Scan barcode
annetjeberg's review against another edition
5.0
So I had no clue who Leah Vernon was. Yes, I had a vague recollection of seeing her somewhere, but I cannot say I am part of her fans. Fashion isn't really my thing, and though I appreciate what she does, I cannot say that I understand this artistic avenue as much as I understand writing.
And, masha Allah, she can write. I was intrigued, I had all the feels. This book is outstanding in the way that it showcases a Muslim life and experience that is more common than we often want to admit. Without holding back she shares all the good AND the bad, and the difficulties she had to overcome to become who she is today: an influencer. And by God, she deserves it all.
And, masha Allah, she can write. I was intrigued, I had all the feels. This book is outstanding in the way that it showcases a Muslim life and experience that is more common than we often want to admit. Without holding back she shares all the good AND the bad, and the difficulties she had to overcome to become who she is today: an influencer. And by God, she deserves it all.
mnboyer's review against another edition
3.0
PopSugar 2021 reading challenge #17
Typically, social media influences do not have a lot to say (sorry, not sorry). Leah Vernon, however, has a very interesting angle that I found compelling. She's a larger woman (self-described as fat), black, and Muslim -- all things that made me quite interested in her story. I was drawn in when she discussed the various instances of domestic violence within her home (both witnessing abuse endured by her mother, then having her own issues with her husband) and thought these moments were perhaps the most humanizing throughout the book.
There are other areas where I was less-connected to the author's retelling. I feel as if certain areas could have been narrowed down a little more, others fleshed out better. The style is good: you can definitely get a sense of this author's voice. However, there are moments when the voice distracts from the topic at hand. Overall, a decent book and I'm glad I read it.
Typically, social media influences do not have a lot to say (sorry, not sorry). Leah Vernon, however, has a very interesting angle that I found compelling. She's a larger woman (self-described as fat), black, and Muslim -- all things that made me quite interested in her story. I was drawn in when she discussed the various instances of domestic violence within her home (both witnessing abuse endured by her mother, then having her own issues with her husband) and thought these moments were perhaps the most humanizing throughout the book.
There are other areas where I was less-connected to the author's retelling. I feel as if certain areas could have been narrowed down a little more, others fleshed out better. The style is good: you can definitely get a sense of this author's voice. However, there are moments when the voice distracts from the topic at hand. Overall, a decent book and I'm glad I read it.
socorrobaptista's review against another edition
4.0
Uma narrativa corajosa de alguém que busca se aceitar mesmo diante de uma sociedade machista, racista, gordofóbica e islamofóbica. Inspiradora por sua coragem e ousadia.
tariqah's review against another edition
4.0
The world could use a bit of this creative confidence and unashamed-ness Leah Vernon exhibits. She's everything you wouldn’t expect of a Muslim or model, whipping standards of the fashion world into new shapes, and declaring her faith not only by wearing a hijab but a f-cking gorgeous one at that.
“Unashamed: Musings of a Fat, Black Muslim” is like the how-to of her career path and character. The narrowing standards of societal beauty and mediated twists to her Islamic faith is what also pushed her to be so boldly creative. And of course, unashamed.
She begins with the woes of growing up in a household where her faith was harvested but also where the source of her pains and insecurities lies. It took trial and error, years of battling eating disorders and having to leave a toxic marriage for her to get where she is. On top of that, haters peered around every corner for their chance to shame and belittle.
Nevertheless, she still kept at being herself, and unashamed of it. This is a timely pick-me-up for women and girls looking to expand beyond the standards and limitations society--and even ourselves--tend to put down on us.
“Unashamed: Musings of a Fat, Black Muslim” is like the how-to of her career path and character. The narrowing standards of societal beauty and mediated twists to her Islamic faith is what also pushed her to be so boldly creative. And of course, unashamed.
She begins with the woes of growing up in a household where her faith was harvested but also where the source of her pains and insecurities lies. It took trial and error, years of battling eating disorders and having to leave a toxic marriage for her to get where she is. On top of that, haters peered around every corner for their chance to shame and belittle.
Nevertheless, she still kept at being herself, and unashamed of it. This is a timely pick-me-up for women and girls looking to expand beyond the standards and limitations society--and even ourselves--tend to put down on us.
shellysbookcorner's review against another edition
4.0
“I received a review copy from Amazon Vine and voluntarily provided an honest review. This does not affect the opinion of the book or the content of the review.’’
I’m not really a fan of biographies or memoirs but something about this person made me want to read. Maybe it was the cover? The title? The blurb? Who knows but I am so glad I took a chance because this was a very good read. The author was raw, explicit, honest and kept it all the way real with their story. I am not Muslim but I was able to relate to this author when it comes to religion and certain expectations. I think anybody who struggles with body issues and finding their beauty within can really learn something from this book as well. I loved how it touched on the stigma associated with mental illness as well. I must say this book will make some people uncomfortable and that is one of the reasons why I enjoyed it so much. This book also had me doing some reflecting, nodding my head in agreement and highlighting passages as I read. I can’t tell you the last time I highlighted in a book. I love when a book can stop and make me think and I can use this motivation in my everyday life. Well done, Leah Vernon.
I’m not really a fan of biographies or memoirs but something about this person made me want to read. Maybe it was the cover? The title? The blurb? Who knows but I am so glad I took a chance because this was a very good read. The author was raw, explicit, honest and kept it all the way real with their story. I am not Muslim but I was able to relate to this author when it comes to religion and certain expectations. I think anybody who struggles with body issues and finding their beauty within can really learn something from this book as well. I loved how it touched on the stigma associated with mental illness as well. I must say this book will make some people uncomfortable and that is one of the reasons why I enjoyed it so much. This book also had me doing some reflecting, nodding my head in agreement and highlighting passages as I read. I can’t tell you the last time I highlighted in a book. I love when a book can stop and make me think and I can use this motivation in my everyday life. Well done, Leah Vernon.