Customer Reviews

The Perfectly True Tales of a Perfect Size 12

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I loved this book. Delilah White, a producer of the hit TV show Domestic Bliss, is fun, funny and totally comfortable with who she is. It is hard not to like her. This book was a total page turner. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read the next book and see what happens to Delilah next. Robin Gold has a refreshing, real writing style. Just make sure you have time to read, because once you pick up this book, you won't want to put it down.

Delilah White may not have it all, but what she does have is "bliss." Bliss, as in "Domestic Bliss," the name of the television show for which she has become an idol to millions of American would-be Martha Stewarts. Her fantastic boss Agnes and her best friend Sofia, the production designer, give her all the support she needs. But when Agnes ventures off the show for greener pastures, her spot as executive producer is open suddenly, and Delilah, the perfectionist, learns she has to remove her kid gloves to make the kind of impression that will win her this coveted promotion.

Naturally, someone stands in Delilah's way: Her nemesis Margo, the girl-with-runway-model looks, also wants the job. Thus ensues a nasty race for the top-dog spot, culminating in some particularly nutty antics at Sofia's wealthy family's Catskills estate, where the Fourth of July festivities mix rather poorly with love, liquor and lies.

You can read this on a train or in a plane. In fact, I think THE PERFECTLY TRUE TALES OF A PERFECT SIZE 12 is the kind of book you can read while straphanging between boroughs on the New York City subway system. Robin Gold's debut is a veritable treasure trove of funny plot lines concerning the stealing of and lying to boyfriends, the way women stick together in a time of crisis (or not), rich people being completely and wonderfully goofy because they have money, the way that drunk women in slinky shoes can't make it across a summer lawn without falling flat on their faces, the misunderstanding of the boss for whom someone has been working for so long, having a crisis of confidence when the good employee suddenly turns "bad" or seems to... The list can go on and on. This is a fun book and a fast read, mostly because you'll recognize everybody in it.

The one thing that it relies on to make it stand out is the fact that Delilah is a size 12. Imagine that! She's a full-fledged, full-figured 12 who catches a guy's eye and feels good about herself in dresses that really hug her curves. So, I guess we could call this Jennifer Weiner-lite. Delilah eats like a regular human, and we cringe when she gets called "porky" or "fatty" in public.

I think what is most intriguing about this book is that, like an old episode of "I Love Lucy," slapstick and pathos mix together in an old-fashioned tale about how the good get what they really want and the bad get what they really deserve. She describes the weekend craziness in pitch-perfect detail, and Sofia's family --- especially Delilah's love interest, cousin Jack --- seem ready-made for Central Casting. But you won't be bored. The story moves quickly, and before you know it, all the world is right again.

So, for those of you lucky enough to get a winter resort vacation, take Delilah along. Put this one in your beach bag and enjoy it with a silly tropical drink or two or three --- just like Delilah and Sofia (or Lucy and Ethel) would if they were there!

--- Reviewed by Jana Siciliano

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of meeting Robin Gold. I was standing in front of a display of her books when a woman (her) walked up and highly recommended this title. I recognized her from the author photo on the display and we started talking. Basically, she talked me into buying the book and I couldn't be happier!

I enjoyed every page of this book. The casual insider information about the production of a tv show is intriguing. The romance element comes off perfectly, and the rivalry between Delilah and Margo had me constantly hanging on for what would happen next! The pacing is great and the climatic scene at a 4th of July party had me laughing the whole way through. I can only hope that Robin's next book stars Delilah as well!

If you were my best girlfriend I'd lend you my copy...but I can't because Robin signed it so it's safely situated on my bookshelf! :o)

I read this book during a long out of town trip and could hardly put it down. I was blown away by the hysterical jump-house scene. I enjoyed the sisterhood-friendship between Delilah and Sophie. And who among us doesn't love to see the mean girl get what she deserves every now and then? This book was fun and you can't help falling in love with the characters! I hope there is a sequel in the works.......

This debut novel of Robin Gold had the perfect blend of cheesy romance, co-worker intrigue and laugh-out-loud moments. Ms. Gold's sense of comic timing was flawless and I found myself experiencing some serious belly laughs at a few points throughout the course of reading this book.

The characters were all very well developed - lovable when they were supposed to be lovable and malicious when the plot called for it. Delilah White, our heroine, had a charming way of talking to herself in much the same way that we all might have an interior dialogue going on in our own heads at any given point in time. She was self-deprecating in a charming way and witty enough to keep the conversation sharp at all times.

The antics of these characters made for great, mindless fun. In these last days of winter, when I'm more than eager for the summer sunshine that I know is much closer than it seems, this novel gave me the breath of fresh air I so desperately needed!

Not only did this charming novel make me laugh out loud many times, its genuine honesty also moved me to tears. This is a fun, engaging, romantic, and refreshing read. Moreover, it's a heartfelt, poignant read. Delilah White's wild journey of self-discovery is inspirational and unforgettable, just like Delilah herself. Intelligent, funny, brave, and vulnerable, Delilah is a unique heroine with depth that readers can really relate to as well as look up to. She's not afraid to be different, or to look in the mirror and actually like what she sees (gasp!), even if it's not what modern society defines as "beautiful." (Note to self: be more like Delilah!) I only wish there were more strong female characters like her out there. The plot is clever, unpredictable, and downright hysterical (the scene that takes place inside a jumping castle had me cackling so hard I actually feared I might wet my pants). I didn't want the book to end. I'm crossing my fingers we get to see Delilah's delightful, "perfect size 12" adventure continue. And soon!

This is possibly one of the worst novels I have ever read. Robin Gold must believe her readers to be among the dumbest people on the planet. Verb tense changes from present to past, as if one cannot figure out what is happening versus what has happened unless it is so clearly outlined. Although it is great that the protagonist, Delilah White, seems so confident with her body, she still has issues when a drunk stranger refers to her "fat a--" (okay, the character was teased as a child because of her weight, but come on, size 12 is NOT FAT). She also pouts when her co-worker criticizes her ideas. Later, when she attempts to foil her rival, her entire planned is clearly explained before its execution, for Gold obviously believes that a reader would never be able to figure out Delilah's motives through a series of hints. In addition, some of the details of this book are unrealistic. For example, a woman who spends so much money on herself is not going to get her hair color from a box at home, and no Spanish-speaking woman calls a loved female "Mi hija." (Try "Mija.")

The plot moves too slowly and the dialogue is trite. I wish I could recover those hours wasted reading this book.

I really enjoyed this book. Finally a book about a woman who has a career and is happy with herself. There was no mention of dieting or being hard on oneself for whom they are. The main character has long accepted who she is and it makes her so likable. Fun read!

I looked forward to this book as a Meg Cabot-type chick lit tale, a la Heather Wells. Instead, I found a poorly written, snooze-inducing 260 pages.

The author uses a very heavy hand to write her story of Delilah White, Martha Stewart wannabe, and her quest to best rival Margot Hart for the plum producer's spot on Domestic Bliss. The constant flipping forward and backward in time, coupled with the hackneyed plot and bouncing-pinball point-of-view, made for a book I had trouble finishing.