The Elephant in the Room
One Fat Man's Quest to Get Smaller in a Growing America
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4.5 • 88 Ratings
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
ONE OF NPR’S BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR
A “warm, funny, and honest…genuinely unputdownable” memoir (Curtis Sittenfeld) chronicling what it’s like to live in today’s world as a fat man. Journalist Tommy Tomlinson, approaching fifty and weighing 460 pounds, decided to confront the risks and realities of living in a body at war with itself.
At risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke—and unable to climb stairs or fly without two seats—Tomlinson had long lived in denial. Raised in a food-loving Southern family, he tried countless diets, saw doctors, wore Fitbits—none of it stuck. Until he decided it was time to truly change.
In The Elephant in the Room, Tomlinson recounts his journey with wit, grit, and searing honesty. His voice combines the emotional urgency of Roxane Gay’s Hunger with the personal intimacy of Rick Bragg’s All Over but the Shoutin’. From his own habits to America’s obesity epidemic, from shame and overeating to resilience and accountability, he explores how weight shapes our relationships with food, our bodies, and ourselves.
By confronting his compulsions and unhealthy patterns, Tomlinson doesn’t just aim to lose weight—he reclaims his life. This powerful addiction memoir and wellness journey offers inspiration to anyone navigating body image, self-esteem, or personal transformation.
Customer Reviews
Excellent
One of the best reads I’ve had in years. Highly recommend.
A Brave Tale Of Addiction & Fight To Overcome It
A powerful and moving memoir that not only pays beautiful tribute to author Tommy Tomlinson's family and Southern Georgia roots, but also paints a terrifying portrait of addiction and how it can render one powerless. This was incredibly brave of Tomlinson and I'm sure incredibly difficult to convey, but a much-needed conversation for our culture to continue to have. This was the first time I'd read anything by the author, and as a newspaper man, it should come as no surprise that the book is a breeze to read. I enjoyed his no-nonsense and folksy prose. This is ultimately a story of hope and will to live. This book will inspire many to take a look at their own demons and make positive changes as it did me. Highly recommend.
Excellent
I couldn’t put this book down once I started it. It’s an inspirational story that we all need to read.