Collard Green Curves: A fat girl’s Journey from Childhood Obesity to Healthy Living

by Theresa Lou Bowick

The author takes the reader on an incredible, tear jerking, journey of a misguided little girl so consumed with self- hate, misinformation, and distrust that it catapulted her into a life filled with unbelievable challenges. Repeated rejections, major disappointments and misunderstandings contributed to distrust of everyone she would encounter throughout her life, including her family. In her search for love, fulfillment and acceptance, the author depicts a life turned upside down through a confusing series of curves and detours destined to destroy her and anyone in her path, until she found the right recipe for healing which comes with “forgiveness of self and others.” Forgiveness is presented as the key to putting the past in perspective, finding a way to emerge from the depths of despair, then, shifting the focus to overcoming addictions, moving forward, and living a healthy, God directed, victorious life. This book, an inspirational, lifeline for anyone trying to find themselves, quickly captures and holds the reader’s attention. The author demonstrates ways for individuals to conquer their fears and fight, perhaps for the first time in their lives for well-deserved, overdue new beginnings. The book reminds us to let, no man or woman hinder us from achieving our ultimate goal(s).

122 pages, Paperback

First published January 16, 2013

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collard Green Curves is an inspiring biography of a life that led to momentous change in a community through a series of trials, misfortunes and perseverance. Theresa Bowick reflects on her life growing up in  Rochester, NY with sincerity and genuine contemplation of the events that shaped her, both positive and negative.  Through Theresa's heartfelt and down to earth writing, I could easily relate to Theresa's story even though hers is so different than my own.  Theresa puts her whole self on the page in order to show the high and low curves of her life through her youth, relationships, schooling, marriage,  and body image struggles to show her growth and ability to change herself and the world around her.  I was continually impressed by her strength and capacity to build herself back up.  Even more than changing herself, Theresa became a positive force within her community rallying a community that told her 'people don't exercise here' to become healthy.  

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story from a local author.