In our appearance-obsessed society, eating is about much more than hunger and sustenance. Food inspires pleasure and anxiety, shame and obsession. ...
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Jan 14, 2010
Gayle
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Picked this up yesterday and immediately read the intro and first three short stories. Would have loved to stay up all night - it's THAT good!
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Apr 16, 2009
Julie
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I think everyone should read this book. Food is a complicated issue, and our modern life doesn't coexist very well with what our genetics want -- feast during times of plenty to save up for times of famine...now that for most of us there aren't times of famine we are saving up for...nothing!
I loved the variety of voices and opinions in this collection. I can't say that I agree with them all, and I doubt anyone would (since some conflict), but they are all worth a read.
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I loved the variety of voices and opinions in this collection. I can't say that I agree with them all, and I doubt anyone would (since some conflict), but they are all worth a read.
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Jan 06, 2010
Kjersti
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This collection of essays was more thought-provoking and serious than I thought it would be. However, it got a little heavy-handed by the end. The premise is that different women writers “weigh” in on body issues, eating disorders, self-esteem, and the meaning of the word fat.
Pro: It was interesting and nice to see a candid representation of what other women think about themselves and food. I definitely related to some of these women.
Con: Especially the “cured” women seemed More...
Pro: It was interesting and nice to see a candid representation of what other women think about themselves and food. I definitely related to some of these women.
Con: Especially the “cured” women seemed More...
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Jan 12, 2012
Ellen
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I read this book slowly, like a meal I wanted to savor. I'm not saying it was of great literary quality, although there is some fine writing in it. But I so enjoyed all the different takes on what it means to be obsessed with food and body image in this society. There were also a few essays that were just about the meaning of food, how it comforts and connects us. I would recommend this to anyone who is feeling isolated by their own struggle with weight and food issues.
Oct 22, 2009
Grace
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This is my second "modern ideas about female body image" book. And this is what I learned about myself and other women. Some women have really messed up body images and ideas about food. I mean, REALLY messed up. I am currently trying to lose weight for the first time in my life. And after reading this, I learned I have a pretty healthy attitude about food and dieting, etc. My goodness, but some people are really screwed up!
It was a good read.
It was a good read.
Nov 14, 2011
Ellen
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There were several stories in this book that were really heartfelt and inspiring. I particularly enjoyed the ones that showed me a cultural perspective on food and eating that was new to me -- people from different countries, with very different jobs, different upbringings, etc. It really drove the point home that, though our individual experiences may vary, we've all apparently got issues with food!
That said, there were a good number of pieces that I didn't feel added much to the co More...
That said, there were a good number of pieces that I didn't feel added much to the co More...
May 03, 2009
Sarah
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Excellent vignettes from a cross-section of society dishing about the highs and lows of food, body image, weight, power, etc. Although this is an oft explored topic I found this particular volume to be more frank and heartfelt than most. Highly recommended for anyone who has struggled with self-acceptance in regards to food and weight issues. (Are there any women who have not?)
Feb 09, 2011
Alyssa
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It was a wonderful book filled with the emotions and experiences of many women whom we can all relate to. I loved all of the stories. Immediately upon finishing the book I wanted to find out more about each contributing author. (although there is some language in some of the accounts)
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Mar 07, 2009
Hope
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Not every essay in this collection resonated with me, but some of them did. I think what I like best about this book is the VARIETY of voices and opinions. We all have some kind of relationship with food, and for most of us, it is a complicated one.
Jun 08, 2010
Julie
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This was a great non-fiction book about dieting and body image. It was raw and honest and spot-on. The only critique I have is some of the language. All in all it made me feel completely vindicated, and I really like feeling that way ;)
Aug 10, 2009
Abby
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Doesn't get any better than this. A myriad of writing styles. Short and sweet so you can set the book down mid-way and not forget where you are.
It combines two of the most influential elements of my life: writing and body image.
It combines two of the most influential elements of my life: writing and body image.
Jan 17, 2009
Harriet
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I'm the editor of this anthology, and a contributor as well. There are some amazing stories in here from women writers about the push-pull we all feel about food and eating, body image and weight.
Feb 19, 2011
Wan Ni
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This anthology contains contributions from various female writers on the topic of food, diet and body image. Most chronicle triumphant stories of overcoming eating disorders and negative body image issues while candidly sharing secrets and embarrassing moments. With the right reader mindset, these tales can empower and change perceptions.
Apr 27, 2009
elita
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This book is what every anthology should be: a collection of funny, poignant, well-written essays about a topic every woman can relate to, body image. This book is for everyone who has ever been brought to tears by a 3-way mirror or who fears and loathes bathing suit season. I devoured this book (heh).
Apr 22, 2010
Erin
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A collection of short essays about individual's relationship with food. The first several were insightful, but then they all started to sound the same.
Feb 17, 2011
An excellent collection of brilliantly written short stories by some of the most talented female writers of our time. You will laugh out loud at stories such as Attack of the XL Girl by Laurie Notaro and cry as you read stories like The Grief Diet by Caroline Leavitt. These stories weave a collective tale of the various psychological and emotional issues women face daily in their struggle to have healthy relationships with fashion and body image. The talented group of authors really connect t
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Aug 13, 2009
Kara
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I loved reading other women's musings on and experiences with food, weight, body image. Well-edited and well-written and oh, so much I could resonate with!
Jul 31, 2011
Thought-provoking. Scary to see how widespread issues of body image are -- and how much impact "throw-away" comments made to young girls still have years later in their adult life.
Jan 29, 2009
Rochelle Jewel
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This is a hilarious book for anyone who has ever battled with these issues. My essay, Ess Ess, is in it.
May 15, 2011
Jennb33
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Interesting, well-written essays about food addiction, being chronically overweight, and body image issues. Some were sentimental, some were angry, some just "were."
Mar 25, 2010
Kisha
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Great book that discussed eating behaviors and its relation to body and eating disorders from both sides.
Feb 27, 2011
Calista
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I would have given this 4 stars, but somehow they neglected to include any masculine voices. I think it would have been nice to hear from at least one guy who has been affected by food, eating disorders, etc.
Apr 13, 2010
Karen
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This was a quick read, and I enjoyed most of the essays. I do wish it weren't necessary to have so many books about female body image and dieting, but that's a separate thing, not a reflection on this book.
Apr 16, 2009
Tracie
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This anthology allows a variety of contemporary voices to speak out on issues related to food, the body, and gender. Due to the personal nature of the subjects at hand, every reader will respond to these essays differently. That said, the stories that resonated most deeply with me were "The Twin Paradox" by Susan O'Doherty and "Pie" by Joyce Maynard.
Apr 09, 2009
Ann
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I read this because Laurie Notaro has an essay in it. While I still worship at the Notaro altar, so many of these essays rang true. Any woman who has ever looked in the mirror and not liked who looked back should read this book.
And it's drop dead funny. Seriously laugh out loud funny.
And it's drop dead funny. Seriously laugh out loud funny.
Feb 01, 2012
Jan 28, 2012
