Weight Loss, Gain Shaped Local Author's Novel, '150 Pounds'

Hobokenite recently finished her second novel 150 Pounds.

The novel—which centers on two girls and the role weight plays in their lives—was written in Hoboken, often at . 

Rockland took some time to answer some of Patch's questions about her new book, her inspiration and the role Hoboken plays in her new novel. 

Patch: What gave you the idea for 150 Pounds? 

Kate Rockland: I gained and lost about 50 pounds twice in less than two years. The first time was "love weight," from getting married and trying out new cookbooks every night, and stuffing my face with Haagen Daaz. The second time was from being pregnant with my son, I gained 50 pounds with him. I started to see how closely connected women are to their weight. It's emotional for us, in a way that it's just not with men. They get a gut and don't really mind it. Also, society is much crueler to women: The term "freshman 15" almost always applies to girls, and stories in tabloids about celebrity weight gain or loss is about women celebs. Photos of Gisele two weeks after giving birth in a bikini do not help the average woman's self-esteem.

Patch: What role does Hoboken play in the book? 

KR: Shoshana's (the main character) dog's name is Sinatra. She named him this because when she adopted him from the Jersey City Animal shelter, he peed on the star in the sidwalk that marks Sinatra's birth home. Shoshana—just like myself—also likes to have a glass of wine at .  

Patch: The book starts off in Oprah's studio. How did you research that scene?

KR: I watch Oprah a lot and adore her, but the entire studio scene was from my imagination. I've never been on TV.

Patch: You wrote most of your first novel at Empire, did you return to write your second one there too?

KR: I did. Abby and her staff were really nice to me. I eventually blocked out the sound of coffee being ground, and when the weather is nice they open the front doors and it gets a really nice breeze coming downhill off Washington Street.

Patch: How long did it take to write this book?

KR: About a year. I did a lot of it sitting and people-watching at Empire Coffee.

Patch: Do you have any ideas for future novels? 

KR: I would love to explore the idea of surrogacy, but it will take a lot of research. Right now I'm being a little lazy about writing, but I do have an essay in SELF magazine coming out this summer about weight.

Patch: What message are you sending to the women of Hoboken—and beyond—with this novel?

KR: We have to be kinder to ourselves. If someone gives you a compliment on your body, don't deflect it. Say thank you. Also, as long as you're not obese, it's okay to have that extra plate of fries at Zach's or an ice-cream from Ben and Jerry's this summer.

Editor's note: Kate Rockland is a former freelancer for Hoboken Patch.