Author: Kit10

 Anyone familiar with the outcome of the epic battle of David vs. Goliath will not be surprised at the winner of this memoir vs. fiction face-off. Both Wendy McClure’s memoir I’m Not the New Me (2005) and Danielle Steel’s novel Big Girl (2010) depict how the struggles of everyday life–from family to dating–are influenced or exacerbated by issues of weight and identity. Unrestrained by factuality, great fiction can compete or even excel over memoir in creating an experience that resonates on a realistic emotional level. However, in this case, McClure outshines Steel in offering a complex, realistic narrative and an insightful and witty voice. Even fans of Steel have frequently remarked that Big Girl is repetitious and its characters, one-dimensional. (Many noted that the book seems to fall outside the Steel brand due to either the subject itself or its treatment.) While McClure’s readers may feel frustrated by the lack of closure in her book, this absence of a definitive ending at least reads true-to-life given that issues of image and self-esteem can be an ongoing struggle.

Even considering the subjectivity of book reviews, an average of reader responses from Amazon and other forums clearly favor McClure in terms of literary merit. Yet indicators of sales, as well as bookstore and media interest suggest that greater public attention is given to Steel. This problem of disproportionate awareness is unsurprising in our brand-driven culture yet continually affecting. It demonstrates the war between Brand and Brand New, between the comfort of knowing what you’re getting and the risk of the unfamiliar. And in this case, the brand fails to deliver on its inherent promise. Therefore, if you can read only one, read this, not that.

THIS                                                     THAT