Jill Conner Browne has a way with words and her humor shines through as does her never say die spirit. This is the first time I've read anything by this author. I will likely read more, as I've already gone through parts of this book more than once.

On the downside, I cannot express how much I truly hate the pause to share recipes in the middle of the book. ( )

I was hoping I'd get some more laughs out of this book than just a few chuckles here and there, but most of the book was still pretty amusing. One thing I don't always like about the humor genre is that almost nothing is taken as sacred or serious. I think that's what I like so much about the two books I've read by Jill Conner Browne; they're really funny but not so funny that she feels the need to cover up every single thing in life with humor and never take a single break from sarcasm (I'm not a fan of constant sarcasm). What made this a four instead of a three star book for me was the inclusion of the final chapter in which Ms. Browne recounts her mother's final months. Not many laughs to be had there but plenty of tears, which was especially the case for me since I listened to the audiobook, which is read by the author. I like that she was open and willing to detail a painful situation; it gives much more depth to the book than you would get with a typical humor memoir...I don't know...maybe I just haven't read enough in this genre, and there are plenty more humorous memoirs with heart; I just haven't come across them yet.

Oh and if I remember, I may veganize some of the simple and crowd-pleasing recipes in this book. Although, even veganized, I think I would barf from the sheer fat content in most all of them. ( )

Fat is the New 30 is a collection of essays that make fun of all the stupid things we do, or that happen to us, every day. Things like: making gravy with a bit of vinegar in it - no big deal unless you mistake the baking soda for cornstarch and end up with a gravy volcano erupting in the kitchen; or attending a Tupperware party that also happens to include sex toys; or falling asleep at work. There are also travel pointers for the uninitiated - did you know that in Scotland you can't have your cow with you if you get drunk? - and many other tidbits of Southern wisdom to help the reader along her way with a smile on her face and a skip in her step. If laughing at yourself causes you to break out in hives, be sure to avoid this book. The rest of us will love it. OK - we'll love MOST of it. The overuse of Capital Letters did get on MY nerves, just a bit. Otherwise Fat is the New 30 is a winner. ( )

MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

This was the right book at the right time. I have never laughed so much at the images described in this book. I also haven't cried over a dog story like this either. My book group has read her books in the past and I hadn't revisited them in a long time. No matter if you have read her work before or not, this book of easy to read essays will have you craving more just like potato chips. I read this in one night and will have to go dig out my other books to reread again.

I adored the little "Southernisms" sprinkled through out the book. I finally got one term "Bless Your Heart" cleared up here. This can be very derogatory, especially the inflections given to each syllable. Not being from the South, nor ever lived there, I never really understood this phrase. I do now. It can pretty much mean "you are a moron." But I don't want to get ugly. Another wonderful turn of phrase that again sums up a plethora of feelings and also is a four letter word that you could actually use.

Even though this is a lighthearted read, there are some serious issues raised. Conner Browne honestly discusses the loss of her mother with dignity and humor. Sometimes the only way to deal with loss like this is through seeing something funny in a dire situation. I applaud her ability to let the public know what she had to deal with. Oh, and to read her words about how she has weight issues was another touching point. The use of denying everything is something I will always remember! There are lots of empowering words within her jests. ( )

If you’re a fanatic fan of Ms. Browne or you’ve never ever read her it matters not one bit you will if you are fan, enlarge your fandom and if you’ve never read her become an instant fan. In fact if you don’t erupt in laughter by the tenth page and have tears running down your face by the 30th, you’re either not human, there is absolutely no hope for you and are utterly unredeemable.
Now for the rest of you pay attention because her Highness Queen Jill herself has the undisputed end all cure for coping with life, love and the pursuit thereof and here is just a tease of what you’ll find between the covers of my spittle and tear stained copy.
1st Denial
2nd Get a Dog
3rd Laugh at your embarrassing moments
4th (my favorite) Vengeance
5th Diversion
Want more buy the book, if you know someone in need of a good cheering up buy the book as a gift, believe me no one capable of laughter in any form will get through the chapter on “gator hunting” without roaring and rolling on the floor and if they do then by the time they read the chapter about the “bus” will definitely do them in.
Now if none of this interests you or makes you run to your nearest bookstore you may return to the mother ship anytime because no Zippity Doo Dah® at all will help you.
My Queen Ms. Browne I am performing the best courtesy I know how to honor you for some of the happiest hours I’ve ever spent reading and I look forward to your next installment of wisdom. ( )