Extreme Makeover: Women Transformed by Christ, Not Conformed to the Culture

by Teresa Tomeo

Popular radio host Teresa Tomeo knows from experience that the self-image of American women is being distorted by pop culture. With its emphasis on youth, physical beauty, and sexuality, the secular media is encouraging women--and girls--to see themselves primarily as sex objects. A professional TV and radio journalist, Tomeo pulls together the latest research on social behavior and trends in order to demonstrate that women are harming themselves and their chances for true happiness by adopting the thoroughly modern, sexually liberated lifestyle portrayed in magazines and movies. Packed with not only persuasive statistics but also powerful personal testimonies, Extreme Makeover shows that it is not the slogans of the sexual revolution and the women's liberation movement that free and dignify women, but the beautiful teachings of the Catholic Church. So what are women steeped in the Hollywood and Cosmo girl version of reality to do? Undergo Tomeo's Extreme Makeover . With the help of this book, they can shed the toxic messages that objectify and enslave them and embrace the truth about being a beloved daughter of God.

Genres: Catholic, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian, Spirituality, Religion

211 pages, Hardcover

First published October 7, 2011

Reviews

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extreme Makeover details the author's personal conversion, and then offers a study of the spiritual and social context in which women live today. She tackles feminism, birth control, objectification of women and sexualisation of girls, abortion, free sex, and eating disorders (including details from her own experience). She then looks at the dignity of women according to the teaching of the Catholic Church, particularly based on the conference following John Paul II's Mulieris Dignitatem: Apostolic Letter Of The Supreme Pontiff John Paul Ii On The Dignity & Vocation Of Women On The Occasion Of The Marian Year. She is clear about the evils of the general media and proposes some Catholic alternatives. At the end she includes stories of women who have had 'extreme-makeover' conversions. While the content is all true and good, I found the style to be a little 'exclamationist', almost as though she is raising her voice for the entire book. Perhaps only those who already agree with her would find the book helpful. Wendy Shalit offers some helpful alternatives—she's not Catholic but she writes extremely well on the dignity of women in a contemporary context. Reviewed for www.GoodReadingGuide.com

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a big makeover kind of gal. I've had one or two pedicures, and while they're fine, I'd just as soon invest that money in a half-hour on horseback or a really great steak. My idea of wearing makeup consists of low-key lip gloss and tinted moisturizer, which is way more time that I have ever spent on makeup in the past.

Sometimes I find myself curious as to whether a different haircut could make all the difference, but really: I'm okay with who I am. Plop a cowboy hat on my head with a pair of comfy jeans and cowboy boots, and I'm happy.

Even at age 35, I'm still very tomboy, love of shoes notwithstanding.

I am still, however, a woman. I have daughters and nieces and friends and relatives and readers who are also women.

I care about women's issues, even if I'm not decked to the nines and I request gadgets and books instead of jewelry for holidays.

There's a lot to be said for how deeply Extreme Makeover: Women Transformed by Christ Not Conformed to the Culture, by popular talk show host and speaker Teresa Tomeo, touches on issues relating to each of us as Catholic women.

Teresa Tomeo speaks to my woman's heart. Her approach to the poison culture is feeding each of us is straightforward, no nonsense, and easy to follow.

She provides a clear dose of antidote for the malaise that's affecting us. In Extreme Makeover, Tomeo calls it like it is, adding stories from her past and witnesses of many people she's worked with over the years. This book is full of research and statistics, enough to make you throw up your hands and consider whether you need sunglasses for the sobbing you're going to do.

The most wonderful part of this book, for me, is how Tomeo doesn't stop at the pessimistic conclusion: she's a Catholic through and through and it is with that hope in hand that she provides the tools for each of us to have a spiritual makeover.

Even if you consider yourself pretty good on this front, this book has something for you. It's a guidebook for navigating the waters of life as a modern woman, complete with a chapter of testimonies, a chapter of resources, and much more.

I can't recommend this book highly enough, for you, your best friend, and every other woman in your life.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is dead on about what is happening to women, not only in this country, but all over the world in nations that have adopted the culture of death. So many women have been suckered into the idea that sex anywhere-anytime is liberating. It's not because we are stupid, but because we want to believe that we are in control of our bodies. Teresa points out by example and gives facts to back up her points.

Thanks to Teresa, I am more involved spiritually and hope to grow more so in my faith. I see now how justifying aspects of movies, books, culture, etc., have only pushed me further away from the truth. My eyes are opening and I can only hope to grow more in my faith and to show other women this book as a way out of the darkness in which so many women have become trapped. Please read this book. You will not believe just how opened your eyes will become and how much lighter your heart will be when you free yourself from the chains of 'free love'.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book by a former secular TV newscaster that exposes the ways in which the secular media has betrayed women by not reporting the truth about contraception, abortion, "free sex" and radical feminism. Teresa Tomeo does this with facts and figures, studies and statistics that demonstrate the falseness of the media's typical response to the aforementioned topics. The latter part of the book is devoted to showing how the Catholic Church is the greatest supporter of the dignity of women, and finishes with testimonials from a number of women whose lives have changed radically for the better after leaving the lies of pop culture behind.
While there are those who will disagree with the idea of the Church being a great liberator of women, it is hard to ignore the evidence of secular media subterfuge presented here.

[Traci · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was really disappointing. It's really just a rant against modern media marketed as something different. It's sad the way the author's passion ends up making her just seem angry and unlikeable. If she shared with us her passion FOR Catholicism instead of her passion AGAINST current culture and the media, this could be uplifting. Instead I can only imagine those who already agree with her enjoying this book, and even then it offers them little to take away. I was very glad when I hit the last page.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published in 2011, Extreme Makeover: Women Transformed by Christ, Not Conformed to the Culture still has great relevance in the present day. In fact, the pressures on women has grown exponentially since 2011 with so many more traditional and social media avenues and entertainment products influencing women about what it is to be desirable and attractive to the culture. It would be terrific if Teresa Tomeo would write an updated version of the book for today's young women and mothers. However, Baby Boomers and Gen-X women and men will see how the influences that they grew up with impacted their perceptions of success, sexuality, and faith.

[Ann-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is a conversion story of a woman who worked in the secular media. She shares openly and honestly about her struggles and the long road it took her to reconcile herself to the teachings of the Church. At the end of the book she offers several conversion stories of other women which I also really enjoyed. I listened to this book, read by the author herself, and that added to the charm.

[♥ Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think if women knew how Christ views them..as endowed with the Fruits of the Spirit, a vocation and the same rights as a Child of God as men..and how the Catholic Faith upholds that belief..women would run to Mother Church.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative book that has transformed the way I let media (social/broadcast, etc) into my life. I would highly recommend this book to anyone raising daughters.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is over 10 years old. It would be interesting to read an updated edition with current facts.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many in our current culture would despise this book, but so many need to hear what Teresa is saying. Great book with great insight.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent content - minus one star for the uninviting font/physical book appearance. Published in 2011, the printing looks old and dated in a bad way. I'm also reading Teresa Tomeo's "Walk Softly and Carry a Great Bag" which is incredibly cute & attractive. The difference between the two books is striking.

Initially the book felt a bit jumbled. I was confused about the point of the book. It felt amateurish compared to "Walk Softly and Carry a Great Bag". The small font was off putting. But eventually her writing and the content shone through. This is not a book I would recommend to non-believers. The solid Catholic teaching is the main selling point.

Teresa mentions her engineer husband has "analysis paralysis". Laugh out loud! So does my engineer husband. :)

It was interesting to see behind the curtain into the news media through her experiences. The author has an interesting background! She is also amazingly open about her struggles and personal shortcomings. Very refreshing.

I'm not a fan of reader's guides or questions at the end of chapters in general. It seems arrogant and condescending on the part of the author. The writing is so important it demands reflection and the reader can't be trusted to reflect properly on their own. I skipped the questions Teresa includes at the end of each chapter.

This book did cause me to reflect (without the help of reflection questions) greatly on the role of media in my life. TV, radio, Facebook, books, newspapers - it really does saturate my life. I'm tempted to try and give up all secular media next lent.

I also especially appreciated the "Extreme Media Makeover" chapter. I need to spend more time on daily prayer and the rosary! The section inspired me. I want to re-read that section periodically to remind myself and get re-motivated.

The end of the book contained several short conversion/renewal stories from various women. Two were from Dearborn, Michigan. :) Since the author lives in metro-Detroit, there were lots of local references throughout the book. :)

Lots of things mentioned in the book are still current topics on her radio program and in the general news. Komen's support of Planned Parenthood, the selling of baby parts by Planned Parenthood... in some ways this book (written years ago) feels ahead of its time.

It was not a fast read in parts. I had to push myself to read some of it. The font/format didn't help.

** This review was written incredibly quickly while my 3-week old newborn is otherwise occupied. Apologies for any typos or misspellings. Not much time to spend on it and my brain is scrambled from lack of sleep.

[Debbie Chenault · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolute wonderful. The subtitle "Women Transformed by Christ not Conformed to the Culture" speaks volumes. I highly recommend this book for mothers with tweens and teens. I think it would be a great book for mothers AND fathers to read with their older teens. There are discussion questions at the end of every chapter to help. Although my daughter is not quite old enough for some of the subject matter, I believe that I can pull some of the information to add to my parenting skills.

[Lorraine Shelstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teresa Tomeo has done an excellent job of reporting the research done on several topics of the day. She explores how the media influences our choices in this difficult age and keeps us from our faith. Some of the topics she discusses are: beauty of the body vs beauty of the soul, eating disorders, abortion, contraception, and objectification of women by men. Every mother (and her daughters) should read this book. Perhaps we can stop the poisoning of young women in our culture and help them live the lives they were meant to.

[Jeanne Grunert · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book for Christian women and especially Catholic women! Our current culture promises freedom but is toxic to women. The author explores what it truly means to be a woman and a Christian...our calling and vocation...and how the current media frenzy turns women into objects. A thought provoking book with many good reading suggestions as follow up for me including not a few papal encyclicals I need to read!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot--she makes some great points about how culture makes it so hard for women to live as God intended us to live. But I'm not sure that media can blame for everything. I think a lot of it has to do with parents and family influences, as well as the girl's own personal sense of self-worth and inner value.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by a Catholic broadcaster, this book addresses women with the values of the Catholic Church, and Christianity more broadly. The author makes a good argument, but most of the material is fairly basic, and easy to find elsewhere. This is a good introduction, but doesn't go into depth nearly as much as I'd like.

[Reece · Rating 5 out of 5]

very insightful. This book gave me a lot to think about.

[Angela9600 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very very good. Some of the stats are appauling, an eye-opening read.

[Shaunacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book for all women of faith.

[Emma · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book because my aunt gave it to me. The author of this book is very conservative and rejects the idea of feminism. I disagreed with most of the content in this book.

[Emilie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative statistics. Great testimonies from reverts and converts. Will definitely keep for future reference. A good book for young women to read!

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for a Bible Study group. I never would have picked it up on my own but I rather enjoyed it.

[Judgemental Toast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. I recommend reading this one, as well as Carrie Gress' book on feminism.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for ALL Catholic women!