Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls

September 7, 2015
The first thing readers of this stirring manifesto will notice is that Baker, a blogger and mental health specialist, is very funny. She is also on a mission. As Baker explains, she wants to help women embrace a body-positive view that doesn’t put other people down for their size, color, or self-presentation. The book builds on Baker’s viral Attractive and Fat campaign, which called out Abercrombie & Fitch for fat shaming. Baker recommends websites, blogs, books, and hotlines for anyone—of any gender—who’s intent on living without self-loathing despite the social pressures around body image. Her message is powerful, particularly her suggestions of things “fat people” should insist on doing that others often tell them they can’t (e.g., sitting in a booth, riding a bike, wearing a bikini). Equally strong are the essays from guest authors, including “Body Love and Disabilities: Intersections of Identity” by Shanna Katz Kattari and “The Case for Male Fatshion” by Bruce Sturgell. Readers will be challenged and empowered by Baker’s ideas, inspired by her quest to promote body positivity, and entertained by her candid, witty storytelling. Agent: Sharon Bowers, Miller Bowers Griffin.