A good message about the ugly side of beauty
927543
A compelling story of a young girl's journey from dreaming of being a model to hitting the big time in modeling and the pain she endured along the way. Kylie Bisutti has a unique experience to speak to women about beauty and the ugliness she saw and experienced on her way to becoming a Victoria's Secret angel. I appreciated her honesty and I was appalled at some of the behind-the-scenes antics of modeling. Her story is one of God's grace and transformation, and I'm grateful she decided to speak up about her experience. What an eye-opening account of the lengths the industry will go to, to give us a false picture of beauty.

I borrowed this book from the library, but it would be worth buying for the 30-day devotional, on the topic of true beauty, included at the end.
1141593
This book talks about women's need to have the question, "Am I lovely?" answered.  It's not about looks or shallow beauty but about beauty of the soul and the unique gifts that women have.

It spends alot of time explaining how women close their beauty to others because of wounds.  I found the book very interesting.
2176344
I think it is a well written story (despite some minor grammatical errors which do not spoil the reading). Although it has no storyline and it seems to be all about sex, it is a good and interesting (in my opinion at least) illustration of the problem of perception. In a way both Anna and Chase are the victims of perception. Anna perceives Chase as a handsome man who just wants to have fun at her expense. She cannot see past the stereotype that a hot, handsome man can be interested in someone who does not look like a skinny model. To her great surprise Chase does not see a plump girl whose feelings are of no concern of his, but someone perfect who needs to be convinced of her beauty and 'divinity'. Anna knows that she does not fall into the skinny sort of girls category and she thinks that for this reason alone she is not sexually attractive, and she never will  be. Chase forces her not only to accept her looks, her 'bigness' on a different level. He forces her not only to acknowledge it, but to love it and know that she can be loved for it.
3826009
I loved this book and its resonant message to all women that being a slave to outward beauty and societal expectations is a choice each of us can make. The writing is lyrical and positive. I enjoyed the creative retellings of traditional tales to speak to this complicated issue of empowerment, beauty and self worth. Highly recommended.
1835197
This book purports to be about the beauty of a particular large-sized woman, April Flores who is a model, actress and porn star.

The photos are taken by her husband, Carlos Batts.

When I initially read the description, I had a very different picture in my mind of what I would see, than what is contained in the book.  I was expecting to see and read a celebration of a large woman's form with supporting text that perhaps discussed self-esteem issues.  What I got was some beautiful photographs, some interesting ones and some that were just fat-girl porn.

As a former large-sized model and an avid supporter of the idea that there are all kinds of beauty in the world, not just one, I really wish that this book had not crossed into the porn level.  Each person makes their own choices in life and that is well and good, but to me, the display of sexuality in this fashion smacks of desperation and low self-esteem, rather than pride.

There are some beautiful photographs in this book, just prepared to also see pornographic shots and some text that reads as a justification of choices, rather than the celebration of unique beauty.
14355
This was a story with a message. The pictures are cute and text was easy to read. The gist of the story is don't steal, work hard, help others. Not a favorite that I'll reread but definitely worth reading once.
Source: Kindle Unlimited
4123279
Even in today's increasingly multi-culti world, the ideal of what is beautiful or conventional/normal tends to be the white-skinned version. Little girls and boys of color need more positive-reinforcement - and it can be found in Kim Kirkley's book.  Filled with sweet photos of Kim's own niece, this book illustrates how to not only deflect the hurting words of people to whom you are "other" but celebrate the beauty of being you - not just "even if" your skin skin is brown, but precisely because of it
41890
Great book, not overly preachy like some books.  Not an uber-minimilast book but more of a message of get rid of what you don't need in life to better appreciate what you enjoy in life.
4786275
This author has a valuable message, and does a fairly good job of expressing it. She could have said it in fewer pages, though. I agree with her that a story relays the lesson better than plain advice. She had good stories. It took strength to admit to her failings. The lesson was hard learned, but worth telling teens about. I agree with another reviewer who felt that parents should read this book before deciding whether it's one they should give to their daughters. Teenagers react differently, and respond to different approaches, and you know yours best. Baldwin talked about her own experiences, but it seemed to be rambling. That could be simply her style, but I thought it was repetitive. All in all, it was a positive message, and I believe all teens need a positive message.
1858264
To create an awareness in youngsters regarding influences coming from the outside, I feel this is a beneficial read. I had read a review from elsewhere, however, and my expectations were not quite met but only because I expected it for a little bit older child. Graphics are good. The message is important.
3225345
Pretty good , very hopeful message, kinda cheesy though
4156636
The Toothless Tooth Fairy tells the story of Bella, a tooth fairy who becomes the victim of another fairys jealousy and must try and replace her missing tooth for fear of losing the imminent best smile contest. The lengths that Bella goes to in order to recover her perfect smile are amusing, the humour only added to by Anca Delia Budeanus wonderful illustrations.

Hicks story is interesting because there isn't just one message to take away from it, and while there is a crime of sorts, no one is made to feel like a victim, nor an enemy. Hicks is clear from the start about what makes Bella beautiful is not just her perfect teeth or her nice hair, but also her kindness. And while Bella becomes self conscious and doubts her own beauty when she loses her tooth, Hicks never makes physical beauty the most important aspect, even the tooth fairy contest isn't a beauty pageant, it is for who has the nicest smile. Nowhere does Hicks say physical beauty is more important than being a good person. This is a wonderful message to give to children who read this, and one that a few adults wouldn't hurt to remember every now and again.

The Toothless Tooth Fairy is a great book that leaves you with a smile on your face as you finish. There is a wonderful message in Bellas story that explores feelings of jealousy as well as insecurity, but also promotes the ideas of inner beauty, kindness, and being a friend.

A version of this review was also published http://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/2014/08/01/the-toothless-tooth-fairy-by-shanelle-hicks/
31569
O.K., the message doesn't exactly cover new ground. High School boys can be dorks and can be either intentionally or unintentionally mean and hurtful. While it might be hard to be a teen boy it's a lot harder and a lot more complicated being a teen girl. Are you a "good" girl or a "bad" girl, and what's the difference, and do you have any control over how you are seen. Can you trust any boyfriend at this stage of life? This is all legit stuff and has appeared in a wide range of YA books, with an equally wide range of success. So, how do we do here?

Well, the author and the illustrator have complimentary senses of humor and have approached this project with a generous sense of good will and obvious fondness for teens of both sexes. No one is terribly mean or evil, and everyone has some good in there somewhere, even if it takes a fantastical plot and some gender shifting magic to bring it to the fore. The touch is light and deft, with some funny throwaway lines, some nice set pieces, and some knowing observational humor. All of this is leavened by other bits of school daze humor that don't necessarily advance the plot but do fill in the reality of high school. And, this is one of a few books that let parents have some good lines too.

That said, the story isn't all sweetness and light and there are some pointed, (if maybe obvious), shots taken at school admin, physically aggressive dates, sexist attitudes and expectations, and the like. None of our heroines sink into victimhood and they all take charge of themselves and their lives at some point, so the overall effect is still affirmative, instructive, and good-humored.

The drawing is very expressive. While it's line drawing in black and white you can tell the characters apart, you know what's going on, and the character drawing matches the action and dialogue. You can read mood and reaction and feelings from the characters as drawn, and that reflects a rare talent on the part of the illustrator. It adds a great deal to the appeal of the book.

So, interesting characters, a tidy plot, some sharp humor and some gentle humor, and a nice set of graphics. A happy find.

Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
3927699
The Ugly Renaissance by Alexander Lee tells the story of the Enlightenment with all of the dark images added. While the majority of what he states I was aware of, it's often a good thing to see it in it's context.

I was especially interested in women's rights, the corrupt church and government, and the lives of the artists and their patrons.

What we learn in this book is that despite all the beauty that came out of this age, they had the same problems we have in today's world. This was more of a microcosm of the Italy of the Renaissance but I believe it was representative of the "modern" world at large.

The audiobook comes with a PDF of all the pictures and objects of art talked about in this book which is always a nice addition to audiobooks. Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words and in a book about art you need this.

Some of the book seemed to drag, but if this era of history is of interest to you, this book is well worth your reading it!
611374
"What's Age Got To Do With It?" is a catchy title, but it makes an important point. It's all right, in fact, it's necessary to take care of yourself so that you can give your best to others. Frankly, I think most women and men, as well, could profit from reading the first chapter and taking it seriously. Too many of us, let out needs go because we think we have to be doing constantly for others to justify our existence. In fact, taking care of your health and feeling good about yourself are doing something for others. If our children see us as depressed, ill and unhappy, it doesn't give them a good image for the future. Children need role models. Girls need to see their mothers as vibrant important people. I think it's a great message.

I must admit that some of the information in the book was rather generic, and since I use neither hair coloring nor makeup, it wasn't particularly enlightening, except to give me a view of why it takes some women so long to get dressed. Still, the chapters on exercise, diet and health were well worth reading. Even if the information isn't new, it was presented in an interesting and informative way. The style was that of a friend talking to another friend. I enjoyed getting to know Robin.
1001783
I enjoyed reading this story. It was a short novella, but it has a good meaning  and the message that true beauty is on the inside of a person. When Sky "Lexi" was invited to s " freak contest  party" by the popular and rich boy in High School, she felt so privileged because he could have had any girl he wanted, but he took Sky as a joke, at the time she wore braces, glasses, and her nose wad big, she had never had any dates, when the "popular" guy ask her out she didn't realize that it was to make fun of Sky, shamed, leaves the party Allen and left the country and , for seven years, she and the young man carries the hurt and shame of that night until after hiring a PI, he finds her and Sky has changed her name, colored her hair,had plastic surgery done, now she is beautiful
2238097
Everything that could have been improved aside, the message of this book is a beautiful one.  Very well done spreading a positive message to females.