Title: Seeing Me Naked
Author: Liza Palmer
First published January 8, 2008
295 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780446698375 (ISBN10: 0446698377)
Rating: 3.77
Overview
Elisabeth Page has always been overshadowed by her famous novelist father and brother. Despite their disappointment in her career as a pastry chef at a top LA restaurant, Elisabeth is content with her life.
That is until she meets Daniel Sullivan, a basketball coach who won her heart at a charity auction. Despite their different worlds, they seem to fit together perfectly.
However, Elisabeth’s newfound happiness is threatened by her family’s disapproval and the pressure to star in a new cooking show. Can Elisabeth break free from her family’s expectations and embrace her own happiness?
In Seeing Me Naked, Liza Palmer delivers a poignant story of a woman navigating success, love, and familial expectations.
About the Author
Liza Palmer is an accomplished author whose book Conversations with the Fat Girl has been so successful that it has been optioned by HBO for a series. Her writing style is commended in Library Journal for its realistic blend of humor and sadness.
Palmer’s impressive career includes earning two Emmy nominations for her writing on the first season of VH1’s Pop Up Video, though she admits she now knows more than she ever wanted to about Fergie.
Her fifth novel, Nowhere but Home, tells the story of a failed chef who makes last meals for the condemned in Texas. This book was recognized with the Willie Morris Award for Southern Fiction in 2013.
Palmer’s latest work, The F Word, was published by Flatiron Books on April 25, 2017. When she’s not discussing The Great British Bake Off while sipping tea, Palmer works at BuzzFeed.
She currently resides in Los Angeles.
Editoral Review
Liza Palmer’s Seeing Me Naked is an insightful and poignant novel that explores the complexities of relationships, family dynamics, and self-discovery. Published on January 8, 2008, the novel is an acclaimed piece of contemporary fiction, imbued with a witty and honest voice that is both refreshing and relatable.
The novel follows the story of Lillian, a twenty-seven-year-old personal assistant, who is struggling to navigate life after a series of setbacks. She has been dumped by her live-in boyfriend, lost her job due to a company-wide downsizing, and is grappling with unresolved issues with her estranged father.
However, there is one bright spot in her life—she has reconnected with her best friend, Rachel, who is also dealing with her own personal struggles. Palmer’s writing style is engrossing and immersive, drawing the reader into Lillian’s world with vivid and evocative descriptions.
The characters are engaging and well-drawn, each bringing their own unique perspective and personality to the story. The novel has a breezy and humorous tone that is balanced by the underlying emotional depth of the characters and their struggles.
One of the strengths of the novel is its exploration of complex family dynamics, particularly the fraught relationship that Lillian has with her father. Palmer deftly navigates the nuances of this relationship, providing a nuanced and empathetic portrayal that is both moving and insightful.
Another strength of the novel is its portrayal of female friendship, particularly in the way that Lillian and Rachel support and uplift each other through their respective challenges. The novel also explores themes of self-discovery, identity, and personal growth in a thoughtful and nuanced way.
Lillian’s journey towards self-acceptance and self-love is inspiring, and provides an empowering message for readers. One potential weakness of the novel is its pacing, which is at times slow and meandering.
Some readers may find the novel to be overly introspective, and may struggle to connect with the characters on a deeper level. However, overall, Seeing Me Naked is a compelling and relatable novel that will resonate with readers who enjoy contemporary fiction with a focus on relationships and personal growth.
It is a testament to Palmer’s skill as a writer that she is able to infuse such depth and nuance into what could easily have been a lightweight and superficial story. For those who enjoy coming-of-age stories, stories about familial relationships, or stories about female friendships, Seeing Me Naked is a must-read.
It is a heartfelt and earnest novel that is likely to leave a lasting impression on readers. On a scale of one to five, I would rate it a four, based on its excellent writing, engaging characters, and insightful themes.
