As we dive into the world of body positivity, it’s essential to clarify what this empowering movement is all about. At its core, body positivity is about embracing and accepting one’s physical appearance, without judgment or self-criticism. It’s a mindset that acknowledges the inherent value and beauty in every shape, size, and form, encouraging individuals to love and respect their bodies just the way they are.
What is body positivity?
Body positivity emerged from the fat positive movement of the 1960s, a revolutionary effort that challenged size discrimination. Since then, body positivity has evolved into a broader movement emphasizing self-acceptance. However, this shift has led to a loss of focus on specific goals and a watering down of the initial radicalism. Unlike the original fat positive movement, which was explicit in its aims and centered around size acceptance, body positivity is more fluid and open-ended.
While it encompasses a range of bodies, including those that are traditionally considered ‘acceptable’ sizes, it often overlooks or neglects bodies outside this spectrum. This shift has led to a focus on average-sized and media-friendly bodies. Despite these limitations, body positivity remains a powerful tool for understanding the political nature of our bodies in Western societies. It can facilitate acceptance of one’s own body and encourage advocacy for marginalized bodies.
The best body positive books often share this radical approach, advocating for fat acceptance and challenging systemic sizeism. This list does not include diet culture-promoting or exercise-focused books. Instead, it highlights works that take a broader view. Body positivity, fat activism, and similar movements require active engagement, critical thinking, and emotional labor. When exploring these books, readers should be prepared to reflect, journal, and engage with the material thoughtfully.
Ultimately, the body is political, and our perceptions of it are shaped by societal norms and power structures.
Add The Best Body Positive Books To Your TBR
#VeryFat #VeryBrave: The Fat Girl’s Guide to Being #Brave and Not a Dejected, Melancholy, Down-in-the-Dumps Weeping Fat Girl in a Bikini by Nicole Byer
The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf
The iconic phrase ‘this deep backlist title’ has stood the test of time, remaining a powerful embodiment of body positivity. Despite women’s increased social influence, it’s become clear that they’re caught in a cycle of striving for beauty and style standards, perpetuating an endless pursuit of perfection and shifting benchmarks.
Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin
Being transgender refers to an individual’s gender identity not aligning with the sex they were assigned at birth. This thought-provoking book delves into the stories of six teenagers, each grappling with their own journey of self-discovery, growth, and expression of their gender identity.
Through poignant photographs, the book serves as a powerful reminder that transgender experiences are diverse and unique to each individual, emphasizing the importance of embracing and respecting every person’s valid experience.
Bodies Out Of Bounds: Fatness and Transgression Edited by Jana Evans Braziel
Following World War II, societal attitudes towards body weight underwent a seismic shift. The diet industry experienced unprecedented growth, fueled by an explosion of fat-phobic rhetoric. In direct response to this cultural phenomenon, this thought-provoking essay collection delves into the intricacies of living in a fat body, redefining what it means to be fat and exploring the complex intersections with other aspects of identity.
By examining the ways in which natural bodily diversity is exploited by capitalist forces, these essays challenge prevailing narratives and offer a nuanced understanding of fatness as a multifaceted human experience.
Bodymap by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha
Crafted as an ode to the intersectional experiences of disabled queer femmes of color, this love song serves as a powerful tool for empowerment, validation, and community building. It’s a testament to the resilience and beauty that can emerge from the confluence of multiple marginalized identities.
The Body Is Not An Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor
Taylor’s latest book takes a refreshing approach by placing diverse bodies at its core, offering a much-needed respite from the typical white-centered narratives. Moreover, her message about body liberation is nothing short of essential reading material. The book delves into the deeply rooted nature of body shame, which each individual carries, and presents practical steps towards embracing acts of joy, celebration, and freedom within one’s own physicality.
As a result, readers can expect to leave with actionable tools and techniques for cultivating self-acceptance and celebrating their unique bodies just as they are.
The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD
While not a traditional body positivity book, ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ is a crucial read for anyone seeking liberation from their body’s wounds. As an expert in trauma, Dr. van der Kolk has spent three decades studying how stress reprograms our brain and impacts our physical well-being, as well as how it can be passed down through generations.
This comprehensive work not only delves into the mechanics of trauma but also offers practical treatment ideas and practices to help individuals release their body’s stored trauma and cultivate a deeper sense of connection with their physical selves.
Body Positive Power: How Learning to Love Yourself Will Save Your Life by Megan Jayne Crabbe
If you’re not already familiar with @bodyposipanda, you should be! This influential individual has dedicated their platform to promoting a healthier relationship between oneself and one’s body. In fact, Crabbe’s own experiences with disordered eating motivated them to write a book that challenges the harmful effects of diet culture and encourages readers to embrace their bodies just as they are.
By sharing their personal journey and insights, Crabbe aims to help others break free from negative patterns and develop a more compassionate, body-positive mindset.
Body Respect: What Conventional Health Books Get Wrong, Leave Out, and Just Plain Fail to Understand About Weight by Linda Bacon and Lucy Aphramor
Instead of framing obesity as the sole public health crisis, we should acknowledge that the real epidemic is the harmful stigma and toxicity surrounding certain body types. These societal norms put individuals who don’t fit within a narrow ideal at risk of serious harm. The Health At Every Size (HAES) philosophy, pioneered by Linda Bacon, offers a valuable perspective on this issue.
By debunking myths about weight, challenging misconceptions about BMI, and examining how factors like poverty, race, and homophobia impact overall health, HAES provides a much-needed framework for understanding the complex relationships between body shape, size, and well-being.
Body Talk: 37 Voices Explore Our Radical Anatomy Edited by Kelly Jensen
This anthology, which I had the privilege of editing, is a testament to the power of diverse voices and perspectives. The collection features essays from renowned authors like Julie Murphy, Alex Gino, Roshani Chokshi, Mars Sebastian, Patricia Elzie (Book Riot’s own), and other talented writers who bravely tackle topics such as body size, disordered eating, physical challenges, and disabilities.
While not explicitly a body positive book, it embodies the spirit of self-acceptance by showcasing the complexities and nuances of human experience. Through these stories, readers are reminded that everyone has their own struggles and insecurities, but also that there is hope and resilience to be found in the journey towards embracing one’s uniqueness.
The Color Of My Mind by Dior Vargas
In a groundbreaking effort to promote inclusivity and understanding, the bilingual book showcases the candid photos and personal stories of individuals from diverse racial backgrounds grappling with mental illness. It’s essential to acknowledge that mental well-being is an integral part of overall wellness, making it crucial to include mental health discussions in any comprehensive exploration of body positivity.
The author, a passionate Latina feminist activist, provides a platform for readers to share their experiences and connect with one another, serving as a powerful reminder that those struggling with mental health issues are never truly alone. By offering a bilingual edition, the book extends its accessibility and impact even further.
Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski
In a world where vaginal health and sexuality often go unexplored, Nagoski’s book stands out as a beacon of empowerment. By harnessing the power of science, this publication invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and pleasure exploration. Focusing specifically on the experiences of those with internal reproductive systems – and those who share in their joy – the book provides a comprehensive guide to enhancing sexual satisfaction.
Dietland by Sarai Walker
Disability Visibility Edited by Alice Wong
This year marks three decades since the Americans with Disabilities Act came into effect. A staggering one-fifth of all Americans live with some form of disability, whether it’s visibly apparent or not. The numbers are even more striking when considering Black Americans, where nearly a quarter of the population lives with a disability.
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, a new anthology edited by renowned disability activist Alice Wong offers a vital perspective on disability and disability justice in today’s world. Broken down into four distinct sections – Being, Becoming, Doing, and Connecting – each essay is meticulously crafted to explore themes relevant to the current state of disability.
With contributions from both established and emerging voices, this collection delivers not a single weak piece, making it an essential read for individuals with disabilities and those who strive for greater understanding and inclusion.
Dumplin‘ by Julie Murphy
Willowdean’s self-assurance is unshakeable, even when others may not share her confidence. As she starts developing feelings for a boy at work, her initial excitement gives way to uncertainty as he begins to show interest in her. This unexpected twist leaves her questioning her own worthiness. To overcome these doubts, Willowdean sees the pageant world as an opportunity to prove that everyone deserves a chance to shine, and she decides to take part in the Miss Clover City competition.
Everything’s Trash, But It’s Okay by Phoebe Robinson
While grand epiphanies often arrive with solemnity, unexpected sources of insight can emerge through wit and humor. This phenomenon is exemplified in Robinson’s essay collection, which skillfully blends humor with thought-provoking explorations of complex issues like toxic masculinity and society’s flawed beauty standards.
Fading Scars: My Queer Disability History by Corbett Joan O’Toole
In this comprehensive collection of essays, a wide range of questions are tackled that pertain to the experiences of disabled individuals as they navigate their daily lives within their unique physical and sensory contexts. The book delves into the complexities of disability history, the pursuit of justice for people with disabilities, and the intricate intersections that exist between race, sex, class, and disability.
Gabi, A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintera
Quintero’s novel is a poignant and relatable portrayal of senior year high school life, as told through the voice of Gabi, whose experiences with family, friends, boys, and her future are woven together on a near-daily basis. The narrative is infused with Gabi’s unique humor, even in the face of adversity. Notably, the novel tackles Gabi’s struggles with weight-related issues with unflinching honesty, exploring her complex relationship with her body and the perceptions of others.
While Gabi does grapple with societal pressures and body image concerns, she also finds empowerment in embracing her authentic self, sans apology or the need for external validation. Refreshingly, there is no focus on weight loss as a means to self-acceptance; instead, Gabi’s journey is one of self-love and acceptance, unperturbed by others’ opinions.
Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe, Colored by Phoebe Kobabe
Maia’s journey of self-discovery unfolds in a graphic memoir that delves into the complexities of adolescence, including navigating crushes and grappling with gender identity. Initially conceived as a means to come out as genderqueer to family members, the book has evolved into a sweeping exploration of gender identity, intertwined with Maia’s deeply personal experiences.
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Brown’s book empowers readers to shatter societal expectations by embracing vulnerability, guiding them through ten thought-provoking guideposts. This liberating approach helps individuals transcend body shame and the constant fear of not meeting external standards. By doing so, readers are able to live authentically, free from the burdensome weight of self-doubt.
Hijas Americanas: Beauty, Body Image, and Growing Up Latina by Rosie Molinary
In her groundbreaking book, Molinary delves into a wide range of themes that shape the experiences of Latina women, including body image, beauty standards, ethnic identity, and sexuality. To gain insight into these topics, she conducted an extensive survey of over 500 Latina women, providing a rich tapestry of perspectives and stories that shed light on the complexities of their lives.
Hunger: A Memoir of My Body by Roxane Gay
Roxane Gay’s memoir is an indispensable inclusion to any body positivity reading list, offering unflinching explorations of her experiences with food, weight, and the societal expectations placed upon individuals with larger-than-average bodies. Her honest narrative provides a powerful counterpoint to the narrow cultural standards that often dictate what constitutes normalcy in America.
I’ll Be The One by Lyla Lee
In this narrative, we’re introduced to Skye, a vibrant Korean American individual who is passionate about pursuing her dreams of becoming the next K-Pop sensation. However, her journey is marked by a deeper exploration of body image, particularly as it relates to Korean cultural expectations. As she navigates this experience, Skye’s path intersects with Henry, a charming model with a significant social media presence, leading to a profound connection that challenges her self-perception.
Landwhale by Jes Baker
Throughout her writing, Baker’s tone is unapologetically irreverent, and this powerful memoir is no exception. With unflinching honesty and humor, she delves into the complexities of growing up as a fat girl, navigating dating as a fat girl, and the insidious ways our culture degrades people based on their size.
This book is a scathing critique of the intersections between capitalism and diet culture, revealing how individuals – regardless of their size – are ultimately losers within these systems.
Lessons From The Fat-o-Sphere by Kate Harding and Marianne Kirby
This thought-provoking book seamlessly blends research with personal anecdotes from real women to expose the harmful effects of societal demonization of fat bodies. Harding and Kirby, proponents of Health at Every Size (HAES), offer a wealth of innovative strategies – 27 to be exact – for readers to reframe their relationship with diet culture and body shame, ultimately promoting a more positive and empowering approach to self-care.
Pleasure Activism by adrienne maree brown
Rooted in the foundational principles of black feminist thought, Brown’s seminal work serves as a clarion call for recalibrating the pursuit of social justice with an emphasis on pleasure. The tome features a diverse array of voices, including some familiar names from this list, and its scope is nothing short of expansive.
Spanning topics such as sex work and climate change, the book devotes significant attention to the realm of sexuality, where contributors representing a wide range of perspectives converge. In doing so, Brown’s book embodies the very principles it seeks to promulgate – that is, the intersectional fusion of politics and social justice with personal pleasure.
Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
Among the ranks of thought leaders like Brené Brown, Tahlia Brach stands out for her expertise in exploring how our inner thoughts and emotions shape our relationships – both with ourselves and others. As a Buddhist therapist, Brach’s work is deeply rooted in spirituality, yet her book offers universal wisdom that resonates with readers seeking self-acceptance and the courage to be themselves, imperfections and all.
Say Hello by Carly Findlay
Findlay’s work and social media presence are a must-follow, as she embodies a radiant authenticity that shines through her unflinching honesty, raw emotion, and vulnerability. Her rare skin condition, Ichthyosis, has unfortunately garnered unwanted attention, thrusting her into the spotlight despite her lack of choice in the matter.
This book serves as not only Findlay’s personal story but also a powerful platform for her to claim her identity, celebrate disability, and deconstruct the complex layers of privilege that permeate Western society.
Seeing Gender: An Illustrated Guide to Identity and Expression by Iris Gottlieb
In exploring the complexities of gender and identity, thoughtful discourse is crucial. Gottlieb’s illustrated work delves into the intricate connections between science, history, sociology, and personal experiences that shape our understanding and expression of authentic selfhood, laying a foundation for nuanced conversations about individual identities.
Shrill by Lindy West
West refuses to be limited by societal expectations, instead choosing to shine with unapologetic candor. Her debut essay collection masterfully tackles topics like navigating public spaces while fat and confronting internet trolls who seek to belittle her size – all while infusing her narrative with sharp wit and unwavering honesty. This fearless exploration of self-acceptance is a powerful testament to the importance of non-compliance in a world that often tries to shrink our true potential.
While this list of body-positive books is just a starting point, there are countless other passionate advocates for body liberation who are making significant contributions to the movement. May these books serve as a catalyst for your own journey towards embracing and celebrating your unique shape, size, and identity. And if you’re craving even more inspiration on this path, consider exploring exceptional works on mental health and disability as well.