Hey Fatso! A Memoir

A raw and poignant true story of survival, strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.

My parents’ nickname for me was 'DeDe.' I never tried again to tell them that everyone else’s nickname for me was 'Fatso.' I was on my own. For the next twenty years, along with being called 'Fatso,' 'Hey, Fatso!' was yelled at me daily by strangers who must have felt it their duty to tell me the 'truth' about myself.

***

“Deedra’s memoir is astonishing in the eloquence with which it captures the heart of a young girl who finds herself in a body that, through no fault of her own, is an object of derision by her parents, teachers, classmates, and even her doctors. She goes into her experiences with exceptional detail that evokes the sights, sounds, and smells of the era, some of which occurred seventy years ago. These are memories that were frozen in time, and also transcend the little girl herself and speak to wounded parts in all of us.”

— Christopher Germer, Ph.D.

Order Now


This book is a survival guide for those looking to gain insight and perspective on the effects of bullying and childhood trauma. Boyer takes you through events with such detail and beautiful description it’s like you are right alongside with her. A must read.

—Kristina Ferry

The book is a testament to there is light at the end of the tunnel. It’s a journey that many of us have followed but in different ways. The book gives us the tools to find our own light.

—Amazon Customer

Deedra’s memoir will first break your heart and then fill you with hope. Not only is it a fascinating true story, but also a guide post for personal healing. Deedra says “Life is a shit wrapped gift” - which is the bad news, and the good news!

—Jen R.

Ms. Boyer presents an honest, compelling account of her unimaginable childhood and youth. She faces inner demons while searching for the love her emotionally handicapped parents are unable to provide. She comes to associate "love" with the delicious, sweet treats provided by her caring maternal grandmother. Her search for this "good love" leads to self-doubt, and eventually, bulimia. Not only does a lost but determined
Ms. Boyer gain control of her eating, and her life, but she develops the desire and talent to help others. This book is for anyone wishing to grow in appreciation and respect for themselves and for others.

—Kathleen