I just re-read Straight Up and Dirty, and as I'm going through my first heartbreakingly significant breakup right now, so many things in the book made me laugh, made me cry, and definitely made me think. Thank you. You did in a book what my therapist can't do in the $250 45 minutes. It reminded me why this doesn't have to be the worst thing I ever go through, to not to let it defeat me, and to think of it as a beginning, not an end.

As a recovering fat-kid myself (you were Moose, I was the Mayor of Fat City…and yes, there was a theme song), I can't wait to read Moose and again feel your amazing power to voice experiences and feelings that I could never put into words.

You teach women to reclaim their lives. To live for themselves and not make apologies for doing so. What you do is invaluable, for those who are willing and ready to listen.

FROM STEPHANIE: That totally just made me tear up. Thank you so, so much.

You know, for a good part of my life (growing up) I was also overweight and picked on, but then I hit high school and it all melted away. Mostly, I think, because I forced myself to use this cross-country skiing machine every day for about 15 minutes, for months.

So, to an extent, I think I totally relate to the concept of being picked on for your weight and still having it somewhere in the back of my head, even today. Yet for some reason, I still do not know if I could relate to your book, as I never went to a fat camp (or any camp, really). In fact, I didn't even know such places existed (fat camps – not regular camps).

I pronounce you guilty of overacting! Seriously, a little goes a long way. Play it in the basement.

Oh – this is all getting so exciting! You're amazing – enjoy every second…

We "shouldn't" want it, "shouldn't" need it, but a mother's validation just feels soooo good. That's the kind of email I would copy and paste into a Word document so I could have it forever.

NICE prize for the winner. Wow.

I was in Hermes at the Americana before Mother's Day to get my mother a gift. She's a scarf-freak so I figured it was a sure thing. The woman helping me was showing me items in that "I'll do it but I don't believe you'll buy anything" sort of way. (I was in sweats and that's an apparent crime at the Americana.) When the manager saw and greeted me, I turned to her for help. (She knows my mother well and is always good for a hint.) Sad to admit, but when I bought an item more extravagant than the scarf, I was happy to see the look on the saleswoman's face. (Doesn't say much about me.) Apparently, she's never heard the old adage "don't assume…" Why am I telling you this? Not a clue!

I was just random blogging last night about how I wondered if it would be a social blunder to bring Blake to your reading. ATX, I'll be sitting near you with my 6 month old! I am so excited!!! (If you can't tell, I don't seem to get out much these days except to go to Play+Music and the pool. A little adult interaction makes me slap happy… plus, the mention of chocolate doesn't hurt either.)

I read the excerpt and I am SHOCKED to say that I LOVED IT. It was well-written and compelling, and I'm buying the book. That said — and I know you wouldn't post my other comment about this — please stop with the videos. They are beneath the quality of the writing in this book. Or at least stop overacting. Ask Phil for some coaching — he's actually quite good.

I loved the excerpt and can't wait to read the book! So exciting. Congratulations!
I am wondering when you are in SF for the conference will your lecture be open to the public or do you have to be part of the conference? If you have to be part of the conference, is there any way, any way, that you will do a reading at a SF area bookstore? Maybe the Borders up the street from the hotel? I will volunteer to distribute the chocolate and whatever else! Just wondering and hoping! :)

awwwwwwwww.

I tried to embed both videos on my Myspace and all that shows up is a big white box. :( Any suggestions?

I keep think about the comment I made earlier and I feel bad mostly because I feel like it could be taken the wrong way or in a bad way and it wasn't meant that way. I am really happy for your accomplishments and having finished your second novel, especially with all the stuff you have been going through. I know it has not all been easy times.

I guess I was just thinking about whether I would ever read the book and realized I probably won't and it feels odd because I read you blog, but the subject matter doesn't strike me as "You need to read this."

So, it wasn't meant to slight you in any way. Just observational/introspective.

Stephanie,

I read your blog nearly every day, but don't comment that often. I just read the excerpt and I loved it. I have struggled with my weight for the last few years. In high school I didn't do anything (i.e. exercise) and for the most part stayed the same weight (5 ft; 92 lbs). However, that lack of exercise and lack of eating healthy has caught up to me and since junior year (I'm going into my 3rd year of college now) I have gained about 60 lbs. God it hurts me to write that. I don't look horrible, but my weight gain is so obvious. And unhealthy. I try to motivate myself, but that only works for a day or so. I have to figure something out. My SO is a lovely man and has never once mentioned that I have gained weight or that he doesn't find me attractive etc., as he has gained weight too. I think we have both gotten too comfortable with the lazy lifestyle we live. I want to be healthy and comfortable with myself and beautiful!
And to tell you the truth, even though I have weight problems I didn't think I would be that interested in your book. Since reading that part of it though.. I am hooked.
I have not read your first one, yet. But when this one debuts I will definitely be buying both of them.
Thank you.

oh and this line: Healthy marriage, I know. That’s a different book.
Was hilarious… as I said I haven't read the first book, but I have read your blog long enough to understand it :)

Loved the video!! so cute :)

A little late to post; I just read the excerpt. You writer's voice has changed since the last book– you sound more polished and professional. The selection posted was beautifully written. You should be very proud.