The third biographical book by Valerie Bertinelli switches pace from her previous books to talk about life, loss and joy. This book isn't about a particular journey or struggle, but about all the journeys and struggles that make life what it is. And about learning how to be (and love) yourself today, despite societies expectations.
Valerie Bertinelli shares her story up to losing weight as a Jenny Craig spokesperson. She talks about her time on One Day at a Time, through marrying Eddie Van Halen, divorcing him, having her son and the acting roles she played up to and between. Her struggles with self-image and societal/Hollywood expectations are central to her continuing story, which she shares herself in a way that helps to motivate and inspire her reader, even if it's not necessarily her intention.
This book was not at all what I was expecting when I picked it up. And that is not at all a bad thing. I didn't check the back for a description; I bought it based on the title.
For some reason, I expected short stories about different girls. Instead, this is a journey through the life of a "fat girl" and her experiences at different stages of her life. It's not even always through her perspective. I'm not even going into any more detail than that. This book deserves to be read, to give people a perspective they may not have, and to maybe urge people to talk about things they otherwise might not.
I really enjoyed it. It's thoughtful and thought-provoking.
#85-2020
