All of Me: A Voluptuous Tale

I just finished this book a couple of days ago. At times, I wanted to just break down and cry. I received this book as a birthday present from a close friend who had the author sign the book for me. When I first started it, I told my friend I wasn't sure if I would be able to finish it. That is was it hitting way too close to home. Like Serpentine, I have struggled with my weight my entire life. Also like Serpentine, I have come across pictures of myself in high school and have wondered what the hell was wrong with me. I was built and didn't even know it. But, again, like Serpentine, because I was a size 11 and not a size 6, I thought I was fat. What I wouldn't give to be a size 11 again! For any woman who has ever felt lost, unworthy, guilty, ashamed or angry with herself because she's not what America says is beautiful, PLEASE read this book. Thank God I have a husband who tells me on a daily basis what a beautiful woman I am and still, it took me years to believe it. Thank you Ms. Berry for giving fuller figured women a strong, albeit sometimes unsure, voice! Also, I am sure that there are many women who have grappled with whether or not to end it all, even if weight was not the issue. This book also deals with that and how Serpentine overcame those feelings and learned that life, even with all its ups and downs, can still be worth living. Ms. Berry dealt with two very strong issues that we usually try to sweep under the carpet. She's taken them out and made us look at them in all the ugliness and she makes you deal with things you might not ordinarily want to think about. As I said, there were a few times when it was all I could do not to just break down and cry. There were times when I had to put the book down and walk away, but I always came back because I wanted to see what would happen next! Now THAT'S a good book!

Venise Berry tells it as it is--with words that are heartfelt--truly moved this reader. This story is arousing, speaks to us, and is as well written as her last, SO GOOD!

I would be willing to bet some of everyone who reads this book would find a little of Serpertine in themselves. I know I saw a lot of my thoughts and traits in Serpertine. THis book really hit home about how society, family and the full figured woman percieves being full figured woman. There are so many misconceptions. Reading about Serpertine will make you laugh, cry, get angry and motiviate you. This book I would highly recommend.

She's done it again. Thank you Venise Berry for writing a book that not only addresses societal depiction of beautiful, but more importantly, the subconscious of women who sometimes choose to ignore their subscription to such ideologies. Serpentine was real. Very convincing. Nothing short of what I expected from the author. Like "So Good," "All of Me" is definitely a keeper.

All of me: A Voluptuous Tale is a must read that if it is not already on your to read list, your list is incomplete. Finally someone has not only written a book that every woman can relate to, but has done it so that i didn't but it down until the last page was turned. If you love to laugh, to cry , to get angery, and simple see another day along with your characters, then stop this one is diffently for you, for anyone. I am just so proud Mrs. Berry wrote a novel that a big girl(like myself) would happily recommend to anyone. And just me i do.