14 books on body image and beauty standards that everyone should read

Talking body positivity, self-acceptance, and vanquishing bad body image BS so you can free up space in your brain for creative and productive energy. Complete with affirmations, introspective reflections, and actionable takeaways, as well as space to answer prompts and jot down feelings and inspirations.

A fascinating exploration into the effect that being bombarded with depictions of the beautiful, successful, slim, socially conscious, and extroverted individual that our culture has decided is the 'perfect' self, has on each of us. Storr examines what happens and why we berate ourselves when we feel we fall short of those impossible standards, and how social media feeds into it all. Selfie tells the epic tale of the person we all know so intimately – ourselves.

Most of us know Megan Jayne Crabbe by her former Instagram handle @bodyposipanda and for her joyful, colourful posts - but, in her Body Positive Power book, Megan shares her own candid struggles with self-acceptance and her path to body positivity. Jam-packed with practical advice, this is an uplifting and unapologetic read.

After following crash diets and nutritionist-prescribed "eating plans", Miller says she reached rock bottom. However, she then learned how to eat based on her own instincts and exercise sustainably, without obsessing over calories burned and thigh gaps. This funny, moving and relatable book documents that life-changing journey of self-discovery.

In her debut book, Yeboah talks about navigating life as a Black, plus-sized woman. Peppered with insightful tips, this is an essential read created for any woman with a desire to live openly, without fear or shame, and with confidence. 

In her book, Brown explores the barrage of images and messages from society and the media we face every day, telling us who, what, and how we should be. We are led to believe that if we could only look perfect and lead perfect lives, we'd no longer feel inadequate. This powerful bestseller digs deep into concepts such as guilt, shame and self-worth, while offering practical tools on how to navigate tricky emotions.

The author exposes the tyranny of the beauty myth through the ages and its oppressive function today, in the home and at work, in literature and the media, in relationships between men and women, between women and women.

This book encourages women, whatever their size, shape, and colour, to work toward feeling wonderful about themselves despite today's media-saturated culture through a 365-day action plan.

Designed to give teenagers a confidence boost and to celebrate bodies in all their glorious diversity, Sanders' book is the perfect gift for any young person. Sanders readily shares that as the tallest person in her class growing up, she felt out of place and self-conscious, but that over time she learned to view her height as an advantage – and came to appreciate her body for everything it can do. The inclusive illustrations are just the cherry on top of a brilliantly important iced cake.

With her trademark wit, blogger Jes Baker calls people everywhere to embrace a body-positive worldview, changing perceptions about weight, and making mental health a priority. Alongside notable guest essayists, the author shares personal experiences paired with in-depth research in a way that is approachable, digestible, and empowering. 

Body insecurity is rampant, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s time to overcome our culture’s shame and distress about weight, to get real about inequalities and health, and to show everybody respect.

As a creative force, student of the human heart and soul, and champion of living the life you want, Oprah Winfrey stands alone. This book not only comes with the wisdom and anecdotes you’d expect from one of America's top TV personalities, but also more than 100 healthy recipes.

Dr Van Der Kolk is an expert on trauma and how this lives within the body. From the impact of stress on our brains to familial trauma, The Body Keeps The Score is essential reading for those on the path to body positivity. There’s also a tonne of valuable information on how to better connect with your body.

Now a competitive amateur powerlifter who can lift over twice her own body weight, writer Poorna Bell is perfectly placed to start a crucial conversation about women’s strength and fitness. One that has nothing to do with weight loss. In Stronger, she challenges the notions taught to us as girls and examines how all of us can tap into our reservoir of inner strength to meet our strongest selves – physically and mentally.