A ’novel,’ ’comic’ approach to weight loss

“The Big Skinny” is somewhat unusual for a “diet book.” First, and most obviously, it’s in comic format. Graphic novel memoirs are nothing new, but Lay’s is a particularly accessible example of the genre, since she’s a laid-back, relatable writer and her art is clear and enjoyable. She uses the comic format to present her own story naturally in a series of vignettes, which often anticipate exactly what questions the reader might have, and answer them before moving on.

Second, Lay’s method of weight loss is decidedly old-fashioned: She counts calories and she works out. The most radical aspect of her diet is her strictness in adhering to it — like buying a single piece of candy from the grocery store’s bulk bin — but the diet itself is nothing weird, just a healthy, fresh-plant-heavy menu combined with regular exercise. As she says, simply, “It works.” In the realm of gimmicky tricks and miracle pills, her candor and common sense is refreshing.

Finally, Lay’s main focus is not so much on the period of losing weight as on the aftermath. She recognizes, wisely, that keeping the weight off can be just as difficult, if not more so, as losing it in the first place. Lay talks about determinedly following food rules and exercise plans, but also about changing her mindset to WANT to do these things, taking on the challenge of integrating them into her everyday world. Sure, there are down days, but Lay asserts that the benefits of looking and feeling great far outweigh missing out on a few desserts.

For Lay, the key to healthy, effective weight loss was simply a matter of firmly taking responsibility for herself and her choices. That message bursts from the pages of this frank, funny book, and it’s a good one for readers to take to heart in their own weight-loss struggles — or, for that matter, in any other aspect of life.