I was fortunate enough to read an advanced copy of this book. It resonated with me from start to finish. From the story of how she celebrated to her 41st birthday to her depression following tremendous loss; Melissa has a way of making you laugh one minute and feel deeply the next. I recommend this to anyone who has felt like they were not "enough" or felt like they had to shrink who they are to fit in. Melissa doesn't claim to have it all together and this is what makes her so endearing. This is one of the few 5 star books I have read this year.

I enjoyed this book ( Eat Cake and Be Brave) by Melissa Radke so much that I finished it in 2 days time. .  It’s a honest and funny and yes sometimes sad look into her life.  She has made many videos on so many topics that I have always enjoyed love her Facebook and podcast so when I got the opportunity to read her first book I jump at it.  This book is for any woman who has every felt like she was different growing up who’s life took sudden twist and turns, but you held on for dear life then this is the book for you.

Not even going to lie. Not even a little bit. I only requested this book on NetGalley because of the title and the cover. And how was I rewarded? With an easy and quick read, full of funny quips–including one about how people will only pick up the book because of the cover art. Oops.

Ready for some more honesty? I had no idea who Melissa Radke was before reading Eat Cake. Be Brave., her debut book. According to Google, Radke is “is a public speaker, writer, entertainer, blogger, vlogger, and the Worship Leader and Creative Director at Timber Creek Church. In her spare time, she blogs about parenting and writes a column for the local paper.” So…as someone who is not a parent and does not identify as Christian, I guess it makes sense that Radke may not be at the top of my to-read list.

Despite our differences, I still definitely enjoyed Radke’s debut book. It reads like Tina Fey’s, Amy Poehler’s or Mindy Kaling’s books–smaller (and often funny!) vignettes make up the larger story and deliver the greater message. Radke gets deep and personal, as she talks about her mental health issues, her battle against depression, marriage troubles, and her ongoing infertility issues. And yet, we also get to hear about her first date, how she uses self-deprecating humor to navigate uncomfortable situations, and how she values the other strong women in her family. Radke’s writing style is incredibly visual; you almost feel like you are in the room with her because of her attention to both visual and emotional details. And, as someone who doesn’t identify as Christian, it wasn’t too heavy on religious imagery or references–so it didn’t detract from my reading experience (although, I’m sure it would definitely add to those that do follow that faith!). Eat Cake. Be Brave. was a fast read and it honestly made me both laugh and cry. I probably won’t head out to the bookstores to buy a copy for all my friends, but, for me, it was the perfect poolside read during the middle of a hot summer day!

Melissa Radke writes with her heart and soul for all to see. You can relate to her stories. Laugh and cry with her as well as enjoy the victories and understand the pain. She leads you to the ultimate comforter and help....Jesus. All the while with a realness of unconditional acceptance.

I loved loved loved this book! I laughed out loud, cried and said me too - many many times throughout the book! You are down to earth, hilarious, real, honest, genuine and your personality comes across in this book.  I love that you share your love for Jesus in everything that you do!! I am so excited to see how the release of Eat Cake. Be Brave touches the lives of so many people around this world!! I know each one of my girlfriends will be getting a copy of this amazing book at our next girls night out!!!! I pray that God will continue to use you and your sweet family to make the world a better place! Can't wait to see your dreams come true on July 17th!!!

I completely love this book! I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down. I'm not a big "reader" (I don't normally sit still long enough to finish a book). It takes alot for someone to be true, honest and open about their life, their struggles, trials and tribulations and yet Melissa shares it all. Not so anyone will feel sorry for her, not because she needs attention, but so that maybe someone will realize they're not alone.

I loved this book. I think everyone should read at least once. I laughed I cried a few times I thought wow this is about me. I heard Melissa’s voice reading this to me. I’m so excited I got to review this book!

I’m no bookworm and yet from the preface to the end I couldn’t put this book down.  Her pictures in between the chapters bring familiarity to the upcoming and previous chapters within the book.  Through the words to her kids, husband, mother and other woman in her family whom she calls her chicken fried woman, and many more brings to life the kind of person Melissa is and the person many readers including myself inspire to be like......BRAVE.

I believe this book would have resonated with me more if I aspired to be a mother. Even so, I was struck my Melissa's determination and resilience. This memoir in essays is written with raw honesty, her stories are insightful, inspiring, and hilarious. They are also at times heartbreaking, infuriating, and embarrassing. The overall message is a powerful one for women of all ages: to be brave and take responsibility for yourself, also to love big and forgive when it hurts. Melissa's Christian faith is clear throughout the book, but without coming across as "preachy."

Kristie W
My Books
Browse ▾
Community ▾

Kristie W rated a book it was amazing
about 2 hours ago
Eat Cake. Be Brave. by Melissa 
BUY. THIS. BOOK. Then go buy a box of tissues or go grab your extra roll of Charmin. You will need tissues for two reasons. You WILL cry. This is as vulnerable and as honest a book you will find. You will cry like watching an episode of This Is Us, but you'll also cry tears of joy while getting motivated at the same time. You'll need that box of tissues as well for the soda or cup of coffee you snot out your nose while uncontrollably laughing. Melissa has a southern type humor that will have you in stitches while you think you just had a fun girls weekend laughing, crying, and sharing stories with a dear friend. Have fun reading! (P.S. I recommend those soft lotion Puff type tissues.)

This book was a true pleasure to read, at times it was like sharing stories with a dear friend. Melissa’s courage and strength make me want to be brave!! I was blessed to have Melissa hug my neck after a show, and after reading this book I feel like she has hugged my heart ❤️  I will share this book with all my friends and would encourage everyone to grab a copy!!

One of the top best books of all time! It’s truly one that speaks to your heart! It’s also one of the most real and funniest books that makes you want to hear everything the author has to say because she does so in a way the is relatable. Taking truly heartbreaking events and turning them into something positive and not being perfect about it by no means but being REAL! We need more real relatable people we can learn from.

“Mommy, can I read you my story?” Not even gonna lie. It was the fifth “story” of the day and I was catching up on my Netflix binge snuggled under blankets as the rain poured outside. 
—
“Ok!  I replied to the sweet 6 year old face “but then you probably need to take a break. You know, school just got out and I heard it takes a few days after the school year for all the knowledge to really sink in. I’m pretty sure Disney Jr. has missed you during the day time all school year long!”  Fine. Not my greatest mommy moment. Not my worst. But Olivia Pope wasn’t going to watch herself. 
She proceeded:
Titled: I Like Cake
The girl knows how to capture an audience. “I like cake because you eat it. And I like it because it is yummy. And I like it. It is sweet”
—
At that point, Ms. Pope lost me for good (I’ll be back, Gladiators). And two of my worlds collided. I was recently fortunate enough to be selected for the launch of Melissa Radke’s new book, “Eat Cake, Be Brave.” If you’ve never seen a video of her, heard any of her testimony, read any of her writings, go to her page now, like every social media you possibly can—because this one? She’s the real deal. 
—
Her’s is a story of shame, heartbreak, persistence,perseverance, love, but most of all?  Bravery. And when I read my six year old baby girls story, it speaks volumes alongside Melissa’s message. As women, we are all gifted with our own talents, gifts, abilities. Those are the things that make us worthy. And God?  He’s known that all along. He is the one who instilled those traits in us. Write your own story of bravery. Everyone’s will be different, yet we can all come together and cheer our sisters forward as dreams come alive. My baby is already braving at 6 years old. She likes cake. It is “yume”. Except the carrot kind. I think most of us can agree on that. My prayer is that her brave spirit is what this world needs the most in love, kindness, friendship, and forgiveness. 
—
As for this book?  It will be available July 17, 2018 at all major book retailers. It is an emotional pendulum.  That’s the work of a true artisan. #EatCakeBeBrave #ECBB #melissaradke #ECBBlaunchteam

EVERY woman should read this book! It's full of stories and experiences that will make you think "I've felt exactly the same way". It'll make you laugh out loud; it'll make you cry. And in the end, it will help you be more thoughtful about the way you treat others and the way you treat yourself.

I absolutely loved this book!  Melissa Radke is down to earth, relatable, hilarious, honest and genuine. I laughed out loud, cried and said me too a million times while reading this book.  A definite must read for all women.

This book reads as if my best friend wrote it, but she didn't.  Melissa Radke, has the ability to make you understand that even the most ordinary people have great stories to share. Stories that you too probably can certainly relate to and stories that you can learn and grow from. I don't think I've related so much to one book as Melissa's book. She lets you cry and rejoice and grow in one book while once again talking to you like you are best friends.

This book will not only have you laughing out loud but, will shine a light of hope into the dark places of your life. You"ll laugh,, cry, relate and walk away challenged to be free from whatever is holding you back. This book will empower and inspire you to LIVE BRAVE!

Great book, with lots of emotional ups and downs. Several things the author experienced really hit home as a reader. Very  relatable book and author.

I was very delighted with this book it was entertaining from start to end. I read it whenever I was free at work and it was perfect. Eat Cake Be Brave is a book I totally recommend to anyone who needs a light read with so much motivation.

This was a great book to read while waiting for appointments, or on a short subway ride. I never really got into it, but I was entertained just enough to keep reading. I was attracted at first by the cover, and by Melissa's relatable Instagram personality. I could not relate to many of her life stories, but enjoyed hearing about her experiences.