All of me

the long version

"For most of Serpentine Williamson's life, society has told her she needs to lose weight. She has tried every diet known to woman, from high fat to low fat, starvation to seaweed body wraps, Stillman's to Richard Simmons. Nothing worked - she'd shed the unwanted pounds, only to yo-yo back up again.". "Under the pressures of constant criticism from her TV news fans and family, a new boss who suggests that her weight may stand between her and a coveted anchor spot, and a breakup with Carlin, the special man who swears he loves her just the way she is but has a weakness for his ex in a size-six dress, Serpentine's self-esteem finally collapses. She realizes the time has come to do some major soul-searching.". "From a Chicago hospital to a luxurious Florida spa, and back to her hometown of Kansas City, where Serpentine savors some sweet revenge, she finally discovers what it means to be female, black, and beautiful in a way that will never - and should never - fit the mold."--BOOK JACKET.