The Big Skinny: How I Changed My Fattitude by Carol LayMy review
rating: 2 of 5 stars
This book is a memoir about Carol Lay's experience with weight loss. The twist is that she uses her talent as a cartoonist to tell her story. Unfortunately, the novelty of a graphic novel about health and fitness isn't enough to make it anything more than average.
Why do a fitness book in cartoon form, anyway? This was a big stumbling block for me. When I read a book about someone who has lost weight, I want to see some before-and-after photos. This is a book filled with drawings; for all I know, the author could still be overweight. How am I supposed to believe that what she is recommending works?
Putting the lack of photos aside, this isn't a bad book. However, I can't figure out the right audience for it. The graphic novel format might appeal to teenage girls, but the author is not in their age group and doesn't write in a hip enough style. The women who are Lay's age (mid-50s) have probably read enough fitness books in their lifetime to make this book seem like a kindergartener's guide to dieting. Even her personal story isn't compelling enough to recommend the book.
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2 comments:
You raised a good point about the target audience and the format of the book. Not everything works in graphic novel format, and it sounds like this is one that doesn't quite make it.
It does seem like an odd concept. Michael is right -- some books are best left to text, GN is not for everything.
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