If only Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls were my bible 25 years ago, it would have surely saved me years of hating my body. This book is a must read for girls and women of all ages and sizes. I believe this book has to power to change the trajectory of self-loathing for countless females. Bless you, Jes Baker.
Ricki Lake The first thing readers of this stirring manifesto will notice is that Baker, a blogger and mental health specialist, is very funny. She is also on a mission. As Baker explains, she wants to help women embrace a body-positive view that doesn't put other people down for their size, color, or self-presentation. The book builds on Baker's viral Attractive and Fat campaign, which called out Abercrombie & Fitch for fat shaming. Baker recommends websites, blogs, books, and hotlines for anyone
of any gender
who's intent on living without self-loathing despite the social pressures around body image. Her message is powerful, particularly her suggestions of things 'fat people' should insist on doing that others often tell them they can't (e.g., sitting in a booth, riding a bike, wearing a bikini). Equally strong are the essays from guest authors, including 'Body Love and Disabilities: Intersections of Identity' by Shanna Katz Kattari and 'The Case for Male Fatshion' by Bruce Sturgell. Readers will be challenged and empowered by Baker's ideas, inspired by her quest to promote body positivity, and entertained by her candid, witty storytelling.
Publishers Weekly Thank you, Jes Baker. Thank you from my daughter. Thank you from me ... Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls is a cultural game changer.
Brittany Gibbons, Bestselling Author of Fat Girl Walking Fierce. Funny. Factual...Tackles our most deeply held beliefs about our bodies with razor sharp wit and an unapologetic commitment that we all deserve to love these vessels we live in. Bravo for this piece of body liberation!
Sonya Renee Taylor, Founder and Radical Executive Officer of The Body is Not an Apology Baker has done it all: A fierce, funny, and rocking manifesto that applies solid science to challenge common body myths, exposes cultural health hypocrisies, and stays true to the politics of social justice. Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls will inspire you to find and flaunt your own brand of awesome.
Linda Bacon, PhD author of HAES(R) and Body Respect