 "If you like to read, read it..." | 2009-07-17 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1NPH4AAIVOZK1 |
When i started this book, i never figured it for a "5-star" book. I read tons of books...if you love to read - especially non-fiction - i say read it. And especially if youre a woman.
The writing is personal, and from the heart. It's not necessarily life-changing, but as her first work - i think it's great; and entertaining. I love reading about people's lives, backgrounds, and childhoods - i'd love to read a book like this about SOOO many people i know. I really, really enjoyed it. Yayyy Cheryl! |
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 "Fun, light reading" | 2009-07-11 |
| - Reviewed By norwoodbooks |
This amusing collection of memoirs is made up of a series of short, funny stories covering Peck's Michigan childhood, her Michigan adulthood and the adventures of her cat Babycakes. These happy little tales remind me of the writings of David Sedaris only lighter and quicker.
Peck was apparently prompted to write this book by friends and relatives who she was constantly telling her stories to, and this book has a nice, conversational feel to it. You can easily imagine that she is telling you one of her many little stories as you enjoy some tea and cookies together.
There's nothing especially deep here. You probably won't be any closer to discovering the meaning of life after reading it. It will put a smile on your face as you read Peck's quirky tales whether they involve the menace of cattle, forbidden childhood books or the dangers of lawn chairs. |
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| "Funny" | 2009-05-29 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2GNTRG4NF6L7G |
| I read revenge of the paste eaters first and it was hillarious. This one is O.K. Less laughting but still O.K. |
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| "One of the better memoirs I've read in a while" | 2008-06-28 |
| - Reviewed By jherusalem |
Oh my. If the cover doesn't clue you in to what kind of book this is ~ check out the cat in the wig & specks ~ then you're in for a wild ride. This book is a trip. Ms. Peck has a sharp sense of humor and isn't above poking fun at anyone, including herself.
Originally self-published for her friends, her family, and her cat (a woman after my own heart!), this book is a fun romp through someone else's life. She pulls no punches in recounting the way she terrorized her younger sisters and peers by being driven to be the "first, fastest, loudest and best" in everything, and it's so refreshing to read about an overweight woman who isn't trying to fit into the heroin-chick mold everyone else strives to fill. She has no qualms telling it like it is, makes no excuses and offers no apologies, and you can't help but love her for that.
In regards to the title, she says, "No self-respecting fat girl ever really trusts a lawn chair." She tackles everything from weight issues to peeing in the woods ~ nothing is sacred to her, nothing is out of bounds. And cat lovers will enjoy the few essays written from the point of view of Babycakes, her spoiled feline friend.
One of the better memoirs I've read in a while. So many women will relate to Ms. Peck, regardless of their own personal sexuality. I look forward to reading more of her work. |
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| "Babycakes is my hero!" | 2008-06-15 |
| - Reviewed By incoherent_gallimaufry |
I think everyone is way too hard on this book. Sure, it wasn't exactly what I was expecting, either. I guess based on the cover I was expecting the sections to be hilariously, uproariously funny like Laurie Notaro. But once I got past my preconceived notions, I was reading a warm, entertaining book.
I found the poetry to be poignant, and I didn't think her usage of "girlchild," or her attitude towards her brothers was flippant or annoying. I just enjoyed it, and I will be buying her second book. |
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 "Summer Fun" | 2008-04-10 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2LEJ0O8IWCAJQ |
| In Fat Girls and Lawn Chairs, Cheryl Peck breezily writes about the innocence of childhood, the perks of being the oldest sibling (i.e. tormenting her younger siblings), and loving herself no matter her size or age. This book is a delight. Peck has a charming way with words. She'll make you nostaglic for simpler days and remind you to see the humor in everyday situations. Fat Girls and Lawn Chairs should be on everyone's summer reading list. |
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