jessicaessica's review against another edition
3.0
I was hoping to find something that would make me laugh or make me say ‘Hey I know EXACTLY what that is like’ – something other then bored. Didn’t happen. Being a fellow fat chick I was hoping so much for that all.
I received this book from netgalley.com for a honest review.
I received this book from netgalley.com for a honest review.
jeslauwal's review against another edition
5.0
I saw that many people did not enjoy this book, but I loved it. I found myself nodding in agreement with the author so many times and really identified with her.
shereadsshedrinks's review against another edition
5.0
Flew through this. Jes's narration was emotional and real, and I felt like we were having a super long conversation. Must read for anyone, no matter your body size or own journey with body image.
buffee's review against another edition
5.0
I was on the fence about this book halfway through...and then I just jumped that fence. I really enjoyed Jes Baker's honesty. and she reminded me of "body for life" which I tried to master and spent oodles of time looking at before and after pics. it was surprising to read a story so similar to mine in aspects of which I would never think they would be the same.
having the courage to put herself out there as Jes Baker has in this book was such a gift to those of us who do not hear or see ourselves reflected in the stories media usually tells.
having the courage to put herself out there as Jes Baker has in this book was such a gift to those of us who do not hear or see ourselves reflected in the stories media usually tells.
jschmidt10's review against another edition
3.0
It’s empowering to hear another fat woman talk about issues and prejudices and challenges I face, although admittedly not to the greater extent Jes does. I appreciate that as she is body positive and honest and holds space for understanding that food and mental health are connected for her, Jes is honest in that body image is still something that creeps into thought and care. One of the points of this book seems to be the underlying idea that it’s a never-ending struggle, to be fat. I edited my review after further reflection because there were many moments I found the author conceited in how she talked and worried about being recognized (I didn’t even know who she was when I got this audiobook). This is less memoir in its true form and more a sharing of experiences - nonfiction essays. It was still an interesting read.
emloudo's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
alykat_reads's review against another edition
3.0
I think she made some great points in this book; but they got lost in the chaos of this book. I don't do well with books that jump timelines constantly, and in some places it would jump every few paragraphs. There just wasn't any continuity when making the jumps so it felt disjointed and by the time I'd kind of figure out what was going on, it would jump to a different time without really any closure or segue from the last one. I think with some restructuring, this could have been a much more impactful book.
melissa_h's review against another edition
5.0
I have followed Jes Baker for years. I loved her first book and her second is no exception. It's more autobiography than her previous book. Highly recommended.
thelexingtonbookie's review against another edition
5.0
You guys, I have been watching for this book to come into my life for ages. After reading Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls, and then seeing that Baker was going to write another book, I was eagerly anticipating it's release. When it finally came out, I was hoping that the library would pick up the audiobook since I really wanted to physically hear Jes tell her story, but I waited and nothing. Figuring I waited long enough, I just decided to grab a hard copy and dove in.
Landwhale is a memoir of Baker's life experiences dealing with some of the big things that she struggled with in her life, such as: dealing with mental illness and PCOS; learning to liberate her body; falling in love and navigating the relationship; relationship problems with her father; and names that have been hurled at her for because of her appearance. In true Baker fashion, she addresses everything conversationally and without apology. She even starts off the book with a disclaimer:
"...a Hey, I'm writing about real life, and real life can occasionally be difficult, so please be gentle with your heart while flipping through these pages was in order. So in the spirit of transparency, I offer you this insider tip: The book you're holding? It's basically one long-ass trigger."
As I read, I empathized with many of Baker's experiences, and felt nothing but compassion and respect for her as she just opened her heart and
poured it into her writing. I teared up many times, but she always saved me from full out crying with a well timed joke, comment, or footnote. But before you go thinking the book is entirely heartbreaking, I will add that there are so many clever retorts and fantastic information that can be applied to your own personal situations. Gems that I flagged include:
"My jean size doesn't have anything to do with my value as a human." (pg 46)
""Never forget that you're the love of my life, okay?" he said as he kissed my forehead. I nodded and continued to hug him while he put in earplugs, because no matter how sexy I may be, I snore like a motherfucker." (pg 135)
"There is power in taking up space. There is power in challenging social norms. There is power in being fat and daring to exist. Every day I live my life, I'm winning." (pg 223)
Image result for landwhale book signing
(Photo Credit: Jes Baker, Google Images)
I also laughed and cheered when it came to learning more about the book's title and how Baker changed the insulting names back to their original meaning, or even acceptably cute nicknames! As a fellow fatty, I too have been called a myriad of insulting names that for the most part I let roll off me, but there have been a handful of situations where I felt completely demolished by hurt and shame. Now, I can look at some of those situations (that have stuck with me, and probably will for a long time) and see that the person flinging the insults is someone with their own insecurities who found an easy target to take their frustrations out upon. It's still not okay, but having someone give you the tools and the ability to get perspective on those situations holds a lot a value, in my opinion.
Within Landwhale, Baker lists at least a half dozen body image role models (that I promptly searched for & followed on Instagram), countless pointers on how to shut down the "have you tried dieting?" conversation, and a dozen pros (and cons) to loving your body. It's 253 pages of raw emotion and advice, and I strongly suggest you buy yourself a copy this instant.
Landwhale is a memoir of Baker's life experiences dealing with some of the big things that she struggled with in her life, such as: dealing with mental illness and PCOS; learning to liberate her body; falling in love and navigating the relationship; relationship problems with her father; and names that have been hurled at her for because of her appearance. In true Baker fashion, she addresses everything conversationally and without apology. She even starts off the book with a disclaimer:
"...a Hey, I'm writing about real life, and real life can occasionally be difficult, so please be gentle with your heart while flipping through these pages was in order. So in the spirit of transparency, I offer you this insider tip: The book you're holding? It's basically one long-ass trigger."
As I read, I empathized with many of Baker's experiences, and felt nothing but compassion and respect for her as she just opened her heart and
poured it into her writing. I teared up many times, but she always saved me from full out crying with a well timed joke, comment, or footnote. But before you go thinking the book is entirely heartbreaking, I will add that there are so many clever retorts and fantastic information that can be applied to your own personal situations. Gems that I flagged include:
"My jean size doesn't have anything to do with my value as a human." (pg 46)
""Never forget that you're the love of my life, okay?" he said as he kissed my forehead. I nodded and continued to hug him while he put in earplugs, because no matter how sexy I may be, I snore like a motherfucker." (pg 135)
"There is power in taking up space. There is power in challenging social norms. There is power in being fat and daring to exist. Every day I live my life, I'm winning." (pg 223)
Image result for landwhale book signing
(Photo Credit: Jes Baker, Google Images)
I also laughed and cheered when it came to learning more about the book's title and how Baker changed the insulting names back to their original meaning, or even acceptably cute nicknames! As a fellow fatty, I too have been called a myriad of insulting names that for the most part I let roll off me, but there have been a handful of situations where I felt completely demolished by hurt and shame. Now, I can look at some of those situations (that have stuck with me, and probably will for a long time) and see that the person flinging the insults is someone with their own insecurities who found an easy target to take their frustrations out upon. It's still not okay, but having someone give you the tools and the ability to get perspective on those situations holds a lot a value, in my opinion.
Within Landwhale, Baker lists at least a half dozen body image role models (that I promptly searched for & followed on Instagram), countless pointers on how to shut down the "have you tried dieting?" conversation, and a dozen pros (and cons) to loving your body. It's 253 pages of raw emotion and advice, and I strongly suggest you buy yourself a copy this instant.
megangustafson's review against another edition
4.0
This book is an amazing read that shed's light on the rampant fat phobia in our society.