My name is Melissa Radke, and there is a very real chance you have no idea who I am or why I wrote a book. But admit it, you’re curious!

Even though millions of people seem to like watching my videos and The Radkes TV show bemoaning the trials of parenting, marriage, French braiding, faith, and living life as an anti-aging female, you may still be wondering who let me write a book. I mean, books are written by people who say things like, “I was having a root canal and I literally died in the chair. I saw heaven. Also, when I came back to earth I could speak Mandarin.” Yeah, that didn’t happen to me.

I wrote this book because when I turned 41 I made the decision to live brave, bolder, and freer. I thought our lives were supposed to change when we turned 40. But mine changed when I turned 41 and I set out to prove that it wasn’t too late for me. And maybe, just maybe, reading about my journey to find my sense of self-worth will help you rightfully believe in yours. This book is about how all the years of my life led up to the one that changed it.

So, cut a big slice and raise a fork…
Here’s to bravery.
Here’s to courage.
Here’s to cake.
(And not the crappy kind, like carrot.)

I had never heard of Melissa Radke when I picked up this book. It was in the clearance section at my book store, and I liked the cover — as a big girl who likes to eat cake, I appreciated seeing another big girl on a cover encouraging others to eat cake. So I bought the book.

The style and story are easy to read and engaging. Once I started this book, I read until I finished (stopping for little else in between chapters). Again, I knew nothing about Radke, so this was my first introduction to her. I could relate on so many levels, and on the levels where I couldn’t relate, she told her story so well that it didn’t matter — I felt like I was experiencing everything with her, so I kept reading.

This is more than just a book for big girls — it’s really a book for anyone who’s ever been bullied or been afraid or thought that they needed to be something better/more in life. I really enjoyed this book and her story inspired me. I’ve since found her on social media so I can follow and get to know more about Radke and her family.

If you’re looking for an inspiring, humorous, and sincere true story, I highly recommend this book.

Rated PG.

Get your copy here!