2009

I've been meaning to write a review for this after reading it last 2007 but it's only now I got to do so. I picked this up in a bargain bookstore because a friend suggested it. At that time, I was on my way to a serious diet plan with a nutritionist at a gym, so this book intrigued me and aroused my curiosity. This story of Jemima really inspired me to continue my diet and never stop even if people discourage me and say that there's no hope, that together with my nutritionist. True, this is still fiction but given the amount of time Jemima spent to improve her looks, it's possible to lose that amount of weight, and exercise with lessened food intake are only secondary attributes to her success. It's her attitude and motivation that kept her going to achieve her goals. I've always had a penchant for journalists because I graduated with a degree in journalism but I don't write for a living. The switch between first person and third person points of view confused me at first but it's necessary. Not only is this a success story about an ugly duckling turning to a beautiful swan, but it's about friendship and knowing who your true friends are. This novel also reflects about society's vanity, that if you're not physically blessed, you'll have a difficult time anywhere and the author got it spot on; when Jemima already transformed her editor gave her the time of day. Another thing I liked about this book is in the end, if you do something good and pining for someone you want, you can have something or someone more than you asked for. This is a very inspiring read and I'll recommend this for those dieters. Never stop believing and don't let anyone tell you what you can/can't do because other people don't know you the way you know yourself. 5 stars! ( )

I just finished reading this shitty book. I had to finish it by scrolling fast to see what happened at the end since I'm one of those people that needs to know. It's the worst romantic book ever. There are some funny parts, and the feeling of being overweight is very credible (believe me I know) the "hero" is a very likable character but the books simply sucks. It's frustrading, stupid and just never gets to the point. Don't bother. ( )

Felt a bit like a Bridget Jones rip off. The ending was pat. The first and third person narration made it awkward to read. ( )

This was alright. I enjoyed reading it but it's noting spectacular. Jemima is a good character she seems quite realistic (more so than most other chick-lit). The story flows nicely, is a light easy read (all musts for chick-lit).

I did find it a bit odd that most of the book was written from Jemima's point of view and then there would randomly be a paragraph here or there from a narrator's point of view. Who was t his person, and why couldn't the info in those paragraphs be woven into the main story better. I found this a bit distracting...but it didn't ruin the book.

I actually enjoyed the outdated internet references, lol. I would consider reading Jane Green again.

My only question...why is the author's name bigger than the title of the book (in some versions) especially when the title is a name as well? ( )