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

[Jamie]

Congrats on the book! I received my copy from Amazon today and quickly shoved the current book I was reading so I could dive into this one. Another hit and please please please keep them coming (and come to Southern California on your next tour!

[rachel]

So... I guess I am like the last one to receive my copy, but Amazon FINALLY told me that my book is on it's way, and I will sacrifice a few glasses (bottles?) of wine to make sure I finish it before you come to Austin. I. CAN'T. WAIT.

[Karen Mc in Dallas]

Jen, started reading "Such a Pretty Fat" this morning while waiting for my flight from Dallas to Austin, where I went for a one hour meeting. By the time my flight landed back in Dallas this afternoon, I was halfway through the book. Love.This.Book.ALOT!! Another fabulous book by Governor Jen! Keep them coming, but FASTER!

[Liz]

I wonder how many calories you burn laughing? I love this book just as much as the last two and I thank Borders on Michigan for putting it out early!! Congrats.....

[Tracy]

Jen -- I finished the book over the weekend and It. Was. Awesome! Loved loved loved it!!

Looking forward to Wednesday!

Safe travels!

[Nellie]

Congratulations, Jen! I must admit- I got the book early. I went into B&N on Thursday, and was surprised I didn't see it. So I asked the first employee I saw, and he went to grab me a copy. Two women stopped me on the way to the cashier to ask me where I got it too! I am so sorry! I had no idea it was not supposed to be sold until Tuesday. Anyway, I finished it in under 24 hours and loved it, loved it, loved it! Can't wait to see you tomorrow!

[Ginny]

Wish I could say I'm one of the ones who got an early copy of SAPF, but my Borders is sticking to the rules, apparently, because I was only allowed to "reserve" a copy and they promise to call me when it's available. The good news is BITNB and BLBA were both VERY PROMINENTLY placed, side by side, in the front of the store (!) so I thought that was encouraging!

PLEASE keep us posted as to any TV shows you will be appearing on! I never get to watch daytime TV, but would definitely want to DVR any shows you will be appearing on! I would LOVE to see you on "Ellen". You two are both so freaking funny -- it would be a laugh riot!!

Well ... cheers and hope you receive lots of bouquets on the big day tomorrow, along with good news of strong sales (and hope I get my anticipated phone call from Borders tomorrow, too)!!!

[Lulu]

I *like* your cute footnotes!

I will have to stop by Borders this week.

Congrats!

[Kerry]

Pffft! I got my copy of Pretty Fat LAST Tuesday at the Borders in Dallas. And by the way....LOVED IT!

[Renelle]

But ARE you coming to Minneapolis?

It's a girls' night out for me if you are!

[Joy]

WHOOO! FINALLY!

I am really tempted to take a sick day tomorrow just so I can get the new book the minute Books A Million opens and read it cover to cover with no interruptions. I have re-read the first 2 books in the past week waiting not so patiently for the new book.

[Eileen Cook]

I took the day off from work tomorrow so I can get this book and just plunk down and read it. Possibly while eating ice cream- which I realize is ironic

[Monica]

I got my copy at Border's on Saturday and loved it. Congratulations--like the other 2 books, I basically didn't put it down until I finished it. Congratulations!

[Sleepynita]

I have to get it to read on the plane this week. Girls only shopping trip to Vegas WOOT WOOT! Actually I lie my husband is coming too - but he can go to the rub and tug for all I care.

[Jessica]

Yay, Jen! I put my copy on hold at B&N in downtown Seattle on Saturday and can't wait to pick it up before class tomorrow. It's really going to be hard to read James Joyce when SAPF is the competition....

And two weeks til PDX and Seattle, yeah!

[tina]

Congrats on the great reviews!!! I got my copy last week I think it was and I read it in 1 night!! It was fabulous. Can't wait for your next one! ha!! no pressure.

[Miss M]

I am planning on seeing you tomorrow night here in Chicago! I am so excited! A few of my girlfriends are going for an early dinner at Las Tablas on Lincoln (totally BYOB) and then heading over to B & N.

Someone else posted about Norsdtrom and I must say they have the best "plus size" clothing selection- especially the one downtown. I would totally invite you as my guest to the private shopping event this Thursday but I know you will be out of town on your book tour.

FYI- I live in Bucktown and am totally the queen of cute summer dresses and sandals- except the shoes I wore today gave me killer blisters (on both feet)! When that happens I just sell my shoes on eBay and buy a new pair from Nordstrom.

See you tomorrow!

[Kelley]

I spotted it in B&N today, plus the flyer saying you're doing at book signing here in Dallas next week! I had no clue. So, I got the book and I'll be there.

[Kelley]

Hi Jen! Just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS on your book release! I had an amazingly wonderful day after handing in my MA in Publishing dissertation, when I arrived home to find your fabulous book waiting for me. I was worried that since I am in the UK, I would have to wait longer...YAY Amazon! Loving every page! Good luck with the tour!

[summer]

i just finished my last law school final. tonight includes LOTS of drinking. tomorrow includes GETTING YOUR BOOK! happy happy happy!

[Stephanie]

Jen - I LOVE Such a Pretty Fat. I have about 30 more pages to go. I think that the greatest line ever must be

"It was like thinking I was heading to a surprise party and instead it was a surprise pap smear." pg 345

I was in my car, waiting for my friend and started laughing so hard I was crying when I read that line. I think that this is my new myspace quote!

Ok, I gotta finish reading!

[Kari]

Mine is on it's way - yay!

[Sue]

Congrats on the early reviews! I'm not sure what's up with the "footnotes which can grate" comment but those footnotes are what hooked me on Bitter in the first place - keep 'em coming.
Can't wait for Amazon to deliver mine since the local bookstore won't have you on release day (the price I pay for living in paradise).
Safe travels and here's hoping for no hangovers!

[Angel A.]

Jen, you are so worshipped in my little world. You make me laugh on days that seem will never end. I already got my copy of SAPF, and already read it, and absolutely LOVE,LOVE,LOVED it!!! You are so incrediably(spelling?)gifted at writing, (you inspire me to write.)I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being YOU.Please keep us posted on your daily lifes antics, and good luck on your book tour and I'm sure your book signings will be packed because WE LOVE YOU!!!

[Paloma]

I am so excited to read this, but I think I am going to wait to buy my copy till I see you in San Francisco. (Someone has to keep sales up in week three, right?)

Congrats on the rave reviews!!!

[sheilah]

Why is it that I too can look at myself in the mirror and say, "Damn, looooking goood!" Yet when I see a photograph of myself I think, "Who IS that fat chick?"

I think I have reverse anorexia.

Looking forward to reading your next book. You rock!

[Mel]

Wow.
I got mine at a convention where book giving away was the order of the day....So I got it FROM the publisher. And it was fabulous.
There is a line about Jabba and pearls that I 100% totally get. I won't spoil it but man--I feel like I've lived that life. Er, well--am currently living.
Also am on WW. Also hate the cake discussion.

Your friend in food,
Mel

[Shan]

I celebrate the release at last! My local booksellers are tired of my rushing to the biography section and then stomping away, empty-handed and wearing a martyred expression. (Good excuse, I admit, to stop for a honey cream latte as I stomp, though.)

Way to go, Jen!!

[Bailey]

Congratualtions on the reviews. I can't wait to read it and will be picking up my copy at B&N tomorrow (and watching you sweat Chardonnay).

[Bing]

My copy arrived on Thursday last week from Chapters - I'm in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

I've always figured we were light years ahead of the US, clearly, it's just a few days (ha ha).

[Kristen]

Our B&N put it out two days ago and it is in several places all over our store. Also, I am always seeing Bright Lights on the employee's choice shelf. So, yay!

[Jackie]

I'm sooo tempted to go out at lunch and look for it...but I'll wait until tomorrow! Can't wait to see you in Dallas....I'm wondering if I can sneak my dog in to the B&N with me...oh, probably not...guess fiance will have to sit outside with him....where I'm guessing he'll be MUCH more comfy once he sees the throngs of women at the store! P.S. you know the Dallas Sprinkles is right down the road from that signing location, right??

[Lisa Johnson]

was so pissed off that everyone else seemed to already have a copy that I changed my order on amazon to ship next day. checked my email and YES it's on the way!!!!! I'm afraid tomorrow I will not be getting any work done here , door closed, impersonating a working employee tee hee!

[Sarah]

Ha.. I went to go purchase the book at B&N at lunch today. Here's what transpired: I was looking in the biography section to no avail. There was a nice older woman working in the section who asked me what I was looking for. She was utterly confused and embarrassed over the title and scratched her head when she asked the man in receiving to look for "Such a Pretty Fat". The man in receiving then laughed out loud at the title and said, "Wait a minute, spell it."

[Jennifer]

Congratulations on the great reviews - you deserve every bit of your success! I hope you have a wonderful tour with minimal airport hassles.

Can't wait to pick up my copy!

[Karen]

The day you're coming to Cincinnati will be the best day of the year! Not only is my favorite author coming to my city but NKOTB is performing on the Today Show for the first time in years!!!!!!! Life doesn't get any better!!!!!!
Here's hoping I don't make an ass of myself meeting you by praising you so much that I seem stalker-ish!

[Manic Mommy]

Jen--VERY MUCH looking forward to SUCH A PRETTY FAT! Hoping to be at the book signing tomorrow night, if the suburbanite mommy stars align for me!

(PS--If you're interested in doing a book give-away contest on Manic Mommy, lemme know!)

[Kelly]

I got my book last week and it continued the tradition of making me laugh out loud (Note to self: Do not read Jen’s books in public). I loved it! Congratulations on the great reviews and good luck with all of your events!

[Christine]

Congrats Jen! Got my copy early and reading
and just loving it. Want to be finished by
the time you hit Philly on Friday! Not hard
to do since I can't put it down and will acocomplish nothing until I'm finished ; )
You can't write these fast enough for me!
I'll be ready immediately for another...but
there is always Jennsylvania in between.
Safe travels! See you in Philly.

[Elizabeth]

pshaw...your footnotes are my favorites (and of course you're cute, DUH). Keep 'em coming!

I was so sad that I finished the book over the weekend. Now I have to wait so long for your next!

and P.S. I totally lost my skirt in the parking lot at work because I refused to give it up even though I'd lost 60 lbs. I loved it and it gets so expensive buying new clothes just to lose more weight and have them get too big in less than a month.

[Katie]

Hi Jen! I loved loved loved the book! I devoured it in 2 days. There are very few authors that I wish would write faster (or maybe I should read slower?), and you are definitely one of them!

Congrats!

[Charity]

I got "Such a Pretty Fat" on Thursday at the Borders in Lincoln Village in Chicago. I was SO elated to buy it early and thought the cashier was going to realize the store's mistake and rip it out of my hands. But I got it! Looking forward to meeting you (and getting my books signed) on Tuesday!

[Erin]

I was one of the jerk-offs who ordered it online at booksamillion.com after someone left a comment that they got theirs there. I even paid extra for the two-day shipping. Loved it, great job.

[Fe]

I LOVED the book. It kept me sane on a very long and horrible flight from LA to NYC, featuring screaming children and a seat-mate whose breath smelled like poopy diapers. Kept thinking that the parents seated behind me were slacking on clean-up duty until I realized the culprit was not little Ari, but the dude next to me. Thank you for keeping me from screaming at everyone, since I was too busy enjoying your book. Congratulations on another fantastic read. Please keep them coming.

[jamie]

I.Simply.Cannot.WAIT.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Renee in Chicago]

WTF AMAZON?? Where is MY "it's been sent" email???? I want my book by tomorrow to have you sign it at the Webster Barne's and Noble!! Can I bring Sweet Mandy B's cupcakes to the signing/reading? I cannot wait to meet you!!!!!!
~Renee

[Bonnie]

Congrats, Jen! I can't wait to pick up my copy. I'm sure I will L-O-V-E it!

Oh, and good luck on your book tour!

[Poppy Buxom]

Hey, when and where are the *Chicago* signings?

Please say "On Michigan Avenue in the shoe department at Nordstrom's."

[kalisah]

way to go on the reviews, Jen!

Even though there's been a moritorium on buying books in my house since I am currently unemployed, I'm totally buying yours anyway.

Will they have it at Target? Because I could totally slide it in with the toilet paper and eye make-up remover and Big Daddy would never even notice.

[LJ]

Love the reference to "new-found strongs"! Wishes of hassle free travels (AKA luggage present at all stops) and see you in Manhattan. I'll have to peep into the bookstores just to make sure no renegade copies have graced the shelves...