Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie

This year’s must-read is a remarkable, unique relationship novel that few could write with sensitivity and raw vulnerability as this author has. She shares the good or bad feelings women may have about our appearance, and how we often choose friends based on appearance rather than similar interests. These three friends from summer weight-loss camp days are defined so well, I almost felt as if I know them, or that they know me, how I think and feel.

Emerson, Marley, and Georgia met at weight loss camp the summer before they turned 18. They enjoyed each other’s company. Nobody called them fat or other unflattering names. And that last day at camp, all three girls could look back at with fond memories as one of the very best days ever.

Marley is now a personal chef, who cooks and delivers unique, balanced meals to many regular clients, and small events on request. Her weight is still a barrier for many people, especially men, but she is happy with most of her life. She goes to yoga and runs. She comes from a beautiful Italian family in which love is experienced around the dinner table at her parents’ home. She has always felt acutely the loss of her twin sister, Frankie, who died when they were four. Frankie was a much smaller baby who never could get to a size normal for her age. She was sick all the time. Marley thrived, and was always a bit larger than average. Marley rents an apartment from one of the three besties, Georgia. Georgia purchased a townhouse, and Marley’s apartment has a commercial kitchen in it.

Georgia’s family is very different. Divorced for many years, her mother never worked, thanks to an inheritance from her family. She always criticized Georgia for her weight. The only good thing coming from her brother is his son, Mason. Georgia’s stepmother is only a few years older than her, and she has two delightfully fun stepsisters. Georgia worked as an attorney for only a short time, and now is a preschool teacher. She loves teaching, doing only pro bono legal work. She is divorced from the love of her life, Rafael, and hasn’t seen him for five years.

Georgia and Marley get a call that Emerson is in the hospital and wants to see them. Before she dies, far too young, she gives them the list they had made as teens that best day ever, of things to do when they were slender, with a plea that they would fulfill their wishes. What follows next, and the journal Emerson wrote to “Other Emerson”, her future skinny self, will break your heart and put it back together with healing, laughter, and understanding for others.

The characters are incredibly well defined. I appreciate Georgia, Marley, and Emerson. Whether one has had a weight challenge, or a huge weight challenge, or anything else one dislikes themselves for, a reader might see herself in these beautiful ladies. I did. I get it. The insight into the those who have endured the loneliness and bullying of being “different” is reflected so real that one could see these ladies as their best friends…if one isn’t so preoccupied with their own appearance that they hang with the mean girls of the crowd.

If one is looking for a light and happy novel, Good Luck with That doesn’t start out that way. At first it was so real that I had a hard time continuing, as kids can be cruel, and so can adults. The biggest challenge for Marley and Georgia is to make peace with who they are and go forward – and there are surprising twists and turns for each of them. Keep at least one box of tissues handy, as there may be many tears mingled in with the laughter of watching the ladies try to meet some of those teenage – and adult – goals. Some of the moments I enjoyed were those in celebration of who Marley and Georgia are in their respective families and relationships. This is a novel that should be read by women of all ages, including young or new adults, While the novel has some very poignant, painful times, it is worth working through those to see what is possible. Happiness, peace, and yes, even victory are celebrated amidst many LOL scenes. I highly recommend this year’s must-read!

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

I absolutely loved this book! It covered a difficult, sensitive subject in a really great way and made me think differently about anyone and everyone who struggles with their weight. I read this entire book in two days, I couldn't put it down - the way that Kristan described the main characters was brilliant and I really felt like I knew them. Highly recommended

Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Books, and Kristan Higgins for the opportunity to read and review her latest book - emotional, thought-provoking, wonderful!

This is a story torn from today's world of fat shaming and body image issues. But it's also a story about friendship and family and how we take care of ourselves.

Emerson, Marley and Georgia meet as teenagers at a weight-loss camp where they finally find like souls in each other. They make a list of things they will do when they are skinny. Fast forward to when they are all in their mid-30s. Marley and Georgia have remained best friends and while they try to stay in touch with Emerson, who lives out of state, they don't see her as much as they would like. Until they get a call that Emerson is dying. She leaves her friends an envelope to be opened after she dies which sets them on a path to become better versions of themselves. Each of the characters has a back story that led them to their struggles with food, of course, and dealing with those issues is even harder.

Highly recommended - these characters feel authentic and their struggles real. We all have struggles to deal with - not all related to food - but these characters find a way to move forward by holding on to what really counts. I loved the stories of the preschoolers in Georgia's class too!

Four and a half stars: A controversial and moving book that takes on body image and fat shaming.

Georgia and Marley are shocked and saddened when they meet at the hospital. Their friend, Emerson, whom they haven’t seen in years, is dying. Emerson let herself go, and now she is extremely overweight to the point where her body is shutting down. Emerson’s dying wish is for Marley and Georgia to complete the check list that they made years ago when they met as teenagers at a weight loss camp. At first, the check list seems like a daunting task, but slowly, Georgia and Marley start checking things off, learning to conquer their fears. Along the way, they confront some of their worst fears, as they learn a thing or two about life, love and the beauty of truly learning to love yourself. Can they reach their goals?
What I Liked:
*If you have considered this book, you will likely see there is already controversy surrounding it. Some choose to judge the book because it takes a brutal and honest look about body image and the negative stigma that culture has assigned to overweight people. This isn’t an easy book to read, and parts of it are truly uncomfortable, but it is an important book to read. This isn’t a book about degrading overweight people or fat shaming, instead this is a truthful look at what it is like to deal with body issues, and a journey to accept and love yourself no matter your size. It was a beautiful read as well as thought provoking and eye opening. Don’t buy into the controversy, give this a chance and read it. Big props to the author for taking on this troubling topic.
*Yes, this is a book about being fat and the struggles that people who are overweight endure. Parts are sad and uncomfortable, especially when it comes to Emerson’s chapters. Even though some of it was tough to read, I so appreciated Ms. Higgin’s courage. She delivered a story about survival, acceptance, and above all learning to love yourself curves and all.
*Marley and Georgia are both likable characters. Each one of them has spent a lifetime battling their body issues. Georgia is so damaged that she pushed away the man who truly loved her for who she was because she was so insecure about her weight. Marley carries the weight of her dead twin around in her heart as she looks to find love and acceptance. Each woman’s journey is different. They hurdle some big obstacles, learn to accept themselves and they find love and friendship along they way. I loved that the book was told with both of their voices, and I enjoyed getting to know each one of them.
*I liked that there was a strong focus on friendship and family. Marley and Georgia have been friends since they met at fat camp years ago. They have always had each other’s backs. There are so many other great relationships to explore. I loved the family dynamics in Marley’s family, and I loved Georgia’s relationship with her nephew.
*There is some romance, and I liked the way both romances played out and ended up. One was a big surprise, while the other was one I wanted to happen and I kept hoping it would turn out as I wanted. I was delighted with both.
*The ending was wonderful. Both women end up in better places, happy and content. They conquer some of their insecurities while they continue to work on others. I loved the way the book ended with them doing something good for others.
And The Not So Much:
*Anyone who has ever struggled with weight issues will likely be able to relate to one of the characters. So much of it isn’t pleasant, and sometimes you feel uncomfortable, and you may even relate to the struggle. It isn’t easy to read, but it is real, open and honest.
*I will be quite honest, I did not like the chapters featuring Emerson. Her point of view is troubling and frankly terrifying. Emerson becomes a recluse, binge eating to the point she is so obese her body is shutting down. I hated reading her chapters.
*I hated the family relationships in Georgia’s family. Her brother is downright awful. The book ended with some hope in that front, but I was disappointed that further progress wasn’t made.
Even though I liked Marley’s romance, I didn’t feel it at first. It comes out of the blue, and it felt off.

Good Luck with That is a book that is generating buzz. Some are hating the book without having read it because it takes on the troubling topic of obesity. This is an open, honest and brutal look at the difficulties people who are overweight face on a daily basis. It isn’t an easy read, but it is worth the ride. I loved that this was book about overcoming fears and learning to love and accept yourself the way you are. I hope you will give this book a chance. There is so much to learn, and at the very least I hope this book will change perceptions and start conversations.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

“We live in a skinny world.”

“Really? Because I live in America, and we are NOT a skinny nation, hon.”

I know this was an ARC and I’m not supposed to quote it, but put two tears in a bucket and motherfuckit because that up there is G.O.L.D.

I have to admit that the ONLY reason I wanted to read this was due to the controversy. Please note I didn’t bother looking at the actual “oh this is so offensive and fat shamey” rant until AFTER I finished reading.

Now that I’m done what do I have to stay about the book? Well, let’s address the good and then we’ll get to the notsogood:

First, perfect title is perfect because whether it’s actually said out loud or simply thought in a “shaming” thought bubble – “Good Luck With That” is often the reaction people who continually say they’re going to change something about themselves – but never end up actually being able to (or being happy about) – receive. Be it losing 100 pounds or quitting smoking or chopping their long hair into a pixie cut because “it’ll be super cute now that it’s a different color” (<<<< can you figure out which one is me????) Anyway, right or wrong it sometimes happens.

Second, these friendships. We’re talking #lifegoals here people. These women were UNCONDITIONALLY supportive of each other. There was no “Oh Lord girl, you are TOO FAT now and don’t tell me it’s not because you eat two large pizzas every night” or “you’re going to get a divorce? You KNOW no one else is going to love your fucked up self” or “Really? A chef? You seriously think people are going to want to get a ‘healthy’ dinner delivered from a fat girl?” THAT is shaming and there was none of it.

Third, the list . . . . (Please note this list is something that was written by a child, but seriously I never realized how monumental tucking in a fucking shirt could be until I got fat.)

Fourth, Kristan Higgins pretty much just GETS. IT. I’m not going to get banned from freebies forever by posting highlighted segments, but she gets it.

Okay, so what didn’t I like?

Well to begin with: If you’re not a fan of Chick Lit stay far farrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr away because this thing is so chicky it might as well have come with a free lifetime supply of tampons.

It also felt like it was about 47,000 pages long. It could definitely stand to take a turn on the chopping block.

Next, all three of these women needed massive amounts of therapy stat. The one who dies (not a spoiler, the whole story only happens because she dies like instantly) is the only one who actually acknowledged not only her unhealthy relationship with food but the reason behind it. The two survivors? Both had mommy/daddy/sibling issues and needed professional help since they were mid-30s and still crippled emotionally by their families.

Which leads to the WHY??????? If anyone wants to clutch their pearls and get offended, THIS is what should offend them. Why couldn’t at least one of them JUST. BE. FAT. Again, Emerson (the one who dies) eventually tells her reason and it’s one that makes sense. But seriously I’m like 99.99999% sure Marley would have never been “skinny” due to genetics because she was presented as someone who worked out and ate healthy and etc., etc., etc. so WHY ADD ON THAT TWIN BULLSHIT?!?!?!?! And if I really want to go ahead and re-write this author’s (perfectly fine) story for her, I kinda wish Georgia would have been presented as someone who was always not truly “fat” (more like a “plus size” 12-14 because her mom actually WAS a fat-shaming asshole) who ended up with body dysmorphia and an eating disorder because of it. However, that’s not how it was and they were all fucked up due to their families and apparently fat people can’t just be fat without superbadawfuls so like I said get pissed if you want because that was sort of grating.

Then, every single man in the thing was either an uggo (excluding potentially the brother’s husband, but he wasn’t in it enough for me to confirm that thought) or so jacked up that THEY needed therapy too.

Finally, wanting to change other people. Broken people SHOULD NOT be throwing stones from inside their glass houses FFS. Georgia with the nephew and Marley with Will. Annoying and unfortunately the moment never came when either woman was told to STFU and fix herself first before trying to fix someone else.

And again, super chick litty. But the message wasn’t meant to be a negative one so here’s to never being disappointed with what you see in the mirror : )

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!

Painfully beautiful and gut wrenchingly personal, Good Luck With That is my top 2018 read to date.

This story gutted me from chapter one. Reading through tears isn’t easy but everything about this book felt like it was written just for me. Told through a three person point of view, all three stories weaved together creating a real and honest look at the lives of women with body issues. This book may not be for everyone. The emotions and reality of it all was painful. Kristen just gets it. At times I was like, “get out of my head” and others times I just needed to walk away and catch my breath before I continued on. I can’t say enough about how much I loved this book and I am grateful that Kristen brought to life very real issues laid out in black and white for all to read. A must read for 2018 and beyond. I will revisit this book often.

I couldn't put this down-- I just wanted to know what happened with the characters. It was a tearjerker in multiple parts. Loved it. Really made you think about weight/eating issues and emotionally abusive people/relationships.

This book had a wide range of reviews from DNF to 5 stars and intrigued me. Having endured the highs and lows of weight control my entire life, I was interested in seeing what it was that had polarized this book so much.

It didn't take much more than the opening chapters to see why this was a controversial book. Every single negative or hateful comment made to me over the years regarding weight, whether it was internal or external is reflected in those opening pages. It was almost as if the characters were saying "Yes, you are right thin people -- we hate ourselves for being fat for all the reasons you throw in our face everyday. Your view of us is valid." At that point, I just couldn't read anymore.

In spite of the easy reading of this title, I don't think it does anyone good to read such negative and hurtful commentary. One line from early in the book sums it all up for me.. "There's a human being in here."

Not a book for me. DNF

An ARC was provided for review.

This is the first book I have read of Kristan's and I can't say enough about it!! It covers so many issues we have as women - she tackled topics I cringed at only to be so happy she could go there and make it great!! Body image is not something we like to think about -- but this story was so heartwarming -- she made us want to talk about it!!

To be perfectly honest, this is not the kind of book that I usually like to read. When I saw that it was next on my list, I almost decided to skip it and read something else. I am SO glad that I didn’t, however, because I really, REALLY liked this book! Kristan Higgins has written an excellent story that explores family, friendships, life’s hardships, and body image, but never sounds preachy or like she’s lecturing. The characters of Marley and Georgia are infinitely likeable, but have foibles; they’re not perfect, and their imperfections are what make them real and relatable. The use of Emerson’s voice is well-done and melds nicely with “current” actions of the other two. Secondary characters are also nicely fleshed out and nobody is superfluous. It’s not often that a book makes me feel the emotions of the characters, but there were times when I literally laughed out loud with them, and times when I teared up (Spoiler alert: watch for the track meet!). What I liked most, however, was that I could name a person I know who closely matched just about every character in this story. A gifted writer creates “real people” characters, and Ms. Higgins did just that. I highly recommend this book! Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, what a tough topic to write about!

I’m not going to lie, parts of Good Luck with That were hard for me to read. I felt an immense amount of empathy for the gut-wrenching pain these heroines had and were going through.

There were so many things which resonated with me. Body image and weight are two things that do affect me. I love food and I tend to eat more when I’m under stress. I never had to worry about weight until I was in my twenties. If anything, I grew up too skinny and people always commented on this fact which made me uneasy. At present, the opposite is true. Counting calories, carbs, eating healthy, and exercising are all part of my daily routine. I seem to be in a constant fight against gaining weight. I blame this on my lazy metabolism.

Good Luck with That brings to our attention obesity, a very real epidemic affecting this country. Emerson, Georgia, and Marley are at the center of this novel. All are in a different stage of obesity.

First, there's Emerson who’s always been the heaviest of the three girls. We get to have a first-row seat to her constant fight against her weight and how her weight starts affecting her health. In the end, obesity is a major contributing factor to her death. By way of a diary, we learn how she got there and who helped her.

Then we have Georgia who has suffered from an eating disorder closer to bulimia than anorexia since her teenage years. We see her at three different stages of her life. During her time at fat camp where she first meets her other two friends. Then, during her time in law school, when she falls in love for the first time and when she ultimately marries Rafael. And five years later, when she’s now divorced and living in the same building as Marley but has never forgotten Rafael. She has left her job as a lawyer and is now a teacher.

Last, there’s Marley. I’m not sure if she’s obese or morbidly obese (Kristan never gives us their sizes or actual weight). Yet, she’s the one who over time has become more comfortable with her body. Maybe because her family has always been supportive while Georgia's family has enjoyed fat-shaming her. Marley's life was marked when her twin sister died at four years of age. Her emptiness and survivor's guilt were components which influenced her weight. Ultimately, she’s the daughter Who Survived. The one that should be happy that she is alive.

Kristan Higgins does an amazing job in Good Luck With That. She had me crying or laughing as per her usual. I will say that the hardest passages for me to read were about Emerson. Those were devastating. This doesn’t mean I didn’t identify with Georgia and Marley. I did.

My favorite parts included a piggyback ride, a spa event, and of course the ending. There was one cringe-worthy scene--> The magic show. I was dreading turning the pages over. But, by the end, I was laughing out loud. Classic HG!

In conclusion, I believe the message Kristan Higgins is sending is one of acceptance. Acceptance about your body, acceptance that not everyone is going to be thoughtful or nice about your weight but that you can continue your life, preferably without them in it.

I'm not sure everyone is going to love this book (no book is for everyone) but I do believe in not criticizing a book without reading it.

Many thanks to Berkley and Kristan Higgins for providing me with an early review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

I did not finish this book. I'm really disappointed because I've always loved Kristan Higgins' books. But, this one was just too much about being overweight. Too much of a trigger for me. I did not like it at all.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for granting my request to read Good Luck With That.

I’ve dealt with weight issues most of my life. More like body image issues when I come to think of it. Having grown up in the sixties and seventies I wished I could look like the girls on tv sitcoms (Brady Bunch, Partridge Family, etc). Those girls were slim and had long straight center-parted hair and I was average shape with dark naturally curly hair that had a mind of its own. I remember the day the female freshman PE teacher weighed us and measured our height. I was 5’6 and weighed 120 lbs. I felt huge – so much taller and bigger than my classmates. Talk about poor self-image, huh? So that’s what I brought with me when I read Good Luck With That.

Kristan Higgins is on my trusted favorite authors list – meaning I’ll read whatever she writes. But this one was a tough read for me. It hit so close to home on a few levels. Not exactly though – because my mother wasn’t as purposely hurtful as Georgia’s. No, my mom was well-meaning and thought she offered positive encouragement. Sigh.

So this novel is about three friends who met at a camp for overweight teenage girls. They formed a bond that carried over into adulthood. As often happens after college they met less often and kind of lost track of one friend, Emerson, because she lived hours away. Sadly, their last time to meet is when she’s dying.

After Emerson’s funeral Marley and Georgia open an envelope containing the list they compiled at camp when they were seventeen. It’s a list of things they’ll do when they are skinny. Emerson has requested they do the things on the list. And that leads them to examining their relationship with food, men, family, etc.

Good Luck With That is written in Higgins’ usual warm, emotional style. Her characters’ families drew laughs and winces from me. I loved seeing Georgia and Marley take control of their issues and discover how empowering that control can be. Filled with (mostly) delightful and endearing secondary characters I have to say this novel grew on me. What started as a book I had to put down a few times in the beginning due to certain scenes and topics, I finished the second half in a few hours. I’m glad I had the chance to read it. I think it would be a good selection for book groups – and there’s a reader’s guide at the end.

Emerson Lydia Duval should have lived a long and happy life. Instead, she died at the age of thirty-four and had no idea how loved she was. Even if it had been years since Georgia and Marley had seen their childhood friend, they never lost sight of the struggle that linked them all together – their battle to lose weight.

"“Let’s make a list when we get back,” Emerson said. “All the things we’ll do when we’re not fat anymore. Things we can’t even dream of now.”
“We can dream,” Georgia said, pulling on the oars. The boat slid forward, and Marley trailed a hand in the water. “Nothing wrong with dreams.”
“A list sounds like fun,” Marley said. “It’ll motivate us to lose weight. We can call each other when we cross stuff off.”
Little waves slapped against the bow as they got closer to shore. Georgia’s strokes slowed, and she docked the oars for a moment as all three of them looked back at the purple and pink clouds burnished by the setting sun, the pine trees turning black in silhouette.
Sitting there for one last moment, they all knew the magical afternoon was over, yet no one could quite let it go. After all, how many days like this do you get in life? How often can you really be free, alive… weightless?
That’s the problem with perfect moments. They end.
Though no one would say it, all three girls knew things would never be quite the same again."

Regardless of how successful or educated they were, Marley DeFelice and Georgia Sloane always felt that the world judged them by their weight. It’s the one fear that always held them back.

But now that they have made a final promise to Emerson to live life to the fullest, they are going to have to break free of all of the chains that have held them captive for so long.

Hearts will be shattered and bonds will be tested. And they will never call themselves as weak again.

"Emerson had done us a favor with that list. She totally had. Kicking our asses from the great beyond, like any true friend.
“Fine. Don’t tuck. But get in the car, girlfriend. The time has come.”"

Good Luck with That is an absolute must read for all women everywhere!! It’s a poignant and realistic look at how society judges us by what’s on the outside without ever looking for the beauty inside.

Kristan masterfully crafts characters that both shine in their strength and in their frailty. Each one holding a secret that drives them. But it's Marley and Georgia that are the most exceptional of all.

They are women that you would be honored to call a friend and a colleague. They are neighbours, sisters, wives and mothers. They are us.

And their fight for self-acceptance should be our fight as well…

Three young girls, three friends who accept one another for who they are. But as they grow older, they have a hard time accepting themselves. They aren't happy in their lives and they mistakenly think things will be better once [insert the issue that is troubling each of them].

Good Luck with That is a very thought provoking story about how we view ourselves and our lives, and how we need to accept ourselves as we are and move forward with our lives. Don't put things off until...... it's too late. Be happy the way you are.

This was a very emotional book for me, and yes, there were some tears shed. I think this book will touch a nerve for almost everyone—because aren't most of us constantly striving for that 'perfect' whatever in our lives?

I love these lines—this is the way we should all feel and live. 'It shouldn't have been 'Things to Do When We're Skinny.' It should've just been 'Things to Do.' Such wonderful words to live by.

I swear every woman on the planet should read this book you guys. I don’t know of a single woman who hasn’t struggled with her weight or dealt with body image issues or struggled with low self esteem. Higgins captures all of the feelings and emotions that coexist alongside these complicated feelings women have about themselves perfectly and she does it with humor and grace as well.

This is told from all three friends perspectives, Marley and Georgia in present day and then Emerson in a series of heartbreaking journal entries that truly brought me to tears. These women are like so many others, their weight is always at the forefront of their thoughts and it has an effect on every single aspect of their lives, they were painfully relatable on so many levels that I wouldn’t hesitate to wholeheartedly recommend this one to any woman I know personally.

While this was a very emotional read it was also funny and poignant and unabashedly honest in the way women perceive themselves and other woman. While we can be our own harshest critics we can also be super quick to judge other women even as we struggle with our own body image issues which is so profoundly sad but also the God’s honest truth.

Marley and Georgia stole my heart completely and totally and made me yearn for friends just like the two of them. Their friendship was beautiful and inspiring and also raw and vulnerable, they’ve been friends through the bad and the good and know they each have a safe place to land in the others arms. While many of the issues covered here are heavy and sometimes dark this was a truly uplifting and hopeful read that will make you feel less alone in your insecurities and doubtful moments. Highly recommended read from one of my all time favorite authors, Higgins hit it out of the park with this one!

(Quick P. S. I’ve seen this book getting slammed for fat shaming and I just want to say that it doesn’t at all, I found it to be the opposite so if you’re hesitant because if that it’s not even true.)

Good Luck With That in three words: Vulnerable, Emotional and Relevant.

“Do you know just how beautiful you are? Yes, you reading this. You’re beautiful inside and out, because your spirit and energy is where your beauty comes from. You're kind, smart, generous and unique. You’re loved for all those reasons and more. Your beauty radiates from within. That’s what truly matters. You are perfect. Love yourself just the way you are. The world is a happier and better place because of you.”
These words came to me the morning after reading Good Luck With That. I woke up wanting to share these sentiments on social media, but I saved it first as part of my review. When a story can move me enough to want to share these thoughts with the world, well, I say it's a book that genuinely made a big impression on me. Powerful feelings and message, don't you think?
The day I finished reading the the story, I had the biggest smile while hugging the book and my heart was filled with joy for the happy ending! YES!!! *Fist-pump!* Just like with all of Kristan Higgins’s books.
Good Luck With That is an emotional journey filled with friendships, family drama, tears of sorrow and laughter, but most importantly Love. Love and acceptance of ourselves, and of others for who they are.
Ms. Higgins brings to the pages the challenges, not only of self image and eating disorders, but also PTSD, coping with the loss of loved ones, health related issues and difficult relationships. I felt a lot of empathy towards many characters and listening to each one’s point of view was heartbreaking at times, and laugh out loud hilarious in others, only like Kristan Higgins can do it. Honest and enlightening.
Good Luck With That delivers a message for us to consider or reflect on how words we use to show our “love”, can either have a positive or negative affect on our loved ones, and it's also a story about self- acceptance. One of the best books I’ve read this year. Powerful. Brilliantly written. Everyone should read it.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It does talk alot about weigh and I am overweight myself so I was nervous going into it but I think the author handled the topic well and talked about things all overweight woman feel.
I love the relationship between the 2 friends and learning more about them and their insecurities. This is definitely a book to make you think and feel and I enjoyed it.

Within three paragraphs of starting this book, I knew that Kristan Higgins was probably going to make me cry. It starts with three friends at a fat camp deciding what they would do if they ever became skinny. Sixteen years later, and one of them is dying. Her last wish? That the other two fulfill all of the points on their list.

Marley is a chef. She is amazingly healthy. Except that people always look at her and judge her. Or, that's what she assumes. But she is ready to break out of the rut she's in and go after the man of her dreams. But what if he's not actually the man she needs?

Georgia grew up with a mother and brother who poked and prodded and outright made fun of her size her entire life. It made her have a lot of issues with food and with who she is as a person. She has a father and step-mother and half sisters who love her as does her nephew but her brother is still a jerk.

This book definitely pulled on the heart strings. There was a little too much generalization about "What a Fat Person Thinks" but overall a lovely book.



Four Stars

This book comes out August 7

ARC kindly provided by NetGalley

Sometimes you read a book that connects with you so tremendously and profoundly that you struggle to recover. You feel as if the author wrote this book for you, so that others can understand you, to help you.

As I read Good Luck with That, I sometimes would talk out loud to the characters: "Oh, Marley, I know exactly how you feel right now." "Please, Georgia, look at yourself through unfiltered lenses." "Are you FOR REAL, Hunter?" "Everything about this sucks, Mason, but you will be okay." "Emerson, sweet girl, I wish I could help you."

Kristan Higgins' books always feature families, showing their strengths both to nurture and to deplete. In Marley's case, it's largely the former. Her family loves her unconditionally and believes in her completely. Yet she struggles with terrible guilt over her twin sister's death over thirty years ago, and there isn't much her parents, sister, and brother can do to alleviate that. For Georgia, family is split into two factions: the utter destruction deployed by her appearance-conscious mother and mean-spirited brother, and the beauty of acceptance and love from her father and step-family. Higgins uses parents and siblings as a sort of Greek chorus to represent our perceptions of people who are, as Marley and Georgia see themselves, fat.

With great care and kindness, Kristan Higgins puts you deep into the minds of people who either are overweight or see themselves as such. She gives voice to those of us who see ourselves through one filter only: our size. Georgia graduated from Princeton and Yale's law school, yet she believes she is unworthy of love and acceptance because she thinks she's fat. So entrenched are these thoughts in Georgia that she sabotages a relationship just because she thinks she is ugly and unworthy. Not because she physically is but because that is the message she has received from the person who is supposed to love her without limits.

I cannot tell you how I struggled to write this review because reading this book made me feel as if Kristan Higgins pulled back my skin and left me raw. I could see parts of myself in Marley and Georgia, I always tend to cry when I read Kristan's books because her heroes and heroines face poignant, affecting moments. But this time, I didn't just cry. I wept. I'm still weeping as I write this review, even though it's been several days since I finished reading the book.

If ever there was a book that demands to be discussed, it's this one. I wish I were part of a book club because Good Luck with That is the one I'd demand everyone read. It's difficult for women to be comfortable with how they look, particularly their weight. In reading this book, undoubtedly we will learn to be kinder to ourselves and each other.