sapphiregirl9's review against another edition
4.0
Read this book years ago. Shanker is hilarious! My favorite part is when she talks about Weight Watchers.
serenaserafin's review against another edition
5.0
What an amazing book. I saw this years ago when I was shopping in Torrid and kind of dismissed it. I never wanted to be fat or was ever proud of it. I thought this book was going to be very, I'm fat get over it, but it wasn't. Sure the author advises to love yourself right now, but it's more about health than trying to reach a certain number on the scale. There are a lot of studies and references to other authors who have tackled the issue of weight. I didn't want to put this book down. I could totally relate to dieting and trying gimmicks to get thin. If you've ever struggled with eating too much or too little or hated yourself for not having a perfect body you must read this and take the advice to heart.
nathelregel's review against another edition
3.0
Fun and feminist. This book does a good job of explaining topics and statements that, if worded wrong, could seem harsh or misleading. It's a light-hearted book for something that's taken so seriously in the media and medical worlds. I knew a lot about and agreed with most of what she was writing about because I find society and it's attitude towards women and their size and shape to be ridiculous. Of course I didn't agree with everything written but that's the interesting part. The book had a lot of statements and perspectives that I had never thought about that I either instantly agreed with or that I'm still thinking about. It does a great job of delivering a serious topic with such comical sass and positive attitude.
kellylynnthomas's review against another edition
4.0
Wendy Shanker swiftly cuts down any and all reasons for fat shaming and holding prejudice against people who have non-supermodel bodies. She explores issues of food, self-image, exercise, health (and whether or not it's possible to be healthy AND fat), dieting, and more.
Through her personal experiences and eventual acceptance of herself for who she is, she shares her wonderment at the great variety human beings possess, and her bewilderment that we think we should all look like a tiny percent of the population that's been idealized a little too much.
If you are a woman, you should read this. I bet more than a few of Wendy's points will hit a nerve (or several all at once).
Through her personal experiences and eventual acceptance of herself for who she is, she shares her wonderment at the great variety human beings possess, and her bewilderment that we think we should all look like a tiny percent of the population that's been idealized a little too much.
If you are a woman, you should read this. I bet more than a few of Wendy's points will hit a nerve (or several all at once).
totallyshana's review against another edition
2.0
I'm really conflicted with this one. This book has an overall good message and a lot of good points, but I feel like Wendy keeps trying to mention yeah, I'm fat, but I'm not FAT. I mean, not like that 300 pound midwestern lady! Ew! And being a model is literally impossible, so what a surprise when I was scouted by a modeling agency! Left a bad taste in my mouth.
shinychick's review against another edition
2.0
Yes, I finally finished it! This was on an Amazon recommendations page, while I was looking up Fat! So?. It's... well, it's half fat-feminism, and half fat-suckism. Shanker decries Skinny People, as well as those who look down on the fat, and the FA, but mentions more than once that she wouldn't be fat, had she the choice. It's kinda biographical, which made it interesting, to say the least, but there were definitely parts I just couldn't stand.
ninij's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting comentary on society and learning to accept yourself. You could insert many things into the basic concept of the book "The gay guy's guide" "the ultra tall girl's guide" etc. Overall it just reiterate that you have to accept yourself and learn to love yourself. The whole world won't always follow along but screw 'em.
sapphirestars's review against another edition
3.0
3 1/2 stars. I definitely don't agree with everything in this book and the author does make a lot of cliche and generally sweeping statements that aren't accurate and I wouldn't classify this 100% body positive but it does have a mostly BOPO message and a lot of good quotes and thoughts and figures. In the end it stresses the importance of self compassion and self esteem to fight back against a toxic culture. I wouldn't pick it as my first choice for introducing someone to these concepts but as a whole did find a lot beneficial worth saving.
averagegal's review against another edition
3.0
This book was a reminder that there are men and women out there who are doing everything they can to be healthy, but they will never be skinny.
leepydumpling's review against another edition
3.0
A sensible, honest, no nonsense look at fat acceptance and body politics. I don't agree with all of her thoughts but she really hits the nail on the head with the diet industry, feminism and as she refers to them, the "indignant thin". An excellent read for all women.