Paperback Edition
ISBN: 9781558614512
Publication Date: 11-01-2003

Foreword by Alix Kates Shulman

Spanning the 1890s through the 1990s, this unique, daring, and vital collection explores the many psychological and emotional tensions in women’s relationships to—and perceptions of—their physical selves. Addressing the peculiarities, the delights, and the shames of body politics that reside in the flesh, these stories of bodies that refuse to be contained deftly and astutely comment on popular notions of acceptable body types and behaviors.

Often witty, sometimes painful, and always revelatory, the stories in this anthology offer a measured assessment of the rules, unspoken and otherwise, that govern women’s bodies. Whether celebrating bodies deemed transgressive or simply acknowledging that such bodies exist, the volume’s diverse literary representations of fatness render these bodies brilliantly, unapologetically visible.

"The lives and loves of fat women have been invisible in plain sight for far too long. Here they are—an exhilarating, revelatory, century-spanning array." —Marilyn Wann, author of FAT! SO?

"Each story is a gem. . . . This is a valuable and viable literary collection that expands our understanding of the other 'F' word: FAT." —Cheri K. Erdman, author of Live Large!

"Reading this book is a bold act of liberation from the insane culture which promotes body hatred. The stories light the way for women to celebrate their beauty—fat, thin, or in between!" —Edward J. Cumella, director of Research & Education, Remuda Treatment Centers for Anorexia and Bulimia, Wickenburg, Arizona

"Every woman should read this book. In fact, so should anyone who's foolishly worried about gaining five pounds. Buy this book, eat what you like, and your dinner table conversations will never be the same. This book is a feast of knowledge for students and scholars in literature, women's studies, American culture, and American life." —Emily Toth, author of Unveiling Kate Chopi