Never Goin' Back

Winning the Weight-Loss Battle for Good

By: Al Roker

Narrated by: Al Roker

Length: 4 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Al Roker’s aha! moment came a decade ago. He was closing in on 350 pounds when he promised his dying father that he wasn’t going to keep living as he was. That led to his decision for a stomach bypass - and his life-changing drop to 190. But 50 of those pounds gradually crept back until he finally devised a plan, stuck to it, and got his life back.

Never Going Back is Roker’s inspiring, candid, and often hilarious story of self-discovery, revealing a (now slimmer) side of his life that no one knows. With illuminating and sometimes painfully honest stories about his childhood (as the "husky" boy in class), his struggle against the odds to make something of himself, and his family life today, Roker reveals the effects that a lifelong battle with weight issues can have on a person - and how, regardless of the frustration and setbacks, you must never lose faith in yourself (just inches).

Al is telling his story to inspire others to lose the weight they’ve always wanted to lose, keep it off for good, and regain their health. He knows firsthand that it is a day-to-day process and that unrealistic diets rarely work (he has tried most of them!). And, most important, he knows that losing weight is as much - if not more - a state of mind as of body. That’s why he’s here: to recharge your willpower and see you through it like a friend - with warmth, humor, and a healthy new outlook on life.

©2012 Al Roker (P)2012 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“[An] intimate memoir...Readers will appreciate this personable weatherman’s candor and humor as he chronicles his struggle and ultimate success.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Searingly honest and genuinely relatable...As unpretentious as Roker’s television persona, this motivational diet memoir provides inspiration, and recipes, for others struggling with weight-related challenges.” (Booklist)

disappointed

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

For a guy with so much personality on air, he's a very boring narrator. I heard his interview on NPR. He was natural, compelling, fun and easy to listen to. But he brings very little of his personality into the narration.

I also got tired of hearing about his cleanse, complete with references to his related bodily functions. His humor is fine in quick little segments on tv, but gets old quick in this book. He's trying too hard to be funny and it becomes painful.

The book is at it's best when he's talking about his struggles and people's reactions, but it's boring and off-putting when he starts lecturing.

What could Al Roker have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

The book needs editing. His story has moments we can all relate to and that's the part that is the most interesting. But when he starts doing nutrition 101 he doesn't know when to stop. He states the obvious so often and for so long that I kept finding myself fast forwarding.

Kudos to Al Rohker!

After reading Never Going Back, I have much admiration and respect for Al Rohker. I was inspired by his courage, honesty, grit, and perserverence. Thank you Al for sharing your story! Well done! You rock!

Congratulations Al

What made the experience of listening to Never Goin' Back the most enjoyable?

Listening to Al's real life human experiences and being able to relate to them.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Never Goin' Back?

Al prepping to run the marathon.

Which character – as performed by Al Roker – was your favorite?

His Wife.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me feel that I to can overcome my weight issues.

Any additional comments?

This book is a good listen with real life experiences that we all can find a part of our self in.

Al's Story - Good read on my daily walks.

Would you listen to Never Goin' Back again? Why?

Possibly. As a refresher for how I've been successful and how I feel so many of Al's challenges and glitches along his journey.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Al. He's da' man.

Which character – as performed by Al Roker – was your favorite?

Just Al, although he did a very good job with the voices of his other characters throughout the book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Nothing extreme, but several amusing places, especially when I could relate to his situations.

Al nailed it.

A hilarious and informative look at the on going battle and continue struggle of weight loss. Al uses his jovial personality and antics to discuss his weight loss journey. I was very inspired by him.

Never Going Back

If you could sum up Never Goin' Back in three words, what would they be?

Weight loss struggles.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Never Goin' Back?

When Al was thinking about running the New York Marathon, he went to see his orthopedic surgeon to get his opinion as to whether his knees could take the training. The exchange between the two of them is quite funny.

Have you listened to any of Al Roker’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to any other Al Roker performances.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

We did listen to the book in one sitting because we were driving to FL from MN.

Any additional comments?

I thought Al reading the book was an added bonus. Highly recommend this book.

I loved it!!

this book is a very relatable memoir that anyone with a weight problem can understand. Al doesn't tell you what to do but he encourages you through his experience and understanding of the battles of overeating for those of us with weight challenges. it was like he was in my head and speaking my thoughts. I simply loved this book and see it as a very inspirational tool.

Excellent Book

Very funny, honest and realistic talk about obesity, weight loss surgery, and his journey. Having gastric bypass myself I can relate to the struggles

Spoke to Me

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I liked the way Al spoke as if we were sitting down talking together. His story was very personal. I got a lot of good information from his experiences. I have read this book several times because I relate to his situations and enjoy the antic dotes.

Al Roker's new book

Would you consider the audio edition of Never Goin' Back to be better than the print version?

I always would rather have the author read me the book. Al was a natural narrator, so that was fun.

What other book might you compare Never Goin' Back to and why?

I suppose it is similar to Oprah's book she wrote with Bob Greene, because it highlights her struggles, but also offers practical advice on what she did to overcome her struggles.

What about Al Roker’s performance did you like?

It sounded just like him. And he is easy to listen to.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I wouldn't make a film of this book.

Any additional comments?

I appreciated Al's insight on how the illness of his mother made him fall back into his old habits. That was the primary reason I wanted to read the book.