How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love - Softcover

Ken Baker is an E! Entertainment Television News Correspondent. He is the author of Fangirl, and his memoir, Man Made: A Memoir of My Body, is the inspiration for the upcoming film The Late Bloomer. He lives (and writes) in Hermosa Beach, California. You can visit him online at kenbakernow.com or via Twitter @kenbakernow.

"In Emery Jackson, Ken Baker has created a colorful yet compelling character with whom many teenage girls can relate and empathize. Although Emery's weight-loss journey in front of the cameras is extreme, this story is also an instructive and vital read for anyone who wants to better understand the internal struggle many girls and young women face on a daily basis. Moreover he illustrates how, sadly, the media and celebrity culture often feeds their insecurities. Baker's insider understanding of our media's obsession with weight shines through in a story that is both entertaining and important."
Dr. Drew Pinsky

Emery, a colorful, outspoken, and compelling narrator, is a truth-teller and a truth-seeker whose internal and external struggles have that stick-to-your-ribs quality (without the calories). Baker clearly illustrates the everyday battles many girls deal with and sends the message that they're not alone and that they are in control.”
Booklist

[R]eaders who are fans of the reality and help show genres, especially those who enjoyed Demetrios' Something Real may appreciate this insider's look at how such a show is made, marketed, and critiqued by one of its participants.”
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB)

How I got Skinny is refreshing, whimsical, hilarious, and inspiring. Any woman can relate to this book, and every man should read it, if they want a little better understanding of women.”
Examiner.com

This book is alternately hilarious, heartfelt and honest. Ken Baker's years as a journalist covering celebrities and pop culture have served him well. I wish Emery Jackson was a real person. I want to meet her!"
Holly Goldberg Sloan, New York Times bestselling author of Counting by 7s and I'll Be There

A sharp, funny book for anyone who has ever looked in the mirror and felt disappointed. With surgical precision, Ken Baker cuts to the heart of our love affair with external validation and reminds us to stop letting other people tell our story.”
Aaron Hartzler, author of Rapture Practice

How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love truly benefits from the keen observations of its Hollywood insider author, Ken Baker. Knowing this world up close and personal allows Baker to seamlessly hit on hot button topics of weight loss, body image and fame that are sure to spark discussion. Emery's voice is fun and witty, making her a main character I wanted to cheer on. Add this one to your summer reading list because it's perfect for poolside!”
Marisa Reichardt, YoungAdultish.com

"This book is more than a tale of weight loss and reality TV drama; it's also a reminder that the most important relationship we have is the one with ourselves."
Dr. Jenn Berman, Host of VH1's "Couples Therapy" & The Dr. Jenn Show on Sirius XM

Through hilarity and thought-provoking insights, Ken Baker hits the mark... Given the premise of Mr. Baker's book, which is for Emery to face her obesity head-on, he cleverly broke it down into four distinct parts with chapter headings of: I. Appetizer, II. Soup or Salad, III. Entrée, and IV. Dessert. As the story evolves, just like a great meal, the book becomes more appealing the further the reader ingests the text. He doesn't use flowery language or site statistics. Rather, the story is peppered throughout with the inner thoughts of the mind, situations and raw feelings of a teenaged girl. He has demonstrated sound confidence of showcasing his writing ability through his story line of a solid voice that is truly supported by obvious research and knowledge of the topic. This is by far, a book every young girl/woman should read - obese' (or not). Well done Mr. Baker! Quill says: This book will have you laughing out loud, checking your own mirror and it could possibly nudge you into replacing the script running in your head with a new and improved way of taking charge of your own existence.”
Feathered Quill Book Reviews