Losing It

As a fan of most chick lit books, I must admit I read them purely for escape -- because they're fun -- not because I find myself identifying with the characters or saying, "This is so my life!" But that is what happened when I read LOSING IT. Not because all of her problems rang true to mine, but because she was just so incredibly REAL. Her neuroses, tears, fears, and laughter, from the comical to the truly heartbreaking -- I've experienced them all, and so have many other people, I'm sure. At times, it felt as though I were reading the biography of a beloved friend because Diana simply seemed too real to be a character in a book. As for her weight, I, myself, weigh close to 190 and thought that the author really captured what it is to feel insecure when you're carrying extra pounds. Some people can weigh 178 like the main character and feel great, but in Diana's case, she was using food to supress other emotions. She was never described as being obese, only that she believed herself, at 5'4", to be very heavy and wished to lose weight. As a person of similar proportions and a fellow size 16, I was not offended by this at all, and I did not think I was being targeted as "obese." Especially since this book was not really about weight loss, but about one highly relatable woman's journey toward happiness and self-esteem.

Thanks so much for publishing a book that is not brainless, boring, and unrealistic. Thanks for realizing that chick lit fans want something with heart. This book is so different from other books I have read of this genre! It's dark and uplifting at the same time, suprising and touching. Lindsay Faith Rech has created a unique story with a character we can all relate to on some level. Diana Christopher is overweight. She works nights as a truck stop waitress. She lives alone. She does not have a network of loving girlfriends that she can confide in. She has no friends, expect for the elderly woman living in the apartment below her. She had one sexual experience in high school and has been celibate ever since. She is sad,lonely and desperate for her life to change. Through a number of ephipanies, she finally realizes that her life is worth living. Don't expect your typical "ugly-duckling into a swan" storyline here. This story is not just about looks. Diana becomes a new person. Her transformation is inspiring. Looks are part of it, yes, but it's also alot more than that. Read this book and witness it for yourself. I really hope that Red Dress Ink continues to seek out new authors with original stories to tell. Keep up the good work!!

As a long time lover of "most" Red Dress Ink books, I have to say that this imprint is getting stronger and stronger. They keep raising the bar - and "Losing It" by Lindsay Faith Rech has raised the standards to new heights. I completely loved this book. I found it TRUE, emotional, funny and really dead on. Perhaps a bit too true --- it hit a little close to home and I think that's why I really enjoyed it. I knew is was coming from a place of honesty and someone who understands the complex nature of living in America in your 20's/30's and not exactly being a perfect size 4. There are many women out there who can relate to this story, character and issues.... I think this is a real winner for the RDI line and I look forward to MANY more from this author. She rocks!!!Cheers!

Losing It is by far my favorite Red Dress Ink book yet! The main character, Diana, is full of acerbic wit and humor despite the challenges she faces in her life. She is genuine and endearing, as is her relationship with Mrs. Bartle. While most Chick lit I've read is almost stream-of-consciousness, heavily focused on voice and going off into tangents instead of advancing the plot, this novel is a great combination of a distinctive voice and a clean, evenly-paced story. It's sweet, sad, realistic, and sometimes, romantic.Losing It breaks away from the traditional single girl out for a man and touches on issues of self-esteem, relationships-romantic and familial, and friendship. In a way it reminded me of a combination of She's Come Undone, Bridget Jones Diary and Jemima J. It has the feel of intelligent and emotional chick lit, and is at the same time cool and cutting edge. I highly recommend this one!!

First, let me just say: I LOVED this book! Diana is not ready to jump out the beauty window because she weighs more than 120 pounds. For those who read beyond the surface, this is really a moving tale, yet with enough "chick lit" elements and laugh out loud humor to keep it balanced and just plain fun. I'd highly recommend this book. It's one of my favorites!