Secrets of a Former Fat Girl by Lisa Delaney; Hudson Street Press
You can go from flabby to fab and Secrets of a Former Fat Girl proves it. In this funny weight loss memoir Delaney shares how she lost 70 pounds…and kept it off…without going low-carb, downing shakes for half the day or enduring a flavorless existence. And, before you get offended, the term “Fat Girl” has nothing to do with the number on the scale; it’s about the mindset of the girl. While Delaney’s end results (a size-two figure and medals from 10 different marathons) don’t exactly seem attainable for all of us, her humor and vivid been-there advice concerning both the body and the mind will inspire you to stop hiding behind whatever your “Fat Girl Clothes” may be. *** * *

The First Assistant by Clare Naylor & Mimi Hare; Plume
Sassy girl Lizzie Miller was first introduced in The Second Assistant and now, in The First Assistant, she’s back and moving up in the Hollywood food chain—with a new promotion at The Agency and a gorgeous producer boyfriend. But she finds out her new life isn’t as glam as she thought when her boss sends her to Thailand to be the assistant to a wild teen starlet. This satire of Hollywood life, although unrealistic at times (but what’s real about Hollywood anyway?), is the perfect escape to read under the summer sun—it’s amusing, clever and spunky; think an Entourage-style romp through the eyes of the Bridget Jones of Los Angeles. Yet it’s also full of heart; Lizzie stays true to herself despite the shallowness of Hollywood. *** **** * ***