Giving Thanks For All The Reader Letters

Since my book was released on June 1st, I’ve received hundreds of letters from readers. I have to say, I'M SHOCKED!! It wasn’t my intention to inspire people by writing a book…I was just asked to sit down and write my life story, ya know? But what a great thing this is, an unexpected but wonderful community created by my book. So often I hear that someone “passed my book along” to their daughter, their mother, their cousin, their best friend, and there really is no better compliment. Thank you. In addition, I’m flattered that people take the time to write me, and you know what? I’ve learned a lot from the letters I’ve received. Over and over again I hear the same things.

*That many people went through what I went through as a kid.

*That we need better role models for young women.

*That many of us have spent years feeling like we are half a person because we have a larger waistline.

*That too many people have sacrificed their dreams because they felt certain they were too unattractive to succeed.

Well, here. Rather than paraphrase, I’ll give you a little sampling of the letters. With a couple of exceptions (involving people who gave me permission), I’m changing names or identifying characteristics to protect everybody. Enjoy!



This was one of my favorites. It’s from Emily Skinner, Tony award nominee and all around fabulous performer and person…

"YOU HAVE WRITTEN THE MOST ENGAGING AND LOVELY MEMOIR OF WHAT ITS LIKE TO BE AN EVOLVING SELF. YOU REMINDS US THAT WORRYING ABOUT BEING A SIZE TWO IS A WASTE OF TIME AND ENERGY---THAT TRUE FULFILMENT COMES WITH FOCUSING ON YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER PEOPLE AND THE WORK THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY. AS A PERFORMER, I CONSTANTLY STRUGGLE WITH THE IDEA THAT I SHOULD LOOK AND BE A CERTAIN WAY. BUT THIS TERRIFIC BOOK PROVES ONCE AND FOR ALL THAT IT IS HUMANITY, SKILL, TALENT, AND HUMOR THAT MAKES ONE RICH AS A PERFORMER, NOT DESPERATELY TRYING TO FIT A CERTAIN BOGUS PHYSICAL IDEAL. YOU SHOW US THAT IF YOU HAVE ALL OF THOSE THINGS, YOU CAN MOST DEFINITELY HAVE A CAREER IN THE THEATER, NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE ELSE SAYS. MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT MEANS YOU'RE A REALLY NEAT HUMAN BEING...."

Here’s a sampling of more….

… I read the whole thing last night (yes, I'm a nerd) and I loved it. I can't tell you how many times I laughed out loud! And when you're by yourself in your room, with no one to hear you, and you still belly laugh...that's when you know it's good.

…Ms.Wheatley, I just finished your book " 'Til the Fat Girl Sings" and-- "Wow"! I read it just as fast as I could, a day and a half-ish. I couldn't decide if I wanted to tear through it and see what was on the next page or savor each word. For once I do not feel simply fat and alone!

…I just felt so wonderful reading your book to be able to identify with someone who made it so big in the industry and know that not everything was coming up roses while you were growing up. Thank you for being so open and honest and helping so many others with big dreams and letting us understand how to love the beauty within ourselves. Best of luck to you.

… You don't know me. And actually I have never been inspired to write to an author of a book I was reading until this moment. Why on earth am I telling you this, I don't know? I guess because I have been keeping it inside of me and wanted to tell someone who might understand.

… I opened it and did not put it down until I finished the entire thing. I, too, was a fat child and am still a fat adult. I've shared so many of the same experiences as you, and reading the book was like taking a look into my own childhood. What's more, your words have really inspired me to take positive action in my career.

… Sharon, I just bought your book as a gift for my daughter's birthday today. She turns eighteen. I feel certain that I was drawn to it for a reason. You see, she is overweight, hates herself for every possible reason and is so lost.

…People say I am cute... I don't want to be cute, I want to be beautiful. I know, I have to be happy with me, but it is so hard when all I hear is "Beached Whale", or my parents saying are you sure you should be eating that?


…Like you, I grew up with a thin mother only she never diets and eats horribly. Much of my relationship with her is based on her approval of my weight and appearance and it still continues even though I am 31!

…You are helping more people than you know by having written this book. :-) I know you helped me.

…OMG! I read your book and with every word my heart began to sing, "Yes! There is hope!" I am an aspiring Broadway actress who at the moment has everyone convinced that I am dying to become a music teacher.

…Hi Sharon, it's strange, but I feel like I know you! I was walking through Barnes and Noble the other day and I noticed something that looked like a playbill on the table with all of the new books. I walked over and picked it up. As soon as I read the title, I knew it would be for me. I have not only been overweight for quite a while now, but I absolutely love Broadway more than life itself! I sat down, with my bag of pretzels of course, and started reading your story. After a box of tissues (tears from laughing and crying), a bag of pretzels, and three hours, I finished your book. I found it brilliant!

… I had never considered before how many similarities there are to growing up gay and growing up overweight.

…i will be 15 in october, and i am very much involved in musical theater. i have been overweight my entire life and have struggled with self esteem issues. i have gone through the same things you did in your book and it was almost funny reading it because it was so much like me.

… I have struggled (battled? been through hell and back?) with my weight since I hit puberty and found so many similarities with what I went through and what you went through that I was shaking my head in wonder and understanding just about every page of the way.


Thanks for reading all of these. I hope you had as much fun as I've had. There are many more letters I didn't quote, but I've read and answered everyone of them. Thanks to everyone who has written me, keep them coming!

I'll finish with the quote I get the most often, and always cracks me up when I read it.


…SHARON WHEATLEY HOW DID WE HAVE THE SAME LIFE?????