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Fat Chance
Fat Chance
Apr 29, 2025 10:52 PM

Author:Louise McSharry

Fat Chance

'A ballsy paean to self-determination and body confidence ... will leave you dizzy but exhilarated ... if you read one heart-breaking yet bouncy true-life memoir this year, make sure it's this one' Sunday Times

Louise McSharry's passion is to talk to young women (and the men who love them) about being a woman in the modern world.

Drawing on her own thirtysomething years of life, in her memoir Fat Chance she writes about everything from surviving a messed up childhood, to crashing out of education and still making it, to figuring out sex, weight, feminism, make-up, friendship, workplace politics and a whole lot more.

Though she has the raw material (the early death of her father; her mother's descent into alcoholism; cancer) it was impossible for Louise to write a miserable book. So, though it has its sad moments, Fat Chance is honest, upbeat, irreverent and inspirational - just like a long chat with a best friend. A fabulous, funny and wise best friend!

'An absolutely stunning piece of work ... just a fantastic book' Roisin Ingle, Irish Times

'A brave, heart-breaking yet sometimes funny account of a life full of the issues all women encounter but rarely admit out loud' Examiner

'An open and honest straight-shooting chronicle of a rollercoaster life' RTE Guide

'Heartbreakingly honest. A sharp, well-observed, and ultimately inspirational read. Every woman should read this book' Louise O'Neill

'Louise's life reads like a thriller - I had goose-bumps throughout! Brave, funny, emotional and totally relatable' Roz Purcell

'Hugely enjoyable. So honest and insightful. I loved the positivity and the REALNESS!' Una Mullaly

'Both heart-warming and heart-breaking. Vividly raw and surprisingly visceral' Angela Scanlon

'Searingly honest' Daily Star

'Funny and heart-breaking' Sunday Mirror

'I LOVED your book ... you are inspirational!' Marian Keyes, Twitter

'Loved your book. I feel like you've been writing me incredibly personal letters and that we're now best friends' Shirley Temple Bar, Twitter

'I recommend it to EVERYONE. Really warm, witty and wise' Fatti Burke, Twitter

'A mighty woman, with cojones the size of Mexico and coolness in the face of adversity not seen since John Wayne's heyday' Irish Independent

'She's a straight shooter, honest and to the point' The Herald

Reviews

An absolutely stunning piece of work ... just a fantastic book

—— Roisin Ingle , Irish Times

I LOVED your book and now I LOVE YOU TOO!!! You are INSPIRATIONAL!

—— Marian Keyes

A mighty woman, with cojones the size of Mexico and coolness in the face of adversity not seen since John Wayne's heyday

—— Irish Independent

Both heart-warming and heart-breaking. Vividly raw and surprisingly visceral, Louise makes you feel every single bit

—— Angela Scanlon

Everyone should read this.

—— Tim Smit

The Myth Gap is a beautiful synthesis of wisdom for the times we're in. Alex Evans melds deep insights from both scholarship and the front lines of social change to provide a perspective that may be essential to human survival. It's a must read for anyone considering how to save the world.

—— Ricken Patel, President & CEO, AVAAZ

Alex Evans gives us a glimpse of what campaigning could deliver if we focussed on binding people together based on shared ideas. It couldn't be a more urgent task and we couldn't have a clearer or more necessary handbook.

—— Kirsty McNeill, director of policy and campaigns, Save the Children

This world has the potential to be a paradise for humanity but only if we change our world view. Alex Evans proposes another way of seeing and working.

—— Richard Chartres, Bishop of London

The Myth Gap takes on the most important and also most difficult problem of our day with rigor and creativity. Evans is not afraid to ask the big questions and he provides answers where other observers have stopped short. For anyone trying to contribute to a solution to global issues like climate change, this book is well worth your time.

—— Jonah Sachs, author of The Story Wars

Our model of progress is broken. If we’re going to find ways of enabling all people to live sustainably on Planet Earth, we need an new story about what progress really means – and Alex Evans’s ‘The Myth Gap’ opens up some storylines that are both inspiring and provocative.

—— Jonathon Porritt, Founding Director of Forum for the Future

Now, more than ever, public intellectual scientists like Dawkins are needed to counter the forces of faith, fiction, and farce dominating our so-called “post-fact” society.

The Oxford University professor is the embodiment of the concept of the public intellectual

—— Iain Ellis , www.popmatters.com

There is real science in Czerski’s stories, and it’s described in a serious manner. But what I love about the book is that it is always clear that science is a human-centered activity performed by people.

Storm in a Teacup will entertain and educate any person with a healthy curiosity about the natural world... Encourage her to write more; buy this book.

—— Brad Halfpap , Physics Today

A funny, readable book that makes you view your surroundings quite differently.

—— Jane Shilling , Daily Mail

May genuinely alter how you see the world

—— Tom Whipple , The Times

If your desire to be awestruck by the universe we inhabit needs refreshing, theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli is up to the task

—— Elle

Crammed full of compelling characters and dramatic scenes, this book gets to the heart of a fascinating matter and demonstrates why it matters so much.

—— Thomas Wright, author of CIRCULATION

A provocative and revealing account of how scientists like herself are uncovering deep connections between human existence and the wider universe. A terrific read.

—— Timothy Ferris, author of Coming of Age in the Milky Way and Seeing in the Dark

A cracking read, combining storytelling of the highest order with a trove of information on subjects as diverse as astrophysics, evolutionary biology, geology and particle physics. What’s remarkable is that is all fit’s together.

—— Jim Al-Khalili , Wall Street Journal (Europe)

This is the grown-up version of science we need to see.

—— Michael Brooks , New Scientist

Extremely engaging… the chapters on dark matter go far beyond most other popular books on the subject. Randall paints a truly fascinating picture of the possibility that dark matter is as rich and varied as normal matter… This book is not about the destination, but the journey. And that is often delightful.

—— Brian Clegg , BBC Focus

A compelling writer who presents a broad range of up-to-date science…in a lively and accessible way… Engagingly written.

—— Marcus Chown , Times Higher Education

A fascinating, and surprisingly simple, theory…and a tantalising premise.

—— Tom Whipple , The Times

Engaging summary of cosmology and quantum physics.

—— Stuart Kelly , Scotland on Sunday

A whistle-stop tour of modern physics… A fascinating read.

—— Stephen Coulson , The Lady

A wildly exciting idea… Randall’s style is plain, clear to understand and engaging… A great read.

—— UK Press Syndication

[Randall] is a lucid explainer, street-wise and informal. Without jargon or mathematics, she steers us through centuries of…astronomical history and is particularly illuminating when briefing us on the cosmic objects that sometimes land on planet Earth with unpleasant consequences.

—— Graham Farmelo , Guardian

Fascinating… [Randall] is a lucid explainer. Without jargon or mathematics, she steers us through astronomical history and is particularly illuminating when briefing us on the cosmic objects that sometimes land on planet Earth with unpleasant consequences.

—— Graham Farmelo , Guardian Weekly

Here’s the recipe for an intriguing popular science book: take two parts cosmological mystery, two parts death of the dinosaurs and one part origin of mankind. Add a dash of personal flavour and mix thoroughly. Serve with imagination and enthusiasm. If theoretical physicist Lisa Randall is your chef, you’re in for a wonderful treat.

—— Govert Schilling , BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Very enjoyable… a compelling and fascinating portrait of a compelling and fascinating place: the universe.

—— Darragh McManus , Irish Independent

Engaging.

—— Marc Manera , Times Literary Supplement

Randall tells it with great verve.

—— Clive Cookson , Financial Times

Wrenching memoir…Moving, humble and impossible to ignore.

—— The Scotsman

An unforgettable reflection on the practice of medicine and the relationship between doctor and patient, from a gifted writer who became both.

—— Miss Dinky

An honest and eye-opening memoir.

—— Independent on Sunday

Deeply moving memoir… Lessons on life and how to cherish it.

—— Daily Mail

Immensely powerful and poignant.

—— Sunday Times

The best book I’ve read this year.

—— Ann Patchett , Guardian

Heart-breaking memoir.

—— Week

The effect of reading such clear-sighted and intelligent commentary on life and death is exhilarating… Astonishing and invigorating book... Rarely have words on both life and death made such an impact.

—— Stylist Magazine

A brilliant memoir.

—— Daily Telegraph

A sad but beautiful story… A remarkable book… A moving and thoughtful memoir of family, medicine and literature.

—— Anand Pillai , Asian Voice

Profoundly moving book… A life-affirming reflection on facing our mortality and on the relationship between doctor and patient, from a gifted writer who became both.

—— Dara Gantly , Irish Medical Times

[Kalanithi] wrote about practising medicine, about mortality, about finite time, with unfathomable tranquility and humour.

—— Radio Times

He writes with clarity, elegance, and honesty… When Breath Becomes Air is a deeply personal and moving book… Kalanithi died leaving the book unfinished. He left, though, his voice, speaking through this book about death and implicitly about life.

—— Frieda Klotz , Irish Independent

Writing isn't brain surgery, but it's rare when someone adept at the latter is also so accomplished at the former... A moving meditation on mortality by a gifted writer whose dual perspectives of physician and patient provide a singular clarity.

—— Kirkus Starred Review

An extraordinary voice… His account is matter-of-fact, never self-pitying and often funny.

—— Jennifer Rohn , Times Higher Education

Wrenching memoir… Moving, humble, and impossible to ignore.

—— UK Press Syndication

A sparely lyrical account of excruciated ambition… Fairly dotted with insights.

—— Iain Bamforth , Times Literary Supplement

In this slim but extraordinarily powerful memoir, Kalanithi grapples with the hardest questions with grace and courage... Lucid, humbling and heartbreaking.

—— Stephanie Cross , The Lady

Heart-wrenching memoir

—— Eastern Daily Press

When Breath Becomes Air is an eloquent evocation of a life defined by success and tragedy… Paul’s unravelling of unimaginable circumstances is terrifyingly real and heartbreakingly honest.

—— Lydia Yaritt , British Journal of General Practice

The line between life and death has never been explored quite so personally as in Paul Kalanithi’s wrenching memoir… The Final pages, from Paul and then Lucy, are moving, humble, and impossible to ignore’

—— Woman's Way

It’s elegantly constructed, as befits a man who had a lifelong passion for reading and writing, and heartbreakingly honest too, with unflinching reflections on all the beloved people he must leave behind, and all the things left undone’

—— Psychologies

Absolutely compelling… This is not a depressing book, but it will stay with you for a long time.

—— Stephen Meyler , RTE Guide

A true and heart-breaking tale.

—— Love it!

This dying doctor’s gripping memoir is a natural, honest, and unflinching account of his journey. Paul’s willingness to reflect and share and not avert his eyes from death, will undoubtedly inspire and comfort others who are ill or who experience loss. The final paragraph is directed towards his infant daughter and it is breathtakingly beautiful… one to recommend to anyone and everyone.

—— Joanne Booy , Nudge

Beautifully written… Healthcare professionals and civilians alike should find much that resonates here.

—— Lisa Berry , Cancer Nursing Practice

His book is suitable for, and deserves, a wide audience… Whilst this book is emotional and moving to read, it is beautifully written and many readers will find Paul's way of dealing with terminal illness inspirational. It is a book that I will go back to again and again for emotional support.

—— Macmillan

This is a tearjerker… Kalanithi was as skilled with words as he was with the knife.

—— Helen Davies , Sunday Times, Book of the Year

Kalanithi is warm and full of wit... His writing is seamless, poetic, beautiful and transfixing. His bravery is rather astonishing at times… He is a wonderful storyteller and dizzily sweeps you along.

—— Avpura Times

You’ll read this in one unforgettable afternoon.

—— A Little Bird

A gripping and emotionally charged account.

—— Today FM, Book of the Year

Poignant, honest, brave and yes, at times, incredibly raw… A beautiful and unforgettable book.

—— Heat

[A] beautiful memoir… Kalanithi’s eloquent and elegant writing is deeply affecting.

—— Daily Express, Book of the Year

[An] inspiring book.

—— Business Insider, Book of the Year

A thoughtful, deep and learned meditation on the meaning of life… The best book of the year

—— Sheer Luxe, Book of the Year

An emotional ride.

—— Julie Vuong , Running in Heels, Book of the Year

A book that leaves its reader full-hearted… moved and enriched by its humanity and accomplishment.

—— Lettie Kennedy , Observer

A fast read that won’t fail to move you.

—— I

John Updike said that every writer is simply unpacking their own bag, describing writing as a way to come to terms with one’s current and historical life experience. If that is the case Paul Kalanithi, in When Breath Becomes Air, is unpacking a very large bag indeed, and not just his own.

—— Paul D'Alton , Irish Examiner

When Breath Becomes Air is a life-affirming reflection on facing our mortality and on the relationship between doctor and patient, from a gifted writer who became both.

—— Mojo Mums

Far more than a beautifully written account of a life cut cruelly short: it is a meditation on living well.

—— Jane Shilling , Mail

[H]e writes with an eloquence that befits his love of the literary.

—— Brad Davies , i

An eloquent meditation on our mortality, the brain, the meaning of life, fatherhood and the doctor-patient relationship, this powerful, inspirational book should appeal to readers who are enjoying watching BBC2’s current Hospital series. I couldn’t put this profoundly moving memoir down – but it is not for the squeamish or faint-hearted, and may scare hypochondriacs.

—— Rebecca Wallersteiner , The Lady

It’s not just that Kalanathi has a remarkable story to tell. The way he tells it is phenomenal… This is a superbly written and must-read autobiography – beautiful, poignant and thought-provoking.

—— Sam Hailes , Christianity

He writes movingly about how to make sense of a life so suddenly interrupted and what makes life worth living even as it fades away. A beautiful book about the resilience of the human spirit.

—— Red

Kalanithi’s candid yet artistic prose, peppered with medical terminology, conveys his life beautifully. We are taken on a journey from the nostalgic memories of his childhood in Arizona to his final days in the hospital bed… he raw and emotional portrayal of his pain and their family’s grief is not an easy read, but a compelling one.

—— Angela Huang , Boar

A thoroughly enjoyable, epic read, When Breath Becomes Air should be at the top of everyone’s ‘to read’ list. Paul Kalanithi beautifully bridges the gaps between philosophy, science and literature in his memoir which depicts the reality of life lived in the face of death… Kalanithi writes sublimely, elegantly and honestly. His words are spun together as though with a golden thread, and all that he writes is from the heart. His admiration for the written word shines through and the mammoth task of composing his memoir, after receiving his diagnosis, is executed exquisitely… It is a novel filled with tenderness, heartbreak and bittersweet nostalgia. It is a novel containing power, strength and beauty. And it is a novel that will stay with you long after its cover has been closed.

—— Lauren Molyneux , Live

Informative, emotive, honest and a stark look at the path one takes when life pulls the rug out from under you.

—— Nudge

This book has stayed with me ever since I put it down. Absolutely extraordinary. This book is an example of how fragile and unfair life can be.

—— Molly Ellis

It was a really incredible read and I couldn’t recommend it more.

—— Ella Mills , Good Web Guide

As a book detailing the insight into our own mortality, and the dedication of medical professionals who place their lives on hold to learn their craft, it’s fascinating. His accounts of coming face to face with cadavers – "donors" – and performing autopsies, his experiences with patients as he gave good and bad news, his mistakes as a surgeon which caused irreparable damage coupled with his success as a physician are an incredible insight into his life’s work… A melancholic read that I’d recommend to all student nurses, and anyone interested in reading the final thoughts of a doomed surgeon.

—— Six Out of Ten

Poignant and life-affirming, it's a devastating must-read

—— Woman & Home

Beautifully written... utterly heartbreaking and yet somehow life-affirming

—— Mike Gayle, author of THE MUSEUM OF ORDINARY PEOPLE , Good Housekeeping

The writing is beautiful and the whole book feels like a wondrous gift

—— Good Housekeeping

At a time when the NHS and key workers are doing their utmost to make sure people are safe, this medical memoir is one that will make you realise how courageous and hard-working our medical staff really are... The moving and intimidate book brings readers on a valuable and gut-wrenching journey through the meaning of life, exposes universal truths surrounding terminal illnesses and highlights the fragile relationship between doctor and patient

—— Country and Townhouse
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