I Know Why the Fat Girl Cries

It looks like you haven't done much with this since you originally posted it and that's too bad.

...all the other fat books. -- no quotes
The writers don't gloss over the reality of their situations. -- better and no apostrophe since writers is plural.

I've only read the first story, but am coming back to read more soon.
You don't need to be vastly overweight to suffer the abusive comments of uncaring others - 5 lbs is enough too. I was 5-10 lbs overweight most of my childhood, at one point closer to 15 lbs. And it too was a living hell. Now I'm about 20 lbs overweight, but still discover problems and encounter attitudes. Eating was also escape for me, but from different things - moving country a lot and other things.
My heart goes out to all of you wonderful people out there who have overcome so much. You give others hope and stop some of the 'normal' people in their tracks.
I'll be back to read more!

I KNOW WHY THE FAT GIRL CRIES (Candace Carteen)
The author's photo shows she is certainly in a position to know the problem.
Our northern european, northern american society has a body image for women that is quite different from a short time back and quite different from the rest of the world.
That, however, is no comfort to the person who is not genetically or culturally in that model. From the physiological and genetic point of view (yes, pov is not confined to authors!) we are ignorant of the causes of severe weight gain. From a medical and psycholgic pov we are ignorant and have little in the way of skills to help those who seek it.
The author has accumulated a number of brief autobiographical statenments which she points out may not conform to exact truth but still may be how the truth is remembered -- and isn't that history?
Backed.
mch

This is an interesting and i think brave book because in our fat obsessed world you are suggesting that for some, being fat has a deep rooted cause (other than avarice). I would imagine that many will reject these stories as excuses for a lack of self control, but i personally was fascinated by the first three stories i read (including your own) and the common theme through of all of them of a sense of worthlessness brought about by the way others treated them. As a teenager i was podgy - late to develop and short - i had a complicated relationship with food, hating it and turning to it (and then of course loathing myself for giving in). Interestingly when i reached the age of 17, i found that if i had some outside pressure such as exams, i found that stress took away my need to eat. Of course once i slimmed down, people reacted to me more positively and boys began to take notice, but i still battled to keep my weight down for years and took a lot of exams! the turning point for me was hitting my 30's and finally, properly liking myself - now writing is my donut of choice. Your stories have made me think about what it was that triggered my weight issues and i think in part it was to do with the fact that i always felt i was competing with my blond and leggy older sister. Mum told me quite recently that my sis was always my Dad's favourite , and i wonder if deep down it was that sense of not being as good as her (in his eyes) that led to my (mild) insecurities. As i said an interesting book, but i wonder how well 'fat' readers would accept this version - after all, new research does suggest that there are genetic factors that play a part also - with cross generational genes impacting on the way the body stores fat. (grandchildren of grandparents who suffered famine, appear to struggle with weight). So though this book offers some explanations for some people, i am wary in believing that all fat people suffered trauma as children. However backed because it kept me reading, and i think it bravely discusses a societal taboo.

I love constructive feedback! Chub Bette is a true story and It's my story and I did go to 24 schools between 1st and 12th. Sometimes life is stranger than fiction.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Candace

I read "Chub Bette," and am so frustrated right now. I have so many complaints, I don't know where to start!

Self-masturbation? Isn't that a little redundant? Probably not as redundant as saying "...and masturbated" every other paragraph. No development or significance to such act. No other word for it. No distinct feeling towards it.... just a word littered throughout the tale.

A masturbating food addict at age five? Really?

Twenty-four schools in twelve years? Come on, now. This is where the story falls completely out of the realm of any possible reality.

This is an important and serious topic. You have to do it justice, it's a moral responsibility.

I am very disappointed. If you can assure that other stories are not so self-satisfying, I will continue to read... if you appreciate constructive feedback, and not just blessings.

Thanks so much for uploading this Candace. Blessings on the book. It should really bless folks. -C

Thank you Karen. All of the people in this book are amazing spirits. Thanks for the support.
Candace

Wow, Candace.

Let me say that I am honored to be the first to back this book! Welcome to authonomy!

You are going to make a lasting impression on your readers... I can feel it. I've only read one chapter, and you've landed a blow to my gut. (I WILL be reading on, I promise!)

Bless you for your courage, and I will be back with you in a day or two for a longer chat. Thank you!
Karen

Wow, Candace.

Let me say that I am honored to be the first to back this book! Welcome to authonomy!

You are going to make a lasting impression on your readers... I can feel it. I've only read one chapter, and you've landed a blow to my gut. (I WILL be reading on, I promise!)

Bless you for your courage, and I will be back with you in a day or two for a longer chat. Thank you!
Karen