I really liked this book! (I see most people on here didn't). I don't consider myself into 'chick lit' but I thought this was a great book... loved the weight loss theme... could not put it down and will recommend it to others. I agree with the confusion of reading b/t 1st and 2nd person- that was strange. I kept thinking that there would be more to this then there was, maybe she was actually writing this story and had not lost the weight or had her experiences in CA. So, I'm not sure what the purpose was for writing it this way? ( )

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. ( )