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Why I Don't Hide My Freckles Anymore: Perspectives on True Beauty
What is beauty? More than 50 contributors, including such well-known authors as Wendy Ulrich, S. Michael Wilcox, Kathryn Soper, and Jana Parkin, attempt to answer that question in this fresh, funny, and insightful look at the relationship between beauty and female identity. In a society that is obsessed with physical perfection and saturated with unrealistic images of the ideal woman, the writers in this thought-provoking anthology reaffirm the importance of inner beauty, offer much-needed perspective on body image and aging, discuss how they have coped with self-awareness and the urge to compare, and reveal the liberating truth that life doesn't have to be one long, miserable diet.
160 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 19, 2016
I should read one of these essays every day for the rest of my life. While the Mormon audience is glaringly apparent (e.g., many essayists talk about finding true beauty in the faces of women serving in the temple. How is that helpful to anyone who hasn't entered a Mormon temple?), the underlying theme really struck home. I finished this book feeling beautiful, and that self confidence is worth all the book stars Good Reads allows me to give.
March 1, 2014
This book falls under another book that I probably wouldn't have picked up at the store, but when I saw it come up for review, I jumped at the chance. It is full of inspirational stories, that every woman, young and old should read.
I love how it feels so personal. Each essay is written by a different individual, and talks about what they think "beautiful" is. It is so touching. Everyone has insecurities, even if they say they don't. We are usually our own worst critics. I know I am. This book really helped me to see how different and how beautiful we all are in our Heavenly Father's eyes. Notice I said "different". No one person is the same. How thankful I am for that. We all need to find our "beautiful".
I have to admit in my head I am still young, and skinny. I seriously have to wonder if it is me staring back at me when I look in the mirror because my outside is not what I see. I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing, but I can honestly say that sometimes I think a stranger is looking back at me. Like I said, in my head, I am still that 18 year old, skinny girl who just got married, and is looking forward to a life with her spouse. How thankful I am that I am NOT that 18 yr old anymore, because life is so much better now than it was then. I may not be skinny, and fit like the world thinks I should be, but I am happy with who I am. This book made me realize that it is OKAY to be who I am. I have never really been one to "follow the crowd", but every girl wants to hear they are beautiful.
So many times in this book, these short, sweet essays women talk about how they use to see themselves, and how their perspective has changed. Beauty is so much more that what we see on the outside. This book helped me realize how important it is to build a person up, and never tear them down. Words are so powerful. I have to admit I am the type of person who usually doesn't care what people think about me. I don't care if others think I am beautiful, or out going, or funny, or anything. The only thing I want people to think about me is that I am a good person. I don't know if people think that or not, but I sure hope they do. I hope that I am never the cause of someones embarrassment or discomfort. I know I probably am at times, because I have the "open mouth insert foot syndrome". BUT, I can say that, that is never my intention. I don't have a filter, and sometimes that is a bad thing. I speak before I think. This book really showed me how important it is to THINK before I speak.
If you are a woman, read this book. Know that you are beautiful just the way you are. Heavenly Father made you, you are a Princess, a Daughter of a King. We can always strive to be better, but don't ever fall into the pitfalls society thinks we should fit in. Each one of us is a divine daughter of God. Every person has something to contribute to this world. Be kind. Remember you are beautiful because Heavenly Father made you!
This really is such a great book. So inspirational, and touching. Be good to those around you. Build people up, never tear them down. BE BEAUTIFUL!!!
I love how it feels so personal. Each essay is written by a different individual, and talks about what they think "beautiful" is. It is so touching. Everyone has insecurities, even if they say they don't. We are usually our own worst critics. I know I am. This book really helped me to see how different and how beautiful we all are in our Heavenly Father's eyes. Notice I said "different". No one person is the same. How thankful I am for that. We all need to find our "beautiful".
I have to admit in my head I am still young, and skinny. I seriously have to wonder if it is me staring back at me when I look in the mirror because my outside is not what I see. I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing, but I can honestly say that sometimes I think a stranger is looking back at me. Like I said, in my head, I am still that 18 year old, skinny girl who just got married, and is looking forward to a life with her spouse. How thankful I am that I am NOT that 18 yr old anymore, because life is so much better now than it was then. I may not be skinny, and fit like the world thinks I should be, but I am happy with who I am. This book made me realize that it is OKAY to be who I am. I have never really been one to "follow the crowd", but every girl wants to hear they are beautiful.
So many times in this book, these short, sweet essays women talk about how they use to see themselves, and how their perspective has changed. Beauty is so much more that what we see on the outside. This book helped me realize how important it is to build a person up, and never tear them down. Words are so powerful. I have to admit I am the type of person who usually doesn't care what people think about me. I don't care if others think I am beautiful, or out going, or funny, or anything. The only thing I want people to think about me is that I am a good person. I don't know if people think that or not, but I sure hope they do. I hope that I am never the cause of someones embarrassment or discomfort. I know I probably am at times, because I have the "open mouth insert foot syndrome". BUT, I can say that, that is never my intention. I don't have a filter, and sometimes that is a bad thing. I speak before I think. This book really showed me how important it is to THINK before I speak.
If you are a woman, read this book. Know that you are beautiful just the way you are. Heavenly Father made you, you are a Princess, a Daughter of a King. We can always strive to be better, but don't ever fall into the pitfalls society thinks we should fit in. Each one of us is a divine daughter of God. Every person has something to contribute to this world. Be kind. Remember you are beautiful because Heavenly Father made you!
This really is such a great book. So inspirational, and touching. Be good to those around you. Build people up, never tear them down. BE BEAUTIFUL!!!
August 14, 2016
Excellent book! It is full of short personal essays on defining beauty. Every woman (young and old) needs to read this...and every male, so that we can all understand the impact of words on our self-esteem. So good!
October 15, 2017
This was a really good uplifting book that allows you to really consider what is beautiful.
Some of my favorite quotes from this book are:
real beauty isn't purely decorative; its primary function is to connect - to connect our innermost beings to one another and to the world around us. Real beauty does not divide or diminish us - it opens and inspires us. It is not only possible but natural to live peacefully in our body, to be comfortable in our own skin, for each of us to love our bodies and find ourselves beautiful.
Celebrate my body for the temple it is... Both for how it's shaped, and for the Divinity at houses.
My self-loathing was actually related to in gratitude for the body given to me by Heavenly Father. I had chosen to believe the cruel lies of the devil, who was so jealous of the body I have been given he was determined to make me hate it, and then destroy it.
What if perfection and judgment weren't what beauty was about? And what if we didn't need the world's permission to enjoy our own body?... Here is the truth (and John Keats knew it): "'beauty is truth, truth beauty,' - that is all." his words resonate with me. True beauty is the core of a person: the essence. True beauty is born of resilience and individuality. It says, "You are intrinsically of worth and value, no matter what you look like." That idea gives me strength.
We are God's creations, and his beauty comes alive in us.
It takes courage to look at ourselves, sharing the hyper hyper-awareness of our own imperfections and flaws, and then say that we are beautiful. But when we do that, a funny thing happens. We start to believe it. We are empowered to see Beauty in ourselves, and that leads to finding Beauty in the people around us.
Sometimes the beauty is in holding on and fighting when you have no idea how to win the battle. Sometimes the beauty is in continuing to believe when you can't imagine things ever getting better. And sometimes the beauty is in doing our part and then waiting on the Lord. At some point, God picks up the ashes and gives Beauty instead.
How can we have an eye single to the glory of God when one eye is fixed on the image in the mirror?
Some of my favorite quotes from this book are:
real beauty isn't purely decorative; its primary function is to connect - to connect our innermost beings to one another and to the world around us. Real beauty does not divide or diminish us - it opens and inspires us. It is not only possible but natural to live peacefully in our body, to be comfortable in our own skin, for each of us to love our bodies and find ourselves beautiful.
Celebrate my body for the temple it is... Both for how it's shaped, and for the Divinity at houses.
My self-loathing was actually related to in gratitude for the body given to me by Heavenly Father. I had chosen to believe the cruel lies of the devil, who was so jealous of the body I have been given he was determined to make me hate it, and then destroy it.
What if perfection and judgment weren't what beauty was about? And what if we didn't need the world's permission to enjoy our own body?... Here is the truth (and John Keats knew it): "'beauty is truth, truth beauty,' - that is all." his words resonate with me. True beauty is the core of a person: the essence. True beauty is born of resilience and individuality. It says, "You are intrinsically of worth and value, no matter what you look like." That idea gives me strength.
We are God's creations, and his beauty comes alive in us.
It takes courage to look at ourselves, sharing the hyper hyper-awareness of our own imperfections and flaws, and then say that we are beautiful. But when we do that, a funny thing happens. We start to believe it. We are empowered to see Beauty in ourselves, and that leads to finding Beauty in the people around us.
Sometimes the beauty is in holding on and fighting when you have no idea how to win the battle. Sometimes the beauty is in continuing to believe when you can't imagine things ever getting better. And sometimes the beauty is in doing our part and then waiting on the Lord. At some point, God picks up the ashes and gives Beauty instead.
How can we have an eye single to the glory of God when one eye is fixed on the image in the mirror?
May 9, 2014
Loved it. And I'm not just saying that. It was like interviewing dozens of women--of all ages, personalities, backgrounds, professions, and experiences--about how they have dealt with and are dealing with body image in their lives. At first I wasn't sure about the format. There are a lot of essays and they're all four pages or less, but it definitely worked. It was like each writer could only give her very best, and the multifaceted approach turned out beautifully. I feel so honored to be included in it.
This would be a wonderful choice for a gift for any woman over age 12--birthday, graduation, coming-of-age, anniversary--anything. I love what LaNae and her staff do at BYU and beyond. I'm pretty sure that authentic sharing like this could change the world. It's definitely changed mine.
This would be a wonderful choice for a gift for any woman over age 12--birthday, graduation, coming-of-age, anniversary--anything. I love what LaNae and her staff do at BYU and beyond. I'm pretty sure that authentic sharing like this could change the world. It's definitely changed mine.
June 17, 2018
This was a beautiful reminder that beauty isn't defined by Hollywood or even our own self doubt. Heavenly Father sees our beauty, inside and out, and loves us no matter what.
December 31, 2018
Mm, it was okay. Some of the essays were profound, others didn't strike me as anything special. Overall great message, though!
July 1, 2019
5 Stars
This is an essay collection from a variety of people of different ages and experience, each providing their own take on what it means to be beautiful. The overall message is very powerful, and that is of course, that true beauty comes from within. It is not what we look like, but who we are the determines out beauty.
I have known this my entire life, and yet how often to I catch myself saying just the opposite?
"I could be really pretty if I just lost some weight."
"I hate how my face is so red."
"My hair is a big frizzy mess, it'll never be as pretty as the other girls I know."
"I wish my chest weren't so flat."
It certainly doesn't help that I'm the only girl I know who is perpetually single, but this book does help to remind me to refocus. I need to stop hiding within myself because I think I'm not pretty enough, not cool enough, to be loved.
idk, i'm working on it
This is an essay collection from a variety of people of different ages and experience, each providing their own take on what it means to be beautiful. The overall message is very powerful, and that is of course, that true beauty comes from within. It is not what we look like, but who we are the determines out beauty.
I have known this my entire life, and yet how often to I catch myself saying just the opposite?
"I could be really pretty if I just lost some weight."
"I hate how my face is so red."
"My hair is a big frizzy mess, it'll never be as pretty as the other girls I know."
"I wish my chest weren't so flat."
It certainly doesn't help that I'm the only girl I know who is perpetually single, but this book does help to remind me to refocus. I need to stop hiding within myself because I think I'm not pretty enough, not cool enough, to be loved.
idk, i'm working on it
March 15, 2019
It was nice enough, but not really what I thought it would be. The essays are all right, nothing earth shattering. Most are a bit to simple, and some don’t even really expand on how the author found beauty which is what this book is about. The title led me to believe that it would a helpful book describing how someone learned to accept themselves as they were. That’s not really what this is. Oh well.
February 22, 2017
3.5 stars
This book consists of 57 short essays, written by 57 different authors.
Some of the essays were moving and inspiring.
Some of the essays were hum drum.
Most were average.
I deeply appreciate the concept of talking about what beauty is not: appearance.
This book consists of 57 short essays, written by 57 different authors.
Some of the essays were moving and inspiring.
Some of the essays were hum drum.
Most were average.
I deeply appreciate the concept of talking about what beauty is not: appearance.
August 6, 2017
While I liked some of the messages this book had, I think it was geared towards an audience of those who have bigger self-esteem issues than I currently do. I am grateful that I have learned to love myself and see the true beauty in me.
May 17, 2017
Loved it! A collection of stories, some that I liked more than others. Made me feel good and able to view myself and others in a more positive light.
November 6, 2017
Great message, love most of the short stories available. The only thing is the stories can start to feel redundant if you read too many essays in a row.
August 23, 2020
A cute compilation about the meaning of true beauty.
March 29, 2022
Lots of essays on people’s view of beauty and how it applies to them
February 3, 2017
Not what I thought it would be, but still has good messages.
January 14, 2018
LOVE at first read! What I hope everyone takes from this collection of essays is that beauty is a gift given to everyone from God, and it has a lot more to do with confidence, kindness, and a smile than anything from the beauty aisle. A must read for every woman!
Empowers women to disregard the objectifying messages of our society and embrace the perfect, godly creation that is their imperfect body. Loved this book. Loved the format. Loved the different perspectives. Loved the message of empowerment. Loved the freeing feeling of being allowed to love imperfections.
This collection features reflective pieces from women of all ages. The youngest contributor is twelve. I doubt anyone would admit to being the oldest contributor, even if this is a nonjudgmental book. I used a red pencil to underline several of the more perceptive ideas and wound up with a red-filled book.
I would love to see another book like this redefining feminism. Feminism is embracing the natural instincts and skills born inside each woman as gifts that make us different from men but every bit as entitled to the same privileges and rights.
Here are a few excerpts:
From page 2, "Often our bodies become the scapegoat for all of the things we don't like about ourselves. Somehow it's easier to blame our bodies for our bad feelings than to look deeper. If we have an inner conviction of our worth, negative words might sting temporarily, but they won't stick. We won't believe them, we won't be so concerned about what people think of us, and we won't feel compelled to perfect our bodies to prove our worth."
From page 10, "Having cast myself to this far-off corner in relative darkness, I suddenly feel ashamed. Not so much of my body, but of the way I hide it, enshroud it, and even loathe it. I recognize that, in my reluctance to join the others in the pool, I've fallen prey to the ultimate body snatcher. He and his legions covet my flawed, mortal frame - and cheat me into devaluing my greatest treasure."
From page 34, "It was an extraordinary feeling. No longer could I deny that I was lovable. I couldn't even deny that I was beautiful. God made me, and He made me beautiful. I had been beautiful all along but never acknowledged it... I was a beautiful child of God. Why had I never realized this before?"
From page 69, "but perhaps more importantly, one is robbed of the self-awareness, knowledge, growth, and joy that comes from pursuing a body and a life that are uniquely one's own. We were all made different from each other for a purpose, a wise purpose."
Empowers women to disregard the objectifying messages of our society and embrace the perfect, godly creation that is their imperfect body. Loved this book. Loved the format. Loved the different perspectives. Loved the message of empowerment. Loved the freeing feeling of being allowed to love imperfections.
This collection features reflective pieces from women of all ages. The youngest contributor is twelve. I doubt anyone would admit to being the oldest contributor, even if this is a nonjudgmental book. I used a red pencil to underline several of the more perceptive ideas and wound up with a red-filled book.
I would love to see another book like this redefining feminism. Feminism is embracing the natural instincts and skills born inside each woman as gifts that make us different from men but every bit as entitled to the same privileges and rights.
Here are a few excerpts:
From page 2, "Often our bodies become the scapegoat for all of the things we don't like about ourselves. Somehow it's easier to blame our bodies for our bad feelings than to look deeper. If we have an inner conviction of our worth, negative words might sting temporarily, but they won't stick. We won't believe them, we won't be so concerned about what people think of us, and we won't feel compelled to perfect our bodies to prove our worth."
From page 10, "Having cast myself to this far-off corner in relative darkness, I suddenly feel ashamed. Not so much of my body, but of the way I hide it, enshroud it, and even loathe it. I recognize that, in my reluctance to join the others in the pool, I've fallen prey to the ultimate body snatcher. He and his legions covet my flawed, mortal frame - and cheat me into devaluing my greatest treasure."
From page 34, "It was an extraordinary feeling. No longer could I deny that I was lovable. I couldn't even deny that I was beautiful. God made me, and He made me beautiful. I had been beautiful all along but never acknowledged it... I was a beautiful child of God. Why had I never realized this before?"
From page 69, "but perhaps more importantly, one is robbed of the self-awareness, knowledge, growth, and joy that comes from pursuing a body and a life that are uniquely one's own. We were all made different from each other for a purpose, a wise purpose."
March 7, 2014
Do you ever find that in trying to be "virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy"...
Seems to "twist us into self-shaming preoccupation with appearing more virtuous and more lovely than others, envying others' good reports, and feeling unworthy unless we merit the praise of" others?
THIS BOOK WILL HELP WITH THAT!
Amazingly wonderful stories of people who have...
overcome the need to be perfect~
overcome the need to compare~
overcome the need to feel shame about their bodies~
I LOVED Anna Packard's list of gratitude:
"Thank you body for allowing me to experience every day completely. Thank you eyes for the opportunity to see the beauty and majesty of the world around me. Thank you nose for the pleasure of smelling delicious food and the familiar smell of my husband. Thank you lips for tender moments kissing the soft doughy skin of my newborn daughter. Thank you mouth for allowing me to nourish myself with food and to enjoy new tastes...etc."
Can we be GRATEFUL for our bodies? Even the parts we find lacking?
Susan Law Corpany shares:
"Many years ago I was looking forward to a landmark high school reunion. With plenty of time to accomplish my goals, I started my pre-reunion diet. I tracked my progress not only on the scale but by tracking my measurements. When I proudly announced to my teenage son that I had lost a quarter-inch off my ankles--that's a quarter-inch per ankle, mind you--he put his hand on my shoulder and said, 'Mom, remember that this is the part they put in the ground when you die.'"
This book will help you:
* forget about minimizing pores and worry about the poor among us
* worry about sagging spirits and less about sagging body parts
* worry less about crooked teeth and more about having crooked habits
* worry less about thinning hair and more about thinning patience
* worry less about love handles and know that love handles about any situation you are in
"Be generous with your love, and you will never run out of it. Love regenerates itself--it grows by giving. Beauty is the same. Beauty regenerates itself--it grows by being generous with your love."
EVERY WOMAN NEEDS TO READ THIS BOOK!
SO MUCH TO OFFER!
IT WILL HELP OUR MINDS AND SPIRITS AND BODIES :)
Seems to "twist us into self-shaming preoccupation with appearing more virtuous and more lovely than others, envying others' good reports, and feeling unworthy unless we merit the praise of" others?
THIS BOOK WILL HELP WITH THAT!
Amazingly wonderful stories of people who have...
overcome the need to be perfect~
overcome the need to compare~
overcome the need to feel shame about their bodies~
I LOVED Anna Packard's list of gratitude:
"Thank you body for allowing me to experience every day completely. Thank you eyes for the opportunity to see the beauty and majesty of the world around me. Thank you nose for the pleasure of smelling delicious food and the familiar smell of my husband. Thank you lips for tender moments kissing the soft doughy skin of my newborn daughter. Thank you mouth for allowing me to nourish myself with food and to enjoy new tastes...etc."
Can we be GRATEFUL for our bodies? Even the parts we find lacking?
Susan Law Corpany shares:
"Many years ago I was looking forward to a landmark high school reunion. With plenty of time to accomplish my goals, I started my pre-reunion diet. I tracked my progress not only on the scale but by tracking my measurements. When I proudly announced to my teenage son that I had lost a quarter-inch off my ankles--that's a quarter-inch per ankle, mind you--he put his hand on my shoulder and said, 'Mom, remember that this is the part they put in the ground when you die.'"
This book will help you:
* forget about minimizing pores and worry about the poor among us
* worry about sagging spirits and less about sagging body parts
* worry less about crooked teeth and more about having crooked habits
* worry less about thinning hair and more about thinning patience
* worry less about love handles and know that love handles about any situation you are in
"Be generous with your love, and you will never run out of it. Love regenerates itself--it grows by giving. Beauty is the same. Beauty regenerates itself--it grows by being generous with your love."
EVERY WOMAN NEEDS TO READ THIS BOOK!
SO MUCH TO OFFER!
IT WILL HELP OUR MINDS AND SPIRITS AND BODIES :)
March 9, 2014
Women and girls lift their voices declaring that we are beautiful daughters of God, not defined by the world’s standards in this compilation of short essays. Each one infuses and empowers as it explores where true beauty comes from–within.
I love books like this that offer so many points of view from women and writers in all different stages of their lives. We would be wise to read a chapter a day, or to share this book with our daughters and friends. Especially good thoughts with summer approaching, swimsuit season and the many women who hide in shame. There is no shame. Your body is a temple. It is a gift!
Quote
Reflection and writing allow us to see ourselves and others more truthfully, more compassionately. Our personal experiences challenge the illusion of culture. We begin to see how unfulfilling and shallow the messages are. We sense a newfound strength and power to stand up to false standards of self-worth ad refuse to allow ourselves to be merchandise in the marketing of beauty. Real beauty isn't merely decorative; its primary function is to connect--to our innermost beings to one another and to the world around us. Real beauty does not divide or diminish us--it opens and inspires us. It is not only possible but natural to live peacefully in our body, to be comfortable in our own skin, for each of us to love our bodies and find ourselves beautiful." - LeNae Valentine, editor.
I love books like this that offer so many points of view from women and writers in all different stages of their lives. We would be wise to read a chapter a day, or to share this book with our daughters and friends. Especially good thoughts with summer approaching, swimsuit season and the many women who hide in shame. There is no shame. Your body is a temple. It is a gift!
Quote
Reflection and writing allow us to see ourselves and others more truthfully, more compassionately. Our personal experiences challenge the illusion of culture. We begin to see how unfulfilling and shallow the messages are. We sense a newfound strength and power to stand up to false standards of self-worth ad refuse to allow ourselves to be merchandise in the marketing of beauty. Real beauty isn't merely decorative; its primary function is to connect--to our innermost beings to one another and to the world around us. Real beauty does not divide or diminish us--it opens and inspires us. It is not only possible but natural to live peacefully in our body, to be comfortable in our own skin, for each of us to love our bodies and find ourselves beautiful." - LeNae Valentine, editor.
April 22, 2014
One of my favorite essays was “Once Upon a Time—A Tale of Beauty and Strength” by Ronald Bartholomew, which recounts his adolescent experiences with his own perceived physical shortcomings. Not only was it an uplifting reminder that it isn’t our looks or our physical prowess that make us great, but rather our character and our behavior—and it was good to be reminded that we women aren’t the only ones who can struggle with such issues. So many other essays touched my heart as well.
This book is not only an excellent resource for some personal reflection and introspection but a great sharing point to open discussions with other women and young women about what beautiful means to them. I plan to read some of these essays with my daughters and with the young women with whom I work to help them understand true beauty. Because as the book says, “beauty is truth. And the truth is that everything God created is beautiful, your body included—freckles and all!”
This book is not only an excellent resource for some personal reflection and introspection but a great sharing point to open discussions with other women and young women about what beautiful means to them. I plan to read some of these essays with my daughters and with the young women with whom I work to help them understand true beauty. Because as the book says, “beauty is truth. And the truth is that everything God created is beautiful, your body included—freckles and all!”
July 8, 2015
I feel really badly that I was not crazy about this book! I personally love one of the editors and a few of the stories were really good! However, 90% of the stories had the EXACT same format: the author started by telling how she felt she was ugly (most often as a child or teenager), how she had an epitome, and then a sermon on why she knows she is beautiful now. I was hoping for a compilation of hilarious and awkward anecdotes that women could relate to of the pressure of looking beautiful. I felt like I was being preached to on every page by "ugly" women who realized they weren't "ugly." I just did not connect with most of the stories in this book.
November 20, 2016
Excellent book, beautifully done.
My thanks to all of the contributors, for sharing such honest and inspiring views.
One of my (many) favorite parts, from Was It Something I Said?
"My poor husband, he tells me I am beautiful, and he tells me all he sees when he looks into my face. He tells me officially now he's 'had me' longer than my parents, so all those insecurities should be undone."
Thanks, Jennifer! Not only do you have a good husband, but your children are blessed by the way you tell them every day what you think is beautiful about them.
You write: Maybe the key is not comparing their faces to anyone else's. What a great insight!
My thanks to all of the contributors, for sharing such honest and inspiring views.
One of my (many) favorite parts, from Was It Something I Said?
"My poor husband, he tells me I am beautiful, and he tells me all he sees when he looks into my face. He tells me officially now he's 'had me' longer than my parents, so all those insecurities should be undone."
Thanks, Jennifer! Not only do you have a good husband, but your children are blessed by the way you tell them every day what you think is beautiful about them.
You write: Maybe the key is not comparing their faces to anyone else's. What a great insight!
February 19, 2015
I loved this book. I believe that 99.9% of the women in this world will relate to at least one of the stories in here. I'm so sick and tired of the world defining what it means to be beautiful. Beauty has nothing to do with the outward appearance. I highly recommend this book to all girls of all ages.
April 12, 2016
This book comprises several short articles to help combat unrealistic standards of physical beauty, using a variety of perspectives from within a Christian set of values. Most of the articles are by women. One is by a man, which I think could be relevant to many boys and young men, as they also face "body image" pressure.
January 2, 2015
I got this book from the library but will now need to go buy a copy. Though the stories are mostly all the same each has a different lesson to be learned. This is the kind of book we need in today's society where the idea of beauty has been skewed!
April 4, 2014
Beautiful book
Beauty is so subjective. This book explored the paths of many women figuring out their own brand of beauty, and it seems the journeys all coincided with finding self worth.
Beauty is so subjective. This book explored the paths of many women figuring out their own brand of beauty, and it seems the journeys all coincided with finding self worth.
July 22, 2015
This is a great book filled with many different perspectives on beauty. I am excited to share this at Girls Camp this year and to help the girls find their individual worth without basing it on just beauty. It is about so much more and these essay help teach that lesson.
May 5, 2017
Inspirational
I found inspiration in the stories presented in this book. I am seeing beauty in a different light than I had previously. I found myself wanting to share it with loved ones and friends because they would all benefit and be inspired by it.
I found inspiration in the stories presented in this book. I am seeing beauty in a different light than I had previously. I found myself wanting to share it with loved ones and friends because they would all benefit and be inspired by it.
March 2, 2014
This is a collection of thoughts on beauty, by various contributors.
April 9, 2015
I loved the many perspectives in this essay compilation of TRUE beauty. It's a book that is highlighted and dogeared and I will quote to my 2 daughters I'm sure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews