Tuesday, March 25, 2014

How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love by Ken Baker




Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Running Press Kids (April 22, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0762450142
ISBN-13: 978-0762450145

Praise for HOW I GOT SKINNY, FAMOUS, AND FELL MADLY IN LOVE

"In Emery Jackson, Ken Baker has created a colorful yet compelling character with whom many teenage girls can relate and empathize. Although Emery's weight-loss journey in front of the cameras is extreme, this story is also an instructive and vital read for anyone who wants to better understand the internal struggle many girls and young women face on a daily basis. Moreover he illustrates how, sadly, the media and celebrity culture often feeds their insecurities. Baker's insider understanding of our media's obsession with weight shines through in a story that is both entertaining and important." Dr. Drew Pinsky

“Emery, a colorful, outspoken, and compelling narrator, is a truth-teller and a truth-seeker whose internal and external struggles have that stick-to-your-ribs quality (without the calories). Baker clearly illustrates the everyday battles many girls deal with and sends the message that they're not alone and that they are in control.” —Booklist

“[R]eaders who are fans of the reality and help show genres, especially those who enjoyed Demetrios' Something Real may appreciate this insider's look at how such a show is made, marketed, and critiqued by one of its participants.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB)

“How I got Skinny is refreshing, whimsical, hilarious, and inspiring. Any woman can relate to this book, and every man should read it, if they want a little better understanding of women.” —Examiner.com

“This book is alternately hilarious, heartfelt and honest. Ken Baker's years as a journalist covering celebrities and pop culture have served him well. I wish Emery Jackson was a real person. I want to meet her!" —Holly Goldberg Sloan, New York Times bestselling author of Counting by 7s and I'll Be There

“A sharp, funny book for anyone who has ever looked in the mirror and felt disappointed. With surgical precision, Ken Baker cuts to the heart of our love affair with external validation and reminds us to stop letting other people tell our story.” —Aaron Hartzler, author of Rapture Practice

“How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love truly benefits from the keen observations of its Hollywood insider author, Ken Baker. Knowing this world up close and personal allows Baker to seamlessly hit on hot button topics of weight loss, body image and fame that are sure to spark discussion. Emery's voice is fun and witty, making her a main character I wanted to cheer on. Add this one to your summer reading list because it's perfect for poolside!” —Marisa Reichardt, YoungAdultish.com

"This book is more than a tale of weight loss and reality TV drama; it's also a reminder that the most important relationship we have is the one with ourselves." —Dr. Jenn Berman, Host of VH1's "Couples Therapy" & The Dr. Jenn Show on Sirius XM

“Through hilarity and thought-provoking insights, Ken Baker hits the mark... Given the premise of Mr. Baker's book, which is for Emery to face her obesity head-on, he cleverly broke it down into four distinct parts with chapter headings of: I. Appetizer, II. Soup or Salad, III. EntrĂ©e, and IV. Dessert. As the story evolves, just like a great meal, the book becomes more appealing the further the reader ingests the text. He doesn't use flowery language or site statistics. Rather, the story is peppered throughout with the inner thoughts of the mind, situations and raw feelings of a teenaged girl. He has demonstrated sound confidence of showcasing his writing ability through his story line of a solid voice that is truly supported by obvious research and knowledge of the topic. This is by far, a book every young girl/woman should read - ‘obese' (or not). Well done Mr. Baker! Quill says: This book will have you laughing out loud, checking your own mirror and it could possibly nudge you into replacing the script running in your head with a new and improved way of taking charge of your own existence.” —Feathered Quill Book Reviews


“Thick. Heavy. Big boned. Plump. Full figured. Chunky. Womanly. Large. Curvy. Plus-size. Hefty.” To sixteen-year-old Emery Jackson, these are all just euphemisms for the big “F” word—”fat.” Living on a Southern California beach with her workout fiend dad, underwear model sister, and former model mother, it is impossible for Emery not to be aware of her weight.


Emery is okay with how things are. That is, until her “momager” signs her up for Fifty Pounds to Freedom, a reality show in which Emery will have to lose fifty pounds in fifty days in order to win the million dollars that will solve her family’s financial woes. Emery is skeptical of the process, but when the pounds start to come off and the ratings skyrocket, she finds it hard to resist the adoration of her new figure and the world of fame. Emery knows that things have changed. But is it for the better?

You can pre-order How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love at the following Retailer:
  

Photo Content from Ken Baker

Ken Baker is the E! News/E! Online Senior Correspondent and Breaking News Editor, an acclaimed author, producer, public speaker and former pro hockey player.

Ken reports breaking news, conducts celebrity interviews, delivers investigative reports and hosts a range of news segments for E! News, E! Online, E! International, E! News specials and the network’s live events.

Baker has published six books. His newest work is a novel due out in April 2014 titled “How I Got Skinny, Famous and Fell Madly in Love,” a story about an obese teen who is pressured by her family to go on a reality show to lose weight and, in so doing, learns the real meaning of freedom.

His debut novel, “Fangirl” (Running Press, 2012), told the story of a pop star who falls in love with a fan amid a sensational tabloid drama. Ken is adapting “Fangirl” into a movie in collaboration with Converge Media.

Ken is currently at work on a series of Hollywood-themed thrillers set for release in 2015.

        
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