Sadly, a true reflection of where society is heading (Fat - Rob Grant)

Member Name: doncasteryb

Product:	Fat - Rob Grant
Date:	22/05/09 (3 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Witty, quick flowing, relatively short book

Disadvantages: Sad truth

Rob Grant is an author I came across years ago when i used to read Red Dwarf, where i think i can attribute some of my own humour, as i'm sure many of you could. He is a British comedy writer, most famed for his collaboration with Doug Naylor on Red Dwarf.

Fat is a satirical look at the epidemic of obesity through the eyes of the media. There are three main characters. Grenville Roberts is one of the main characters, a divorced TV Chef who's weight has become such an issue that he is no longer a viable option to be kept by his employers. At the slightest mention of his weight, he experiences outbursts of rage, which land him into comedic trouble with the polcie. The situations Grenville finds himself in are humourous but also highlight the difficulties faced by people who are obese.

Hayleigh Griffin, a teenager suffering from an eating disorder, is the polar opposite of Grenville. She goes to the extreme lengths to hide her condition from her family - she gets up before everyone, making breakfast and leaving crumbs on her own plate, as an indication that she has eaten. She even fakes her period, as her mother, being quite intuitive, suspects that her daughter has some form of eating disorder. The one supposed good thing going on on Hayleigh's life is her crush on a popstar, Jase.

Jeremy Slank, a Conceptuologist (a title that has been taken from the various extended title of PR people over the years) is the third character in this book. He lands the task of rebranding the NHS after spending some time in a 'Well Farm' project. These are places where it is anticipated that people with weight problems will go and live in order to combat their issues.

The sad truth is that, this book is closer to the truth than many people think, whereby people are becoming accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle and seeing quick fix solutions to problems they have worsened. The faddy approach of using gastric bands etc is, unfortunately, becoming a reality for many and not only adults. On the surface it is funny, but put into perspective we can see similarities in contemporary society. The idea of a fat tax is becoming a reality and i believe this book will be an eye-opener to many people and well worth reading.

Summary: Highlights the problems we have in this day and age