Customer Reviews

Such a Pretty Face: Being Fat in America

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While the book is interesting the title "Being Fat in America" is rather misleading as the majority of the interviews and in depth dialogue is not with fat people, but with thin people who are afraid to be fat or who have eating disorders. While these people have an interesting story to tell it is not the story of being fat in America.

I was looking over my "saved" items on Amazon and this book was the last item I had listed! Just looking at the title made me smile (and I needed a smile today!). I am ON THE COVER of this book! My sister & I were at a party of an organization that used to be called NAAFA (National Assn to Aid Fat Americans!). Most of the people in NAAFA really disliked the name! Oh well!

At the gathering (in fact I think it was part of a convention) there was an announcement that, in the people milling about, were the author and camera people. We were told that if we wanted to tell "OUR" story about being FAT in America we could and it would be appreciated! So I told 1 of my many stories and I think my sister did also although I would have to check the chapters to see if she did get hers in print. My story is one chapter in the book but its been so long ago that I do not remember what it said or what it was titled! We were also asked if they could take a picture. Back then I thought I was looking pretty good for myself (a long time ago!) so we agreed. We were never contacted again and wasnt even alerted that we made the cover or were in the book! Didnt even get a free copy! I dont think I ever signed a release for the pictures! How crazy was that? Anyhow--its an interesting and insightful look into a part of the lives of different people of size from the 70's or 80's!
Diane from Brooklyn NY 11224

When I read this book, I could see how othr people who are fat get that way and why they stay that way. It made me excited to know that there are women who feel their fat is an integral part of their lives as people and women. It was especially helpful to see pictures of some of the people written about -- to see just how fat they are -- and to know that they often lead lives of happiness and sexiness.