'Moose' Memoirist Seeks Midler-Type for Sitcom

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By Matt Haber

May 22, 2008 | 4:51 p.m

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HarperCollins

This week, Newsweek.com's Karen Springen interviews blogger-turned-author Stephanie Klein about her new memoir, Moose: A Memoir of Fat Camp. It's an intensely personal interview. At one point, Ms. Klein, whose previous book was called Straight Up and Dirty, is asked, "When you were a kid, your legs' chafing together caused red itchy bumps that your mom called 'chub rub,' and boys at school called you 'Moose.' Was the name-calling the worst part about being overweight?"

Yeah, that was the hardest part, was all the cruelty. It wasn't just name-calling. We'd play spin the bottle, and if the bottle landed on me, the guy would ask for a do-over. There you are trying so hard to fit in as an adolescent. Back then they didn't have stores where they had fashionable plus-size clothes. I'd have to wear clothes that were not cool and hip.

Asked how she feels about herself now, Ms. Klein says, "I could stand to lose 10 or 15 pounds, but honestly, I'm happy the way I am. I feel comfortable with it. I'd rather have that extra 10, 15 pounds on me than live a lifestyle of trying to sustain this unattainable weight."

That sort of healthy attitude probably makes her an unlikely candidate for a nascent book project seeking a "cute chunky female writer who would like to lose a few pounds" via Craig's List. According to the ad:

The authors will co-author the book as well implement the diet plan it prescribes (1500 cal, some exercise, and No Diet Pills!) The authors will track their process and share their thoughts through journals and blogs.

Besides, Ms. Klein has other things she's working on right now according to the interview: "I'm working on two books. One is young adult fiction and one is women's fiction. I don't want to say too much."

Of the television version of Straight Up, she has some thoughts about the casting: "I want it to be sort of a young Bette Midler type. Someone with lots of personality who tells it like it is."