8 Body Positive Books To Add To Your Isolation Reading List
Given the current circumstances, we’ve all been forced to sit still for a while. We’ve found ourselves exploring all of the ways that we can try and keep busy, and take some joy from life being on pause. Whether it’s been searching deep inside ourselves and focusing on self-care, or taking the free time to overhaul your home interiors, life indoors has been an emotional rollercoaster. If you’re still looking for distractions to take you away from the realities of right now and on a journey of body positive wonder, look no further.
Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman by Lindy West
Lindy West – for anyone who doesn’t know already – is a hilarious breath of fresh air. The book that inspired the Hulu show starring Aidy Bryant, Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman is West’s easy-to-read, honest memoir, documenting how a once timid girl found her voice. Covering everything from fatness to feminism, you’ll be grateful that you took the time to read Shrill.
Unashamed: Musings of a Fat, Black Muslim by Leah Vernon
If Leah Vernon isn’t one of your favourite people on social media already, she will be by the time you’ve finished with this powerful memoir. The plus-size Hijabi model bares all, offering the most vulnerable parts of her past, sharing what she’d been brought up being told made a “good” Muslim and a life that looked very different. If you read Unashamed, expect laughter, expect tears, expect to fall completely in love with Leah Vernon.
Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls by Jes Baker
Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls was one of the first books released during the current wave of body positivity. This witty yet brutally honest read is a call to arms for people of all shapes and sizes, discussing important topics such as body shaming and fatphobia, and something you won’t regret reading. As the blurb says, “If you’re a person with a body, this book is for you.” We couldn’t agree more. Plus, if you want more from The Militant Baker herself, her most recent release, Landwhale, is the perfect sequel.
The Body is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self Love by Sonya Renee Taylor
Sonya Renee Taylor’s movement, The Body Is Not An Apology, existed long before her publishing debut, yet this book was far from late to the party. Full of “unapologetic inquiries” and “radical reflections”, The Body is Not an Apology explores everything from the roots of our body shame, to the impact of body-focused oppression on a systemic level. Insightful and thought-provoking, it’s a transformational read that gives plenty of food for thought.
Happy Fat: Taking Up Space in a World That Wants to Shrink You by Sofie Hagen
It’s no surprise that a book written by a comedian is funny as hell. But what makes Happy Fat even more magical is the combination of Sofie’s own experiences, plus their own thoughts on society’s outlook on fatness, heteronormativity and more. Prepare for your face to ache from smiling so much.
Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy
Moving away from non-fiction reads, Dumplin’ is probably the book that you’ve heard of but haven’t necessarily picked up yet. Made more popular by its Netflix adaptation starring Danielle MacDonald and Jennifer Aniston. Fat girl Willowdean (called Dumplin’ by her mum, a former beauty queen) decides to challenge herself to entering her mother’s own beauty pageant after she starts doubting herself when she meets Bo, and the two of them get involved. With her thin and conventionally beautiful best friend, Ellen, Willowdean fights to prove that her body is – and always has been – worthy, and good enough just as it is.
What I Like About Me by Jenna Guillame
The most recent release of this list, What I Like About Me is another YA novel that celebrates a protagonist that’s far from the beauty ideal. The book follows sixteen year old Maisie as she writes in a “discovery journal” (who she addresses as DJ) that her teacher had set as a school assignment during the holidays, as she works to prove herself to her parents, her older sister, her best friend, and just about everyone else. What I Like About Me is a funny, uplifting story of an unstoppable teenager who is no longer prepared to shy away from her body.
No Big Deal by Bethany Rutter
No Big Deal is the first novel from fashion influencer Bethany Rutter, and tells the story of Emily, a fat teenager who isn’t ashamed of her body, learning to navigate friendships, dating, and the general happenings that life throws at you. Faced with curveballs that bring her confidence into question, No Big Deal tells the story of self love in all its glory. Rutter’s second novel, Melt My Heart, is set to be released in July.
