I’m starting a new series! In “Books On” I will be showcasing some brilliant books that surround a certain topic or theme. I’m not sure how often I will do them but for the first one I have chosen to showcase books on the theme of body image.

Having a negative body image has been following me my entire life. I have gained weight. I have lost weight. At one point in my life I barely ate anything. It’s something I managed to overcome but I am still an incredibly fussy eater. Going out for dinner is an absolute nightmare for me. This is just my experience.

The books below show different experiences and different representations of body image, body sizes and how people feel towards their own bodies.

Holding Up The Universe by Jennifer Niven:

One of the main characters Libby has a turbulent relationship with her body. After the loss of her mum, she began to deal with that grief through food. To the point where she was plastered over the news as “America’s Fattest Teen”. Throughout the book, you see Libby’s relationship and perception of her size start to become more positive towards the end. Especially THAT bikini scene towards the end. I did a full review of the book here if you want to know more!

Nothing Tastes As Good – Claire Hennessy.

Nothing Tastes As Good follows Annabel who has just died from an eating disorder. She is sent to shadow Julia who begins to have problems with food and body image once Annabel starts to control her thoughts and body. This was a really interesting novel to read. I didn’t love it per se but I am glad I read it. I will say though if eating disorders are a trigger for you then don’t read this book. It’s interesting and insightful as to how eating disorders can start – in particular with letting the voice in your head grow and grow.

Dumplin – Julie Murphy.

Dumplin is set in a small town in Texas where lots of high school girls compete in the annual beauty pageant. The main character Willowdean’s mother is a past winner and at the time in the book, runs the pageant. You get to see the kind of girls who enter the pageant and Willowdean is the complete opposite of that as she is bigger than the other girls. Dumplin is a wonderful book about going against the norm and facing some  home truths.

The Time In Between – Nancy Tucker

The Time In Between is a memoir by Nancy Tucker about her battle with anorexia and bulimia throughout her teen years. Nancy Tucker is brutally honest about what it’s like to be in a hospital surrounded by people who have the same mentality as you. At some points I had to put the book down because it scared me that there are people like that who don’t want to be helped. But I carried on because there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. This is also a book to avoid if eating disorders trigger you.

Let me know if you will add these to your TBRs!

Until next time,

Hayley.