Featuring compelling characters and integrating classic themes such as bullying, racial injustice, and coming of age, Fat Girl Sings is the profoundly moving true story of a chubby brown boy's traumatic loss of innocence and his mental and physical transformation into the warrior he has to become to achieve success in school, in the NFL, in business, and in life as he struggles to gain an understanding of himself, his environment, and his Hawaiian heritage.
"Ray Schoenke has lived a fascinating life-from his upbringing in Hawaii, to his groundbreaking career as one of the first Polynesian players in the NFL, to his successful business career. Along the way, he has never failed to stand up or speak out for what he believes. I'll always be grateful for his support, and I'm glad he's finally telling his story."
-President Bill Clinton
"Fat Girl Sings provides an evocative glimpse into the Hawaiian experience, touching on sports, culture, race, and a man's effort to discover, embrace, and accept all of himself."
-Polynesian Football Hall of Fame
"His Mo'olelo [story] speaks: his truth, his wonderment, his discernment, his pain, his enlightenment, and his peace in search of his harmony with self, his environment, and his ancestors."
-Trustee S. Haunani Apoliona, MSW, Native Hawaiian Advocate for more than 45 years, and composer of mele 'ōiwi Hawai'i
"I called Ray Schoenke a dumb Hawaiian, but he is really a tough Hawaiian. He paddled the Molokai Race with a dislocated shoulder."
-Nappy Napoleon, founder and head coach of the Anuenue Canoe Club and World Champion paddler and steersman
"Ray Schoenke's life story is one of inspiration, reflection, emotion, understanding, affirmation, and encouragement."
