
97 likes20 comments
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cleoh
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Finished up Bad Feminist this morning, so this ones up next! I have a friend writing a chapter of her thesis on this, so I‘m excited to read it.

Beachesnbooks i just read Bunny by this author & LOVED it, curious to hear about this one! 4y
cleoh @Beachesnbooks and I really want to read Bunny!!! I really liked this one. It will definitely stay with me for a while and I think it‘s the kind of book that you‘ll get something new from each time you read it! 4y
83 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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nikirtehsuxlol
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Finishing up the last few pages of this book. Funny, but a little caustic. That‘s right up my alley though. 👍

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nikirtehsuxlol
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RaimeyGallant Beautiful. 5y
6 likes1 comment
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LauraJ
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Loved Bunny so much that I had to check out this one too.

LeahBergen 😆😆😆 That is one miffed-looking face! 5y
Leftcoastzen Lots of catitude! 5y
Ruthiella I am jonesing to read more Awad too! Looking forward to hearing what you think! 😀 5y
54 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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spirituells
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Pickpick

I saw Roxane Gay reviewed this a while back and decided to read it too and i'm glad i did!

Our main character is a woman who cannot find peace in her own body, with her own weight and it ruins her in such a real way that i found myself wrecked by this book. I don't know if this was what this book set out to do but it served as a reminder to treat my body with the respect and love it deserves, as should we all.

CouronneDhiver Agree! 5y
78 likes9 stack adds1 comment
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AmberWB
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Pickpick

This one was between a pick and so-so for me. I think that was mainly because it wasn‘t what I was expecting- I was thinking it would be more like Dumplin‘, but it was much more serious. This book really illustrated how all encompassing weight can be for women. We follow Elizabeth/Liz/Lizzie/Beth for a little over a decade and see how her weight and dieting literally impacts every aspect of her life and those around her. 👇👇👇

AmberWB Her diet and exercise routine define her and her relationships with others. I totally get it. It becomes exhausting to worry about all of the time. 5y
46 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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LadyElaine
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This book absolutely wrecked me. The reviews had me expecting something a bit light-hearted and what I got was something that knew all of the secret terrible things I‘ve thought and said about myself for as long as I can remember. Golly, this one came out of nowhere, which I suppose means it‘s a really good book but right now has me wanting to drop it from the top of Mount Doom.

6 likes2 stack adds
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jazzigen95
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Panpan

I stuck it out on this one because reviews said the second half was better and I wanted to hold out to see if there was any redemption. There were things that I empathized with and I liked that as the character struggled with her identity she called herself different variations of her name (Lizzie, Beth, Elizabeth, Liz). Overall, it was just not an enjoyable read.

KathyWheeler I didn‘t think it was enjoyable either, and I hated that the main character was so passive — she just let things happen to her. While I was reading it, I‘d occasionally go reread the reviews to make sure we were reading the same book; I just didn‘t get what reviewers saw in it. 5y
61 likes1 comment
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

Well, here‘s another flipped opinion in the #MonthofRereads!

As a fat person, this book really pissed me off the first time I read it. The MC was constantly obsessed with her weight and losing it. During my first reading, I was comfortable with my weight and couldn‘t relate. Now I live with someone who is constantly mentioning my weight, so I have a lot more sympathy for the MC.

I also like how the MC‘s name evolves through the book. 4⭐️👇🏻

Megabooks The #audiobook and narrator are good!! 5y
Brooke_H I‘m sorry you have someone in your life who constantly mentions your weight. 😕❤️ 5y
Megabooks Thanks @Brooke_H 💕💕 We‘re working on it. 🤷🏻‍♀️ It can be tough. 5y
donnamartinreads I loved the first half of the book. The author sort of lost me towards the end though. Still liked the book as a whole, but I did find it a bit odd. 5y
Megabooks @donnamartinreads Odd is definitely one of the better words to describe this book! 5y
87 likes3 stack adds5 comments
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Megabooks
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Continuing my #MonthofRereads, I decided to dig into a book I found equal parts mediocre and infuriating when I read it the first time. The audio is good, but the MC still kind of pisses me off.

I managed to listen to ⅓ of the book while #audiocleaning. I have no idea how I did chores before I discovered #audiobooks!

KathyWheeler I was pissed off a lot when I read this book too. I didn‘t really care for it. (edited) 5y
theshrinkette I remember really not caring for this book when I first read it. 5y
JBA I love listening to audio books whilst doing chores. No wasted reading time. Haven't read this one, though. 5y
See All 6 Comments
Megabooks @KathyWheeler @theshrinkette I‘m enjoying the audiobook more than the print book, but it is a terribly mediocre book. For some reason, I enjoy listening to mediocre books. Probably because I don‘t get upset if I miss a few paragraphs! 5y
Megabooks @JulietBoydAuthor it really makes chores go faster. I wouldn‘t particularly recommend this book, though. 5y
KathyWheeler @Megabooks I agree. I read a lot of good reviews of it, so I was surprised that it wasn‘t a better book. (edited) 5y
75 likes1 stack add6 comments
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tholmz
Mehso-so

I liked this book in the sense that I read it quickly because I cared what happened. I‘m not sure how I feel about this specific writer speaking for fat people. (But maybe she knows what it‘s like?) Interesting, sad, curious, unique. But not my favorite.

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bookandcat
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Panpan

13 stories about one particular character's struggle with body image, meant to "skewer" our culture and be "caustically funny" (according to the back) but I mostly found it forgettable. The writing is fine but not much stuck with me. Book 9 of #reversereadathon #deweyjuly

Joy0201 I‘ve been working on writing about body image. This was on my to read list. 6y
38 likes1 comment
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gjacobs
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Sent out my #sockswap today! I hope my match likes it!

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sparrowssavvy
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Panpan

I was really looking forward to reading this one. As someone who lost 150 pounds, I really can relate to being the fat girl. And while some elements of this book related, overall it just did not catch me at all. I found literally every person in this book very despicable and hateful. It may be for some people, but it was pretty terrible for me.

BookishTrish That must‘ve taken A LOT of hard work on your part! Wow! 6y
sparrowssavvy @BookishTrish thank you! It took four years and I don't regret a minute of it! 6y
12 likes2 comments
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Krysta
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Pickpick

A tentative pick depending on the person. This made me uncomfortable but really affected me. A lot rings true and that made me sad. I hate the protagonist but I think that's the point...

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Krysta
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I should be writing but cuddled up with a new book and cup of tea instead. A lot of mixed reviews about this one. I'm curious.

Starting with Atwood is strong, though.

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ontheBL
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Late night winter reading!

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ontheBL
Pickpick

An intense look at the essence of being human amd perception. Awad is witty, deep, and unapologetic.

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DebbieGrillo
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saradxxiii @DebbieGrillo what do you think of it? I‘ve heard mixed reviews. 6y
Updrifting I haven't heard anything, but I wonder if it might be like Jennifer Writer's stuff? I really enjoyed Good in Bed and The Next Best Thing. 6y
DebbieGrillo @saradxxiii I'm only 26 pages in. 6y
99 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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kissxxmyxxconverse
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Pickpick

Tentatively a pick.
I've never been a skinny person. I consider myself to be a reasonably well-adjusted now, but I made enough bad decisions out of insecurity. The main character is not likable. Her insecurities warp her sense of self and how she related to others. I was never as bad as her, but I can see some of myself in her, and relate to the feelings that made her unbearable. This was a hard read, but I think it was beneficial for me to do so

LauraBeth You're lovely! 7y
LauraBrook You're beautiful! As a fellow not-skinny person, I have this book but have been hesitant to pick it up after hearing others say the same thing about the narrator. I'll read it eventually, but I'm not in a hurry! 7y
kissxxmyxxconverse Thanks, Lauras! Lol @LauraBrook it's definitely not one I'd recommend for everyone. And depending on where you are with self acceptance and love, it may or may not be a good read. But I'd love to see your thoughts if you do! And @LauraBeth thank you 😊 7y
12 likes1 stack add3 comments
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kendrastephaniekaryn
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#anditsaugust #coversinyourfavecolour @RealLifeReading

Here are some green covers from my Kobo TBR, since I recently shared a green physical stack.

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CoveredInRust
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Starting this one. Heard good things about it. ☺

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DocBrown
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Pickpick

As a non-fat, non-girl, I didn't bring the same kind of perspective that many readers have to this book. I found it to belong to a genre defined more by age and life stage than physical characteristics of the subjects. This one is interesting and well written, in a similar vein as Losing It and Sweetbitter among others. I disagree with those who say that the protagonist is a pitiful loser -- she's just trying to make her way the best she can.

11 likes1 comment
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Sarahj87
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Some of the passages in this book hit close to home. Not loving it so far and wondering if that's why.

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faelinwolf
Mehso-so

This was a harsh, uncomfortable read. It highlighted all the reasons that our societal expectations for what's attractive are hurtful and damaging. I felt angry and frustrated and sad through most of the book. And I wanted Lizzie/Beth/Elizabeth/Liz to get some counseling ASAP.

Mariposa_Bookworm You might also want to steer clear of a book called Fat Angie. It's LGBTQ, but the cruelty she experiences, even from her own mother, is difficult to read. 7y
Megabooks I didn't like the way weight was portrayed either. 7y
4 likes2 comments
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Reagan
Mehso-so

I liked the middle of the book. I think I see what she was getting at, I get it, I respect it. Just didn't knock my socks off.

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Babs_book_obsession
Pickpick

Ah, we are so broken aren't we? The sad vulnerability of Lizzie and other fat people in the novel is very relatable to me. I have read reviews that the book is negative but I would argue the book is realistic.

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dariazeoli
Bailedbailed

I'm bailing on this one. The narrator on the audio is grating and I'm not enthralled with the 2.5 stories I've listened to so far. Moving on... #DNF

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BooksForEmpathy
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Pickpick

Yes. Yes. Yes. A 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read for me. If you read Shrill or Dietland and can't wait until Roxane Gay's Hunger comes out - read this one! This is for all women. For our bodies. For the way we perceive them to be and for the way the world looks at them and the pressures we feel to look a certain way. We are never free from that persistent & shaming internal voice. We just learn to work with it. This is not a happy book, but it is a truth-teller.

Megabooks 👍🏻👍🏻 7y
Cinfhen Love your review 💕 7y
minkyb Sold! 7y
132 likes14 stack adds3 comments
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valeriegeary
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Listening to this one on my daily walks with Charlie the dog. Enjoying it so far. #audiobooks

56 likes3 stack adds
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mandapants
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Pickpick

Read over Christmas holidays. Great quick read

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Giabow
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Today's selection. Didn't realize that the Danielewski book is the third in a series. Guess I'm going back tomorrow to look for 1 and 2. 13 Ways is my
#debutnovel for #ReadHarderChallenge2017

5 likes1 stack add
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BkClubCare
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"How sad," I say. "What a sad existence." #TOB2017 #WiaN Book4oftheYr

21 likes1 stack add
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BkClubCare
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I have 6 books on hold at the library - only this one arrived so far. It's on the #TOB2017 Long List and it will count for the number category of my What's in a Name Challenge. Oscar assisting.

LauraBeth This is the cutest dog ever 🐶 7y
Lreads I love the color scheme in your room! 7y
Joybishoptx Puppy! And purple! Im in love. 7y
BkClubCare @LauraBeth - I'll let Oscar know he has another admirer. 😉 7y
BkClubCare @thirstyreader - my guest rooms are always purple! Tho, my realtor does not approve. 7y
27 likes5 comments
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Skeebies05
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Mehso-so

It's tough because she gets there eventually, but 75% is quite a bit of body hating. I gotta say I never really cared for Lizzie/Beth/Elizabeth/Liz. So just meh for me. But this is the first one finished in 2017!

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JacqMac
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Panpan

Nope. This book just made me sad. I think I might have been expecting something a little less negative. Something with a little more hope inside. But it's just sad and slightly aggravating.

Lacythebookworm Thanks for the review! I'll forgo reading the ARC of it that I still have. 7y
SarahK I didn't totally hate it, but I agree that I didn't really like it either 7y
50 likes2 comments
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JacqMac
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Starting a new one. I'm in the mood for something short. #currentread

Lacythebookworm I'll be interested to hear your review on this one! 😊 7y
49 likes1 stack add1 comment