"What I didn't realize at the time was that the cooking I thought was so ordinary was the talk of the town with the others." ~ pg. 292
The popular co-host of Undisclosed podcast and executive producer of The Case Against Adnan Syed documentary has taken her voice to the pages in a new memoir titled Fatty Fatty Boom Boom. She shares stories of her Pakistani immigrant family, growing up in the United States, her intimate relationship with food and the controversial topic of body image.
By the time I received the galley from the publisher, I had already reserved and checked out the new hardcover edition from my local library. It was a treat to read Fatty Fatty Boom Boom while on the go and at home relaxing thanks to two editions. Yet it still took a couple weeks for me to finish reading. It was good, but not ooh-I-cannot-wait-to-keep-reading good. I am so used to hanging on to every word Rabia speaks on the podcasts that I expected her memoir to draw me in too.
"The reality of what my pictures showed me was too embarrassing." ~ pg. 250
While the subject matter of food, fat, weight struggles and family were relatable, I still did not feel a connection to Rabia. Memoirs are my favorite genre to read but only when I feel that connection to the author through their words. I felt a sense of Rabia holding back at times and glossing over parts of her life that could possibly inspire other women.
Nevertheless, the most enjoyable parts were her universal truths that I found myself nodding my head in agreement to, and the recipes at the end of book. I am so looking forward to trying the chai recipe as it's my favorite tea, and cooking with the divine ghee. Readers will find Fatty Fatty Boom Boom to be worth the slow read. It will resonate with women of all ages and sizes. And hopefully bring awareness to self-love, acceptance and healthy eating.
Happy Belated Pub Day, Rabia! Fatty Fatty Boom Boom is now available.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.
Title: Fatty Fatty Boom Boom: A Memoir of Food, Fat, & Family
Author: Rabia Chaudry
Published: November 2022
Pages: 342
Edition: Galley & Hardcover
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤