A Big, Fat, Self-Indulgent Whew

In case I hadn't yet mentioned it, the new book comes out tomorrow.   

That is, tomorrow is the official release date, although it sounds like some of you got yours early.  Sometimes bookstores put new releases out when they receive them, rather than the release date, and this fact makes both my editor and agent twitchy. 

From a publishing standpoint, I understand it's important to wait until the proper release date because then all the first week's numbers are reported together.  (It's kind of the same phenomenon as how an opening weekend at the box office determines the film's success.)  But from a reader's standpoint, if there's an author I dig and the book is on the front table prior to the official date, I don't care because I want to buy it NOW NOW NOW. 

For those of you who've already got it, I hope you liked it!  And for those who are still waiting, thank you for your patience and I hope you will like it when it arrives.

Anyway, it's always such a relief when the new book is finally, officially on shelves and I'm very excited for tomorrow.  Because that means I can begin to freak out about other stuff, like having to take thirteen flights in sixteen days and losing my luggage and how I'm going to take out a terrorist with nothing but a sharpened lipliner and some strategically applied kitten-heeled kicks which I can totally do because of all my new-found strongs and remembering to TiVo the important stuff because there's no way Fletch will willingly press record on Farmer Wants a Wife and if I'm going to accidentally drop an F-bomb on a morning show and stammering and sweating Chardonnay and if my dresses look cute (wait, of course they look cute) and whether or not critics will actually like what I've written. 

Fortunately, the first couple of media reviews are in and they are happy-making, so I'm posting them below.

From The Chicago Sun Times, by Tammy Chase

Believe it or not, losing weight can actually be a laugh riot

On the thoroughly covered-to-death topic of losing weight, consistent themes run through stories in books and women's magazines: will power, struggle, self-deprivation, rising above the odds and, oh, yes, misery. In other words, losing weight must be A Giant Sucky Experience.

Losing weight is the theme of Chicago author Jen Lancaster's third memoir, Such a Pretty Fat: One Narcissist's Quest to Discover If Her Life Makes Her Ass Look Big or Why Pie Is Not the Answer (New American Library, $14, 380 pages). Lancaster, 40, is the very funny author of the memoirs Bitter Is the New Black and Bright Lights and Big Ass. In Such a Pretty Fat, she mercifully infuses much-needed humor into the life-altering process. "What good is finally being able to afford a pedicure if I lose a foot to adult-onset diabetes?" she asks.

Refreshingly, Jen isn't self-loathing. She loves how she looks -- perfectly highlighted hair, well-applied makeup, her signature pearls. She unabashedly loves food. "What gets me is the 'pretty face' bit. 'Cause I won't mind being reminded I'm fat as long as you water it down first," she writes. In a mortifying restaurant experience, "my ass knocks over someone's wineglass, like, four tables away."

After a run at the Atkins diet, the food lover endures pre-packaged meals from Jenny Craig and moves on to Weight Watchers -- which takes off more pounds, though a meeting attended by people who use terms like "emotional baker" nearly make her burst out laughing. She signs up with a personal trainer named Barbie -- who apparently looks like a Barbie -- for 40-plus sessions of torture.

Victory comes haltingly at first, but it's clear she's a heroine in the War on Fat, down about 40 pounds at one point. The first time she gets the courage to go from walking a treadmill to running, "Every single bone in my body is jarred. My knees in particular are screaming and need to be iced, like, right this second," she writes. "Yet I don't care. Because I ran."

Lancaster reminds us to laugh during laps and while counting food points on the way to a healthier size and lifestyle.

From Publisher's Weekly

A surprisingly charming weight-loss odyssey, Lancaster’s third weight-centric memoir (after Bitter is the New Black and Bright Lights, Big Ass) tells the story of her struggle to drop the ice cream and step away. Though morbidly obese, with a worried doctor hovering anxiously, Lancaster is blithely casual and never feels sorry for herself: “I’m a hundred pounds heavier than I was in high school, my veins are full of crème fraîche, and yet I look in the mirror, take in the hair and makeup, and think, Damn baby, you fiiine.” Still, at the end of her thirties, she knows she needs to lose weight—mostly to stay healthy, but also because she can’t face the shame of having to buy an extra seat on an airplane. While the first chapter is full of chatty asides and aren’t-I-cute footnotes which can grate, Lancaster relaxes into her journey through Atkins dinners, Jenny Craig coaches, Weight Watchers meetings and bouts of personal training with the winning honesty and humor her fans have come to expect. Anyone struggling with weight issues while trying to maintain a sense of humor (if not necessarily a positive outlook) will find much inspiration, and plenty of laughs, in Lancaster.

WHEW!

Now I'm off to pack some dresses and sharpen some lipliners.

Comments

[Christine]

Bought SAPF today in Green Bay--I live in Chicago but am here visiting this week. The cashier said they had been selling like crazy--yay, Jen! You're hilarious and I truly appreciate how you tackle the ebb and flow of life in general...you're an inspiration to all of us. Sorry I missed you tonight in the Windy City; perhaps we will run into each other while stalking Chicago's best cupcakes someday. :)
~Red

[tutugirl1345]

Your description of food that you make is amazing. I think that you should write a cookbook after Pretty in Plaid.

[JenBun]

Yay, Book Day!!! I just got it...

Now everybody leave me alone for the next few hours.

:)

[Molly]

Am reading your book - so excited - got it Saturday! How do these people finish so quickly? Work? Sleep? OMG!
Mike sounds like a stupid perv on a booty call.
Loved all the comments but liking your book best. I was going to save it for the beach in July. Who the hell was I kidding? It's like the weight that doesn't get lost but just takes a vacation...always to return "home" again!
Why all the references to Chardonnay? I see you as being try-liquiall. If it's alcohol...you'll try it! Just made that up...I am pretty impressed with myself!
Love you all and Kalamazoo too! You should visit - we are so cool here!

[Jules]

I'm pissed! Pre-ordered your book on amazon on March 17. I looked up my acct. last week and said to be shipped May 6. Today it says it won't ship until May 12!!!! WTF???
I hope it is because they pre-sold so many prior to my order that I'm at the bottom of the list.
Congratulations on ALL the reviews.
Waiting patiently by the mailbox while tapping my foot with my arms crossed...

[mike]

hey jenny? where are you book signing in chicago. i work there and would probably take a minute to check you out in person...to see your slimmed down booty.

[mike]

hi. i talked to my local librarian this week. i will be able to read the new book within this month.

thanks. you are fab.

[LisaMac]

just an FYI...I work at Waldenbooks here in Portland, Maine and your new book didn't have a lay-down date so we were able to put it out when we unpacked it, which to my utter glee was last thursday. I loved, loved, loved it and I've already hand-sold like, a bazillion copies. Ok...when is the next one coming? LOL!

[Nic]

I knew I was going to love the book, but when you were able to incorporate salad tossing into page seven of your book where you were also talking about crystal stemware? Well that just sealed the deal: this book rocks.

[Louise]

I picked up your new book at lunch today. Am typing this as quickly as possible so that I can get to the couch to start reading.................finally!!!!

When are you coming to Canada????

[jewelz916]

Bought your book today!!! Another 25 cents in your pocket, eh? Can't wait to sit down and read it!!!!

[Boo]

Just ordered it (and the new Laurie Notaro and some others you recommended). You have kept me laughing and reminded me that the real world is way bigger than my little world. BTW, I've lost 22 pounds (half of that since the husband left) and you inspire me. I am going shopping for a new dress and non-teacher shoes just because.

[Andrea]

I just bought it today! I could not wait to get to the bookstore this morning! It's a riot so far- I am thoroughly enjoying it and will probably finish by the end of the week!

[Bella]

Congrats! I'm going to your book signing in San Francisco, and can't wait to hear you read from your book.

Good luck with the tour! I'm sure it will be exhilarating and exhausting all at the same time!

[blackbird]

Well done.
(Not that I had any doubt.)

[steph]

my bad. the person's name is below their post, not above. Sorry!

[steph]

Just thought I'd point out in case this is a site problem that my earlier comment is posted by someone else's name! And my name and link are on the comment someone else made below me.

[Elaine C.]

Congratulations!

[Brandy]

I preordered SAPF at Waldenbooks, and they called me Monday to let me know that it was in and that I could come in and get it, even though it wasn't on street date yet. I always thought it was illegal to sell a book before its street date, and that places got fined big time for doing so?

Anyway, I will be picking it up tomorrow and I'll probably be done by tomorrow night, haha.

[Tracie]

I got the book today!!!!! I CANNOT WAIT. I am going to Vegas this weekend, but I do not know if I can wait that long!! Grat Jen :) I am very excited for you.

[Stefanie S]

Jen I just want you to know I was the first one to get your book in my town because they were unpacking it as I grabbed it. That was this morning at 10 am and I'm already done with it! It was great

[Jackie]

The new book was absolutely great! My friend manages a Barnes and Noble so she got it for me a week and a half ago (yeah literary connections)! Jen, I know you mentioned writing a fiction novel, but seriously, your reality is so much better than fiction! Thank god you have the blog because I can't wait this long between publishings to partake in your stylings on life! My friend who got me the advanced copy is plugging it all over her store and put a Jen Lancaster Display up front with your books and is featuring the book in the B&N book club. So you are getting lots of support in the Western New York area! Thanks for another great novel! I'm just sad that I'm done with it!

[Jeannie Brandstetter]

I have been waiting for SAPF ever since I finished reading your first two books. Today I left work when Barnes & Noble opened and they DID NOT HAVE IT. "Hmmm. The computer says there are plenty in the warehouse. Do you want us to order it for you?"
Must. Control. Fist. Of. Death.

[stephani]

CONGRATS ON THE NEW TOME! B&N was nice enough to call me to say my reserved copy was in yesterday, so had to zip down on the way home and pick it up. I totally feel your pain when it comes to the whole weight loss thing. I have lost/gained/lost the same 15 lbs for the past 2 yrs(before that, I was struggling to drop the 60+ lbs I gained during pregnancy...nursing is the best diet ever!!). Keep up the great work.

[Lindy]

have only been reading your blog for a few weeks and am already addicted. ran to borders today and bought all THREE of your books. must tell you though... bitter is the new black rang up as $53.85 in paperback. while i'm sure it is a fantabulous book, i cannot afford that, and harangued the poor clerk until he got it down to a more reasonable $14. had i not been a savvy shopper, though, you may have gotten an extra $40.

[Katie P in Columbus]

Okay, I had no patience today and sped over to the closest Barnes & Noble by my work on my lunch hour to get the book!! I also discovered a new Panera, so Double Bonus!

Cannot wait to get home and start reading!

[Becki]

Just bought my copy on the PROPER day, lol.
The clerk at Borders Express said your books are VERY popular . . .

[Suzane in Maine]

SO I'm bad and I always pick up the before before the offical release date figure that somehow i "got lucky" I picked up your book on Sunday and have already finished it. I love your books and hope you keep them coming!

[deb]

Amazon shipped my copy this morning. My Mother's Day Gift (my kids don't know it yet) from my kids will be to give me a few hours to read on Sunday, uninterrupted. I can't wait!

[Kate]

HI
Got your book yesterday from Chapters!!!Yay for me!!! Cannot wait to get into it. Loved your other books. (I tried reading an excerpt from one of them to my husband but couldn't as I couldn't speak form laughing). Do you think you'll ever do the rounds up here in Canada? I think you should visit Montreal first. Good wine, good food, good shopping. Need I say more? Best of luck on the book tour.

[Timre]

I am 38 pages in and loving every word! Can't wait for the tour! You rock!

[Kate]

I am about half way through your book. I stayed up waaay too late laughing waaay to hard and eventually my beloved told me to read somewhere else.
As someone who has been on diets, has little to no inner filter, has a 80 pound dog that's been known to toss a salad or two and hates to bend over I appreciate your point of view and mostly your sense of humor.
Thank you for the writing you do--this book gives a whole new meaning to "Laugh your ass off."

[Katherine Huff]

As soon as I get a break for lunch, I'm running to the nearest bookstore and picking up a copy. Can't wait to see you in NYC tomorrow! And congratulations on the reviews!

[Lilor]

Sorry to say that upon entering the book store in the Houston Airport there were a ton of copies of your latest and greatest! I was stunned and immediately ran for a copy! Just wanted to say...LOVED IT!! All of your books have been a breath of fresh air and I beg you...please keep writing!

[steph]

I've seen your books in Chapters and had to check out your blog. Now I really, really want the books as opposed to just really. You are so hilarious I've emailed your blog link to friends. And posted it on my own blog.

Thanks for being you! And a huge (pardon the pun?) congrats on the new publication!
Steph

PS. Okay, wait. That wasn't to say you're huge or anything. It was supposed to be funny. You know, to go along with the book title.

[Liz]

Congratulations!!

[donna]

I thought I was behind everyone else when I picked my copy up on Saturday. Sorry, if I'd known, I'd waited till this week to help your numbers.

Haven't started it yet, working on a Jennifer Weiner book; but, I'm looking forward to it. (enjoyed the first two!)

[alicia]

Congratulations on the release of your latest book! Looking forward to receiving my copy in the mail over the next few days. Best wishes for great success on your tour!

[summer]

so my barnes & noble doesn't have the book. wtf. where else should i go????

[Daphne]

I got my book last Tuesday and started reading it in the car that night. I made my husband drive as we ran errands because I couldn't wait. I am 1/2 way thru it and LOVE it!!

[ayntastic]

I finished THE BOOK yesterday and now I'm sad that it's over. However, your stories about the treadmill and pool inspired me to do hill repeats this morning (running up a hill over and over....) so my ass thanks you.
As far as WW goes, it is definitely work finding the right meeting. I find them more helpful now that I'm lifetime and trying to maintain my weight than when I was losing.
Keep up the good work and keep the books coming, PLEASE!!

[sarah]

I work at Barnes and Noble. I've been stalking your book at work for two weeks, waiting for it to arrive. As soon as I arrived at work last night, I went and snatched a copy from the stock room to buy and read on my break.
As for them getting sold early, my store did not have it listed as a "SOS- strict on sale", meaning that it did not have the "gotta hold it in the stock room until this date or you die!!!" warning, and it would get shelved as soon as it arrived. (I guess other stores just got their's earlier than we did and are faster at the shelving!)

[MJ]

congrats on the great reviews!!! i can't wait to get my hands on it -- B&N left me a message last night that my copy is waiting for me at the store, so i'm picking it up at lunch today. looking forward to meeting you in virginia next week (and if you wanna grab a drink after the signing with a fellow 40 year-old ex-sorority chick, just drop me an E-mail!)

[lisamechelle]

I've been stalking Borders for your new book, and lo and behold, I got mine Saturday afternoon! Yay! for impatient bookstores! It was there, lovingly looking at me the minute I walked in the door. Oh, yeah, I'm reading it already, and it's HILARIOUS!

[Kimberly]

Looking forward to my copy and meeting you in DC/VA!!

[Debbie]

I loved the book! I was so excited when I found it early and had trouble putting it down. My family kept wondering why I was laughing out loud. Looking forward to more.

[Erica]

Jen -- I work at a Borders and we ALWAYS obey laydown dates --- your book was scheduled on all of our paperwork, and shipped to us in laydown boxes marked for last Tuesday. I don't know if the problem was from your publishers or our buyers or what -- but I'm sorry that your release got messed up. I LOVED the book though.

[Kasey]

I was in luck on Friday when I made a trip to the Borders in my area (Brea, CA) and they happened to make the mistake of releasing Pretty Fat too soon (which I knew to look for thanks to the other readers!).

I decided Saturday would be a fantastic day to become anti-social and read your book. I loved it! I'm trying to get motivated to get back in shape and your book described every emotion, and thought process, that I'm going through now. Thanks so much for keeping it real and making it known that anyone can get healthy when they want to. Now, I just need to get some of that motivation and start becoming fit too!

I'm so excited that the reviews expressed how wonderful the book is!! Congratulations and I know that won't be the last of the great reviews!

[Christa Booth]

I concur on the Southern California thing... COME HERE!!!

[Christa Booth]

GOT MINE TODAY!!! And I am reading it tonight!! :)

I heart you Jen!!

Christa