Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls: A Handbook For Unapologetic Living (2015) - Plot & Excerpts
I received an early review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I say early because after I downloaded it I saw the author posting about making another round of edits to it!I have followed Jes Baker ever since she was "just" a blogger over on the Militant Baker. Back then I think she blogged about baking sometimes, but I soon discovered that she was discovering a different sort of voice. I continue to follow her these days more on her Instagram account, where she continues to link to amazing people and live her life fearlessly, from her ongoing "I Wear What I Want" series to the time she took on the guy in charge at Abercrombie & Fitch with a sexy photo shoot.Jes has become a prominent voice in the body-love movement, and she does a good job bringing her own experiences together with voices and experts from other segments of the movement in this book. I liked the occasional essays from people who have different focus and training because she allows their voices to be heard as well. Jes writes in a very casual tone but the research is solid and accounted for, which I appreciated. One of the most interesting ideas for me in this book, because I had not considered it in this way, was the thought that body shaming just might be one more way of keeping women from grabbing what should belong to them in society. She has numerous examples of encountering this behavior online, since she has chosen to live so far into the public eye. "Fat women who deliberately take up space, speak out, and achieve the happiness we all desire are the perfect trifecta of terror. They represent a terror that we can't control, and so we throw our hate at them by the handful in hopes that they quiet down, shut up, and get back in line.I think for most women, these voices are pretty powerful. It can be refreshing to contemplate a different, more fearless way of thinking. To take up space. To live your life, without apologies.
Thank you, Jes. Thank you for saying everything I needed to hear, and everything I didn't want to hear. I fought with myself for weeks over reading this book. I was so scared it was going to make me feel worse about myself, or worse, it wouldn't do me any good at all. That I'd never finish it and I was wasting my time. It was even one I asked my library to order, so I felt even more obligated to read it. But I continued to put it off. Until The last week I had it checked out, when I went to renew it, and a lady friend of mine had a hold on it. I felt like I had to read it for both of us. And because I knew if I returned it unread, I'd never pick it up again. So I just sat down and fucking started reading. I obsess over self-help books - taking notes, writing, journaling, all that shit. But this time I told myself, it's time to just fucking read. Sit my size-18 ass down and DO IT. I got through the first four chapters and I had to stop and assess how I was feeling. I was this amazing mixture of awe, relief and trepidation. The biggest was relief. Relief that I'm not alone. Everything I was reading were things that I felt but couldn't put words to. All the shame and self-loating, and self-hate, it all made sense where it was coming from. And what was even better? She didn't just pinpoint the sources- she gave ACTUAL IDEAS OF HOW TO CHANGE WHAT I THOUGHT. I've been told over and over its possible to reprogram my brain, to look at things differently, but NO ONE gives any IDEAS on how to do it! I've got plans now! There's hope and lightness in my heart again! So thank you, Jes. You've helped me get my first few feet down a path of self-love. I know it's going to be long and hard, but it will be a beautiful adventure. And I can't stress this enough - if you're on the fence about reading this, read it. Seriously, fucking do it now. It's a wonderful read, and it will help you look at yourself with kinder eyes.
What do You think about Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls: A Handbook For Unapologetic Living (2015)?
I loved this book so much! I got it because good reads said I would like it after I finished fat girl walking by Brittany Gibbons and they where right! empowering, hysterical, thought provoking; Jes Baker is amazing and I am so glad she is such a beautiful empowered woman. I am even happier that she is choosing to share her body positive kick-ass-ness! not a word I know but suck it...the only thing she doesn't really talk about as much as I would like her too is being fat with kids. She did talk a bit about post baby bodies and standards of new mom beauty and I understand that since she is childless she wouldn't have experience in that particular area. I still would have liked to see a little bit more on mom pressure to be 110% happy with this amazing price of literature.... so 105% will have to do! Everyone needs to read this book, no matter what the scale says.
—Diana Ireland
This book was so much more than I expected it to be. Funny, Intelligent,Well-written, Amazing research and such great complimentary articles by other relevant authors, PRACTICAL, APPLICABLE tips and lessons, Considerations of multiple facets of health....I just can't say how great this book was, because it's like I still can't believe - I will definitely be recommending it to my counseling clients and anyone else who I know is struggling with body image issues. Thank you Jes Baker!!!! You've written something amazing and helpful and earned every one of these 5 stars.
—Maritza "Books y Booty" Valle
This review is based on an advanced copy provided by NetGalley.This is a very important book that EVERYONE should read. Most people, especially women, have struggled with body image issues, and those who haven't, know someone who has. This book is the perfect intro to changing the way we think about ourselves and others. The reason I think this book stands out among others in its genre is its inclusiveness of race, mental illness, and disabilities. Jes Baker does an excellent job breaking down how self-image affects us, especially if we don't fit into the typical standard of beauty. She also goes beyond that and gives simple, yet effective tips on how to love our bodies and rebel against the pressure society puts on us to look or act a specific way.
—Chelsey
