review: 150 Pounds by Kate Rockland
150 Pounds by Kate Rockland
publisher: Thomas Dunne Books (St. Martin’s Press)
release date: January 17, 2012
book links: goodreads kate rockland twitter
from goodreads – A smartly-written novel of two women starting at opposite ends of the scale–and finding compromise and friendship in their journey towards 150 pounds In the fast paced life of blogging, two women stand out: Alexis Allbright, of Skinny Chick, and Shoshana Weiner, who writes Fat and Fabulous. Both have over five million loyal readers. Both are hungry for success. But the similarities stop there.
With over 100 pounds on the scale separating them, weight isn’t their only difference. Alexis is a loner who is so bitchy the only person who can stand her company is her gay best friend Billy. She gives neurotic New Yorkers a run for their money with her strict daily workout routine, and weighing of food. Shoshana is Alexis’s opposite. Living in Jersey with rowdy roommates, she is someone who “collects friends,” as her mother puts it; and treasures a life of expanding circles…and waistlines.
When both appear as panelists on a popular talk show, their lives intersect in ways neither could have imagined. In turns comedic, heartwarming–and familiar to any woman who’s ever stepped on a scale–Alexis and Shoshana realize they have far more in common than either could have possibly imagined, and more importantly, something to offer.
my take – When I picked up this book I was expecting a fun, but very predictable read. Fortunately, this one had a few unexpected surprising elements that were smart and utterly charming.
This book is written in third person, with alternating perspectives from Shoshana and Alexis. Rockland did a great job giving each girl an engaging story line. It’s funny, I would get so engrossed reading one girls section and then moan when it changed, but yet would groan again when perspectives changed again.
Shoshana and Alexis each had their own battles to fight, issues to overcome, and their story reflected that. Shoshana, the heavy one and by far my favorite character, had one of those infectious personalities that automatically lifts your spirits and brings a smile to your face. She’s one you’d want to be BFF. Her weight isn’t a barrier, she embraces it and you can’t help but respect her.
Alexis, the skinny one, is the total opposite. She may have the perfect hair, clothes and body, but she has a closed off personality. She puts up a wall that very few can climb, and has an elitist attitude. Watching her metamorphous was a definite highlight of the book, though it wasn’t without lots of eye rolling.
Oh, and I just have to mention the adorably cute cover. It fits the tone and mood of the book perfectly. Seriously, is there anyway one could walk by those scrumptious cupcakes without picking the book up?
Overall, this is a cute read!
Stacy
I’ve been enjoying a lot of books that deal with body image and weight issues lately. Will have to check this one out! (Plus, the cupcake cover is definitely a temptation.)
This sounds like something I would enjoy!
@Melanie – cupcakes are definitely a temptation!!
This one looks really good – interesting that it has two opposite perspectives. I’ve added it to my TBR list.