This book was recommended to me by a friend on a day when I was having not such a great day. I was feeling rather failureish about everything and really just wanted to have a good cry. She suggested that I go find this book instead.Boy, am I glad she did! What a read. I finished it in a couple of hours, and was completely delighted. It's one of those light reads that kind of tugs at your heartstrings, and somehow remains a light read. I don't know how it happens, but it does.
I found myself relating to Jemima a bit too uncomfortably. Okay, so I've never flown halfway around the world to hook up with a guy, but I did used to be fat. Yes, it's true. I was the fat girl. The one that everyone said had 'such a pretty face' which is internally followed by 'for a fat girl'.
The sad thing is, you can HEAR it, even if they don't say it.
So that part really struck me. So did Jemima's transformation, because I went through a similar experience (although in a much healthier way, mind you). I could feel her pain and her determination. I totally understood what she was trying to do and why. Okay, so part of it was for this guy she was going to go meet, but most of it was for her.
I love it when I can relate to a character on such a personal level. It kind of makes me feel like maybe I'm the heroine of my own story.
I also loved that Jemima saw the writing on the wall eventually and realized that she was good just being herself. Victory for Jemima!!
Loved the story, loved the supporting characters (Geraldine is a hoot!), and loved the fast pace.
All in all, a great read.
(watch for language if you're sensitive to that, and keep in mind that the author is British...)
Jemima J is pretty drool worthy!