Jes Baker is pretty well known in the world of body positivity as someone who is unafraid to talk about things that many shy away from. Her no bull attitude is what drew me to her, with her open letter to then Abercrombie and Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries and amazing “Abercrombie and Fat” photoshoot after Jeffries made some body shaming comments about why he didn’t want fat people shopping in A&F stores.
As soon as Jes announced her book Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls, I preordered it. Not just because she is someone I look up to and I wanted to support her, but because I knew from reading her blog that it would be full of body positivity. Just what I need at this time of year when I’m feeling burnt out and frustrated with everything.
Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls is for body positive people. It is for people who want to love their bodies but do not know where to start. It’s for people who hate their bodies, for people who cry when they look in the mirror and for people who want to live apologetically. It’s not even just a book for fat girls – I think that people of all sizes and genders would benefit in some way from reading Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls. This is a book for everyone, no matter where they are in their self love journeys.
Along with all the wisdom that Jes Baker has to impart, there are guest essays from people like Virgie Tovar, Jen McLellan from Plus Size Birth and Plus Size Mommy Memoirs and Chrystal Bougon from Curvy Girl Lingerie. This book covers everything from what body love is and why it matters, to fat and health; intersectionality to mental health; fatshion to finding love.
Jes writes like she’s having a conversation with you, so this is like sitting down with an old friend who’s about to lay out some home truths. But don’t be afraid – she has reasoning behind what she says and breaks things down in a way that makes self love seem much less daunting. There are even challenges within the book that you can complete! I wish I’d been able to read this book as a teenager, it would have made a vast difference in how I felt about myself and I’m sure it would have saved me many years of battling with my body.
My favourite part of the book was the section about mental health support – it’s full of really practical ideas that I think would be helpful for most people. I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give any of the book away, but I will tell you that this is a valuable resource that I’m going to be reading many times over.
If you haven’t checked out #fatgirlscan on Instagram, do yourself a favour and check it out – there are some great people celebrating all the things we can do that society tells us we can’t – wear stripes, make art, model, wear bikinis, be loved, be wildly successful… I hope you’ll share your pictures on there as well!
SHOP IT: Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls: A Handbook for Unapologetic Living by Jes Baker is available from Book Depository for $29.75
Is this on your reading list (or have you already read it?)
WIN “THINGS NO ONE WILL TELL FAT GIRLS” BY JES BAKER:
Want to get your hands on Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls? I have three copies to give away thanks to Seal Press.
To enter to win simply tell me in the comments below one thing that you really love about yourself (it could be a physical trait, a personality trait or something you’re really good at), then CLICK HERE to subscribe to our free weekly updates. You can unsubscribe at any time if you change your mind – it just makes it easy for me to contact you if you win. If you’re already a subscriber then great – all you need to do is comment below.
Hi Meagan, I just found your blog last night and want to tell you I am soooo inspired .. I’m afraid I don’t have very much confidence when it comes to my body, never have in fact, no matter what size I’ve been over the years .. Firstly I found a lovely group of Kiwi women on facebook who share pictures and fashion tips, and that’s how I ended up finding you – looking for places to buy plus size clothes .. Obviously its’ still very early days in my body acceptance journey, but I’m determined to grow my confidence up this year, and must say thanks to you I’m already beginning to feel it happening 😀
Something I’m proud of, well that would have to be parenting .. I’m a solo mum who has really struggled financially, physically & mentally, but my kids have always come first and I am sooo proud of the people they are turning out to be, thanks to me!
Again, Thank-you for sharing your story, ideas & beautiful images – it’s making a real difference in peoples life {{hugs}}
Thanks Clare, that really means a lot. Congratulations, you’re one of our winners – keep an eye on your inbox xx
I love my body because I see it as an over sized hour glass. I just have more sand.
I love my voice. For decades I kept it hidden. Even my closest friends didn’t know I could sing. I didn’t think I could be successful because I’m fat, my teeth were crooked, I have a little droop on one side of my smile. It wasn’t until I stumbled on the Body Positive movement that I found my voice in so many ways. Now, I am getting my teeth fixed because I want to keep them healthy, but I’m not waiting for the braces to come off to get out there and sing. I’ve learned to accept my body for the size it is and am constantly surprised at what it’s capable of accomplishing. My smile isn’t crooked, it’s quirky and smart. I’ve performed twice with my friend’s band and have two more gigs lined up. I bought a Ukulele and am learning to play and sing at the same time.
I love my own sense of humor. I love that I feel as if most situations can be fixed or handled or just made better with a smile and a laugh. Despite my past and current issues, I’m still a pretty happy person I think.
My eyes. They are light green with my dark hair. They make me pretty, unique and memorable.
I love my sense of humour. Because of it I can talk to anyone and make them laugh. It breaks the silence and boredom in my workplace and cheers up my workmates when they are feeling down. It gives me the confidence to pull off crazy bright clothes that I love. It has rubbed off on my son and nephews and because of that we have a very happy, bubbly, cheerful household. It brings sunshine into our lives even on gloomy sad days.
The scars on my arm from self harming over 4 years ago.
Because no matter what my brain would like to think I am strong and can overcome obstacles.
I have a 100% success rate of surviving each day.
The scars on my arm from self harming over 4 years ago.
Because no matter what my brain thinks I can overcome obstacles in my life.
I have a 100% success rate of surviving each day.
and they help to prove it.
One thing I love about myself is my hour glass shape😆
Its been on my list of too be bought for a long time… but at 20+ dollars its always a little outside my “i can justify that” luxury item when I have a few extra dollars left each pay…
The only thing I can think of is that I really care for others,other than my own children and hubby,i have a real heart for the older generation x
Awesome review! I’m so proud to be a part of this book and I’m glad you enjoyed it. XO
Thanks Jen, and thanks for all that you do – I loved reading your section x
Yay! This is on my must-read list, for sure!
I love how resilient I am.
It can be so easy to let things drag you down sometimes, but I work really hard to make sure that I’m able to bounce back from things quickly, and always try to find positives in shitty situations.
<3
I love my thick curly red hair and my crazy hourglass figure!
I love that I am strong & confident. I don’t let people change who I am. If they don’t like me for who I am then that’s their problem, not mine, there’s the door mate. My goal is to be heathy, strong & confident. Life is for living, no matter what size you are!!!!!!
I like that I am kind, empathtic, and loving.
I really like my eyes, they are an amazing blue xx
I love my eyes and my nose. Oh and i have perfect ears lol
A little obscure but I love my eyelashes, they’re so long and dark and curly. So keen to read this!
I love my personality 🙂
I love my wicked sense of sometimes warped sense of humour.It can be very black at times- and I know my green eyes are sparkling when I am being extra naughty😈.However I can make a child or adult chuckle and enjoy a moment ;then giggle myself at something I say or see.Making others feel good in turn makes me feel it too.
I have very smooth porcelain skin! Called me genetically blessed but I’m nearly 40 and there’s not a wrinkle in sight. Hopefully that continues for awhile 🙂
I love my personality ☺️ I love and care about everyone
I love that i am kind and thoughful of others xox
What do I like about myself? My confidence ~ My confidence in my choice to breastfeed in public when my little guy is hungry, my confidence to wear a bikini on my new shapely post-partum body and my confidence to speak up and speak out when I feel someone has been marginalised.
Also I really like my boobs 😛
I love this babe!!! Congratulations Ste, you’re one of our winners – keep an eye on your inbox xx
I love the woman I have become today 🙂 I am still on a journey of self love but I am getting there bit by bit I also love my big bum 🙂 lol
I love my eyes, and my smile 💜 Learning slowly to love the rest too!
I’m not normally one for reading non-fiction (if I’m going to make time to read, I like the book to transport me to a far away time/place/another universe), but this book has piqued my interest! What I love about myself – I’m an unashamed enviro-geek. I get grumpy when I see people littering, use reuseable shopping bags, go opshopping, and am a big fan of recycling, and always go on at those around me about these things (not everyone appreciates it, but hey, we only have one planet, so stuff them!)
One thing I love about myself is that my body grew and gave birth to three beautiful baby boys 💙
I love my (new-found) confidence 🙂 have been enjoying feeling positive about my body, wearing sleeveless things (used to be one of my biggest shames, my arms) and wearing different clothes 🙂 Still needs improvement but I’m loving it!
I absolutely love my ability to just keep going – even when I have the lowest day possible I am able to pick myself up and carry on 🙂 xx
Sounds like a fantastic book would love to read! I love my ability to see the good in everyone. Even though this can be to my own detriment at times as some people do take advantage!
The thing that I love most about myself is the fact that my body grew my beautiful daughters. I was told I probably wouldn’t conceive naturally due to PCOS, but here I am a mum of 3. My body stretched and grew them, and I will never be ashamed of my stretch marks.
I love that I’m stubborn. Like, hella stubborn. There isn’t a force on earth that can make me do something I don’t want to do.
I am already a subscriber .. Yay…
One think I really love about myself I’d have to say my ability to forgive..
I love Jes – so keen to read this! I love my hair!
I love that I am considerate of everybody. Michael says I take it too far sometimes but I’m proud of myself for not being selfish.
Tantalising review, Meagan 🙂 The book sounds like it has much to offer. The things I love about myself: my eyes – they talk and say things my mouth doesn’t, my smile and my loyalty to those I care about
I love that I have finally learnt to tell myself that “I CAN”….. It’s taken a long long time…. 🙂
Really keen to read this and plan on reading it, And looking forward to turning 40 and being fabulous this year. 2016 is my year.
Something I like about myself… I’m very planet friendly! If I see rubbish on the beach then I pick it up (side note – please people, stop buying those horrid water balloons and especially stop leaving them on the beach!), I say no to plastic bags when I shop, I re-cycle, re-gift and re-purpose whenever I can and I am always mindful of how my actions affect the earth.
Good on you Sara! I’m the same – I can’t believe how careless some people are about our lovely home. Congratulations, you’re one of our winners – keep an eye on your inbox! x
My sas! I love it! I am chunky but feel like i rock the shit outta it!
Ohhh I want to read this sooooooo bad! I’m really fussy with books and this I’m very intrested in lol
One thing u love about little ole me is I like to give. If I won this book I would share it with friends and family (after I’m done or course! Hehe)
Waiting for my copy. Stupid slow mail. .
It’s definitely worth the wait!
Im watching the mail box. Hehe.
This book is definitely on my to read list this summer. Thanks for your review Meagan, it’s given me a reminder to search it out.
Thanks Mel, I hope you enjoy it!