What do you think?
Rate this book
Operation Beautiful: Transforming the Way You See Yourself One Post-it Note at a Time: Transforming the Way You See Yourself One Post-it Note at aTime
An empowering book with photos, notes, and true stories about an underground campaign to recognize the true beauty within every woman. Tired of watching women pick themselves apart in front of the mirror, blogger Caitlin Boyle scribbled a note on a "YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!" and slapped it on the mirror of a public bathroom. With one small act, she kick-started a movement. In a matter of days, women were undertaking their own feats of resistance, posting uplifting notes on gym lockers, diet shakes in supermarkets, weight-loss guides in bookstores, and anywhere else a nagging voice of self-criticism might lurk. Emboldening and contagious, the "operation" has attracted widespread attention from the media, including the New York Daily News and salon.com. Operation Beautiful showcases the notes women have posted around the world and the stories behind them, along with interviews, interesting research findings, and tips for improving one's outlook on life. Blending a confessional tone with gutsy observations about redefining beauty, the chapters address key issues for women of all ages, including Fighting Fat Talk, Family and Friends, Food, Fitness, Faith, and Going Forward. In the scrapbook tradition of PostSecret and Davy Rothbart's Found, Operation Beautiful is filled with black-and-white photos and a two-color design, making it the perfect gift for any friend, sister, daughter, or niece.Watch a Video
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2010
9 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 17, 2010
I have five children and I half~jokingly describe them as “self~confident to a friggin’ fault”. Seriously, I have never met kids who are more self~assured than these guys. And I honestly have no clue where they get it from but I’m glad they have it. I mean, I’m thirty~seven years old and I don’t have that level of self~confidence. I suspect many women feel that way…
Tired of watching women pick themselves apart and reeling from the destructive nature of what she calls “Fat Talk”. Fat Talk is the constant picking apart of your physical attributes and declaring yourself to be fat even though you’re healthy and of average size. Caitlin Boyle did something radical, she wrote a positive affirmation for herself and stuck it to the bathroom mirror at the community college where she was attending night school. The simple message read “You are beautiful!” Feeling instantly buoyed, Caitlin left the message taped to the mirror and wondered what would happen to the next woman who found her note. So began Operation Beautiful a project with the simple goal of “transforming the way you see yourself one Post~it Note at a time.”
Operation Beautiful: Transforming the Way You See Yourself One Post~it Note at a Time by Caitlin Boyle is a compilation of anecdotes from women who took the challenge and left messages of love in random places for other women to find. The book is divided into seven chapters with five main subjects: Fat Talk, Family and Friends, Fitness, Food and Faith. Each section contains stories from women who have either found or left a note and the impact that the message had on them.
The global reach of this movement is extensive, from the heartland of America to the deserts of Nairobi and the cafes of Paris, France. Women are touching each other’s lives and making a difference, one Post~it Note at a time.
This is a self~help/inspirational book for women who are looking to move beyond the traditional ideals of what is beautiful.
Caitlin Boyle is the editor of Operation Beautiful and writes a daily food and fitness blog, Healthy Tipping Point. She previously served as a contributing columnist for The Wall Street Journal Classroom Edition.
For more information:
Book Goes on sale 3 August 2010
Website: www.operationbeautiful.com
Facebook: Operation Beautiful
Disclosure: I received this book free from Penguin Group in exchange for a review. I am not required to write a positive review, just an honest one.
Tired of watching women pick themselves apart and reeling from the destructive nature of what she calls “Fat Talk”. Fat Talk is the constant picking apart of your physical attributes and declaring yourself to be fat even though you’re healthy and of average size. Caitlin Boyle did something radical, she wrote a positive affirmation for herself and stuck it to the bathroom mirror at the community college where she was attending night school. The simple message read “You are beautiful!” Feeling instantly buoyed, Caitlin left the message taped to the mirror and wondered what would happen to the next woman who found her note. So began Operation Beautiful a project with the simple goal of “transforming the way you see yourself one Post~it Note at a time.”
Operation Beautiful: Transforming the Way You See Yourself One Post~it Note at a Time by Caitlin Boyle is a compilation of anecdotes from women who took the challenge and left messages of love in random places for other women to find. The book is divided into seven chapters with five main subjects: Fat Talk, Family and Friends, Fitness, Food and Faith. Each section contains stories from women who have either found or left a note and the impact that the message had on them.
The global reach of this movement is extensive, from the heartland of America to the deserts of Nairobi and the cafes of Paris, France. Women are touching each other’s lives and making a difference, one Post~it Note at a time.
This is a self~help/inspirational book for women who are looking to move beyond the traditional ideals of what is beautiful.
Caitlin Boyle is the editor of Operation Beautiful and writes a daily food and fitness blog, Healthy Tipping Point. She previously served as a contributing columnist for The Wall Street Journal Classroom Edition.
For more information:
Book Goes on sale 3 August 2010
Website: www.operationbeautiful.com
Facebook: Operation Beautiful
Disclosure: I received this book free from Penguin Group in exchange for a review. I am not required to write a positive review, just an honest one.
July 15, 2013
At the time, I loved this book. Now my opinions of the forceful, "YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!!! <3" movement is changing.
The reason for Operation Beautiful is the emphasization of beauty in our fucked up society. Telling everyone they're beautiful only confirms that, "YES, EVERYONE HAS TO BE BEAUTIFUL. But don't worry, you are too!"
Everyone cannot meet societal beauty standards. I mean, they change every 43 seconds. We're all different. It's true. Instead of trying to lump us all together we should recognize and celebrate differences.
To combat society's body-based measurement of our value we should have more books encouraging and emphasizing our creativity, intelligence, power to kick ass, et cetera. Not books telling us we can fit into a stupid society.
Fuck, it's okay not to be beautiful. If everyone could look in the mirror and think, "I don't give a damn" when they wanted to they'd have so much more time for better things.
The reason for Operation Beautiful is the emphasization of beauty in our fucked up society. Telling everyone they're beautiful only confirms that, "YES, EVERYONE HAS TO BE BEAUTIFUL. But don't worry, you are too!"
Everyone cannot meet societal beauty standards. I mean, they change every 43 seconds. We're all different. It's true. Instead of trying to lump us all together we should recognize and celebrate differences.
To combat society's body-based measurement of our value we should have more books encouraging and emphasizing our creativity, intelligence, power to kick ass, et cetera. Not books telling us we can fit into a stupid society.
Fuck, it's okay not to be beautiful. If everyone could look in the mirror and think, "I don't give a damn" when they wanted to they'd have so much more time for better things.
January 18, 2016
I got this book at an Operation Beautiful seminar held at my college. They were giving them away. I used all the sticky notes to put up in the bathrooms. However I glanced at the book and nothing further. I really read it now, and it helps me with the recovery process of the eating disorder. Highly recommend!
June 3, 2019
A very helpful book in many ways
April 15, 2025
Small snippets of overcoming our insecurities of our body's. Inspirational
September 15, 2010
When I saw the title of this new book, I knew I had to read it. We hear a lot about building up our girls' self-esteem as they are bombarded with "skinny advertising" and judgment from a young age. I also have a son who, at 10, already feels he's fat because of his body type. And when a book advocates using Post-It Notes, I figured it has to be good, right?!? (Yes, I am a recovering office-product-a-holic. Staples is one of my favorite stores. But I digress.)
Starting with posting one scrap of paper with the phrase "YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!" written on it on a public bathroom mirror, Operation Beautiful's goal is to encourage people to use random, uplifting notes to build other people up. This book is filled cover-to-cover with similar notes and the moving stories behind them, and positive self-talk to replace the "fat talk" that fills our society.
Filled with wonderful stories of how people's lives were changed by one small act of kindness, this book was hard to put down and was an easy read. It challenged me to think about my internal thoughts and wether they were building myself up or tearing down. With chapters on family and friends, fitness, food, faith, and moving forward, Caitlyn Boyle presents thoughtful bullet points to think about and apply to your life. She quotes Dr. Susan Albers saying "communicate acceptance of your own body. Focus on what it does for you instead of what disappoints you about it."
I love her suggestion that we "ditch the All-or-Nothing attitude and adopt the Something-Is-Better-Than-Nothing approach" by fitting in exercises where we can, in the small moments of time. I especially appreciate the thought of allowing yourself to relax with a good book and a stroll after dinner when you are exhausted. Taking an overall view of exercise and diet allows us the freedom to forgive a missed workout or an overindulgent meal. Instead of focusing on the numbers of the diet and the scale, eat with purpose and focus on the quality and nutrition of the food.
This book is a wonderful affirmation that our bodies were created to do amazing things, and we should look at the inside beauty instead of focusing on the imperfections. Operation Beautiful not only includes wonderful quotes to help you make your own Post-It Notes to share, it gives specific ways to start living without "fat talk." This is a great read for anyone teens and up. While talking specifically to women, the principles would also apply to men and boys who need a boost in self-esteem.
I received this book free from Gotham Books to review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Starting with posting one scrap of paper with the phrase "YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!" written on it on a public bathroom mirror, Operation Beautiful's goal is to encourage people to use random, uplifting notes to build other people up. This book is filled cover-to-cover with similar notes and the moving stories behind them, and positive self-talk to replace the "fat talk" that fills our society.
Filled with wonderful stories of how people's lives were changed by one small act of kindness, this book was hard to put down and was an easy read. It challenged me to think about my internal thoughts and wether they were building myself up or tearing down. With chapters on family and friends, fitness, food, faith, and moving forward, Caitlyn Boyle presents thoughtful bullet points to think about and apply to your life. She quotes Dr. Susan Albers saying "communicate acceptance of your own body. Focus on what it does for you instead of what disappoints you about it."
I love her suggestion that we "ditch the All-or-Nothing attitude and adopt the Something-Is-Better-Than-Nothing approach" by fitting in exercises where we can, in the small moments of time. I especially appreciate the thought of allowing yourself to relax with a good book and a stroll after dinner when you are exhausted. Taking an overall view of exercise and diet allows us the freedom to forgive a missed workout or an overindulgent meal. Instead of focusing on the numbers of the diet and the scale, eat with purpose and focus on the quality and nutrition of the food.
This book is a wonderful affirmation that our bodies were created to do amazing things, and we should look at the inside beauty instead of focusing on the imperfections. Operation Beautiful not only includes wonderful quotes to help you make your own Post-It Notes to share, it gives specific ways to start living without "fat talk." This is a great read for anyone teens and up. While talking specifically to women, the principles would also apply to men and boys who need a boost in self-esteem.
I received this book free from Gotham Books to review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
January 3, 2013
I've heard about Operation Beautiful on TV and had investigated the website. I was excited to see that a book was coming out just because I like the idea behind the book: women need to be reminded that they are beautiful. I found the book cheap online.
First off, if you're looking for some amazing new breakthrough, this book isn't it. It's actually full of very old advice; advice, I think, we've forgotten. Advice like "you are more than what you appear in the mirror," and "your value can't be measured by a scale," and even "beauty is only skin deep".
What I found most interesting is how the notes reflect the writer more than the reader. I think that's really an important point. I've never found one of these notes but I've been tempted to leave some around. And one of these days I will! <--vow
I found this book inspirational because I think the notes are an act of kindness. These acts of kindness ended up rewarding the giver. Shouldn't every act of kindness reward both the giver and the receiver?
"Transforming the way you see yourself one post-it note at a time" = value of the book
First off, if you're looking for some amazing new breakthrough, this book isn't it. It's actually full of very old advice; advice, I think, we've forgotten. Advice like "you are more than what you appear in the mirror," and "your value can't be measured by a scale," and even "beauty is only skin deep".
What I found most interesting is how the notes reflect the writer more than the reader. I think that's really an important point. I've never found one of these notes but I've been tempted to leave some around. And one of these days I will! <--vow
I found this book inspirational because I think the notes are an act of kindness. These acts of kindness ended up rewarding the giver. Shouldn't every act of kindness reward both the giver and the receiver?
"Transforming the way you see yourself one post-it note at a time" = value of the book
August 31, 2015
This book is so filled with positivity and inspiration, I wish it was required reading for every female ages 10-35. Although it can feel a bit cliche every now and then, the messages of hope and self-acceptance are invaluable for today's women. In an era filled with shallow, self-absorbed, materialistic pop culture phenomena, the messages in Operation Beautiful are refreshing and uplifting. A few of the stories are eye-openers; as you read, you realize what is truly important in life, (if you didn't think about it before.) I'm not a parent, but I think this would be a wonderful book to share with children,and could provide a springdoard to hours of positive activities in making a difference in the world.
August 20, 2010
Caitlin is one of my favorite bloggers, so I was excited to finally pick this book up. The idea behind Operation Beautiful is that it's like PostSecret in reverse; instead of sharing a secret, you share an inspirational message on a Post-It note, and put it in public for someone to find.
This book is a compilation of some of those notes, many stories (including some of Caitlin's own), and tips and suggestions for living a healthier, Fat Talk-free life.
This book is a compilation of some of those notes, many stories (including some of Caitlin's own), and tips and suggestions for living a healthier, Fat Talk-free life.
January 12, 2011
Love, love, love the concept and it's something I want to participate in: spreading positive thoughts and quotes throughout the world to remind people they are beautiful and amazing and everything they need to be just the way they are.
My contribution: Beauty is not a number on the scale, a dress size, a hair color, or a clothing brand. It does not come from a gym, a nutrition label, a store, or a salon. It is YOU being YOU, and you'll only find it inside yourself.
My contribution: Beauty is not a number on the scale, a dress size, a hair color, or a clothing brand. It does not come from a gym, a nutrition label, a store, or a salon. It is YOU being YOU, and you'll only find it inside yourself.
August 19, 2010
This book just came, via FedEx, yesterday so I am just cracking it open as I watch Caitlin on The Today Show this morning.
Updating to say that all parents should read this book. There is so much that can be used in manners other than just "fat" talk which is a lot of the book. Read how I applied it to my life at http://nickisnook.net/2010/08/16/oper...
Updating to say that all parents should read this book. There is so much that can be used in manners other than just "fat" talk which is a lot of the book. Read how I applied it to my life at http://nickisnook.net/2010/08/16/oper...
August 27, 2010
Interesting book. It would be a good read on a rainy day or when you need a feel good story (kind of like the chicken soup books). Lots of great tips and suggestions to fit different life categories. I think it would be a good book to read with your kids and then to do an activity with your kids to encourage and lift up other people.
June 20, 2011
In a time when it comes almost second nature to berate ourselves or others and focus on our imperfections or those of others, this book reminds us to look for the good in others and especially ourselves. It is a book for adults and teenagers alike. After, or even while, reading you will find yourself going to buy some post-it notes:)
August 24, 2011
This could easily be a 5 for a teenage girl dealing with eating disorder issues, in need of community love. I bought it because Borders is closing and it was cheap-o. It's not what I thought- a book on writing health-related affirmations. It's a nice book on positive thought, supporting others and what-goes-around-comes-around.
July 23, 2016
I planned an event at which Caitlin was a guest speaker. I adore her! The book is inspirational and the premise of Operation Beautiful is uplifting. The idea is to leave behind a post-it note with motivational/kind words on a bathroom stall, airplane tray table, etc. A random act of kindness can be a nice reminder that we all really are "beautiful".
March 12, 2014
I picked up this book after hearing about this "movement." It's more filled with photos of the notes left for others and how people have been moved by the notes. There were some good openings to each section from everything from eating disorders to depression. I think it's a good coffee table type of book for anyone who deals with girls/women for a little uplifting quick view.
August 25, 2010
I will definetly read this book to my future children. It has an amazing message that changed my outlook on life and improved my self-esteem. I recommend this book for everyone to read no matter what their age or gender!
January 28, 2011
From my amazing friend @PrincessJenn. <3
This was an amazing book - maybe too touchy-feely for some, but exactly what I needed: many sniffly moments where I needed to reach for the Kleenex. Great book for anyone doubting their own beauty.
This was an amazing book - maybe too touchy-feely for some, but exactly what I needed: many sniffly moments where I needed to reach for the Kleenex. Great book for anyone doubting their own beauty.
February 15, 2011
starting the group today here at school after reading the inspiration tragic book of personal stories of women going through self help tactics and an undergraound community that embraces your beauty however you define it!
February 24, 2011
I have been in love with operationbeautiful.com ever since I first heard about. I was so excited to find this book in my library this week. Two other great websites: kindovermatter.com and iloveyoucards.org
April 22, 2011
This was a very inspiring book. I will forever carry a post-it pad and pen in my purse. What could make a woman feel more beautiful than seeing the beauty all around her then noticing it in her self as well? An easy read that really gives you the feel good tingles.
May 30, 2011
This is a a marvelous collection of inspirational and true bits of self-esteem. I highly suggest anyone struggling even mildly with any self-image issues read this book- it's very sweet and genuinely moving.
April 13, 2012
This book really made me respect my body so much more and make me comfortable with myself. It is so great to see so many other girls who want to help each other and not hurt each other with judgements! :)
May 31, 2013
A phenomenal idea. I do think if a person has an eating disorder, this book should be a supplement to professional treatment. This book is positive and I love the idea of helping others as well as yourself.
November 11, 2010
Great self-help book, it will also help others at the same time. Everyone should read this. It can be a bit repetative due to the nature of the book.
December 11, 2010
mostly skimmed through the book to read the post-its...i wasn't as into the "self-help" aspect of it, but the operation beautiful post-its always make me smile :)
December 17, 2010
Really a great book, one that every woman needs to read to be reminded we are all beautiful just was we are!
July 16, 2014
So far, it's a great book! It's quite inspirational to see how many people have been affected by this movement. I'm working on getting my girls at school to see themselves in a more positive light.
February 23, 2011
It really is a long promotion for the website. However, I found some of the girls' stories inspiring.
December 20, 2021
Got this book and handed it straight to my teenage daughter, I love it! Might need to start carrying post it notes in my purse :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews