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lvd92's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Such a powerful read, especially when enjoyed by audio (narrated by the author herself). This is the type of book I feel is important for every woman to read to confront internalised society-imposed limitations, and for everyone else to understand how their behaviour may contribute to someone else's suffering and maintaining this toxic environment.
There may be books out there on this topic which are better researched or contain more information, but I think the author did an outstanding job trying to be fair and honest, covering as much as possible with care, with attention for diverse experiences. Her narrative voice felt empowering and sympethatic to me, open and understanding, putting the blame on the actors who deserve it without dwelling to much on that. Instead, she focused on positive messaging, creating awareness, what we can do for ourselves and others. Really positive is also that she referenced and recommended so many other sources, and both recognised the value of therapy and the privilege of it. It was obvious she cared so much, it was like she was talking to me directly.
Highly highly recommend this read.
There may be books out there on this topic which are better researched or contain more information, but I think the author did an outstanding job trying to be fair and honest, covering as much as possible with care, with attention for diverse experiences. Her narrative voice felt empowering and sympethatic to me, open and understanding, putting the blame on the actors who deserve it without dwelling to much on that. Instead, she focused on positive messaging, creating awareness, what we can do for ourselves and others. Really positive is also that she referenced and recommended so many other sources, and both recognised the value of therapy and the privilege of it. It was obvious she cared so much, it was like she was talking to me directly.
Highly highly recommend this read.
madamegeneva's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
I’ve previously read some of the recommended texts in the back of this book, so I didn’t really learn any new information. That being said, I really liked the compassionate yet direct tone from the author, it made it enjoyable to read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder and Dysphoria
proudlocks's review against another edition
3.0
This book is good if you are struggling with self image and constantly struggling on the “diet hamster wheel”. Most of it is commonly known knowledge but well written and laid out so you can understand and digest it better and perhaps use the book to make notes and a plan for yourself to “break the cycle” and learn to love your body.
Was it helpful to me, as someone who’s super interested in nutrition and body image, not really, but it was an enjoyable read, I’d totally recommend to my friends though that are at the begging of learning to love themselves!
Was it helpful to me, as someone who’s super interested in nutrition and body image, not really, but it was an enjoyable read, I’d totally recommend to my friends though that are at the begging of learning to love themselves!
jldreads's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
This book has defos helped me learn a lot about diet culture, body image and so much more. i recommend everyone read this if you’re struggling with your body like me! such an amazing, informative book that i will constantly go back to.
staceyinthesticks's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Dysphoria, Eating disorder, and Body shaming
ambieeeeee's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
lovelylloyd's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Thank you NetGalley, Hapercollins UK Audio and Alex Light for providing me with a copy of the Audiobook for 'You Are Not a Before Picture' for review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Now I want to be completely honest, I was a little hesitant to pick this up as the author is a cis white woman of average body size with social media advocacy being the primary source of authority. I felt that the risk of 'just love your body' being the only output of this book was very high. But I was extremely shocked and actually delighted by the constant acknowledgement of privilege, highlighting of research and continuous attempts to center more marginalised bodies. The author does an amazing job on this front and I can absolutely recommend the book for people concerned about a body positive/neutral book from a person with a 'passing body'.
I loved this book. It was everything for me in this moment. I have soooo many reflections that I could be here for hours writing about them. As an individual in eating disorder recovery it was just perfect and hit soooo many relatable moments. I suggest that EVERYONE reads the 'History of Diet Culture' section if they never read anything else in the world.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Now I want to be completely honest, I was a little hesitant to pick this up as the author is a cis white woman of average body size with social media advocacy being the primary source of authority. I felt that the risk of 'just love your body' being the only output of this book was very high. But I was extremely shocked and actually delighted by the constant acknowledgement of privilege, highlighting of research and continuous attempts to center more marginalised bodies. The author does an amazing job on this front and I can absolutely recommend the book for people concerned about a body positive/neutral book from a person with a 'passing body'.
I loved this book. It was everything for me in this moment. I have soooo many reflections that I could be here for hours writing about them. As an individual in eating disorder recovery it was just perfect and hit soooo many relatable moments. I suggest that EVERYONE reads the 'History of Diet Culture' section if they never read anything else in the world.
olivialucy's review against another edition
5.0
Such a beautiful and hopeful book. It really helped to reframe toxic diet culture and self love. I would recommend this book to everyone. 5*