This collection of essays about bodies - disabled, fat, hairy, queer, broken, tattooed, and otherwise - was a quick, interesting read from a lot of unique voices. There were essays about scoliosis (actually, three of them - I was surprised about that), dwarfism, tattoos, EDS, queerness, facial scarring, pronouns, Deafness, Black hair, cancer, and so much more. There was a bit too much “believe in yourself” advice, because seriously, that’s easier said than done, but I appreciated the variety of voices and the shortness of the essays. I didn’t know starting out that this was a YA collection, but there’s nothing wrong with that - just gave me a bit of different perspective. It would have been nice to have a book like this when I was a teen!

All in all, an important collection of essays.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Welcome to this blog tour !

I have received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

This book was really well made, the illustrations are beautiful and add to the stories. I loved the fact that this book was so inclusive and body positive, it was raw, true and heartfelt. I enjoyed some authors writing more than others, but even if I had a hard time getting into some of their stories, it still felt like I was taking a lot, and learning a lot while reading this book. Personally, some stories touched me more deeply than others, and that is okay. It is an important read and I am glad that is now out in the world.

While it is impossible to represent every experience, as each is unique, this book does a wonderful job at not only representing the physical aspects of someone, but also the emotional voyage one has to take when your body is not what is considered as the norm, or desirable by society. This is a collections of experiences, that will take you on a journey of what it means to be physically different, and how to accept and love yourself.

Each story is told in a unique way, the experience is amplified by the images, music and Q&A's that answer even your deepest questions, that you would only ask anonymously.

Kelly Jensen, did a wonderful job at editing and compiling all these wonderful story in ways that leave you touched long after you have read this book.

Overall a good,

4/5 stars

Bookarina.

5 stars

A compelling must-read for kids, young adults, and adults! Body Talk is the kind of no-holds-barred, thoughtful compilation that I wish I had access to in school. It's time to demystify our bodies and break down the barriers of ignorance and taboo surrounding our bodies and our physical differences.

Concept: ★★★★★
Writing: ★★★★
Teachings/Knowledge: ★★★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★★

Why do we give our bodies such a hard time? Why do signs of physical difference or ability mark some of us as "Other?" At the end of the day, why are we so hard on each other and on ourselves?

These are just a few of the questions that Body Talk raises, and they're great starting points. I'd go so far as to the say that this anthology could be considered a primer for students in health class, because honestly there are things in here that kids (and us adults!) should be thinking critically about.

What is the correct way to refer to a disabled person? Where did the phrase "body positivity" come from, and is it the inclusive term we think it is? Why is a woman's pain treated as insignificant in a doctor's office and often misdiagnosed? Did you know that young men should be aware of a specific kind of cancer?

Some of these tales come from a place of education—the author is telling us about a subject in an an almost impartial manner, and it works. Some of these stories are bullet points, some are from medical professionals.

Other tales come from places of pain and joy—authors who live on the other side of the social norm due to their physical form—which is outside of their control—and they're sharing their experiences with themselves on a personal level and with their surroundings. These are the stories that I will remember the most, because some of them cut deep and others highlighted some of my own biases, fears, and judgments.

We all have conceptions of physicality and what it means to have a "normal" body. What many of us don't think about is how it feels to live on the other side of that line, and how our "normal" ideas can be damaging, ignorant, or at times just confused.

This book is covers a LOT of topics, and everyone could read these stories and get something different out of them. We've got stories on disabilities, yes, but also on body size and shape, gender, female issues and male issues, stigmas in different communities, and windows into other people's experiences.

A valuable book, and worth a read to all of us with bodies to care for and love. (So... all of us, unless the person reading this is an embodied spirit or cyborg, in which case you've got your own issues.)

Thank you to Algonquin Books for Young Readers for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely enjoyed this anthology and I am so happy to get on this blog tour and had the opportunity to read and enjoy this book as an early reviewer.

As a nurse and a mother, I really thought that this book had it all and more. The collection was so thoughtfully put together and I really admire the stories included by the thirty seven models, actors, musicians and artists as they share their most intimate experiences about their body.

The broad perspectives represented really covered the topic comprehensively and made this read so delightful and highly recommendable. This gorgeous book had an amazing artwork I really enjoyed and a treat for the readers. This is a very powerful and also informative read.

I cannot recommend this book enough for everyone.

A Novel Prescription: Body Talk

As a doctor who has been known to refer people to books, I was so excited to come across this anthology about body image and self-esteem for teens. The teenage years are still a time of doubt and insecurity for a lot of our young people. How lovely to be able to guide them to an attractive and easy-to-read book by a variety of writers and famous figures. The book also goes beyond the usual coverage of puberty and body image to really delve into the complexities of make-up, body positivity and gender identity, among other topics.

Teen librarian turned YA non-fiction anthologist

The editor/author, Kelly Jensen, is an ex-teen librarian who currently writes for Book Riot. She obviously has her finger on the pulse of popular culture and has a network of writers, such as Roshani Choksi and Julie Murphy, she could call on to contribute to this, her latest anthology. Her previous collections include the acclaimed (Don’t) Call Me Crazy: 33 Voices Start the Conversation About Mental Health and Here We Are: Feminism for the Real World.

Back in my day, we had Dolly, Girlfriend and Cosmopolitan magazines to help us navigate issues around body image. Those sort of magazines aren’t available now, so I’m guessing young people search or stumble across information on YouTube and other search engines. We all know how that can end up, so it’s nice to know there’s a collection available just for the teen reader.

Intimate essays

The essays are a perfect mixture of intimate, first-person sharing and awareness of the broader social and political context surrounding the body politic.

I love that the voices are warm. The blue-and-white layout is bright and airy. Together, they will encourage teens to read at random and be introduced to topics they might not have thought about before.

I found myself deeply absorbed by Eric Smith’s memoir about his experience as a hairy 11-year-old, who desperately needed to shave his moustache off before performing as an angel in a Broadway play. I felt his anguish, but honestly, I would never have given the issue a second thought before reading this.

Bodies in more ways than you’d expect

Other topics I didn’t expect to discover were testicular cancer (by Benjamin Pu) and penises (by urologist and YA author IW Gregorio). Two very different accounts of scoliosis (by YA authors Rachael Lippincott and Lilliam Rivera) bookend the book. Tyra Banks’ account of her experience with the paparazzi was very powerful. I also found Sara Saedi’s tribute to her immigrant father’s yellow, crooked teeth heartwarming. 

Within Medicine, we always studied health and illness within the biopsychosocial framework. This recognises the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to our experience of health, illness and disease. Sure we learned the “facts” about topics such as obesity, but we also learned about the controversies and debates around definitions, classification systems, the diet industry and so on. I’m really glad these issues are being discussed now by the general public. And it’s wonderful to see them being introduced to teenagers in an empowering and intimate way that I hope will encourage discussion with their peers, teachers, parents and health care professionals.

I hope this book is recommended and shared widely!

A Novel Prescription for: Teens

Themes: Body image, body positivity, puberty, self-esteem, disability, identity, inclusivity, diversity

I'm so excited to be part of the publisher's blog tour for the launch of this book. It comes out on 18 August 2020, so make sure you preorder this evergreen title.



AUTHOR LINKS:
Author website: https://kellybjensen.com/
Blog: http://stackedbooks.org/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7068370.Kelly_Jensen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heykellyjensen/

Algonquin Young Readers, 2020, 256 pp, ISBN 1616209674



E-ARC provided by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

In Body Talk, Kelly Jensen curates a collection of 37 vignettes on the human body. I needed this book when I was a teenager. Heck, I needed this book as an adult! So, I am glad that this YA release is now available. I was captivated by these intersectional stories about disabled bodies, fat bodies, trans bodies, Black and Brown bodies, hairy bodies, as well as other types of magnificent, human bodies.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Algonquin Books for Young Readers for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher! Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Body Talk: 37 Voices Explore Out Radical Anatomy

Author: Kelly Jensen, Eric Smith, Julie Murphy, Roshani Chokshi, Anna-Marie McLemore, Shane Burcaw, Sara Saedi, Alex Gino, Nic Stone, Yao Xiao, Junauda Petrus, Lilliam Rivera, I.W. Gregorio, Rachael Lippincott, Amanda Lovelace, Kati Gardner, Tyra Banks, Carolyn London, Kate Hart, Kate Bigam Kaput, Kelly Bastow, Patricia S. Elzie, Madame Gandhi, Eugene Grant, Gavin Grimm, Alicia Lutes, John McGinty, D.M. Moehrie, Ben Pu, Aly Raisman, Nat Razi, Abby Sams, Jourdain Searles, Mars Sebastian, Jerlyn M. Thomas, Kara Thomas, Libby VanderPloeg, Alice Wong

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 5/5

Diversity: ownvoice narratives about their bodies

Recommended For...: informational short stories

Publication Date: August 18, 2020

Genre: YA Anthology Non-Fiction

Recommended Age: 10+ (eating disorders TW, gender dyphoria TW, cancer TW, body anxiety and body shaming narratives TW, talking about the body and some parts are a little gory)

Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers

Pages: 256

Synopsis: It’s time to bare it all about bodies!

We all experience the world in a body, but we don’t usually take the time to explore what it really means to have and live within one. Just as every person has a unique personality, every person has a unique body, and every body tells its own story.

In Body Talk, thirty-seven writers, models, actors, musicians, and artists share essays, lists, comics, and illustrations—about everything from size and shape to scoliosis, from eating disorders to cancer, from sexuality and gender identity to the use of makeup as armor. Together, they contribute a broad variety of perspectives on what it’s like to live in their particular bodies—and how their bodies have helped to inform who they are and how they move through the world.

Come on in, turn the pages, and join the celebration of our diverse, miraculous, beautiful bodies!

Review: I really loved this compilation of stories! The book did well to talk about what happens or could happen in a teens/yound adults body and the books speak from an ownvoice perspective. It talks about acne, scoliosis, eating disorders, gender dyphoria, and more! Overall, the writing is great. It’s inviting, non-judgmental, and comforting. But, most importantly, the book is informative, which is something that teens need more than anything.

Verdict: Highly recommend for teens and young adults!

I really liked the concept of this book and the excecution definetly delivered as well. I liked the varation of stories and the inclussion of comics as well. Everything felt a bit different and it kept the read varied and fun. The book also discusses everything from disabilities to eating disorders to just habing a day where you're not loving yourself. It has a lot of diversity in the stories and contributers, which I really liked. There were also some "FAQ" pages in which they explain certain ideas/definitions of topics included in the stories. Again, this was something I really apreciated because it helps the reader understand the experiences we're about to read about/just read about without needing the original author having to bog down their story with explenations. The only real problem I had with this collection is that some sentiments were repeated quite a lot, making the book repetitive at moments. I will check out more of these anthologies by this editor in the future though.

CW: body shaming, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, sexual assault, acephobia

This is the kind of book I would have sought out at the library when I was a teen. I loved how diverse and intersectional the authors and stories were and especially enjoyed all of the chronic illness representation. There are FAQs sprinkled throughout the book that answer important questions for teens; these questions relate to the different stories and the answers are very well thought out.

I was very excited to read this book because as mentioned above, I've been listening to the podcast Kelly Jensen cohosts with Eric Smith. From the podcast and other various outlets I've heard Jensen write or speak through, I noticed that Jensen is a big champion for teen voices. The books she recommends speak to and advocate for the modern teen. While I may not be a teen anymore (I just turned 22), I appreciate people who do this because so often teens are put down in the media. Twilight? Shadowhunter Chronicles? Can't like those, those are teen girl things.

I've read another collection Jensen has edited called (Don't) Call Me Crazy. I read it on my Kindle and I remember highlighting all over the place because I felt so seen in what I was reading. I found myself highlighting just as much in this book. I feel like these books don't talk down to the teens reading, yet make sure their stories are accessible. I also learned from reading Body Talk due to the wide array of experiences represented. I liked how all types of things a body comes with were covered- illnesses, disabilities, body weight, and sexuality being just a few of the topics. I found the discussion of body image to be recurring, as many writers spoke of the way they did or did not present their bodies to the world and how that made them feel. Another thing I appreciate was that Jensen wasn't afraid to include somewhat conflicting viewpoints, for example, an essay about body positivity and loving the skin you're in is side-by-side with an essay about not liking body positivity because it often doesn't leave room for nuance. Opinions on bodies are just as varied as bodies, and I think the difference in essays will make a variety of teens feel validated.

I recommend this book for teens (and young adults; I didn't feel too out of place reading this at 22) who are looking for a diverse discussion.

Rating: 4.25 🌟

Content Warnings: (all challenged) ableism, transphobia, racism, sexism, fatphobia, acephobia, chronic pain

The anthology is divided into six sections: HEAD, SHOULDERS, KNEES, AND TOES, ON THE SURFACE, COSMIC FORMS, BELOW THE BELT, THINGS YOU CANNOT SEE, and OUR WHOLE SELVES. I really loved the FAQs that were included, especially some of the topics like the terminology to use for disabled people ("disabled people" instead of "people with disabilities" since the former acknowledges that someone's disability impacts their experiences and how they live life), body positivity vs. fat acceptance, normal side effects of menstruation, and how straw bans impact disabled people). In addition, I will be checking out the further reading that is included at the end of the anthology. Body Talk starts necessary conversations and these other works that are suggested helps carry on the momentum.

There are a wide variety of essays. There are pieces about back braces (scoliosis), sexuality, dwarfism, muscle deterioration, disabilities you would not necessarily "see," and "inspiration porn." There is pain and hope and life and the basic desire to be seen as a person first and strength in loving yourself.

I particularly loved Tyra Bank's first essay, "Sixty-Four Teeth" by Sara Saedi (she is Iranian, family are immigrants, and they were undocumented for a while) which told about the lengths her parents would go for her), Anna-Marie McLemore's piece on their period, and amanda lovelace's story about her asexuality (and pansexuality) and the acephobia that exists within the queer community. One of the final pieces of the anthology by a urologist, I.W. Gregorio, was also very entertaining to read. There was a discussion about hormones with two doctors, and it made me realize that although there tends to be the casual blame on someone's "hormones," do we really know what that means? Do we really understand what our hormones are and what they do?

Body Talk is a collection that is needed in the world. Our bodies truly are something else; yet, how much time do we actually take to get to know them or discuss them? Furthermore, Body Talk features diverse voices and a wide intersection of identities. The anthology truly shows that correct representation is necessary to counter the stereotypes and stigma. This kind of representation also lets those who don't usually see themselves in the media see at least a piece of themselves that hits home.

I really enjoyed reading this anthology, and it answered many questions that I never realized I had. Plus it brought up many good points that I want to think about further.

Body Talk is a cool body-positive anthology. It focuses on all types of tops including disability, sexuality, reproductive health. It's a great book for teens and young adults to read because there should be a story that everybody can relate to.

From Scoliosis, eating disorders, cancer, and sexuality, Body Talk is a collection of essays, comics, and lists from actors, authors, models, and many more about our bodies and their uniqueness. We all have a body, but do we ever stop and think about the differences in our bodies and others. This book covers a variety of topics about different kinds of bodies and helps us realize the things we should be embracing or taking care of instead of being ashamed or leaving things untreated.

While I related to only a few of the stories in this wonderful book, I loved reading every story in it. From Rachael Lippincott talking about her horrible back brace because of her Scoliosis to Julie Murphy talking about the abundant amount of swimsuits she bought after accepting her body, I was, and still am, in love with this book.

This book is inspiring and also an eye opener. I feel like I’ve learned a lot by reading this book, even about things I thought I understood. Everyone’s story is different, in this book and in real life, and although not all of these stories were relatable to me, I still think they were all worth reading. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read this book and learn something from all of these amazing people.

Thank you, Algonquin Young Readers and NetGalley, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I gave this book four stars and thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the variety of perspectives that we see in this book, it would be impossible to represent everyone but I think that this book did a really good job of showing a variety of experiences. This book covers dwarfism, scoliosis, facial hair, teeth, fat shaming, cancer as well as many others.

This book is told through essays, Q&A's, interviews, and images that make it very easy to get through and enjoyable to read. I really think that this is a book that everyone should read in order to see another perspective to your own and how the world we live in effects different individuals. Particularly I feel like this is a book that should be read by teenagers, I feel if I had read this book at that time in my life it would have shown me a different side of the world that I hadn't thought much about before, but it would also have given me some more confidence in myself that I still don't think I really have. I highly recommend this book, if you have the chance give it a read and see what you can take from it.

This book really touches on the cultural and societal expectations of what our bodies should be and what is found to be 'normal' or 'attractive' to society and I loved the commentary that this book gives and how these aspects affect our emotional well being as well as our physical bodies. It really made me think again about all of these expectations and whether the things that I do are for myself or in order to fit into what I believe I should look like. The book also touches on how our environment was built with able bodied individuals in mind and that the needs of disabled people are a second thought or the changes that are made are done to the bare minimum.

This book covers some difficult and painful topics, both physically and emotionally but I found it to really be a book about self acceptance and being your own inspiration which I loved and really appreciated. This book made me feel incredibly sad and happy and overall gave a feeling of melancholy about this world but also a sense of hope that these types of books exist and that maybe one day we will all just be happy in ourselves and will not have to strive to unattainable goals.

Thank you for reading!

Body Talk is a nonfiction, anthology with over 30 writers, of all diversities and backgrounds, sharing essays on the topic of the human body. Any topic you can expect is covered, sexuality, disability, race, mental illness, etc. All of these topics end up touching on the human body at some point. Tyra Banks is included, along with social media icons and authors in the YA community. It's truly a wonderful collection of powerful stories. This type of broad perspective is exactly what people should be reading in order to grow and learn about the differences in humans.

This book is powerful. There's no better word to describe it than powerful. For such short essays, the authors pack a lot of information, medical and personal, into them. I learned so much from this book, especially from the essays that I don't personally relate to. For the essays that I did personally relate to, it evokes a feeling of validation. It's wonderful to have your deeply felt thoughts written out in a way that is so much more clear and concise than I ever could.

Due to the sheer amount of authors, there are also a lot of variations in the tone and seriousness of the essays. Some authors take a more humorous tack to relay the information and concepts they want to get across, and some take a very serious note to impress upon the reader the severity of the situation or depth of the emotions. Together, it creates a very comprehensive picture of not only human bodies, but the REACTION each person has to their own body. Truly wonderful.

**Thank you to Algonquin Young Readers and Netgalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This was a fantastic book which features 37 different voices telling their story of different experiences relating to their body - trans, fat shaming, braces, endometriosis, dwarfism and so many more experiences and stories to read about within this diverse book.

I loved how the book told these experiences from the eyes of the people telling them and mixed humour with the often brutally real and seriousness of each person's experience.

This is a great book for young adults to read and each person's experience voiced within the book is divided into short sections.

This collection of essays contains so much body positivity, identity, gender & disability awareness. Each assay is written with honesty, emotion and humour. It's perfect for teens.
Thanks, Netgalley.

Body Talk is a collection of real life accounts from some of our favorite people! Full of optimistic stories, Body Talk has definitely taken it's stand as one of my favorite books this year. I loved reading these accounts, of people's everyday struggles with their body, living with disability, and yet having so much courage. To see how different people view disability and bodies. It was so beautiful, stories of hope and courage and strength. I loved them so much and I wholeheartedly recommend this book!
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an early e-copy.

Some times we live in a bubble thinking we are the only person thinking, feeling and suffering though this situations. Turns out, there are many people like us, or even, people that go though more difficult or incredible situations. Taking about them might give us the perspective we need to see thing with a different light.

Body talk provides a clear insight on how bodies might play against us, but is up to us to keep a path of self acceptance and look for the help and support we need. At the end of the day, no human being is 100% perfect.

The collection of short essays (actually more of a get to know me text) present series of own voices insight of different individuals that have face body related issues (chronic disease, health conditions or physical disability), laying down a truthful picture of what its to live in their skin (taking limitations, self loath and purpose searching reactions), as well as how society needs to understand the wrong paths it has taken, building an acceptance of illogical and non real beauty and normality standards.

A book about understanding that inclusivity does not mean lowering standards but to give fair treatment and to create and awarenes of other's realities.

And amazing book to ponder on your self image and that deemed acceptable. A book to make changes, to start creating a real normality.

Excellent tool for classroom discussion and debate.

A copy of the book was acquired through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Algonquin Books for the free advance copy of this book.

BODY TALK is a collection of works from 37 authors, celebrities, illustrators and more exploring all the many ways to have and to live in a body.

At first glance, BODY TALK may appear to be another book for tweens and teens talking about how their bodies are changing. And there's some of that, but wow, it is so much more. This book is a place where everyone gets to show what it's like inside their body. Fat bodies, disabled bodies, Black and brown bodies, trans bodies, hairy bodies, chronically ill bodies, and more. And they're all about how there's no right way to have a body, no dumb questions to have about your body, and about taking ownership of and joy in the complexities and oddities of being alive.

One thing that struck me as an adult reader of this book is how many of these stories are by women who had a hard time getting medical professionals to take their pain and illness seriously, especially when it had to do with reproductive health. It might have stuck out to me since I've had similar struggles, but it is still rather shocking to have a book with such a broad array of experiences and still see so many stories with this common throughline.