Diary of a Fat Housewife: A True Story of Humor, Heart-Break, and Hope [Mass Market Paperback]

Rosemary Green (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1996

For anyone who has ever wrestled with a weight problem, here is one woman's daily struggle to control her weight. Rosemary Green was once 320 pounds, but is now thinner than she has been in the last ten years.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Green, a former beauty queen, was once slim, but with each of her first five pregnancies (she has six children), she gained more weight, until she exceeded 300 pounds. Making no excuses for her weight, this "last honest fat person in America" began a diary in 1982 to record her pain, valiant dieting attempts and frequent relapses. Her story chronicles the daily life and eating habits of a person suffering from "morbid obesity." Green adamantly insists that obesity is a disease like alcoholism or diabetes, and that the only effective remedy is to change one's eating patterns forever-one day at a time. The author punches holes in fad diets, rejects the "big is beautiful" philosophy, deplores "fat discrimination" and dismisses the excuses obese people make about their weight. She also stresses the importance of supportive friends and family. Although still over 200 pounds, Green has not given up her goal of being thin again. Photos not seen by PW. Author tour.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Green's journal begins with a poem, "The Fattest Day," and progresses through her "nine year journey" of weight loss. Weighing in at 208 pounds at the book's end, the former beauty queen claims success in spite of yo-yoing years with a loss of 100 pounds. She calls her weight loss program "Winning at Thinning," but the wavering success, though definitely typical of most people with severe weight problems, certainly does not suggest one of the more effective programs. More significant than her plan are her frank descriptions of what it feels like to be fat, emotionally and physically, which are not just for those who share her condition. And she suggests that society be a tad more sensitive and understanding about the disease of obesity. Denise Perry Donavin --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; Revised edition (March 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446602817
• ISBN-13: 978-0446602815
• Product Dimensions: 4.1 x 0.9 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (52 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #182,185 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most honest book I've read!, December 4, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Diary of a Fat Housewife: A True Story of Humor, Heartbreak, and Hope (Hardcover)

I read this book years ago and I couldn't put it down. I was beside myself reading about someone who was going through the same nightmare I had been dealing with for so long! All those times when I thought I was going crazy! Those times when I felt so alone! Suddenly, here she is, a woman who had the courage I would've never have, to speak so honestly and openly about weight issues. God bless her! She's been key in my success story! (After many years I did manage to lose 50 lbs.)

Like another reader mentioned, some people just miss the point. I also feel that some other people just "can't take her honesty". It's not easy to admit that one is actually out of control. Rosemary's personality shows here an intense and very dynamic approach. She talks about what she does and believes, she never claims to have any degree on nutrition or pretends to be someone she's not. That's the best part for me, she's so real!

This book is not about solutions of "how to" lose weight. It was and it still is many times for me, an incredible source of inspiration to continue the fight. When reading her book I used to think, "well, if she can go through all this and still not give up, then I'll keep trying to!." Even though I never met her in person, she'll always be one of my very best friends in the journey of this never ending struggle. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Rosemary!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Where's the sequel?, January 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Diary of a Fat Housewife: A True Story of Humor, Heart-Break, and Hope (Mass Market Paperback)

This book caught my eye, because I enjoy reading diary formatted books -- and it is very light reading as those types of books go. I've read the hardback version (understand the paperback version has an "update") and thought it was a great book for anyone who knows anyone struggling with a weight problem. I view obesity issues with a lot more compassion, after reading this book. This book is not about "how to lose weight" or even about "weight loss". Rather, it is a book about a woman's very personal struggle to figure out what makes her eat so darn much and reverse that singularly destructive behavior in her life. Some reviewers have gotten pretty personal in criticizing Ms. Green. The fact of the matter is that, whether or not you like Green's life, her values or her mindset, any reader can come to appreciate Green's honest self evaluation and find this book entertaining.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Some reviewers are missing the point., December 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Diary of a Fat Housewife: A True Story of Humor, Heartbreak, and Hope (Hardcover)

If you can find the paperback edition of this book, I recommend that you read that edition rather than the 1995 hardcover, since it tells how Rosemary ultimately got down to 135 pounds, and NO, she did NOT get her jaws wired shut! While it is true that, while struggling to lose her weight, she used some unhealthy methods (less than 800 calories a day and eating a cup of Froot Loops for breakfast are the ones that stand out), I don't see this as a diet book per se but a personal record of a woman who struggled with weight and, let's face it, her addiction to chocolate, sugary sweets, and fast food. If you read the book carefully, you will find that she REALLY begins to lose weight once she swears off chocolate and sweets forever.

Personally, the first time I read this book, it was difficult - but facinating - to read. Now, I find it inspiring. (Point of reference - I weighed 265 in 1990 and am currently at 148, so I know whereof Rosemary speaks). I did send a letter to her earlier this year at the address for Winning at Thinning, but have yet to receive a reply - I also tried finding any refernece to her on the Net without success. I hope she has been able to maintain her weight loss. Rosie, if you're reading this, please let us know! Thanks.