Real Gorgeous : The Truth About Body and Beauty

Real Gorgeous : The Truth About Body and Beauty

by Kaz Cooke

This is a rather unusual book written by a cartoonist from Australia. I think most women will either love it or hate it. This book is touted as being very funny.

I did not find it nearly as funny as advertised. In all fairness I will agree that there are some funny bits sprinkled throughout the book. Kaz Cooke has written a book for woman that alternates between poking fun at the fashion and beauty industry and trying to make women feel better about cellulite, push-up bras and fashion models.

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I can see that Cooke's heart was in the right place. She wanted to cut through the beauty industry's message about body image, beauty, eating disorders, diets, cosmetic surgery and offer women self-confidence and reassurance. Kaz had a noble cause but I think her message gets tangled in her attempts at humor. In real life, teasing can sometimes hurt. I also don't think just one book can soothe women haunted by their own beauty demons.

If women can cut through the humor they will find the message to learn to love their bodies. I liked the practical suggestions on finding self-esteem. I did not necessarily enjoy some of the jokes.

I think this book has to be experienced from everyone's own perspective and experiences.

Buy The Book

Paperback: 257 pages
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; 1st American ed edition (January 1, 1996)
ISBN: 0393313557