This is probably the best, most comprehensive book about body politics I’ve ever read. No kidding, no hyperbole. I’m legitimately stunned by the simultaneous complexity, nuance, and inherent accessibility of this text; it takes a seriously talented writer to strike that beautiful balance. Megan Jayne Crabbe (or @bodyposipanda as some of you may know her) has always been an inspiration, and I knew she was a totally incredible human, but the breadth and brilliance of this book gives me a whole new respect for her and her work as an activist.First and foremost, Crabbe knows her stuff. It’s so easy to get body positivity mixed up these days; it’s been hijacked by so many different groups for so many different purposes that the real soul of it is easily lost, misunderstood, or disregarded. Crabbe reminds us that body positivity actually stems from the work of fat activists, queer women, and women of color. It’s so much more than simply “loving yourself.”Body positivity is an entire movement that challenges the institutionalized oppression of bodies that don’t look like the “ideal” (i.e. white-washed, super skinny, impossibly flawless, permanently able-bodied, etc.). It’s about recognizing intersectionality and creating a world where ALL bodies are represented, respected, and celebrated as good bodies– just as they are. It’s about acknowledging and assigning human value not based on what we look like, but based on the fact that we exist. It’s about learning to de-program all the diet culture bullcrap and internalized shame that accumulates within us from the time that we’re born, completely destroying our sense of self-worth and pushing us into committing continued acts of violence against ourselves and others. It’s bringing awareness to the fact that we’ve been set up; the things we think we know about weight and health and worthiness are all messed up: weight is not an accurate indicator of health, obesity is not an epidemic that’s killing us all, DIETS DON’T WORK (and they mess with your body in ways no weight-loss company will EVER tell you about), you are valuable no matter what you weigh, your body evolved to store fat which has nothing to do with laziness, character, or will-power, etc., etc., etc.READ THIS BOOK.If you’re tired of dieting, read this book. If you’re tired of hating your reflection, read this book. If you want to support your loved ones, read this book. If you want to enjoy life and stop obsessing about weight, read this book. If you’re helping other humans with their mental or physical health in your profession, read this book. If you want a better understanding of what it’s like to live in a marginalized body, read this book. If you want real information about health and the weight-loss industry, read this book. If you haven’t heard of body positivity, read this book.READ THIS FREAKING BOOK.