As someone who has never fit into the "skinny" category, I've looked for ways to be comfortable in my own skin no matter what society preaches. With that being said, these 23 books will talk about the right ways we should view our bodies in whatever season, fashion, or anything else we're a part of.
1. "The Body is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love" by Sonya Renee Taylor
Written by a world-renowned activist and poet, this book highlights the importance of radical self-love in the midst of violent systems.
2. "Body Positive Power" by Megan Jayne Crabbe
This books focuses on rallying behind body positivity in both a practical and inspirational way.
3. "Body Kindness: Transform Your Health From the Inside Out — and Never Say Diet Again" by Rebecca Scritchfield, RDN
Featuring four basic self-love principles, this book is written by a registered dietitian nutritionist and focuses on visuals to help show how your well-being is connected to your mind and body.
4. "Perfectly Imperfect: Compassionate Strategies to Cultivate a Body Positive Image" by Amy Harman, LMFT, CEDS
This book stresses the importance of compassion strategies to help attain a more positive view of yourself.
5. "To Be Honest" by Maggie Ann Martin
This novel features a story of a woman who finds her way in the world while battling insecurities.
6. "I'll Be the One" by Lyla Lee
Featuring a rising starlet, this novel covers the topic of negative entertainment-related beauty standards.
7. "The Romance Diet: Body Image and the Wars We Wage on Ourselves" by Destiny Allison
Written as a memoir, this book stresses the importance of standing up for yourself and expressing what you want in a confident way.
8. "The Goddess Revolution: Make Peace with Food, Love Your Body and Reclaim Your Life" by Mel Wells
Mel Wells highlights the importance of fighting the battle that women have against their bodies.
9. "The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend" by Kody Keplinger
This novel brings light to the trials that girls face about feeling like they're not good enough based on how they look.
10. "If the Dress Fits" by Carla de Guzman
This book features a confident female character who is trying to navigate her way through life while looking for love.
11. "The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things" by Carolyn Mackler
Covering relatability, this book talks about unfair comparisons and finding strength in who you really are.
12. "Future Perfect" by Jen Larsen
Written by a critically acclaimed author, this story is about not conforming to others' expectations.
13. "No Big Deal" by Bethany Rutter
This novel talks about self-doubt, pressures to look a certain way, and how to stay true to yourself.
14. "A Kind of Intimacy" by Jenn Ashworth
Featuring a strong female lead, this book tells a story of self-love gone wrong as well as a funny plotline of trying to find your way in the world.
15. "Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman" by Lindy West
Lindy West wrote this humorous book about her life, and her relatable experiences of learning to love yourself and standing up for body positivity.
16. "The Beauty Myth" by Naomi Wolf
This book covers the idea of breaking gender norms and the myth of what beauty "should be like."
17. "The Summer of Jordi Perez" by Amy Spalding
This novel follows a strong character and how she deals with life, love, and her aim to reconcile her positive sense of self.
18. "Size 12 and Ready to Rock" by Meg Cabot
Focusing around body positivity, this novel also tells a story of romance and treachery.
19. "Everything's Trash But It's Okay" by Phoebe Robinson
This storyline features cultural criticism as well as breaking down society's beauty standards.
20. "It Was Me All Along: A Memoir" by Andie Mitchell
Written as a memoir, this book speaks of finding beauty in acceptance.
21. "The Corset Diaries" by Katie Macalister
In this novel, Katie Macalister talks about the battle of conforming to others, no matter what the end goal is.
22. "The Self-Love Experiment: Fifteen Principles for Becoming More Kind, Compassionate, and Accepting of Yourself" by Shannon Kaiser
This book highlights the importance of confidence and becoming your own best friend.
23. "Why Not Me?" by Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling writes about her struggles with conforming to the Hollywood scene, as well as relatable and funny stories about her life.
