sorman0110's review against another edition
5.0
I don't even know where to start! This was the first book I have read by Gay, and it was phenomenal!
This is a memoir-style of book, although written more in an essay-type form. Gang raped at the age of 12, she seeks solace in food, trying to make her body a fortress, strong, so she will never feel defenseless again.
Gay's writing is so personal and deep, and her story will stay with me forever. Amazing read!
This is a memoir-style of book, although written more in an essay-type form. Gang raped at the age of 12, she seeks solace in food, trying to make her body a fortress, strong, so she will never feel defenseless again.
Gay's writing is so personal and deep, and her story will stay with me forever. Amazing read!
chicalmodovar's review against another edition
5.0
After the first 10 chapters I already knew this was going to be one of my favorite books. Roxane Gay has an incredible ability to write about difficult and terrifying realities in the lives of women, especially fat women, in a way that is so truthful, she’s not sugar coating any of it and I have an immense respect for that.
As a fat queer immigrant woman myself this was incredibly poignant and I related with the majority of the things she went through, down to the experience of unconditional familial love, despite being asked to lose weight at least once a month.
This is a book everybody should read even if they can’t relate to some of the things Gay has been through, understand one another will never cease to be important and I urge anyone who’s never had to live in a bigger body to pick up this book.
As a fat queer immigrant woman myself this was incredibly poignant and I related with the majority of the things she went through, down to the experience of unconditional familial love, despite being asked to lose weight at least once a month.
This is a book everybody should read even if they can’t relate to some of the things Gay has been through, understand one another will never cease to be important and I urge anyone who’s never had to live in a bigger body to pick up this book.
karimorton33's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, this is one of the best books I've ever read. Roxane Gay is so honest, so open, and shares so much. This book made me feel sad, angry, upset, heartbroken, and overwhelmed. It made me reflect on myself and how I treat others, and my privilege. Other than that, I find it hard to put into words what I'm feeling now, and I can't wait to read this book again to learn even more from it. (Read for Feminist Book Club) (Read for Central Book Club)
eena's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Body shaming, Sexual assault, and Rape
cestelaine's review against another edition
2.0
Due to the subject matter this book covers, it is difficult to write an honest review without sounding cruel or judgemental.
I second some of the other comments from those who have given this 2 or 3 star reviews. It is a chaotic read. Gay clearly has a long way to go before she can make some sort of peace with her experiences.
Personally, I feel writing this memoir has come far too early in her process of coming to terms with those experiences. It seethes with anger, self-loathing and resentment (towards everyone, even those it perhaps shouldn't). I found too many contradictions in some of what she talks about, which was rather exasperating. For a memoir, it lacked the insight and self-awareness that would have elevated this for the reader.
It seemed to me that she has not managed to create enough emotional safety for herself before seeking to put this out into the world. That is the truly heartbreaking aspect of this book.
I second some of the other comments from those who have given this 2 or 3 star reviews. It is a chaotic read. Gay clearly has a long way to go before she can make some sort of peace with her experiences.
Personally, I feel writing this memoir has come far too early in her process of coming to terms with those experiences. It seethes with anger, self-loathing and resentment (towards everyone, even those it perhaps shouldn't). I found too many contradictions in some of what she talks about, which was rather exasperating. For a memoir, it lacked the insight and self-awareness that would have elevated this for the reader.
It seemed to me that she has not managed to create enough emotional safety for herself before seeking to put this out into the world. That is the truly heartbreaking aspect of this book.
ob_ledbetter's review against another edition
5.0
Roxanne, how the heck do you do this EVERY DANG TIME?! A beautiful book. An honest book. A necessary book.
2019 reading challenge: a memoir by someone you admire
2019 reading challenge: a memoir by someone you admire
ebuss4's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse, Rape, Fatphobia, and Racial slurs
Minor: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Medical trauma, Bullying, Domestic abuse, and Eating disorder