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3.03 AVERAGE
3.03 AVERAGE
A number of people have recommended me to read Danielle Steel over the years and I have had a chance to read only one of her books, Echoes, so far. I had really enjoyed reading it and so I was glad to get my hands on a second book by the author.
Victoria Dawson has always been treated as the black sheep of her family. She felt like a misfit within her family when it came to her looks. Her academic achievements were never acknowledged while every spoon of ice-cream she ate was frowned upon. When she lands a job of her choice at New York, she gets a chance to start over a new life away from her disapproving parents and her dear sister. But when Grace announces her engagement, things become complicated for Victoria. On one hand she is worried for Grace because she feels that Grace has chosen to be with a man who is just like their father. And on the other hand, the lack of action in her own love life bothers her. And then with an act of betrayal, everything changes.
When I read the summary of the book, I could hardly wait to start on it. I have often wondered why all the female protagonists are the ones with a perfect body and looks. After all, in the real world, women do come in all shapes and sizes. Why doesn’t anyone tell their story. It seemed to me that this book was finally offering the readers something different when it came to its protagonist. And I was right in a way. Victoria is no model or fashionista, instead she is overweight and struggles with eating problems. But at the same time, she is also very meek and lacks the strength of character. That’s where I had my problem. Just because a girl is a bit over weight (it is not like Victoria has to shop only in plus size stores!) doesn’t mean that she has to lack self-confidence and strength. And, while her parents weren’t certainly no model parents, I felt that she too cared a bit too much. Grace was in a sad state as well.
The plot had great potential in terms of outlining the problems faced by people with weight issues, eating disorders, emotional abuse and cheating. But somehow the author failed to failed to make a single point even after some 300 odd pages. But at least the author brought up some very important questions for us to ponder about and answer. And however much I criticize Victoria, I also know that there are many girls out there who are going through the same things and reacting in the same way. So, I have to admit that instead of painting a rosy picture, the author has given us some dose of reality through the Novel.
Victoria Dawson has always been treated as the black sheep of her family. She felt like a misfit within her family when it came to her looks. Her academic achievements were never acknowledged while every spoon of ice-cream she ate was frowned upon. When she lands a job of her choice at New York, she gets a chance to start over a new life away from her disapproving parents and her dear sister. But when Grace announces her engagement, things become complicated for Victoria. On one hand she is worried for Grace because she feels that Grace has chosen to be with a man who is just like their father. And on the other hand, the lack of action in her own love life bothers her. And then with an act of betrayal, everything changes.
When I read the summary of the book, I could hardly wait to start on it. I have often wondered why all the female protagonists are the ones with a perfect body and looks. After all, in the real world, women do come in all shapes and sizes. Why doesn’t anyone tell their story. It seemed to me that this book was finally offering the readers something different when it came to its protagonist. And I was right in a way. Victoria is no model or fashionista, instead she is overweight and struggles with eating problems. But at the same time, she is also very meek and lacks the strength of character. That’s where I had my problem. Just because a girl is a bit over weight (it is not like Victoria has to shop only in plus size stores!) doesn’t mean that she has to lack self-confidence and strength. And, while her parents weren’t certainly no model parents, I felt that she too cared a bit too much. Grace was in a sad state as well.
The plot had great potential in terms of outlining the problems faced by people with weight issues, eating disorders, emotional abuse and cheating. But somehow the author failed to failed to make a single point even after some 300 odd pages. But at least the author brought up some very important questions for us to ponder about and answer. And however much I criticize Victoria, I also know that there are many girls out there who are going through the same things and reacting in the same way. So, I have to admit that instead of painting a rosy picture, the author has given us some dose of reality through the Novel.
Oh my God, what a miss for Danielle Steel, "Big Girl.''
This book was a mess, very problematic. I commend Ms. Steel for trying to write a book that wasn't shallow and all about how beautiful the lead character was, but there were so, so many issues in this book.
There are several issues that I found problematic. One of the main concerns I had was with the portrayal of the protagonist, Victoria. While I initially adored her character, I felt that she was portrayed as a doormat throughout the story. I wished that another author could have written Victoria, as I believe she deserved better treatment.
One of the most disturbing aspects of the book was the way Victoria was hated from birth for not being considered pretty enough. It is disheartening to think that a newborn baby girl could be derided for her appearance. This aspect of the story felt out of touch and left a sour taste in my mouth.
The book repeatedly emphasizes the same message, which becomes tiresome after a while. Victoria's parents are portrayed as cruel individuals who verbally and emotionally abuse her under the guise of jokes or helpful advice. This constant mistreatment leads Victoria to find solace in emotional overeating, exacerbating her situation.
The characters in the book felt one-dimensional, lacking depth and complexity. Victoria's mother is depicted as a Stepford wife, while her father is portrayed as nothing more than cruel. Her sister, on the other hand, is presented as beautiful. This stark contrast between Victoria and her family members only serves to highlight her perceived flaws. It is disappointing that Victoria's character is defined solely by her weight, overshadowing her other qualities and accomplishments.
Throughout the book, the author, Danielle Steel, continuously reminds the reader of Victoria's weight. Every page seems to contain some reference to how skinny and perfect her family is, while Victoria is described as hideously fat. This constant emphasis on her weight becomes tiresome and detracts from the overall story. It also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces society's obsession with appearance.
Additionally, Victoria's parents mock her weight at every gathering, and her students gossip about her behind her back. The constant scrutiny and judgment she faces from those around her only serve to further isolate and belittle her.
The main character, who starts off as a size 14 and later becomes a size 12, is depicted as feeling overweight and struggling with body image. it made me pissed at the way this is portrayed, arguing that it perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards and body shaming. They argue that there are many women who are size 14 or 12, and by making the character seem like the "fattest woman alive," the author is out of touch with the reality of body diversity.
I also would like to point out that Victoria's eating habits, such as consuming large quantities of ice cream, Oreos, or cheesecake in one sitting, is she is going to wear a bigger size than 14. I do believe she has insulted anyone that wears over a size 8. [which from what I can see is the majority of the women]
This book was a mess, very problematic. I commend Ms. Steel for trying to write a book that wasn't shallow and all about how beautiful the lead character was, but there were so, so many issues in this book.
There are several issues that I found problematic. One of the main concerns I had was with the portrayal of the protagonist, Victoria. While I initially adored her character, I felt that she was portrayed as a doormat throughout the story. I wished that another author could have written Victoria, as I believe she deserved better treatment.
One of the most disturbing aspects of the book was the way Victoria was hated from birth for not being considered pretty enough. It is disheartening to think that a newborn baby girl could be derided for her appearance. This aspect of the story felt out of touch and left a sour taste in my mouth.
The book repeatedly emphasizes the same message, which becomes tiresome after a while. Victoria's parents are portrayed as cruel individuals who verbally and emotionally abuse her under the guise of jokes or helpful advice. This constant mistreatment leads Victoria to find solace in emotional overeating, exacerbating her situation.
The characters in the book felt one-dimensional, lacking depth and complexity. Victoria's mother is depicted as a Stepford wife, while her father is portrayed as nothing more than cruel. Her sister, on the other hand, is presented as beautiful. This stark contrast between Victoria and her family members only serves to highlight her perceived flaws. It is disappointing that Victoria's character is defined solely by her weight, overshadowing her other qualities and accomplishments.
Throughout the book, the author, Danielle Steel, continuously reminds the reader of Victoria's weight. Every page seems to contain some reference to how skinny and perfect her family is, while Victoria is described as hideously fat. This constant emphasis on her weight becomes tiresome and detracts from the overall story. It also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces society's obsession with appearance.
Additionally, Victoria's parents mock her weight at every gathering, and her students gossip about her behind her back. The constant scrutiny and judgment she faces from those around her only serve to further isolate and belittle her.
The main character, who starts off as a size 14 and later becomes a size 12, is depicted as feeling overweight and struggling with body image. it made me pissed at the way this is portrayed, arguing that it perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards and body shaming. They argue that there are many women who are size 14 or 12, and by making the character seem like the "fattest woman alive," the author is out of touch with the reality of body diversity.
I also would like to point out that Victoria's eating habits, such as consuming large quantities of ice cream, Oreos, or cheesecake in one sitting, is she is going to wear a bigger size than 14. I do believe she has insulted anyone that wears over a size 8. [which from what I can see is the majority of the women]
Victoria Dawson is blond and blue-eyed and has killer legs, but she was also big-boned and had a tendency to put on weight. Her parents are slender and dark-haired and are initially shocked by the appearance of their first born. Soon, they start putting her down as a "big" girl, her father saying she looks like the homely Queen Victoria and was the "tester" baby for her younger sister Grace, who was perfect. Her mother constantly talks about Victoria's weight and wondering if she'd ever get a man. Victoria is either ignored or belittled by her parents, never loved.
I have never read anything by Danielle Steele, but knew of her, so I was very excited to read this book. I really wanted to fall in love with this book, but I just did not love it. It seemed repetitive, almost as if Ms. Steele had about 100 pages of plot line that needed to be stretched out to 300 pages. After so many pages detailing the emotional abuse suffered by Victoria at the hands of her parents, I was eager for Victoria to stand up for herself and have a showdown with her parents. The showdown never came. It left me frustrated with Victoria.
Victoria constantly remarks how her mother is so submissive to her father and never spoke one word against him or one of his opinions. She worries that her sister Grace will do the same as she rushes to marry a man very similar to their father. However, Victoria herself never truly stands up to her parents, expressing her anger over their lack of love for her. She looks to others to defend her, but never really takes matters into her own hands.
Overall, the book was entertaining if you are looking for a light summer read, but it is definitely not a book I am pining to read over and over.
I have never read anything by Danielle Steele, but knew of her, so I was very excited to read this book. I really wanted to fall in love with this book, but I just did not love it. It seemed repetitive, almost as if Ms. Steele had about 100 pages of plot line that needed to be stretched out to 300 pages. After so many pages detailing the emotional abuse suffered by Victoria at the hands of her parents, I was eager for Victoria to stand up for herself and have a showdown with her parents. The showdown never came. It left me frustrated with Victoria.
Victoria constantly remarks how her mother is so submissive to her father and never spoke one word against him or one of his opinions. She worries that her sister Grace will do the same as she rushes to marry a man very similar to their father. However, Victoria herself never truly stands up to her parents, expressing her anger over their lack of love for her. She looks to others to defend her, but never really takes matters into her own hands.
Overall, the book was entertaining if you are looking for a light summer read, but it is definitely not a book I am pining to read over and over.
Awesome, awesome DS book!! I was very pleased with how the story progressed and how it ended....there were a number of moments that made me shake my head or laugh out loud. It really was a touching story of one woman's journey from childhood to womanhood and learning to accept herself despite the negative influences around her.
I'm embarrassed to admit I read this. I has been reading some heavy stuff lately, so I wanted some fluff. While this is definitely fluff, it certainly wasn't enjoyable.
Why on earth I'm reading this is beyond me. I hate Danielle Steel. I read my first DS ("The Accident") in sixth grade. And at that point, it was probably appropriate, reading-level -wise (though perhaps not in terms of subject matter). I think I read one more after that before I caught on to the formula and abandoned her in disgust.
At any rate, I found this at a rummage sale for a quarter. I'm half done with the book and feel I over-paid. The writing is crap. The characters are one dimensional. Her mother is a Stepford wife. Her dad is cruel. Her sister is beautiful. But fear not! In spite of being "fat" (more on this in a sec!), Victoria, our protagonist, is perfect in every way. She loves her sister. She has a fabulous job, a fabulous apartment, and fabulous friends. She is without fault.
You know, except for the fact that she is FAT. And DS won't let you forget it, either. Literally every page, there is some reference to how skinny and perfect her family is and how hideously fat Victoria is. Her parents mock her at every gathering. Her students speak of her weight behind her back. People look and point.
So how large is this behemouth? Brace yourself!
A 14. (A 12 when she loses 10 lbs.)
Now, as a size 14 myself, perhaps I'm biased. I'm under no illusions that I'm thin, and I am well aware that I could stand to lose 25+ pounds. Few people have self-esteem as shitty as mine. Few are as insecure about the size of their ass. And yet I really don't think that I'm SOOO large that people whisper about my size behind my back. Perhaps I am in denial, perhaps I just live in a more generous part of the country (South Dakota), but I still find this incredibly far-fetched.
And yet....I continue to read. It's like a horrible, horrible train wreck. I just can't look away.
EDIT: I've finished this. It did not get better. If anything, it got worse. After two nights of reading about how fat even a size 10 is, I was left wanting to slit my wrists. I don't think I've ever felt so fat as a result of reading a book.
The ending itself was truly awful. There's a "crisis/betrayal" that she devotes about 4 pages to before she entirely glosses over it. Why she bothered with this "plot twist" at all is beyond me.
Please, please save yourself a day or two of your life. Even for DS, this is a truly awful book. I didn't even donate it to GoodWill; it went straight to the trash. I don't want to take the chance of passing it on to another unsuspecting reader. If I could give it less than 1 star, I would.
At any rate, I found this at a rummage sale for a quarter. I'm half done with the book and feel I over-paid. The writing is crap. The characters are one dimensional. Her mother is a Stepford wife. Her dad is cruel. Her sister is beautiful. But fear not! In spite of being "fat" (more on this in a sec!), Victoria, our protagonist, is perfect in every way. She loves her sister. She has a fabulous job, a fabulous apartment, and fabulous friends. She is without fault.
You know, except for the fact that she is FAT. And DS won't let you forget it, either. Literally every page, there is some reference to how skinny and perfect her family is and how hideously fat Victoria is. Her parents mock her at every gathering. Her students speak of her weight behind her back. People look and point.
So how large is this behemouth? Brace yourself!
A 14. (A 12 when she loses 10 lbs.)
Now, as a size 14 myself, perhaps I'm biased. I'm under no illusions that I'm thin, and I am well aware that I could stand to lose 25+ pounds. Few people have self-esteem as shitty as mine. Few are as insecure about the size of their ass. And yet I really don't think that I'm SOOO large that people whisper about my size behind my back. Perhaps I am in denial, perhaps I just live in a more generous part of the country (South Dakota), but I still find this incredibly far-fetched.
And yet....I continue to read. It's like a horrible, horrible train wreck. I just can't look away.
EDIT: I've finished this. It did not get better. If anything, it got worse. After two nights of reading about how fat even a size 10 is, I was left wanting to slit my wrists. I don't think I've ever felt so fat as a result of reading a book.
The ending itself was truly awful. There's a "crisis/betrayal" that she devotes about 4 pages to before she entirely glosses over it. Why she bothered with this "plot twist" at all is beyond me.
Please, please save yourself a day or two of your life. Even for DS, this is a truly awful book. I didn't even donate it to GoodWill; it went straight to the trash. I don't want to take the chance of passing it on to another unsuspecting reader. If I could give it less than 1 star, I would.
Even though I absolutely hated the central characters family, especially her father, I liked it. I enjoyed the character of Victoria very much and loved how she was able to grow into her own throughout the book.
Tried to re-read on audio and couldn't get into it. DNF on audio.
Actually 3.5 stars. This wasn't what I expected. I liked it but I can't put my finger on why. The story spans over 30 years and glosses over a lot. I was annoyed a lot with the characters but in the end I ended up liking Victoria, Harlin and Collin.
Actually 3.5 stars. This wasn't what I expected. I liked it but I can't put my finger on why. The story spans over 30 years and glosses over a lot. I was annoyed a lot with the characters but in the end I ended up liking Victoria, Harlin and Collin.
Not one of her best books, but I don't think it was as bad as many of the reviews have said. Maybe it is because I have lived my life as a "big girl". My parents were never has awful as Victoria's were, but I have always felt not worthy. ALthough from the descriptions given of Victoria, I don't believe she was ever THAT overweight. It always talked about her being a size 16 and needing to lose 25 pounds...not a size 26 and needing to lose 50 or more pounds. Danielle did capture the mindset of many overweight people..the low self esteem, of not being worthy of being loved. I enjoyed the relationship between Victoria and Gracie. Victoria could have envied her sister, but she didn't. Gracie was the one person who loved her unconditionally, even though she sometimes was selfish as she got older. Gracie almost always realized what she was doing or saying to her sister was wrong and in the end, their love for each other won out. I was so happy that Victoria found Collin and finally came to realize that she was worthy of being loved...that she was perfect the way she was. Yes, it was a predictable ending, but it was what the story needed to bring its point through. Gracie was the "perfect" daughter and she was not as happy as Victoria was..she was not loved as fully and completely as her "flawed" sister.
One of my favorite authors in my teens and early 20’s was Danielle Steel. I adored her books and wanted to read anything I could get my hands on. I haven’t read anything by her now in probably 20 years so when I was at a used book sale at my library and saw this book, I thought that the cover looked fun, the synopsis intriguing and so I wanted to read this author and sink back into my youth a bit and I eagerly started to read it.
The book however has a lot of flaws. There is almost a complete lack of character development. All the characters are extremely one dimensional: superficial parents, supportive/loving friends, rich people are almost all terrible and a main character who is perfect in every way except in her own head. There was not a single unique conversation throughout the entire book. Every interaction with Dad was him making fun of Victoria, Mom was passive aggressive about weight at every interaction and with the sister it was always she was self-centered but Victoria adored her. Nothing new happens the entire time.
I have never truly experienced a “tell” instead of “show” book until I read this. The entire book was the epitome of telling the story. Not once did I feel immersed in the world.
The thing that probably bothered me the most was that this book was marketed as a heartfelt, inclusive novel and it completely missed the mark in that regard. The entire book did nothing to empower people and especially women who struggle with their weight. There was nothing empowering or uplifting.
This book makes me question my prior love for Danielle Steel. Was I that inexperienced of a reader? Also, how is it that she has been a best-selling author for forty years and could write something this terrible. Maybe a ghostwriter?
The book however has a lot of flaws. There is almost a complete lack of character development. All the characters are extremely one dimensional: superficial parents, supportive/loving friends, rich people are almost all terrible and a main character who is perfect in every way except in her own head. There was not a single unique conversation throughout the entire book. Every interaction with Dad was him making fun of Victoria, Mom was passive aggressive about weight at every interaction and with the sister it was always she was self-centered but Victoria adored her. Nothing new happens the entire time.
I have never truly experienced a “tell” instead of “show” book until I read this. The entire book was the epitome of telling the story. Not once did I feel immersed in the world.
The thing that probably bothered me the most was that this book was marketed as a heartfelt, inclusive novel and it completely missed the mark in that regard. The entire book did nothing to empower people and especially women who struggle with their weight. There was nothing empowering or uplifting.
This book makes me question my prior love for Danielle Steel. Was I that inexperienced of a reader? Also, how is it that she has been a best-selling author for forty years and could write something this terrible. Maybe a ghostwriter?