There really aren’t cards I could send with meaningful enough words — I’ve looked. Thank you for blowing me away with unimaginable kindness. With love the size of Alaska. I read all of your comments, your emails, tweets, Instagram comments, and more, and I was sweating from the warmth. I’ve said it before, but this time man. You change me.
How is it that we haven’t met, and likely never will, and yet you’re such a part of my life? I wonder, do all of us think, “I really love this person and they’re just in my internet world”…? Do we all have this rich online friend circle — only sometimes those friends don’t know it? Know us? I feel that way. All the time.
Today, I’m thrilled to tell you that my book, It Was Me All Along, is available for preorder on Amazon, Target, Barnes & Noble, and IndieBound. And it would mean the world to me if you’d order it. The book will be sent to you on January 6, 2015 — the official release date — because it’s still being printed and bound, but preorder sales mean a whole lot in the publishing world, so ordering it now matters in a big way.
It’s hard to put it into words — to tell you, oh hey! I wrote this thing you should check out! — because it has so much of me in it. I don’t know how to write about it in a way that’s not emotional, because the journey to write it, and edit it, and learn to be okay with releasing it out into the world — it’s been strange and unbelievable. It’s got my whole life in it. It’s all of the intense vulnerability of this blog multiplied by, oh I don’t know, the national debt?
I shared things in this book that I’ve never talked about publicly — which is surprising when I consider how uncomfortable I make myself every day online. I wrote things that make me wonder if anyone will ever like me again. So what’s in here? Well, growing up, to start. There’s losing my dad. There’s all of the eating. There are relationships — including the one with my longtime love, Daniel, and the ones with my best friends, and my family. There’s a prom, obviously. There’s losing 135 pounds and figuring out how the hell to maintain that. And there’s even a cocktail party where I flirt shamelessly with Leonardo DiCaprio.
Who did I write this for? For every person who has ever felt uncomfortable in her own skin. The girls, the women, even the men, who have felt weird and alone and unsure if they’ll make it.
It’s a ride. For me, and maybe for you — I don’t know.
I just finished hand-writing 150 letters to people I wanted to send galleys of my book to, and what I wrote about the book — and what ultimately holds true is, “It’s my story of losing 135 pounds, but more than that, it’s the journey of changing my life, of success and the unexpected perks of complete failure, of rock bottom, of finding balance, and ultimately, arriving at an understanding of what it means to love myself wherever I’ve been and wherever I am.”
I think that sums it up. Until the next one.
I would love for you to read this book. I would come to your house and make you dinner. I would write you a love note.
You can get it on Amazon here
Barnes & Noble here
TARGET!!
IndieBound here
Thank you for being a part of my life!
Andie
Andi – I would love to read your book. Is a kindle edition planned?
Hey Kathleen!
Thank you!!! Yes! Kindle version is available here: http://www.amazon.com/Was-Me-All-Along-Memoir/dp/0770433243/
I am so excited to read your book! I would love to preorder it, but do you know if it will be out on Kindle?
Hey Ingunn!
You are wonderful! Thank you! There is a Kindle version: http://www.amazon.com/Was-Me-All-Along-Memoir/dp/0770433243/
How wonderful Andie! Do we really have to wait until January?? I’ll have to get my parents to mail it to me in Australia.
If you are in Australia you can pre-order it for kindle on Amazon.com.au I just pre-ordered my copy..
I pre-ordered mine on Fishpond.com.au. They have always been very reliable and have free shipping to Oz.
perfect as usual! I’ve pre-ordered and will be in line in LA when you come to see your face, to squeeze you (finally) and look you in the eyes when I tell you how special you are to me.
hugs
I preordered last week, I’m so excited to get my copy. Your story continues to be an inspiration for me, and your candid view into your life always grabs me and squeezes my heart strings – knowing I’m not ‘the only one’ is a salve most welcome. And your tedx talk, swoon! Can we be friends? :)
congrats!!! i watched the TedX last night and bawled. 100% completely relate and am so amazed by your honesty. can’t wait to get the book :)
I just pre-ordered it. I discovered your blog a few weeks ago, and I don’t know if it came at just the right time or if it made it be the right time, but it’s been inspirational for me, and has changed the way I think. I’d order anything of yours without hesitation. Thank you.
So incredibly thrilled for you, you lovely woman! I already tweeted you after I preordered but I have since told friends and family about your site and your book and we have all been so touched by your honesty, strength, and vulnerability. I can’t tell you how much your writing has meant to me at various points in my life. Eeeek, cannot wait to read!
Please tell me you will be on the talk show circuit!!!!!! I want to see you talk about this wonderful manuscript! I am soooo excited for this to come out already!!!!! WhaHoooooooo!!!!!!! Will preorder! So proud of you! Hope I get to meet you at a book signing in the future. YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!
With super bunches of hugs !!!!!!
Anne
Oh Andie I am so excited and so happy for you that this dream is even closer to being realised. Congratulations. I cannot wait to lie by the pool (January means summer down here) and read this and cry and smile and laugh and cry again.
If you ever find yourself wandering down to Australia, let me know because I would love to cook you dinner. Invisible internet love works both ways :)
Heading over to pre-order now xx
I can’t wait to receive this book! I have been following your blog since forever and have been waiting for this book to be released!!! I am so happy that there finally is a date and the possibility to pre-order it! I just checked the German Amazon and it will also be available there! Just pre-ordered it! Thank you so much for your honesty and your inspiring content here on the blog!
I wish you all the best for the release of your book!!!
I pre-ordered my copy about 5 seconds after I got done watching your TED talk. Can not wait to read it!
it’s 4:32am in michigan. i got up to use the bathroom then hopped back in bed and checked my emails. i have tears running down my cheeks. wow. just wow. i have no other words. just know you are loved. and i am so proud. and FOR REALS alison and giada wrote blurbs about your book? {jumping up and down and twirling while screaming}.
I have just pre-ordered your book, & I can’t WAIT until it’s released! To say that your journey has helped me through a REALLY TOUGH time in my life, when my eating disorder RAGED back to life, due to my own painful break-up, would be a HUGE understatement. Your book will greatly improve the final, harsh passage of what can potentially be a really cold, N. Illinois winter. I’m looking forward to it, Andie! Thank you for always being so vulnerable with us!
SO. FREAKIN. EXCITED!!!!!!!! I’ve been patiently awaiting this book since, what? 2010? 2011? Congratulations!
Pre-ordered!!!! Cannot wait!! Congrats!
Let’s just all have a White’s cake party when the book comes out. Book club party with cake? Yes. Also, you’re the greatest. I’ve never been so excited for a book to come out. And that’s saying a lot. You are a star, you realize that right? I hope so!
I’m thrilled for you. Enjoy every moment of this exciting time. I have no doubts your book will be a huge success. I can’t wait to get lost in your words in January xx
It’s a given that this book is going to be wonderful. And if no one else has said it, OMG to who did your editorial reviews. Awesome. Congratulations. Preordering now. I can’t wait to read it. At 43 I’m trying to start my weight loss journey and your story has been such an inspiration. Thank you.
I wonder, do all of us think, “I really love this person and they’re just in my internet world”…? –> YES! I know I do. <3
Ordering! Can't wait to read it. xo
Done!
Truly an ispiration to us all! My weightloss inspired me…..http://tinyurl.com/qxlgc43
Of course I’m gonna buy your book! Are you still gonna love us when you’re even more famous?
I LOVE the cover! Precious little girl! I can’t wait to read it! Congrats Andie!
Yay! I have been waiting for this! Do a book tour :) and meet some of us, if you can of course.
Cannot wait to get it!! And if they do an audio book, you should be the narrator. You have the perfect voice for it, as illustrated by the TEDx talk!
Just ordered your book!!! Can not wait to read and be inspired by it! It comes out on my birthday… how cool is that for a birthday present?!!!!!!!
Ordered! Well done, lady!
I am so excited for you! What an incredible accomplishment. And I cannot wait to read your book. I will try really hard to pre-order it soon! Thanks for being inspiring and for your kind words :)
I would also like a to know if a Kindle addition will be available before I buy the hard cover… Don’t get me wrong I love a solid book, but I’m super addicted to my digital book! Congratulations on your accomplishment! So excited for you.
Ordered!
Ordered your book and can’t wait to read it!
Also, I wanted to tell you that we’ve been cooking your recipes at home. So far, my favorites have been the orzo with chickpeas and feta and the chicken kabob in a pita. I think I’ve been in a Greek mood lately…Anyway, we’ve been struggling with meal planning and it’s really helpful to have your recipes to refer to/get inspiration from.
Katie
I am a book blogger and also a reader of your blog and I just requested a review copy from the publisher. I can’t wait to read it!
Need you even ask??? I have been waiting for so long for this book to finally materialize. Can’t wait to read it! I know the book will be awesome…just like you! :)
I just pre-ordered via Amazon and I can’t WAIT to read it! Andie, your blog and recipes and honesty about this struggle have helped change my life in an amazing way. By the time January 2015 rolls around I hope to have accomplished some of my own personal goals, and this book will be a fantastic reminder. Thanks again for being so great.
Ordered it with great joy.
Five words…. CAN’T WAIT TO READ IT!
Preordered!! You are amazing. Love, another stranger-friend who thinks you are fab.
Just ordered it! I have been waiting since the day I came across your blog years ago. I wish you the most success with it. You definitely deserve it. Big hugs!
Just ordered it! Congratulations on your book – how exciting! You’re such a beautiful writer and I can’t wait to receive it. Thank you for sharing with us!
Fabulous! And I will read it. I love the title. It smacks of how I feel all the time. Feel as though I am buried. If only the real me would come out and play.
This should be a good read! Can’t wait to get my copy!
And congrats, what an awesome feat. Well done and thank you :)
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Wonderful new, Andie! Can’t wait to check it out!
Your posts always make me feel so happy. Thank you for thanking us, internet friend ;) I pre-ordered your book via amazon! Can’t wait for it to come out!
I’m so excited to read your book, congratulations!
Will this be available for Kindle? I want to preorder but Hardback was my only option : /
So excited to read this! If it’s half as amazing as your TedTalk, you’ve got an instant best seller.
You’ve inspired me to forgive myself for all the times I’ve screwed up, for gaining back almost forty of the fifty pounds I worked so hard to lose (and am now losing, again), and to remember that there’s never a point where you’re just “done” with weight loss.
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I thank you for your courage and strength!! I thank you for sharing your story with us to help us find out who we are.
Congratulations! I will definitely be pre-ordering. Very inspirational!
Andie, I’ve been excited for this book for a long time now. You are a beautiful writer and I’m so happy for the success coming your way. Will there be a kindle version? I’ll preorder it as soon as there is one!
Kace! Hey!
THANK YOU! Yep they just released the Kindle version: http://www.amazon.com/Was-Me-All-Along-Memoir/dp/0770433243/
Definitely ordering and reading your book, Andie. Can’t wait!
Pre-ordered!!
I just watched your speech because Jessica of How Sweet It Is recommended it. I think you are absolutely amazing. And beautiful and classy and real. Pre ordering your book right now.
Just preordered your book, which makes January a month to look forward with anticipation for a great read. Have fun on your vacation.
Can’t wait! Pre-ordered just now :-)
Just ordered and I’m so excited to read it! You were the first of many healthy living blogs I started reading! I love your point of view as a writer and think you’ll have a fabulous career!
CONGRATS!!! This is sooooo exciting!! You are amazing and your story is so inspiring! In fact… you were one of my very first blogs to follow! You inspired me to make my own blog! Thanks girl! :)
Congrats Andie!!!! I can’t wait to read it! Thank you for sharing your experiences & thoughs and being an inspiration:)
<3 from one small country far away from you :)
I ordered it on Amazon:)
Totally already on my Amazon wishlist. I’m also going to pin it right now. So excited to read it!
You had me at Leo.
Pre-ordered! Cannot wait to get my paws on this. Congrats, Andie dear!!
I love your blog, and I can’t wait to read the book! You’re such an inspiration! I only hope to be an influence on at least one person with my blog!
I’ve been a reader for quite some time now. I often find myself coming back to your blog and re-reading old entries on days when I’m feeling like a failure (as I did today). I’m not sure that I’ve ever commented before, and it occurred to me today that I should say thank you. Thank you so much for your honesty and for sharing yourself with strangers. I know i’m not the only one who derives strength and inspiration from you. You give me hope and you make me laugh and you remind me that I’m not alone on this journey toward a healthy relationship with food. Never stop writing. And if you ever come to Alaska, look me up so I can be your new best friend. I pre-ordered the kindle version of your book and can’t wait to read it. Congratulations to you on such an amazing accomplishment.
P.S. if you ever decide to do private coaching, I would sign up in 0.25 miliseconds and pay you a million dollars ;). Just sayin.
So excited to read it! Congrats!!! Just ordered ;)
Just pre-ordered!! Hope it is a mad success!! You deserve it! I love your blog and cannot wait to read the book!
Pre-ordered with great anticipation. Congratulations a thousand-million-gazillion times over! Not only do I continue to find great inspiration, both personal and culinary, on your site, I continue to admire your courage, strength, humor, love of Fluff – you name it. By the Power of Parmesan, may your wonderful memoir make it to the New York Times Best Seller List!
Congratulations on the book! I can’t wait to get my hands on one. And yes, even though I don’t know you personally, I AM you in more ways than you realize!
I bought it! Now I have something fabulous to look forward to reading in the new year. Thank you for being you and thank you for sharing your life with all of us. I consider you a friend too. xo
I’m so, so, so excited! I’ve been (silently) waiting years. I pre-ordered before I even got through the second paragraph of this post. I can’t wait! Love you and your honesty.
Hi Andie, I work at Woman’s World Magazine (we love you!) and we received an advanced copy of your book. I’m three chapters in, and sobbing. Thank you for writing so honestly and beautifully, as you always do.
So glad to have found your blog. Your story is in many ways so close to my own, it’s nice when you realize you are not alone!
I am where you used to be when you started all this. I don’t know where to begin. I cannot seem
to get motivated to exercise or stay on any sort of diet plan. I need to lose over 100 pounds and
need some help. Do you have any suggestions. I have struggled all my life with my weight and
I so want to get this off and start living my life. I turned 50 this year and I don’t see a way to do
this. I am so disappointed in myself for the fact that I have tried to lose weight so many times
and want to finally make the decision to do this. Any inspiration you could give me would be
appreciated. Blogs to read, articles, books, etc. I just keep thinking that I will read something
that will really inspire me to do something for myself. Thanks.
Robyn–
If you can’t find enough inspiration in Andie’s archived posts (and they have been very inspirational to me), try reading a book called Younger Next Year for Women. You are at the perfect age to start thinking about how to have a happy and healthy senior life. I wish I had found the book when I was 50!
And I hope some of this helps.
Andie, I’ve just returned from a long trip and am catching up on my blogs. I’m excited about your book. Just pre-ordered it on Amazon! My youngest daughter (24 years old) struggles with her weight and needs to lose about 60 pounds. I do too! Your writings are an inspiration to us. It can be a lonely, cruel world when you are overweight. Congratulations on the book, can’t wait to get it!
I finally got a new job, once I’ve settled into it I will be picking up your book!
Andie. I can’t wait to read it. You are absolutely stunning inside and out. So much love is sent from me and Glenn {and baby Branch} to you. Thanks for being you and keepin’ it real every day. xoxo
I know that you have probably heard this a hundred times from readers but I want you to know it holds true for me. Your blog is what made me wake up one day and decide to start liking a healthier lifestyle.
I had moved to Stoneham, Ma a year and a half ago after graduating college and began working a software company. Everyday was a struggle with weight, depression, finding friends, motivation, anything. I topped out at 318 pounds. I was OVER 300 pounds! I remember growing up and thinking I may be big but I don’t know how people let there weight get to that point. I had gotten to such an extreme weight and had no idea how it happened. Then I started reading your blog and slowly something started to change. I began going to a nutritionist to get my eating on track. I signed up at a kickboxing studio and have been going to 3 to 4 classes a week. Since March 1st I have lost 43 pounds. I am hoping to lose another 25 by October to ring in my 25th birthday at 250. A weight that I haven’t been in 7 years since I graduated high school. I know I still have a long way to go overall and I keep reminding myself that it took 24 years to get to this point and it will not fall off overnight. But without your blog and an instructor at kickboxing that made me believe I could do this even when I thought I couldn’t, I have no idea where I would be.
You are inspirational. Your story is inspirational. Your blog is inspirational. And I have already pre-ordered your book as I believe that will also be inspirational. Thank you so much for have the strength to tell your story and for being there for me even when you didn’t know you were holding me up when I couldn’t hold myself.
Just pre-ordered the book. Can’t wait to read it!
Andie, I read your blog a while back and I’m just now checking it out again. I saw that you have a book so I already pre-ordered it. Thank you for being so public with your private accomplishment,I know it couldn’t have been easy, but that’s what makes you stand out! You’re awesome, and beautiful all the way around!
love,
Anna
Like the post, but I can’t read the font of the blog title.
Congratulations on finishing such an enormous project Andie. I can’t wait to read your story. I’ve enjoyed your blog, your recipes and the love you put in both. It’s pre-ordered and my Kindle is ready for January.
Wishing you continued success, good health, happiness and prosperity.
Andie,
Ordered your book – can’t wait to read it! Congratulations!
So happy for you, Andie! I’ve just placed my pre-order. Your blog is great and I’m sure your book will be, too!
Just pre-ordered your book! Can’t wait to read it :)
MUST get this the minute it comes out!!! Congrats, and thank you for all your beautiful blogging!!
I was lucky enough to get an advanced edition of this book from the library where I work and devoured (heehee) it in two days. As I am sure many people will, I completely related to everything you went through. I am still struggling to lose weight and find the balance you achieved where food is not a friend or an enemy, where exercise is not all or nothing. Your whole journey is an inspiration, and more than that, a beautiful story of your life and the stages of your growth. Thank you, thank you for your honesty and for writing this and sharing it will the many people who need to hear it.
This means the WORLD to me, Kate. I have to let you know that I am so grateful to you for taking the time to read it and write in to let me know that you enjoyed it. You are incredibly kind. THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Andie
I just today discovered your blog and book, Andie. I can’t wait to read your book when it comes out! I’ll pre-order it in the next couple of weeks. I can already tell that you’re going to be an inspiration to me, even though you’re less than half my age. It’s never to late to start the journey of weight loss, I guess. I feel motivated, just reading your inspirational blog. I subscribed to your email list today, but haven’t received a confirmation email.
Congratulations, good luck, keep up the great work, and all that jazz!
I honestly couldn’t buy your book fast enough. So proud of you and so beyond thankful I found your blog 2 years ago back when I was start my journey.
Thank you so much for being brave and putting your life so candidly out there. xoxo
I just preordered your book! I’m very excited to read it; I know it will be completely genuine and unabashedly YOU. And it will be wonderful.
Andie, I was lucky enough to get an advance review copy of your book and it is amazing! I hope you will be writing more in the future. You are a talented writer.
Joanne, I cannot.begin.to.tell.you what this means. Wow. Thank you with all my heart. For reading it, for liking it. For everything. Means the whole world.
Love,
Andie
What a little sweetie you are! And Leo???? Something tells me that little girl in the pic would be mighty proud of herself! Hehe. Congratulations!
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Andie!
I’m so excited to read your memoir, and inspired by your courage. Please tell me you’re doing a book tour too! (?)
Warm wishes!
Anne
Thank you so much, Anne!! I don’t know for sure about a book tour yet, but I hope so!
Andie
I just Finished your book. It was wonderful. I feel so connected. I have had such an abnormal life with food. You have inspired me
Great job
I just finished reading your book and it literally moved me to tears all my life I was made fun of for my weight. I too have lost a lot of weight and it’s a struggle but I keep going each day. I look back on old pictures of myself and don’t recognize myself but when I read the part in your book where you stated no matter fat nor thin it was me all along it has helped me realize that the point in my life when I was overweight wasn’t all bad times there was good in it too and you made me see that so thank you!
Hi Andie!! I just finished your book and was truly moved and inspired by it!!! I lived a lot of your same experiences, plus some other childhood trauma that has haunted me for a lot of years. I got a lot out of your book, cried a lot of tears, and am praying to find the same strength you have found to overcome my lifelong weight issues, as you have. Thank you for writing your story!!!!
I read your book today. I could not put it down. You captured the feelings of guilt and shame of so many women who have struggled with eating issues since childhood. Thank you for holding out hope that it is possible to overcome these feelings and regain a sense of self worth. Nothing worth having is easy. Your story is one of great courage and tenacity.
Hi Andie!!! I just finished your book, and it was wonderful!!!! So well written, and so raw with emotion. I related to you in many, many ways. Thank you for writing your story!
Darla
Andie,
I just finished your book “It Was Me All Along!” I laughed and I cried, mostly cried and after sharing your book with my BFF I had to write! I could have written your book! I fought an eating disorder for 30 years, in first grade I weighed 130 lbs! And would beg my Mother not to, do not please do not buy any school pictures! But, of course she did and am I proud to say all those pictures have been burned! lol!
I am now at a comfortable 128 lbs and stand 5″3″ and am working toward 115 pounds!
I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your book and how heartwarming and heartbreaking it was to read!
Take care,
Patricia (Pat) R. Lewis
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