Guess what? It's completely deserved.
If you've ever read any of my blogs you'll know that I give honest reviews. I care nothing for the feelings of an author: if I want to tear a book apart, I will. Yes, I've lost friends that way. So I don't say this lightly. It's a great book.
Admittedly it's not what I expected. I expected a diet book, with motivational tips, calorie charts and maybe the odd recipe. But you know, I've read enough of those, I really didn't need another one. This was much more useful. It's essentially Betsy's story of success, but beautifully and honestly written in a way which means that anyone facing a few too many pounds can really relate and apply her life lessons. Most importantly, written in a way that doesn't leave you in an anguish of jealousy at her success.
I took a lot from it, primarily "I can do hard things", but also many little nuggets. I can now run a mile (just one at a time, mind you) in twelve minutes. I had no idea, before reading Betsy's book, whether that was good or not. Now I know that for a woman in her mid-forties with sixty pounds to lose, that's not terrible. I have realised that it's OK to enjoy running. I had been convinced it was a horrible chore and the rush of triumph I felt as I staggered off the treadmill at the end (I run indoors) was just the endorphins. I had a lightbulb moment as I read that I like running, just as Betsy does. And now I might endeavour to do more of it. (But probably not a marathon. I'm aiming to run 5km by the end of the year. Thanks Betsy!)
I don't have a problem with finishing things (starting is more of an issue for me - maybe "Started being Slim" would be my book) and I don't have many of the challenges Betsy has faced, and yet the book was perfect for me, and was entirely what I needed. If Betsy can do it, I can do it. And so can you.
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