My reactions to PastaQueen’s book Half-Assed: A Weight-Loss Memoir
As I mentioned the other day, I was up all night reading PastaQueen’s book Half-Assed: A Weight-Loss Memoir
(I almost blogged right then, but my husband opened one eye, saw that it was 4 or 5am, raised one eyebrow to say “are you kidding me!?” I avoided marital conflict and went back to bed. For an hour. Until the kids got up.)
First, understand, this is not a critique of PQ’s book. Her book is a memoir. It’s a lifetime (well, so far) of her experiences. Instead, this is more about my reactions.
I had seen a few comments about the book and expected something light and funny. I expected entertainment. It really was a much deeper read for me. It brought back many intense memories of fat shaming and struggle through earlier years. And it was also profoundly inspiring, more than most weight loss books, at the end. It didn’t promise unicorns and rainbows at all — it was very realistic and matter-of-fact and strong. I found that much more reassuring than empty promises.
My gut finally stopped twisting about half-way through when PQ started losing weight. Before that point, I knew all too well how it felt to be fat. I have tried not to spend a great deal of time thinking about it. After that point, I was just so so impressed with PQ’s determination. (Yes, PQ, you are worthy of being a role model.)
I most loved reading about her life after she moved into an apartment and (re)discovered herself as a thin person. I loved reading about her running and dealing with life and day-to-day things. I loved that she seemed to anticipate my every next question (the skin!), and mention things I’ve wondered (the focus group).
I was more than a little envious of her family.
By the end, I felt a little embarrassed, like I had just been caught spying on her.
Phew. Cathartic inspiring read. Thanks, PQ.
Oh, and I loved the before/after photos at the end. Same smile, but the after PQ is positively sexy and sultry and confident. It’s the PQ that comes through in her writing.
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I am going to have to get that book! So did you make it through on barely any sleep? I am so tempted to stay up late but then when I think of facing the world and 4 young ones on little sleep, I do the responsible-me-but-so-boring-thing and go to bed.
Surprisingly, I did (with a little help from my friend (enemy?) Diet Coke! By evening, I was ready for bed, for sure, though
Thanks for the glowing review!