Thursday, January 19, 2012

150 Pounds by Kate Rockland

5 Star

In the fast paced life of blogging, two women stand out: Alexis Allbright, of Skinny Chick, and Shoshana Weiner, who writes Fat and Fabulous. Both have over five million loyal readers. Both are hungry for success. But the similarities stop there.
 
With over 100 pounds on the scale separating them, weight isn't their only difference. Alexis is a loner who is so bitchy the only person who can stand her company is her gay best friend Billy. She gives neurotic New Yorkers a run for their money with her strict daily workout routine, and weighing of food. Shoshana is Alexis’s opposite. Living in Jersey with rowdy roommates, she is someone who “collects friends,” as her mother puts it; and treasures a life of expanding circles...and waistlines.

When both appear as panelists on a popular talk show, their lives intersect in ways neither could have imagined. In turns comedic, heartwarming--and familiar to any woman who's ever stepped on a scale--Alexis and Shoshana realize they have far more in common than either could have possibly imagined, and more importantly, something to offer.

Lydia - 5 Star

150 Pounds is just as delectable as the cupcakes on the cover. It's an easy read with a weighty punch and all women will be able to relate to the issues in this novel, regardless of where on they fall on weight spectrum. I loved 150 Pounds and devoured it as quickly as I would those cupcakes. 
 
At first I was drawn to Shoshana's exuberant personality, loving that her extra pounds didn't get her down. But Alexis quickly took over and I rooted, almost screaming at times, for her to get her head out of her ass. There were several unexpected turns with Alexis's story which really took me by surprise, one of which I usually see coming, but I had no clue. I loved her love interest. He was patient and kind and ridiculously dreamy and I really enjoyed watching Alexis under his spell.

That's not to say I didn't enjoy Shoshana's storyline though.  Because I did.  Lots.  I loved the relationship she had with her family and that her purpose in life didn't seem to be finding a man, although if Prince Charming showed up, she'd definitely be game.  Her date stories were hilarious and I loved that one of her best friends was an ex-boyfriend and their banter back and forth was refreshing. Her storyline provided much comic relief as her character was more bubbly, friendly and funny than Alexis who was cold, withdrawn and serious.  

Each time the story flipped from one characters viewpoint to another, I barely flinched because I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen with each one. These women were as different as the cities they lived in and I loved the juxtaposition of New York City and New Jersey and thought each location suited each character perfectly. There are things in this novel that should be cliche or too 'perfect', like the gay best friend and Alexis's love interest's profession, but it never came across as such for me.  Everything in 150 Pounds seemed like a natural fit.

If you're looking for a fun read that tackles serious issues with heart, pick up 150 Pounds today. I can't wait to read more from Kate Rockland!

Thanks to Macmillan for our review copy! All opinions are our own.

Connect with Kate Rockland:
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3 comments:

  1. Hiya, great review. I also love your blog, it's lovely! This book looks like a good read, glad you enjoyed it so much!

    Jessica from Booked Up!
    http://www.bookedupbloggers.blogspot.com/

    :) xxx

    ReplyDelete
  2. That does sound like fun! I love the clever subtitle.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to comment, and the lovely ones at that.

    I hope you get a chance to read 150 Pounds and enjoy it as much as I did.

    ReplyDelete

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