Member Reviews
Amanda Prowse has become a favorite author and I jumped at the opportunity to read her memoir. It touched my heart and also inspired me. Her story was honest and relatable and it was an honor to read about the experiences that have helped her become the remarkable woman she is today.
Amanda Prowse is one of my all time favourite authors and I felt privileged to be able to read an early copy of this biography and I highly recommend it even if you have never read any of her previous work and even if you just read this as a standalone and never read any of her others although I highly recommend reading everything this author writes as she is amazing at writing about the human condition and emotions from the heart and this biography was no different. This is a very canid and laid wide open account of this authors life where she has openly discussed her life struggles and demons and highs and lows and her struggles surrounding food
I highly related to a lot of this story growing up during a similar period of time and it brought back lots of memories some happy and some not so happy.
Images of being served evaporated milk and finned peaches for dessert jumped off the page and trips down memory Lane to the delights of shopping in Woolworths, twin tub washing machines and blanket fortes.
I was also referred to as a baby elephant when younger and faced lots of comments about having footballers knees so can relate to how comments as a youngster said in innocence can stick and shape how you feel about yourself in the future.
I laughed and a cried in bucket loads while reading this and should give every woman hope that they can in the future learn to love themselves.
The takeaway comments that are going to stick with me after reading are the sentences. Dive into that bloody swimming pool a reminder rhet life is for living reward your body with love .
This was a powerful memoir, with several relatable content for women. Thank you Amanda for sharing your story with the world.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With tremendous courage, Amanda Prowse tells stories from her life. Her honesty and strength are astounding in this generous offering. I was already a fan of her books, but now I am a fan of this wonderful woman.
This was real. This was honest. I have enjoyed Amanda Prowse’s books for years. It was a no-brainer to read this book to try to get a glimpse of what the author is truly like. Well, with this one, you don’t get a glimpse! She lays it all out there, and really allows you to connect with her. Well done!
I genuinely don't know what to say about Women Like Us. How do you review a memoir written by one of your favourite, drop-everything-and-read authors who you've been lucky enough to become friends with? Well, here goes nothing...
Women Like Us is a brutally honest and thought provoking memoir, written by a 50 something woman who also happens to have sold millions of copies of her 30+ books worldwide. It is raw, emotional, relevant and heartbreaking. It is hopeful, full of love and inspiring.
Mandy lays it all out in this book. Nothing is taboo or off limits. This is so admirable and it's what sets #WLU apart from so many other memoirs out there. There are certain topics that resonated hard with me; miscarriage, depression and food addiction. I have found hope and positivity within these pages that I plan on taking forward. I am going to make changes to my life and will happily credit Amanda Prowse with my new found ambition and confidence.
In short, if you are a woman, buy this book. If you know a woman, buy her this book. It will start frank and open discussions that we all need to have and will help us all to know we're not alone. There are so MANY WOMEN LIKE US out there. 12/10
Amanda Prowse's memoir drew me in from the first page.
"I guess the first question to ask is, what kind of woman am I? Well, you know those women who saunter into a room, immaculately coiffed and primped from head to toe? Those women who seem to have it all together? Raven-haired beauties who can pull off red lipstick? The women who teeter pertly on killer heels and in skinny jeans? The women who flick their hair with a sexy smile, as they stride in confidently to talk self-assuredly to whoever looks to be of most interest, and, with a manicured hand, grab a glass of bubbles from a passing tray as they go?
Well, if you look behind her, you'll see me."
Amanda wrote such a candid memoir. I felt like I was talking with a good friend. We are of a similar age and had so many experiences in common. I saw myself in Amanda's story. I am sure there are many other women who would agree. Thank you, Amanda for giving a voice to the things that you feel only live on in people's minds and they don't dare to voice these things aloud.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance reader copy for me to review.
I loved this book! Amanda always writes books that are so easy to read and her memoir was no exception even though it was very painful at times. I had no idea about her food addiction and self confidence issues.
This book follows her journey of self loathing to self acceptance and it was also fascinating to hear her publishing process too!
I think so many women will relate to so many parts of her journey as we've all felt the pressure of needing to look a certain way or comparing ourselves to others and thinking we would be so much happier if we .............
This is such an honest and raw book which made me both cry and laugh.
Ultimately it really all comes down to recognising that you are enough!!
"I took a wrecking ball to the wall I had constructed in my mind, shattering it to let the light in. This is my time. A new age. And I like what I see in the mirror and on some days, I even bloody love it!"
Amanda Prowse is one of my favourite authors, I follow her on social media and I was very interested to read her memoir.
Where do I start? This is an amazing brutally honest memoir and Amanda shares her inner most secrets with us. I am a similar age to Amanda and many of the memories and situations she describes were highly relatable to me. I truly admire her openness and honesty. I laughed and cried along with Amanda throughout the book. I hope Mrs Blight has read all of your books and has realised how very wrong she was.
As an overweight woman myself, Amanda has given me hope and inspired me that I can change and get off the endless cycle of dieting and failing. Mandy, thank you for your honesty - I really wish I could give you a big hug.
A huge 5 stars from me. I highly recommend this fantastic book.
Women Like Us is a story of success and hope. Amanda Prowse is one of my go-to authors and I was delighted to read her autobiography. One of her teachers said she would never make a writer! It is an honest and raw memoir that will touch the hearts of many. From eating disorders to heartbreak and loss, as well as failed marriages, miscarriages and the expectations of other people - the difficulties faced throughout her life are overwhelming however, the hilarity and frankness with which she relates them make this incredibly inspiring. A fabulous five-star read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Wow! Now I love Amanda Prowse even more! This memoir, "Women Like Us" was one of the most empowering, admirable, and enlightening books I've ever read, certainly impactful. An honest depiction of an outrageously talented, strong woman, struggling with self-image, self-esteem, aging, obesity, and food addiction, weighted down by the pressures that are placed upon women, and the pressures women burden themselves with. One of my favorite things about reading Amanda Prowse novels, is the conclusion of her books. The masterful way she is able to bring enormous struggles and despair to a satisfying, light-filled, inspiring endings. Well, this one, even thought it was not fiction, had just as amazing of an ending. Thank you for opening up your personal life to us readers, it is immensely appreciated. Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the early reader copy for review. All opinions are my own.
Amanda Prowse writes books to which women can relate and there were many things I could relate to in this book too.
It was nice to read about her childhood and how a teacher said she would never make a writer. Well she can put that in her pipe and smoke it!
I did feel that the second half of the book was concentrated mainly on Amanda's weight issues and overeating. I am so happy for her if she has permanently overcome the issues with eating and weight but as a woman who struggles in this area too , I thought it was a bit early to be writing about her success in such detail. I hope I'm wrong and Amanda can continue with the new found confidence it's given her.
I am not sure why I selected this book - other than it sounded good, I am interested in authors, and I like memoirs.
But it is a wonderfully honest and raw biography that would touch any reader. From eating disorders, heartbreak and loss - the difficulties Amanda faced throughout her life are overwhelming - but the humor and openness with which she relates them is very inspiring.
This book is beautifully and emotively written. I giggled with Amanda. I cried big fat tears.
I am the same age as Amanda and I could relate to so many of her experiences as I have lived through many similar experiences. She brought back so many memories; twin tub washing machines (my mum never got rid of hers and wheeled it through to the kitchen every week!), tinned fruit with evaporated milk, libraries with actual library cards, and visiting the library as a child and bringing all those ‘free’ books home! Calling all the adult neighbours Auntie. Yes we experienced a very similar childhood, right down to the teacher who told the young Amanda she would never be an author, but she used that comment in later years to prove that teacher wrong. I just hope she is still alive to have eaten her words! I was never told that, but I had an equally horrible junior school teacher who was nasty to me and I still remember her.
Amanda opens up completely about all the ups and downs in her life, helping her readers who are facing similar struggles. From her agony and numerous operations as a child with a crumbling pelvis, surviving cancer, through her first failed marriage, many miscarriages, issues with her weight and food addiction, dealing with a child with mental health issues, to the menopause and facing an ageing face and body with positivity.
Amanda also shares the joys in her life. Actually having a baby against all the odds. Finding her soul mate despite being convinced she wouldn’t bother with another partner. The difficult journey to getting her first book published in her forties.
I felt as if I was sitting across the table having a coffee with this remarkable woman. I love that her views are so similar to mine on so many things.
This is a book I would recommend every woman reads.
I have just downloaded Amanda’s first book, Poppy Day, on audio and I can’t wait to listen to it.
Very very highly recommend.
I have read many books by Amanda Prowse but this memoir really blew me away. It is so honest and open. Amanda has been brave to be so truthful. Well done to her !!
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC
Women Like Us - A Memoir
by: Amanda Prowse
Amazon Publishing UK, Little A
Having enjoyed Amanda Prowse's fiction books, I was eager to read her memoir. She writes candidly and honestly as she shares her life story with her readers. Whether one has read her books or not, this book is one to read about a woman's childhood, career, and life's journeys.
Thank you to Net Galley and Amazon Publishing UK, Little A for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
Oh Amanda, I am in awe of the way you drew me into this book. You really made me feel as though you and I were sat in a coffee shop swapping our life stories. Pausing every now and again as we both got became too emotional and had to wipe our eyes.
I always knew this author's inspiration for her books came from the heart, but to actually read in her own words how she suffered through miscarriages, weight problems and family troubles was like being swept away on a tsunami of emotions.
Mrs Prowse, you should be so proud of yourself. Not only are you a bestselling author whose books inspire women everywhere, but you are also one very brave and beautiful lady.
5 stars seem pitiful for such a
Women Like Us is a memoir by Amanda Prowse who following her beautiful collaboration with her sonJosh shares more of her life and her battle with the wall in her head and an eating disorder. Amanda hasn't just written this book about herself but about most women, including myself who battle constantly with their weight. Feeling defined by their size and always looking for the latest diet fix. It was a beautiful and inspirational insight into Amanda's life. There is a lot of love in her memoir, The love for her family, her husband, her children, even her ex-partner is spoken about with goodwill. It is so refreshing. The biggest battle Amanda appears to have had is with herself and she tracks from childhood to adulthood the issues that have led to her eating struggles. It is raw, honest, and at times heartbreaking. However, unlike some memoirs, there is no narsacism in this. Amanda is very quick to point out that her experiences echo the experiences of many women today. I could relate to it so much and have taken away a lot of thoughts and self-realisation about myself from the book.
I received a gifted advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Lovebookstours.
Women Like Us: A Memoir is an emotionally uplifting and relatable true memoir of one of my favourite authors life and this book has only made me love her even more.
Amanda has been through so much in her life, ups and downs, battles with herself and a rocky path to her own found happiness. Amanda's story is so raw, honest and relatable to myself and thousands of women around the world. Struggling with body image, self-esteem, toxic relationships with food, and the expectancies of being a woman in the world of today. I laughed so much in places during this book and Amanda's humour and honesty just shines through each page. This book makes you feel less isolated and alone and I felt like I've spent a week having a well overdue catch up with an old friend. This read brought tears to my eyes too and I just want Amanda to know how truly wonderful and deserving she is for all she has gone through, it gives me faith that I too will one day come out the other side.
Such a brave book to write, putting all her fears out for everyone to see. I truly appreciate it as it shows us all that these things need to be talked about if we ever want to overcome them. Amanda shows herself as a real, down to earth woman that we can all relate to. She has gone through many trials, losses, and joys and has shared this and how she has “trusted the process” to get to a place of accepting and loving herself. Thank you Amanda for sharing your story.