Hyvä sängyssä
7.52 / 10 318K ratings
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2002
- Publisher
- Otava
- Pages
- 524
- ISBN
- 9789511171379
For twenty-eight years, Cannie Shapiro has been mostly content with her life. She has a job she enjoys as a pop culture reporter, a lovable dog, and a tenuous peace with her plus-size body. But her world is turned upside down the day she opens a national magazine to find an article written by her ex-boyfriend titled "Loving a Larger Woman." Suddenly, her private life is public, and the deeply personal details of her relationship and insecurities are laid bare for all to read.
What follows is the most tumultuous and transformative year of Cannie's life. Plunged into humiliation, she embarks on an unexpected journey of self-discovery that takes her from Philadelphia to Hollywood and back again. Forced to confront her past, including the father who abandoned her, and navigate an uncertain future, Cannie must figure out who she is, who she wants to become, and how to create a life on her own terms. This witty, emotional, and refreshingly honest story explores the messy and beautiful process of mourning losses, facing insecurities, and ultimately, finding self-acceptance.
What follows is the most tumultuous and transformative year of Cannie's life. Plunged into humiliation, she embarks on an unexpected journey of self-discovery that takes her from Philadelphia to Hollywood and back again. Forced to confront her past, including the father who abandoned her, and navigate an uncertain future, Cannie must figure out who she is, who she wants to become, and how to create a life on her own terms. This witty, emotional, and refreshingly honest story explores the messy and beautiful process of mourning losses, facing insecurities, and ultimately, finding self-acceptance.
Original edition
Good in BedOriginally published in 2001 English Simon & Schuster Audio
Other editions (71)
Cannie Shapiro, a sharp-witted pop culture reporter in Philadelphia, believed she had made a tenuous peace with her plus-size body and her life in general. She loved her friends, her loyal rat terrier, Nifkin, and her job. Yet, a simmering discontent lay beneath the surface, exacerbated by the lingering sting of her father's abandonment and a recent, somewhat ambiguous breakup with her long-term boyfriend, Bruce. Her world, carefully constructed, was about to be irrevocably shaken.
The catalyst arrived not with a bang, but with a magazine. A friend called, urging her to read the latest issue of *Moxie*. There, under Bruce's byline, was an article titled "Loving a Larger Woman," candidly discussing the challenges and perceived courage involved in dating a woman like "C." The humiliation washed over Cannie in waves; Bruce had not only aired their private life but had also revealed his true, unflattering perception of her. This betrayal ignited a furious resolve within her, pushing her to confront him, though the encounter only solidified their breakup.
In the wake of this public mortification, Cannie channeled her heartbreak into action. She joined a weight loss program, hoping that a new body might mend her shattered self-esteem and perhaps even win Bruce back. During this time, she met Peter, a kind doctor at the program, though her focus remained stubbornly fixed on her ex. When Bruce's father unexpectedly passed away, a moment of shared grief led to a final, fateful encounter between them, one that would soon dramatically alter Cannie's path.
Soon after, Cannie received astonishing news from Dr. Peter: she was pregnant. The father, undeniably, was Bruce, conceived on the day of his father's funeral. Faced with this profound and unexpected turn, Cannie grappled with the decision of abortion but ultimately chose to keep the baby, resolving to raise her child alone when Bruce failed to respond to her news. Her life, already a rollercoaster of emotions, was about to accelerate into an entirely new trajectory.
As her pregnancy progressed, Cannie's professional life unexpectedly soared. She found herself in New York, interviewing the superstar actress Maxi Rider, who, charmed by Cannie's wit and resilience, became a confidante and friend. Maxi, upon reading Cannie's screenplay, saw its potential, opening doors to Hollywood and the intoxicating possibility of a film deal. Amidst the glamour, Cannie even reconnected with her estranged father, confronting old wounds and seeking long-overdue closure.
However, just as things seemed to be looking up, a sudden accident led to the premature birth of her daughter, Joy. The tiny infant's fragile health plunged Cannie into a deep depression, overshadowing her earlier triumphs. During this dark period, she found herself walking aimlessly through the city, barely eating, and ironically, achieving the thinness she had once desperately chased. It was during one such solitary walk that she stumbled upon Peter's office, and in his compassionate care, began to find her way back to herself.
With her depression slowly lifting and Joy's health improving, Cannie moved in with her mother for support. Peter, who had been a quiet, steady presence throughout her ordeal, became more than just a kind doctor; their relationship blossomed into a loving partnership. Cannie's journey culminated in a powerful act of reclamation: she walked into *Moxie*'s offices, revealing herself as the "C" from Bruce's infamous article. Instead of shame, she found an opportunity, offered a job writing her own column, "Loving a Larger Woman," a testament to her newfound self-acceptance and strength. She embraced her body, her family, and her future, realizing that true happiness resided not in external validation, but in loving herself, body and all.
The catalyst arrived not with a bang, but with a magazine. A friend called, urging her to read the latest issue of *Moxie*. There, under Bruce's byline, was an article titled "Loving a Larger Woman," candidly discussing the challenges and perceived courage involved in dating a woman like "C." The humiliation washed over Cannie in waves; Bruce had not only aired their private life but had also revealed his true, unflattering perception of her. This betrayal ignited a furious resolve within her, pushing her to confront him, though the encounter only solidified their breakup.
In the wake of this public mortification, Cannie channeled her heartbreak into action. She joined a weight loss program, hoping that a new body might mend her shattered self-esteem and perhaps even win Bruce back. During this time, she met Peter, a kind doctor at the program, though her focus remained stubbornly fixed on her ex. When Bruce's father unexpectedly passed away, a moment of shared grief led to a final, fateful encounter between them, one that would soon dramatically alter Cannie's path.
Soon after, Cannie received astonishing news from Dr. Peter: she was pregnant. The father, undeniably, was Bruce, conceived on the day of his father's funeral. Faced with this profound and unexpected turn, Cannie grappled with the decision of abortion but ultimately chose to keep the baby, resolving to raise her child alone when Bruce failed to respond to her news. Her life, already a rollercoaster of emotions, was about to accelerate into an entirely new trajectory.
As her pregnancy progressed, Cannie's professional life unexpectedly soared. She found herself in New York, interviewing the superstar actress Maxi Rider, who, charmed by Cannie's wit and resilience, became a confidante and friend. Maxi, upon reading Cannie's screenplay, saw its potential, opening doors to Hollywood and the intoxicating possibility of a film deal. Amidst the glamour, Cannie even reconnected with her estranged father, confronting old wounds and seeking long-overdue closure.
However, just as things seemed to be looking up, a sudden accident led to the premature birth of her daughter, Joy. The tiny infant's fragile health plunged Cannie into a deep depression, overshadowing her earlier triumphs. During this dark period, she found herself walking aimlessly through the city, barely eating, and ironically, achieving the thinness she had once desperately chased. It was during one such solitary walk that she stumbled upon Peter's office, and in his compassionate care, began to find her way back to herself.
With her depression slowly lifting and Joy's health improving, Cannie moved in with her mother for support. Peter, who had been a quiet, steady presence throughout her ordeal, became more than just a kind doctor; their relationship blossomed into a loving partnership. Cannie's journey culminated in a powerful act of reclamation: she walked into *Moxie*'s offices, revealing herself as the "C" from Bruce's infamous article. Instead of shame, she found an opportunity, offered a job writing her own column, "Loving a Larger Woman," a testament to her newfound self-acceptance and strength. She embraced her body, her family, and her future, realizing that true happiness resided not in external validation, but in loving herself, body and all.
What other readers say
Liked
Reviews for this book highlight a significant division among readers, with many praising its engaging narrative and emotional depth. Admirers describe it as a light, fun, and quick read that also delivers an important message in an accessible way. The protagonist, Cannie, is often found to be relatable, likable, and funny, with readers connecting to her journey of self-discovery and grappling with different kinds of love that endure through changing relationships. The book is lauded for its witty prose, insightful moments, and its ability to blend humor with heartfelt emotional struggles, particularly concerning body image and self-acceptance. Some found it hard to put down, appreciating the genuine emotions portrayed and Cannie's significant character growth throughout the story.
Disliked
Conversely, a substantial number of readers expressed strong dislike for the book, primarily due to the main character, Cannie. She is frequently criticized as whiny, self-deprecating, immature, and judgmental, making it difficult for some to connect with her. Many found the plot to be highly unrealistic, citing "too good to be true" elements such as instant celebrity friendships, improbable screenplay success, and convenient romantic developments, which led to accusations of "lazy writing" and "wish fulfillment." Critics also pointed to the story's overly dramatic, "soap opera" like situations and a perceived lack of responsibility from the protagonist for her circumstances. Some also noted dated aspects of the story and an uncomfortable undertone of prejudice regarding a character's sexuality.
In short
In conclusion, this book elicits a wide range of reactions, from deeply resonant to utterly frustrating. It is best suited for readers who enjoy emotional rollercoasters, character-driven narratives focusing on self-discovery, and stories that blend humor with serious themes, particularly around body image and the complexities of love and relationships. Those who appreciate a quick, engaging "beach read" and can overlook or even embrace fantastical plot elements may find it a compelling read, while those who prefer highly realistic plots, a less "whiny" protagonist, or a more straightforward romance may find it a challenging experience.
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