Rating: 
Summary: I dare you not to read this in one sitting!!
Review: This is a wonderful book, full of great insights and truth. In addition to being a wonderful actress, Camryn is an exceptional writer. Having been like-wise a "Big Girl" my whole life, I could relate to virtually everything she says - and finally embrace the concept that just as there is the Woman's movement, a Gay movement and Equal Rights marches, there has to be Fat Acceptance - the prejudice big people face is NOT going to go away by itself. Just as it's politically incorrect to call people of color racist names and discriminate against and cast aspersions at minority groups, it must become unacceptable to "bully" fat people for their size. Through sharing her story and her struggles, Camryn has proven herself a brave fighter, and a worthy leader!! (She also has a great sense of humor and perspective!)
Rating:
Summary: More than just a screed about body image
Review: Surviving your teen-age years, landing that perfect job in Hollywood or living with your fat; three new books offer plenty of advice on these subjects, all written by women who have been there themselves. When Camryn Manheim won an Emmy for her role as Ellenor Frutt on "The Practice," she concluded her speech with the cry "This is for all the fat girls." It was a shout of triumph from a woman who has had to deal with weight issues all her life, and who knew she was not alone. "Wake Up, I'm Fat" -- the title comes from her one-woman show in New York -- recounts Manheim's journey both as an actress and as a role model for the fat acceptance movement. With large measures of wit, she traces her stations of the crass: her parents setting weight goals with a contract at age 11, being rejected or ignored by men, even, at a party where overweight women can meet men, criticized for not being fat enough. What could have been a series of tedious lectures on touchy-feeley New Agey topic is instead a personal story about the development of an actress as well as a woman learning to live within her skin.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book by a strong, intelligent, beautiful woman
Review: After reading the past reviews, I wonder if I'm the only man who read this book. The first thing that caught my eyes, I'll be honest, was the cover picture. Camryn is a gorgeous woman with very nice legs. She is also a person of deep character, who has persevered and triumphed despite the prejudices of our shallow society. She relates her struggles in a moving way, but avoids the whining, "why is the world so unfair?" tone that unfortunately characterizes some similiar works. If you want a glimpse into the mind of a powerful, beautiful and intoxicatingly magnificent woman, then you will enjoy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Humor and honesty opens parents' eyes
Review: So many good things have been written here, and to be honest the few poor reviews seemed to have been written people who didn't actually read the book -- perhaps they are threatened by this? Anyways, seconds, thirds and fourths to all the groovy things written here. I just wanted to say that I've passed this book on to my thinner parents and for the first time they got a glimpse of what it was to be a fat woman in America. For some reason her humor and honesty got much further than all the therapy and heart-to-heart sessions I have with them over they years. Parents who were happy when I was sticking my finger down my throat or taking drugs to fit their picture of perfect daughter. Camryn got through to them and the light came on -- I am fat, that it's OK and that I am still worthy of their pride, even if I don't have an Emmy. *grin* So, they may not be size-acceptance activists yet, but it opened a door up and the tone of the conversation has changed. It's more about accepting me and supporting me in the things that I want to do -- including becoming a plus-sized fitness trainer. Anyways -- this probably is getting a little off topic. Just wanted to let people know that while I enjoyed this book, it's an important tool for talking about size acceptance with other people.
Rating:
Summary: "I laughed, I cried...it was better than 'Cats!'
Review: "When I read Camyrn Manheim's "WAKE UP, I'M FAT!" I'll admit it...I cried. Cried tears of laughter more times than I could count at her toally honest, totally in touch 'coloring out of the lines' approach to life. I was 'reduced' (a favorite word we share!) to tears, too, at the all too real aspects of being...yes, I, too, can say it..."FAT"...in the glitzy, glittery, decidedly thin world of show business. The particular thin pocket of hell I chose as a career path was the music industry--twin sibling to the author's vantage point in the theater/acting community of the business. To say I relived a lot of experiences (and laughs!) through these pages would be putting it mildly. Some quick jottings on this wonderful read: 1. Camryn Manheim should be declared emotional "Heavyweight Champion" of the world for her insights. 2. The creators of "Xena" should be paying this woman a royalty. Here's a real "warrior princess"...and a Jewish one at that! 3. Lastly, I was struck was a pang of regret that this feisty fellow human has been on earth for 38 years and I've never gotten to count her as a personal friend. My life would have been obviously richer for having done so... Fat, thin, of "mid-size", when you read this you'll realize that Camyrn is more than a tremendously gifted actress, or another showbusiness "talking head." She's a wonderfully honest, refreshing spirit with enough wit, wisdom, grit, and will power to teach people of every size a thing or two about acceptance--of ourselves and each other. Bravo Camryn!
Rating:
Summary: I dare you not to read this in one sitting!!
Review: This is a wonderful book, full of great insights and truth. In addition to being a wonderful actress, Camryn is an exceptional writer. Having been like-wise a "Big Girl" my whole life, I could relate to virtually everything she says - and finally embrace the concept that just as there is the Woman's movement, a Gay movement and Equal Rights marches, there has to be Fat Acceptance - the prejudice big people face is NOT going to go away by itself. Just as it's politically incorrect to call people of color racist names and discriminate against and cast aspersions at minority groups, it must become unacceptable to "bully" fat people for their size. Through sharing her story and her struggles, Camryn has proven herself a brave fighter, and a worthy leader!! (She also has a great sense of humor and perspective!)
Rating:
Summary: Very inspiring
Review: Like the author of this book, I have had a weight problem all of my life and have only recently managed to come to terms with the fact that I will likely always be a plus-sized woman. Thanks to this funny and inspiring book, I now realize that being large doesn't have to get in the way of achieving my dreams. Who says being skinny is a prerequisite for happiness anyways?
Rating:
Summary: You don't have to be fat to get something out of this book!
Review: When I first saw this book, it caught my eye. I thought the cover photo of Camryn was absolutely beautiful. Although I'm not fat, this book in part inspired me to accept myself and to not allow my insecurities to get the better of me. Remember, you don't have to be fat to get something out of this book!
Rating:
Summary: Wake up and READ THIS BOOK!
Review: This is just an AWESOME book! Part autobiography, part commentary on the struggle for "fat acceptance", this book is mostly Camryn saying "I've been there too" to anyone that's had to deal with descrimination or just plain being picked on! I recommend it to anyone and ESPECIALLY to people who are fat and ready to wake up! This book is definately not the ramblings of a lazy couch-potatoe or more of the creepy sexual fetish stuff that is rife in the fat acceptance movement. This is an inspiring, honest, open book by a powerful, independent, confident REAL woman!
Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: I have always admired Camryn Manheim in "The Practice". Rarely do you find big women with good roles that aren't demeaning too. I just finished reading her book and think it was fantastic. For anyone who thinks fat people are just lazy and that's why we're fat should read this book. The idea of writing a journal and talking to your fat as if it's another person is a good one and I'm going to try it. I still have a ways to go before I am comfortable with my body but this book helps me know that I am not alone. Thanks for writing such a great book!
|
