I am absolutely delighted to be kicking off Anita Cassidy’s #APPETITE blog tour, with RedDoor Publishing.

Many thanks to Anna, at RedDoor publishing, for the opportunity to join in.

My review…..

#APPETITE is one of the most entertaining and thought provoking books I have ever read. Tackling some difficult, and often controversial, subjects it is quite an eye opener. I’m sure everyone will relate to one of the characters or another.

My favourite character is David. I warmed to him immediately. As an overweight person myself I can relate, although my weight isn’t as extreme as David’s is portrayed to be, I can understand his relationship with food to a certain degree. My mood totally dictates what I want to eat and other people can also influence what we consume. I don’t keep chocolate, sweets, crisps etc in the house though (generally! Christmas is different when people have bought them for us as gifts). I don’t do ready meals as I love to cook and I love nice food. I love all the good stuff, but who doesn’t like a pudding every now and then. I do bake sometimes, but nowhere near as often as I once did. I love my food, but I couldn’t imagine packing away chocolate, sweets and crisps the way David and his family do. However, the way they use these ‘treats’ almost as a way to bring them together as a family (especially since his father left home) is understandable and it’s easy to see how we can fall into such habits. I really felt for his mother, Kerrie.

It’s also typical of the society we live in to judge overweight people. It’s often assumed that we just sit on the sofa all day stuffing our faces, but this isn’t always the case. Some slim people have awful diets and can be much more unhealthy and unfit than overweight people, but no-one bats an eyelid at them. People who have never struggled with their weight have no idea how difficult it can be. The amount of times I’ve heard slim people say ‘just eat less and move more, simple!’ If it was that simple there would be no overweight people!

I’ve come across more than one Naomi. I have often been looked up and down in disgust by others who think they’re perfect. Noami’s character proves that these people are generally far from perfect themselves. Looking slim and pretty doesn’t make anyone perfect. We can all have our own cravings and some are much worse than craving a mars bar! Naomi isn’t a character I particularly warmed to. I don’t understand unfaithful people. I understand people can be unhappy and I totally agree that life is too short to be miserable, but if you’re miserable in a relationship just end it and move on. Easier said than done I’m sure, but surely a clean slate is easier than lies and deceit. The people who are being lied to and deceived don’t deserve to believe everything is rosy whilst you’re having your cake and eating it. Having said that I am very happily married and can’t even imagine feeling like I need something more, so it’s easy for me to judge. Needless to say I didn’t relate to Naomi. However, she proves again how powerful addiction and want can be, whether it’s addiction to sex, drink or food, and how circumstances can lead to unhealthy habits.

I liked Matthew, other than when he is being walked all over by Polly. Wow, she is a character! I’m all for people having passion in what they do, but wow!

I liked the positive influence Matthew has on David. As much as I think it’s a parents responsibility to ensure their child’s health and well being, I do think teachers can be a great influence. After all, our children spend nearly 6 hours a day with them during term time.

The issue of advertising junk foods etc. is a tricky one. Business is business and companies need to make money. The whole point of advertising is to influence. Every food advert I see makes me want what they’re offering (a standing joke in our house!) However, this doesn’t mean I rush out to buy it. We always have a choice.

Would we all eat less if food advertising was banned?

I do think supermarkets should put more offers on fruits, vegetables, lean meats and chicken though. It’s always the naughty stuff that’s on offer which is not at all helpful when trying to eat better, especially on a budget.

I also think ingredients should be clearer on some packaging, although this seems to be much better these days with so many food allergies to contend with, if for no other reason.

I could go on for days…..

APPETITE has really made me think and it’s a book that I’m sure will stay with me for a long time to come.

I’m also sure it will provoke many differing opinions and I look forward to reading other people’s reviews.

Many thanks to the author and Anna, at RedDoor Publishing, for my ARC. I am more than happy to recommend.

Because everyone hungers for something…

Food and Sex: two appetites the modern world stimulates, but also the ones we are expected to keep under control. But what happens when we don’t?

Embarking on an affair, lonely wife and mother Naomi blossoms sexually in a false spring while David, the fattest boy at the local comprehensive and best friend of her son, struggles to overcome bullying and the apathy of his divorced mother.

David finally starts to learn about the mechanisms of appetite through a science project set by his intelligent but jaded teacher, Matthew. David’s brave efforts to change himself open Matthew’s eyes to his activist girlfriend’s dangerous plans to blow up VitSip, a local energy-drink company where Naomi works.

At the mercy of their appetites, this exciting debut novel shows that some hungers can never be satisfied…

Out on 11th January, you can pre-order HERE

About the author…..

I am a writer, a relationship radical, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt and a friend. I am also a lover of old books, new music and (mostly) clean food. Whilst I understand the limitations of labels, I do identify as bi-sexual, polyamorous, kinky. Above all else, I am curious about everything: about life, about learning and about love.

I have been writing fiction and non-fiction since discovering National Novel Writing Month in 2012. Before that I was a sales manager and trainer in the world of regional press and recruitment advertising. I have two wonderful children and divide my time between London and Kent.