Aubrey Gordon, creator of Your Fat Friend, co-host of the extremely popular podcast Maintenance Phase, and author of two books, is pretty much a rockstar in the Fat Positive world. Her two books, What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat, and “You Just Need to Lose Weight” and 19 Other Myths About Fat People, are extremely popular and incredibly helpful.
When I read What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat I asked my parents to read it so as to help them understand what I go through as a fat person in today’s society. I think only my father actually read it but it was a turning point in our relationship particularly our relationship around my fatness. Her second book “You Just Need to Lose Weight” and 19 Other Myths About Fat People is not only as well researched and well written as the first one but it also gives a significant amount of practical advice. This is a book you can hand to a family member or friend and be assured that they may actually read it, and if they read it you will both gain a great deal.
The book is written in small bites, debunking things myth by myth. Anyone who has listened to Maintenance Phase knows that Gordon has a particular gift for debunking, and it shines in this book. I went through the table of contents trying to pick out a few of my favorites but honestly the whole book is just fantastic.
If you feel like you know everything about the topic, read the book anyway. Gordon’s prose is compelling, well researched but still very accessible, and just fun. Also, this topic is a passion of mine and I’m well read on the issue and I learned plenty. I also learned some new and different ways to respond to people who try to use these myths against me in well meaning and not so well meaning ways.
If you are fat you will find this book tremendously affirming. If you are not fat this book will debunk the many myths about fat people in a data driven, well thought out way. It will give you a window into the kind of myths fat people encounter every day and will hopefully lead to some self-reflection. I’m currently trying to figure out which of my family members I want to ask to read it. Hopefully it will lead to more turning points in those relationships in my life.
Do you want a therapist who can talk to you about these issues and help you navigate your life as a fat person? If you live in Massachusetts come work with me! Email me at meg@fatqueertherapist.com to set up a consultation.
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