We Don't Make Ourselves Smaller Here: The empowering new book from bestselling author of Body Positive Power

by Megan Jayne Crabbe

'An insightful and empowering guide' - Emily Clarkson and Alex Light, You Should Delete That

'[Megan] is the needed voice of this generation' - Jameela Jamil

'[This book] is like having a big sister reach inside your brain and hold your hand through all your self doubt, insecurities and conundrums.' - Venetia La Manna

'It's honest, empowering and exactly what I hope all of my girlfriends find themselves reading when struggling to love themselves in the way I think they should.' - Mahalia

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'It's time we come home to ourselves, and realise we were always meant to be more.'

Bestselling author Megan Jayne Crabbe lays bare all the ways we shrink ourselves in today's world, and how to break free.

From body ideals to bad break ups, sexual shame to toxic productivity, Megan interrogates how cultural and internal narratives diminish us and explores what we can do to ditch social pressures and live life as our fullest and boldest selves.

Candid, empowering and insightful, We Don't Make Ourselves Smaller Here is a powerful rallying cry for embracing authenticity in all areas of our lives. It is an invitation to revisit the places where parts of us were lost, taken or given away, and to reclaim them.

Parts

🩷BODY
🧡HEART
🩷SEXUALITY
🧡LIFE
🩷SELF

What readers are

'Beautifully written...and made me realise things about myself that even years of therapy couldn't figure out.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Megan writes from her heart - you can feel her honesty and care, her truth, and it makes you reflect and think about your own experiences.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The most beautiful, honest and moving book.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Mental Health, Audiobook

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2025

About the author

Megan Jayne Crabbe is the social media star known online as Bodyposipanda. She's an anorexia survivor, anti-diet enthusiast, and believer in fat acceptance and intersectional body positivity. Her #1 bestselling debut book Body Positive Power has taught thousands of women how to stop dieting and make peace with their bodies for good.

Reviews

[Anniek · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, reading Body Positive Power felt kind of life-changing for me at the time. So of course I had to read Megan's new book too! With a lot of memoir elements, this book reflects on all areas of life and how we tend to make ourselves smaller. I found Megan's exploration of how she worked on healing herself, learning to love herself, and taking up space to be really inspiring. As with any memoir-like book, I didn't relate to everything, but I still appreciated Megan's candor, and there was plenty that felt empowering to me as well.

[Sophie Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every woman can relate to this book. Fuck (and I cannot express this enough) the patriarchy! ✊🧚🏻‍♀️

[Rebecca Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I stumbled upon this author and her book on Instagram. I love the art and poetry for each section and I LOVE the writing. Even as an adult, I am still learning to love myself and the author puts everything into words in a way I never could. I can't wait to share the book with my friends and sisters. Hopefully it will be more available in the US soon! Every woman should read this.
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My only complaint is that this book didn't exist when I was a teenager. But I give it 5 stars anyway ;) ❤️

[Charlie Newell · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are lots of valuable things said in this book. Lots of relatable things. I have already been on a journey of self-discovery and have been reaching these conclusions myself, so this book felt like a passing out ceremony to that path that I am on and a signal of permission to put into practice taking up space and not shrinking myself. This is very well written, which I always appreciate.

[Simone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok I read this for my first ever book club this week 😆😆 would not have been my typical choice and I loved reading parts of the story and did feel inspired/empowered etc. Just personally not my fave kind of thing to read

[Magie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had this book for about six months and I have been meaning to get to it as I loved the first book Megan put out, 'Body Positive Power', but somehow it kept getting pushed off till finally I saw it was one of the last unread books on my physical TBR and decided it was time to get to it. The book is a good mix of essay collection and memory as Megan takes us on a journey through different parts of her life that she journeys through as she comes back to herself and begins to unlearn some of the harmful things society teaches us (particularly wowmen) and how to meet herself where she is and love herself as she is. I've followed Megan on social media for years now so it was fun to read about moments we've seen her share with us and get some behind the scenes look at those moments and more. She is incredibly vulnerable in her writing and shares some very personal stories that are at times hard to read, but leave a strong impact on the reader. I liked the way she lead us down a path of her working through these different areas of her life and it felt like sitting with a friend as she told you stories and also gave you little pep talks to remind yourself that you have worth and nobody can take that away from you. I would definitely be wary of some triggering discussions around body image, sexual assualt, misogyny, racism, and homophobia. Megan does mark some of the sections with specific warnings for heavier discussions too so that is very helpful. I found myself highlighting bits and phrases pretty often that hit me and made me sit with them for a bit and I can see myself coming back to them in the future too. I am so glad I finally picked this up and got to experience Megan's writing again.

[Lauren Methven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start with this STUNNING read!?

First off, I preordered the hardback and was delighted when it arrived in all her pink glory without a sleeve. IYKYK. Not to mention that the design on the front cover is beautiful itself.

I loved this one from beginning to end. It felt real. It felt raw. It felt honest. I’ve been a follower of Megan for a loooong time and to see the journey she has been on (and continues to be on) is truly a privilege. Not only is she sharing the most vulnerable parts of herself, she is helping us to see ourselves in the way we deserve.
Sometimes life is so hard and each of the chapters highlights things I have felt whether that be now or in the past. Sometimes I wish I could carry Megan (or her books) around in my pocket so they could be there when I needed the gentle but firm reassurance she always gives, her words have always wrapped around me like a hug and this was no different.

I want to give a special mention to the chapter ‘Sluthood’ which is fantastic and soooo important! I am devastated for Megan and her SA but proud of her speaking so openly about her experience.

I could go on and on and on but the best thing I could possibly write is GO AND READ IT! It’s such a tenderly written book that I think all of us would benefit from.

Final thing to add is that I also listened along with the audiobook which is read by Megan and really adds that extra sparkle to an already dazzling book.

[hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first introduction to Megan was through Instagram about eight years ago, when I was searching for people to follow that would help in my recovery from an eating disorder, and she changed my life. I read her first book, Body Positive Power, around that time and loved it. I am not one to pick up a self-help book now, but when I saw Megan published a second book, I knew I had to read it, and I am so glad I did. It is less "self-help" and more "self-embrace," as it does not have the typical "here is how you can make yourself perfect and worthy" messaging. Through her own experiences, self-reflection, and eloquent advice, Megan gives us the big-sister bear hug we all need, especially during the current cultural moment in which people of all genders are being told to "make themselves smaller" in some aspect of life. She divides the book into five sections - body, heart, sexuality, life, self - and points out the subtle ways patriarchal, heteronormative narratives dim our lights. Anyone that is a bit disheartened by the world right now or feeling the pressure to change themselves to better fit the standard must read this book. Choosing this book is choosing yourself :)

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished this book/audio book (did it half and half again). Its been really good to do it this way. Hearing Megans tone, the buttery soft voice she has. Its almost like therapy! The key themes in this book resonate with me so much, mostly on "being a good person" and never wanting to step out of line / displease people. Well now I'm older I still want to do right by people but also will not allow myself to become a doormat and be mis-used. I know my worth and if people don't like me, thats their problem not mine. Grateful for the reminders from Megan to embrace your full potential. 💜💜💜

[HattieB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a brilliant, empowering read that is the non fiction equivalent of a hug.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book about how to take up space in a world full of oppressive and disempowering systems. Highly recommended.

[Natalie Owusu-Ansah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book on self love

[Vero · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I could have done without the poetry (just a personal preference), I loved the gentle and empowering essay chapters by this wonderful role model of a woman 🫶🏻

[Freiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un livre plein de sagesse sur des sujets variés, très agréable à écouter!

[Amarenabecher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know where to begin why this book is ABSOLUTLY PERFECT!!! i think every female creature on this planet should read it to find or at least get closer to the self acceptance and self love we all deserve!! there are soo many parts in our lives where we struggle because of this patriarchal System we live in and the shame we learn from the beginning to talk about all that! So its so refreshing to hear a woman speaking up about it and spreading awarness and helping those who think they are all alone with their struggles! thank you so much megan for letting us in on your personal experiences! there were soo many moments in which i just sat there with my mouth open because it was as if this book knew my insecurities and thoughts exactly and in the same sentence said its ok girl its ok! reading this book felt like a huge big hug! So yeah if you have the chance please read it!! its absolutly worth it!!!

[Heather Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a title- I love that message! This book is a brilliant piece of work, which I knew it would be before I started, because of following its author on social media for many years. ( I strongly recommend following).

I’m grateful that she has written and shared with the world this deeply personal book on a hugely important overarching topic, covering multiple important issues within it, with valuable insights on every page. It delivered everything I expected and much more.

I really loved the audiobook performance, read by the author absolutely beautifully.

[Rachel Lyus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every chapter felt more relatable than the last. This book was such a comforting and empowering read, I wish I could give it to my younger self. Loved the addition of poetry to start wach section. This will definitely be a keep on the shelf and come back to it read.
Also, the audiobook is brilliant too, very soothing to listen to, brilliantly read by Megan herself!

[Grace!!! :D · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another book club one. Another example; just because you can say somewhat interesting things, it doesn’t mean you should write a book.
She’s a better public speaker than an author. Should’ve committed to memoir rather than advice/self help as it was all repurposed tiktok thing.
A few interesting thoughts, nothing went deep enough though.
1 citation ever 8.8 pages on average which is shite.