The Story of My Life in 3,500 Words or Less Summary and Analysis

Nora starts the story of her life with how much she wants to live in New York. She moves Los Angeles when she is five and misses home and does not fit in. Her mother and her teacher both influenced Nora. She gives two quotes from her mother, "Everything is copy", and "Never ever buy a red coat". From Nora's high school journalism teacher's lesson on learning to write story leads, she decides she wants to be a journalist.

Nora's weight becomes an issue in college, having gained twenty pounds in the first three months. She has to borrow clothes from her friend Janice Glabman, who is known for being overweight, but even Janice's clothes are too small. Janice laughs at her, which motivates Nora...