Big Girl

A Novel

By: Danielle Steel

Narrated by: Kathleen McInerney

Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

In this heartfelt, incisive novel, Danielle Steel celebrates the virtues of unconventional beauty while exploring deeply resonant issues of weight, self-image, sisterhood, and family.

A chubby little girl with ordinary looks, Victoria Dawson has always felt out of place in her family, especially in body-conscious L.A. While her parents and sister can eat anything and not gain an ounce, Victoria must watch everything she eats, as well as endure her father’s belittling comments about her body and see her academic achievements go unacknowledged. Ice cream and oversized helpings of all the wrong foods give her comfort, but only briefly. The one thing she knows is that she has to get away from home, and after college in Chicago, she moves to New York City.

Landing her dream job as a high school teacher, Victoria loves working with her students and wages war on her weight at the gym. Despite tension with her parents, Victoria remains close to her younger sister, Grace. Though they couldn’t be more different in looks, they love each other unconditionally. So when Grace announces her engagement to a man who is an exact replica of their narcissistic father, Victoria worries about her sister’s future happiness, and with no man of her own, she feels like a failure once again. As the wedding draws near, a chance encounter, a deeply upsetting betrayal, and a family confrontation lead to a turning point.

Behind Victoria is a lifetime of hurt and neglect she has tried to forget. Ahead is a challenge and a risk: to accept herself as she is, celebrate it, and claim the victories she has fought so hard for and deserves. Big girl or not, she is terrific and discovers that herself.

©2010 Danielle Steel (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Loved it!

Such a touching story and as most Danielle Steel books, with a happy ending. Really loved it.

Awesome story..tear jerker

Loved it. Danielle did it again. This story hit home in many ways. My self-esteem took a hit to the top. The narrator did a splendid job.

Hard to imagine.....

A depressing read with a too tiny happy ending. If there are parents "out there" who are that superficial, we would all be doomed.

25 pounds overweight is NOT fat

I was all excited that Danielle Steel had finally written a book that didn't feature a wraithlike heroine. I was very disappointed that she was such a whiny, depressed individual. I realize that for some people a weight problem of 25 pounds seems like a lot, but I can't believe that they would be depressed all the time like this character.

world is full of big girls we need more books!

Would you listen to Big Girl again? Why?

Yes I would read this again, I can identify with her plight!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Big Girl?

Her father telling her she was named after the queen. Her realization that the queen was considered ugly by all.

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

no first time, i will listen to her again

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

yes, and i tried!, lol

Any additional comments?

great read! we need more like this one!

Big Girl

Great read, could really get the character of Victoria. I think alot of women with weight issues will be able to relate to her and understand that skinny does not equal love and happiness. Really an enjoyable character - I am a Weight Watcher leader and cheered out loud for Victoria!

Big Girl

A story of a young woman who found herself and the love her life despite the negative effects of her parents comments since the day she was was born.

Amazing book!!

This is probably the best Danielle Steel book I have ever read! I highly recommend it!

Disappointed in the ending

Victoria should’ve been given the opportunity to stand up for herself. I get that the real world is not perfect. However, usually in the real world people do usually stand up for themselves even when it’s messy. I’m really disappointed in this story and I’ve always liked Danielle’s books.

great book

an inspring book, such meaning, a really good book, Danielle steel has out done herself again