At last--an empowering book that tells girls and women how to be friends with their bodies. Packed with jokes, cartoons, and practical ways to find real self-esteem and avoid freak-outs and rip-offs, Real Gorgeous is easy to read, relevant, and an indispensable boost for women ages 11 to 111.
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Book Description
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From Amazon
Kaz Cooke knew women needed a book that cut through the confusing and cruel messages about body image, beauty, eating disorders, diets, and cosmetic surgery. "Mostly, we needed a book that wasn't trying to sell us anything except self-confidence and the truth," says Cooke. "I couldn't find one so I had to write one." Written in the spirit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of body acceptance, Cooke playfully challenges some of the most oppressive misogynists of the 20th century: the beauty, fashion, and diet industries. Simultaneously funny and reassuring, Cooke boldly asserts her opinions and research on push-up bras (they dig and hurt), cellulite (it's a cosmetic company-induced condition, not a medical condition), and fashion models ("some of the most insecure, tortured souls around"). The cartoon illustrations offer comic and compassionate accents to this poignant discussion.
From Publishers Weekly
Australian filmmaker and newspaper columnist Cooke shoots as straight from the hip as Dr. Ruth when discussing body image. Although her jocular tone and clever cartoons often make this book more appropriate for young teens than adults (e.g., "Like a little old caterpillar programmed to become a butterfly, our grown-up shapes are already decided before we are born."), her no-nonsense pronouncements on the ultimate uselessness of moisturizer and the eating disorder- inducing tactics of the fashion industry are wonderfully refreshing. Some of this ground has already been covered, but Cooke's irreverence is all-inclusive: she reels off statistics and examples (particularly damaging are quotes from fashion magazines); doesn't wince from explaining why, scientifically speaking, "No cream or lotion in the world will firm or shape or enlarge or reduce your breasts"; and even supplies practical advice on how to deal with (or answer back to) people who feel compelled to comment on others' bodies. Cooke tries to be funny and very often succeeds, but she is never coy or condescending, and there is plenty of serious stuff mixed in with the cheery advice. Dissections of advertisements and their phony techno-speak are priceless, and her cartoons have the same mordant wit. A complete list of resources rounds out this hefty, funny reference.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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First Sentence
Whoopsie, where did these curvy bits come from? Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
Whoopsie, where did these curvy bits come from? Read the first page
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Concordance
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By Leeann
Format:Paperback
I got _Real Gorgeous_ as a 17th birthday gift, which is about 5 years later than I wish I'd read it. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It gives you a cute, funny, entertaining look at the media's idea of "beauty", ways to have a more positive body image, why diets don't work, etc. This is advice that could help save many adolescent girls from falling into the typical pattern of low self-esteem, crash dieting, and body hatred. Best of all, it's presented in a light-hearted, positive, friendly fashion that nearly any girl will enjoy. Please do the girls around you a favor and introduce them to this fun, positive, uplifting book (after reading & enjoying it yourself, of course)!
Format:Paperback
This book is cute in spots. It seems designed to placate adolescent fears about the developing female body. It is obviously not directed toward an American audience. The factual content is a few years behind.
As a 40 something woman struggling with body image issues, I was disappointed. I give it a lower rating because the description didn't match the content very well.It is well-suited for an eleven year old girl.
As a 40 something woman struggling with body image issues, I was disappointed. I give it a lower rating because the description didn't match the content very well.It is well-suited for an eleven year old girl.
By Quyen
Format:Paperback
This book is loaded with lots of info. I enjoyed reading his book, lots of info.
I am now wise beyond my years. No really, you learn a lot.
I am now wise beyond my years. No really, you learn a lot.
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4.4 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Hmmm!
It was good over all. But I didnt like how they kept on dissing on skinny girls. They could have been more universal if they had written "There isnt a certain way to be. Read more
Published on Nov 18 2002 by "kiwikisses36"
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great for all women :)
this book is great for all women who always thought there is an irony in the media about beauty. first time I saw this book I thought the back had an interesting introduction. Read more
Published on Nov 10 2002 by MrsAustin
5.0 out of 5 stars
On my way to body bliss!
I just started reading Real Gorgeous, and I already can't wait to post my rave review -- it's THAT good! Read more
Published on Aug 15 2002 by Krista L. Hamilton
5.0 out of 5 stars
Feel Like the Queen You Are!
This book is absolutely-without-a-doubt-fabulous. I have been having some body image issues lately. Read more
Published on Jun 20 2002
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fun Book on Being Human!
I Loved this book. Nicely demonstrates the affect society has on a woman's self image, and helps to combat that. Plus, it's just a fun read. Read more
Published on Jan 9 2002 by C. K. Ogi
5.0 out of 5 stars
Real Gorgeous: The Truth about Body and Beauty.
This bright pink book just screams for attention. Australian author Kaz Cooke is well known for her cartoons, films, and writing. Read more
Published on Dec 4 2001 by "vim3"
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gain a better body image and actually have fun with it!
If you have ever doubted your looks or just one part of your body, this book is for you. I think every woman but espicially teenagers should read this book. Read more
Published on Oct 22 2001 by Karin Couture
5.0 out of 5 stars
I wish this book had been around when I was in high school!
What a wonderful and very needed book! I spent most of my teenage years feeling quite awkward and ugly. Read more
Published on Mar 21 2001 by Heather Domin
5.0 out of 5 stars
a great investment
a very well-written and comprehensive guide to "beauty" in all its subjective embodiments. Read more
Published on Mar 20 2001
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book IS Real Gorgeous!
I first borrowed this book from my counselor, who had it in her bookcase. After ONE night with it I ordered my own copy! I couldn't stop laughing! Read more
Published on Sep 20 2000 by Shelley R. Stevenson
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