THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

An obese man struggles to lose the excess weight he's carried throughout his life.

In this revealing memoir, journalist Tomlinson, a former longtime reporter and columnist for the Charlotte Observer, shares the story of his battle with weight gain and loss during his lifetime, from childhood through college, work, marriage, and beyond. He readily admits that food can become an addiction, a go-to in times of both stress and joy. His earliest childhood memories include family get-togethers where vast quantities of rich, highly caloric food were in abundance and he was encouraged to eat as much as he wanted. He suffered for it, getting shamed at school for being overweight and having to buy special clothes in his teens that would fit; yet he could not control his cravings and continued to gain weight. He writes, "I lust after greasy double cheeseburgers and fried chicken legs and Ruffles straight out of the bag,” he writes. “I covet hot Krispy Kreme doughnuts that melt on my tongue. I worship bowls full of peanut M&Ms, first savoring them one by one, then stuffing my mouth with handfuls, then wetting my finger to pick up those last bits of chocolate dust and candy shell. My brain pings with pleasure; my taste buds groan with desire.” After topping out at 460 pounds and seeing a doctor's diagnosis of "morbidly obese," Tomlinson knew he needed to change before the "morbid" part became reality. He doesn't hold back in his comments about his needs and wants and interjects enough humor to offset the more serious parts of the narrative and keep the pages turning. Readers who are overweight will find encouragement in Tomlinson's story, which serves as proof that with determination and the right attitude, anyone can win the battle over food addiction and/or obesity.

An authentic look at a struggle that millions of Americans face every day.