A review by millibee
Queer Body Power: Finding Your Body Positivity by Essie Dennis

5.0

Essie Dennis’ writing is personal, political, relatable and accessible. Queer Body Power starts off with a careful and thought-out content warning which gives the reader a head start on figuring out which sections and chapters they may or may not need to skip. Dennis explores some heavy topics within this non-fiction publication such as: body image, eating disorders, ableism, fatphobia, racism and transphobia, which are all interconnected areas of society which need dismantling, the warning at the beginning is done with care.

Although this book is non-fiction with each chapter within Queer Body Power being written in essay-form, Dennis’ exploration and explanation does not gate-keep. The language used flows easily and the ideas presented are easy to grasp.

Although my own experiences as a queer, fat femme may be different, I found myself reflected within this book. The way that body image and queerness specifically intertwine is highly fascinating and I was able to read and think back on my own relationships with my queerness, my body and with food.

As someone who has come from a queer studies background, this book made me feel as though I was in a long conversation with a knowledgable, more experienced queer person than myself. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

I am grateful that Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Essie Dennis and NetGalley provided me with a copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.