Finished 10-6-10, rating 4.5/5, fiction, pub. 2001
“You called me fat in a magazine. You turned me into a joke. You don’t think you did anything wrong?”
“Face it Cannie,” he said. “You are fat.” He bent his head. “But that doesn’t mean I didn’t love you.”
The box of tampons bounced off his forehead and spilled into the parking lot.
Chapter 1
Cannie has a good job as a reporter, close friends, a dog she loves, but she is unhappy with the extra weight she carries. To make matters worse her ex-boyfriend of five years has just written an article in a national magazine titled “Loving a Larger Woman.” Although she was the one to initiate the break-up she’s not sure she did the right thing and she makes some questionable decisions.
Cannie is a great character, full of humor, intelligence, laughter, and wit. It is light at first, but also addresses serious family issues with both of her parents that I found very real. And the fact that the reality wasn’t all tied up with a pretty bow at the end made it great for me. It managed to maintain the fun while still showing that not all things in the real world can be solved the way we want. It is chick lit at its best, but moves beyond that to a heartfelt story about starting to love yourself.
This was a great debut novel and I’m not sure what took me so long to read it. Oh wait, it’s the hundreds of other books I own. Anyway, I’m happy to discover a new author who I look forward to reading. My only complaint comes from the fact that I’m pregnant. The pregnancy storyline was a little flat for me only because it felt like Weiner just took things from a pregnancy book and threw them in. I’m sure that if you are not pregnant this would not bother you, but since I’ve had over eight months of living it it just didn’t ring true for me. Still loved the book!
This is from my personal library and was chosen by Shanyn, Debbie, Em, and Mom.
“Hilarious, love her.” Em
“I became an instant fan after I read this one.” Debbie
“I love that book.” Shanyn
Stacy's Books 
Thanks for the review! I was confused about whether I want to read this author or not.
I loved this when I read it but now can’t remember much about it. The good thing though is I’ll be able to read and enjoy it all over again! :–)
This was my first book by this author too and I loved it. I’ve enjoyed almost all of her books now. So glad you liked it too!
I haven’t read Jennifer Weiner yet, but I really want to. Since you liked this, I will keep it in mind.
I’ve heard so many good things about his book. It’s on “the list” 🙂
I’ve heard so many good things about this book. It’s on “the list” 🙂
Never read any of her books because I thought they would be too chick lit, if you get my meaning. I will add this to my list Stacy. And I can definitely understand the preggers part not ringing true to you 😉 No apologies necessary.
I don’t remember the pregnant part very well, but I definitely liked this book. I still remember feeling so horrified for her when the article came out. Though I’ve never been pregnant, I thought that her Little Earthquakes (maybe you’ve read it) about a group of moms-to-be who meet at pregnancy yoga portrayed the experience and how it can be a bond for women really well.
Oh I am so glad you finally read this one! It really stood out for me as being different and wonderful!
I loved this one too!! Glad to see you join the group 😀
I’ve never read Jennifer Weiner but I enjoyed that movie that was made of one of her novels, IN HER SHOES I think? Anyway this sounds like fun and I’ve heard good things about it so I’ll keep it in mind.
She is one of the best chick lit writers out there. And did you know she’s from Columbus?
Actually, I was thinking of Jennifer Crusie who’s from Columbus. They’re both good chick lit writers.
Thanks for coming back, Susan! I am having trouble keeping up with comments although I do read them all! Crusie is from Columbus, but I wasn’t sure about Weiner.
I think I like Cannie already. “Loving a Larger Woman” – that’s gotta hurt!
I enjoyed this one too. You might like her “Little Earthquakes” book .. it deals more with having children.
Weiner is an author I’ve been meaning to try but haven’t managed to yet. I am glad you enjoyed this one, Stacy!
Thanks for cheering me on in the readathon, Stacy! Will add your blog to my links.
This sounds like a good read..this author is in my wishlist!
Thanks! for sharing this.
You need to get the sequel…Certain Girls. It blew my mind. Jennifer typically doesn’t do sequels either but these characters needed one and spoke to her. 🙂
Little Earthquakes was fantastic and I read it when I was pregnant.