My Perfectly Imperfect Body

by Debbie Tung

From celebrated author and illustrator Debbie Tung comes My Perfectly Imperfect Body , a frank, honest, and deeply vulnerable graphic memoir that chronicles the author’s journey of overcoming body-image struggles throughout her youth and young adult years.A Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table (GNCRT) Outstanding Comics Award Honor for Best YA Nonfiction

Debbie Tung has a simple and gentle your body is worthy of being treated with kindness and love at any size.
 
Illustrated in her unique personal style, Tung shares the experiences of her teenage years and how growing into a mature body combined with teenage angst, vulnerability, and the pressure on girls to be thin and pretty spiraled her into disordered eating. She became obsessed with exercising and dieting, but no matter how much weight she lost, it was never enough. She spent the next few years trying to heal her eating habits, learning about self-love, and finally making peace with her body.

My Perfectly Imperfect Body is her story and one she shares with many survivors of a thin-obsessed media. She hopes her gentle comics provide a safe space to rest on whichever healing journey you find yourself on as you read.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Nonfiction, Memoir, Comics, Mental Health, Family, Adult

Kindle Edition

First published September 16, 2025

About the author

Deborah "Debbie" Tung is a comic artist and illustrator from Birmingham, England. Her work is based on simple (and sometimes awkward) everyday life moments and her love for books and tea. She lives with her husband and son.

Follow Debbie on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @debbietungart

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Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Debbie Tung delivers solid little graphic memoirs on topics you see a lot in our modern times -- introversion, anxiety, man-woman relationships --and now here's her take on eating disorders.

She never gets there first or hits the hardest, but her books are always well done and worth a look.

[suonnahbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

My perfectly imperfect body by Debbie Tung
ARC from Andrew Mcmeel
release: Sept 16th 2025
-omg this graphic novel is so needed I felt so seen especially being a plus size girl and dealing with body image when I was younger
-my relationship with my body, food, weight etc truly was not healthy this graphic novel shows and explains how I felt so well
-this graphic novel is healing and needs to be read. Debbie Tung the woman that you are this was everything 👏🏾🥹
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a charming and honest reminder that your body deserves your kindness and love. It highlights how much of our struggle with body image stems from unrealistic standards set by society and the media, offering reassurance that we’re not alone in feeling this way.

Author Debbie Tung also warns of the real dangers to both mental and physical health that come from constant comparison on social media. Many users—especially younger ones—don’t always realize how much of what they see has been, to quote, “carefully curated, altered, filtered, edited, and staged.” The standards we see are impossible to achieve because they’re not real. (Please tell this to everyone you see.)

Her message is both compassionate and clear: your worth isn’t defined by someone else’s highlight reel. And Debbie’s artwork is awesomeness. Can’t get enough.

[Kapuzenmann ヾ(`ヘ´)ﾉﾞ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok warum hab ich das um 8:30 an meinem ersten Urlaubstag gelesen und sitz hier jetzt und heule

ne das hab ich gebraucht, irgendwie einfach sehr schön.
kompletter impulskauf weils sehr cute und gesund aussah

ich lieb wie die autorin farbe genutzt hat, und offensichtlich generell die gesamte message hier hinter und wie vulnerable und ehrlich das storytelling war
dadurch, dass das ganze autobiographisch ist, hat sich alles sehr stimmig und emotional geladen angefühlt, gerade weil nicht alles perfekt gelaufen ist, aber dinge trotzdem eine gute Wendung genommen haben. wichtig und einfach sehr affirming.

war's ein bisschen zu on-the-nose preachy zwischendurch? idk, vielleicht, aber das war ja auch irgendwie der punkt, und dafür zieh ich jetzt kein stern ab.
hab jetzt hier nichts "neues" gelernt, aber hat wehgetan und war gleichzeitig erfrischend irgendwie
liebs

[Ayushi Verma · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Perfectly Imperfect Body by Debbie Tung

I’ve known body shaming since I was a little girl, fortunately not from my immediate family but surely from the society. As a short, chubby girl, I always used to get tips on losing a bit more weight or doing certain exercises to gain some more inches in height and that was the sour part of my childhood, being judged solely based on appearance.

Thankfully I paid no heed to these remarks but so many girls do and fall in the vicious trap of eating disorders, anorexia, get anaemic and lose the best parts of their life to uncontrolled diet plans that just make them weak. No one tells us that being healthy does not mean being exceptionally skinny and that all kinds of body shapes are naturally beautiful. Its just the health that we should pay careful attention to and a good body shape follows naturally!

Debbie tung in her deeply personal graphic memoir shows us how she was a victim to the same and how she broke apart from the shackles and started trusting herself and her body more. Self-love is not a propaganda; it manifests itself in myriad ways and the it starts with taking care of your physical self. Young men and women should know that they are beautiful as they are and skipping meals and working out tirelessly in an unregulated manner would only leave them stressed out. One should not fall prey to false beauty standards that media portrays, it is all made up, a montage of filters and edits, nothing online is real. Internet culture is ruthless and one should protect oneself from it as much as possible. Tung has worked on this and much more in this detailed and extremely beautiful graphic memoir that I’m sure so many of us could relate too.

The panels have such great attention to detail and the sketches are so wholesome. It lights up your day to read a @debbietung book!

Make sure you grab this on the 16th of September, 2025!

Thank you @andrewsmcmeel for the advance DRC <3

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Debbie Tung's books and this new one is no exception. It reminded me of Everything Is OK in the way it takes a topic that many young people feel embarrassment or shame about (in that book, depression; in this one, eating disorders) and helps them understand that their feelings are normal, their bodies and thoughts are normal, and there is a way back from being obsessively concerned about society's expectations for our bodies and our feelings. She takes us along the journey from inner and outward criticism, through attempts at conformity through exercise and diet, to an eventual acceptance of self. It saddened me when her main character says, "In my mind, striving to lose weight was the way society taught me to be. It was part and parcel of being an acceptable girl" (86). She also shows how this is not just a physical disorder, but also and perhaps even more importantly, a mental and emotional one: "I was experiencing a lot of physical symptoms but they were nothing compared to the rampant thoughts inside my head. I was constantly fighting a war within myself about never feeling good enough" (132).
In both books, Tung emphasizes and encourages healthy relationships, setting realistic goals, showing oneself grace along the way, and recognizing joy, beauty, and one's inner voice in a way that allows for those things to take precedence in one's life. And if you haven't read these or any of her other graphic novels, I also highly recommend Book Love (my personal favorite as a library worker and former bookseller) and Quiet Girl in a Noisy World: An Introvert's Story. 4 1/2 stars.

[Elvina Zafril · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Perfectly Imperfect Body by Debbie Tung is a gentle yet deeply personal graphic memoir about her journey with body image and self acceptance. She opens up about years of dieting, over exercising and feeling trapped by unrealistic beauty standards, then slowly learns to treat her body with compassion instead of criticism.

The art is simple but heartfelt and the way she captures quiet, painful thoughts like comparing yourself to others or feeling guilty about food, it feels so real. I also love how she balances vulnerability with hope. By the end, it feels less like a lesson and more like a warm, reassuring reminder that healing takes time and that our bodies deserve kindness.

That said, a trigger warning is worth noting. The book discusses eating disorders, body shame and unhealthy habits around food and exercise. It’s not graphic or distressing, but readers who are sensitive to those topics might want to approach it with care.

Overall, this is an honest, comforting read that gently reminds you you’re not alone and that it’s okay to love your body, imperfections and all. :)

[Jenny E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Det här är så bra. Jag älskar Debbies illustrationer och temat i denna bok är mat och ätstörningar. Det är som alltid ett tungt tema, men så viktigt.

Jag tror att Debbie är ungefär i min ålder eller något yngre vilket gör att jag känner igen referenserna så väl. Jag var själv aldrig drabbad av ätstörningar, men smalkulturen var ständigt närvarande när jag var liten och yngre. Att den är här igen är helt sjukt, men det är något att diskutera i ett annat forum.

Som alltid älskar jag hennes böcker, denna snäppet mindre än de tidigare, dock. Men jag är fortfarande en stort fan av Debbie och kommer alltid att rekommendera hennes böcker till den som kan läsa på engelska. Tyvärr verkar inget svenskt förlag ha plockat upp henne ännu.


Betyg: 4,75 av 5

[Annah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book I wish I had when I was a girl.

Debbie Tung gently tackled body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and body obsession so well. I saw myself and so many loved ones in this story, and I appreciated how the conclusion was not just blaming one specific source for the lies and pressures that press in, because we are all prey to perfectionism and impossible standards in various ways throughout history.

One of the crucial elements to reconstructing health with your body image Tung covered in this story is reframing the motivation behind why you are focusing on health. It’s not simply because one choice is bad and one is good, but because you deserve pleasure, energy, strength, food, and room to accept an ever-evolving body.

I love how this showed cognitive behavior reframing for readers struggling through their relationship with their bodies and/or food. Lord willing, this book will continue to set people free. 🩵

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Perfectly Imperfect Body

I Picked Up This Book Because: I've liked the authors previous work.

Media Type: eBook
Source: Hoopla via HC Public Library
Dates Read: 12/10/25 - 12/20/25
Rating: 4 Stars

The Story:

A remarkably personal graphic novel about eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and the inability to ask for help. I cried for the child who could not see her own beauty. I also cheered for the adult that was able to find it.

[Jaxine Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a person who is struggling to accept my body is changing, this book honestly brings some comfort to me that I'm not alone and that it's ok to be kind to yourself. I've never really put that pressure on other people and think people are beautiful as themselves, but for some reason, it was difficult to really apply that to myself. I tend to enjoy Debbie Tung's work and deeply relate to them. I love how she implemented colors, especially near the end of the story.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book -- powerful messaging surrounding body dysmorphia. I give it 4.5 stars in comparison to her other books (all 5 starers), but that's only because her other books were quirkier and more my taste for graphic novels.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book I’ve read by this author and illustrator. This book was very personal for her, as she shared her struggles with body image and acceptance. I would recommend this book to anyone struggling with self-confidence over their own body image, but probably best for middle graders, teens and young adults. Lots of positive messages.

[Pearline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Budget review for myself: i loved the art and appreciated the message but i felt that it was lacking soul and emotions. The journey was typical and recovery was swift. Not saying that it is wrong for anyone to have a journey that the book depicts, but i just feel it is lacking personality and empathy and more like a hallmark card

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

debbie tung has done it yet again 😭😭😭
i wish i could’ve read this sooner

[Brooke Larrabee · Rating 5 out of 5]

as someone who struggles with eating disorders, this was a tough read. but I appreciate debbie so much for writing these vulnerable stories and letting me feel less alone with my struggles.

[Rummanah (Books in the Spotlight) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A profoundly vulnerable story of disordered eating, a desperate struggle to fit a ‘perfect body’, and the ongoing journey of self love. While I appreciated the candidness of this graphic memoir, I did find it alarming that her parents didn’t intervene earlier and that seeking professional help wasn’t taken. Considering how dark her thoughts were, I don’t think recovery is simply switching an off button as this seems to imply. I am glad, however, that resources are included at the end.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author recounts her struggles with anorexia when she was a teen. Her mom criticizes her food choices and then acts surprised when her daughter develops an eating disorder—as if kids at school and the influence of media wasn’t bad enough. Of course, people must take ownership of their own actions, but children don’t have fully developed brains and criticism from parents hits hard.

The last third of the book is more or less a pep talk. The author seems to have just… decided not to have an eating disorder anymore and that worked for her? I was a bit surprised that therapy, medication or hospitalization wasn’t necessary for her recovery. Maybe she chose not to share that part, or maybe she was able to overcome it on her own.

I hope people who read this will approach others’ bodies with more kindness—a flippant remark could be the last straw for someone who spirals into illness. And for those who are struggling, hopefully they recognize that their worth is not based on how much they look like a model. It’s true: our bodies are always evolving and deserve our gratitude for the gifts we receive from them. Life and good health are fleeting—don’t let it slip past you chasing some mirage.

[literaryaura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more serious than her other books, and the topic can be hard for some people. I wasn't too sure what to expect, because other comics/books I've read that talk about the author's medical condition, it usually becomes clinical. Talking about the medical side of things.

I loved this book because she doesn't do that. It's entirely about her personal journey, and it's more raw and emotional for that.

It wasn't shallow either, only scratching the surface. For a short form format, she managed to get quite deep with what she had gone through.

While I've never had an eating disorder, I've seen the effects media and social media have had on people around me, with women starving themselves, women obsessed with weight loss. I've never gone to a women's meetup without something weight related being brought up.

The artwork was beautiful as always.

[Piyali · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an important book for everyone to read. Body dysmorphia is real. Debbie Tung gives an honest account of her own experience with eating disorder. I found myself relating to some of her thoughts and perceptions about my own body. The most important message in this book is this body is amazing for me. It is working hard every second, keeping me alive, allowing me to experience experiences. Love it the way it deserves to be loved.

[Mikayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because its such a sensitive subject, it was hard to read in places, but I just love Debbie Tungs honesty. <3

[Blančitos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debbie Tung mě zase dostala!!!

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eine junge Frau, und wie sie sich wegen ihrer Umgebung mit ihrem Körper beschäftigt, und Jahre später auch versöhnt. Relativ low-key.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars as usual. I had no idea Debbie even had a new book coming out but I'm so glad I found it. From books to love and now body image and eating disorders, I love everything she creates.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible 💖 I have waited so long for this book and I love everything she has ever written. Very down to earth and relatable. 💖

[heliviena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jälleen hieno teos Debbie Tungilta! Pidän kovasti hänen kynänsä jäljestä. Syömishäiriö ja kehoinho aiheena on raskas, mutta Tungin tapa käsitellä asiaa ei ahdista. Toivoa toipumisesta on ja sen hän näyttää kauniilla tavalla.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, so much of this book was completely spot-on to my own years of struggling with disordered eating. Definitely take the trigger warnings seriously. While I can generally maneuver around most of my triggers in day-to-day life (calorie content is the major one that is still a struggle; 20 years of habit means I automatically turn nutritional labels away from me when at home without even thinking about what I'm doing), there were some things I hadn't thought of in years. Like, Debbie? Were you secretly in my head from the early 90s and on?

But I don't regret reading this at all. It's an important read. There was another graphic novel nonfiction book in a similar vein that I read either this year or last. While I can't remember the title right now (the bad part about reading 200+ books per year lol), one line has stayed with me, because the wording never occurred to me, even though I KNOW that I still struggle - and will likely always struggle with the temptations and thoughts: You're never fully cured of an eating disorder.

(Mentally, I view it as a sneaking, whispering snake, slithering around, waiting until your guard is slightly down; that's when it starts to mutter the venomous words. I won't include them for obvious reasons.)

Never fully cured.

[Selina · Rating 5 out of 5]

That one was a though one to read, but I am so thankful I did.
Personally, I haven't been in contact with eating disorders yet. I've read this book for my future children and my friends, so if they'll ever struggle with themselves, I can understand and support them the best way.
My heart hurt a lot while reading and I've cried quite a bit, but I feel like I can understand the illness much better than before.
I've learned a lot through Debbie Tungs books. And I am so amazed how she's able to explain heavy and difficult topics in a way, people who are affected are able to sort out their thoughts, and people who aren't, are able to understand those who are better.
I would recommend everyone to read her books because they simply always hit the right spot in our hearts and mind.

Thank you Debbie for publishing your personal story's to help other through it. You are a queen! 👑💜

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Est-ce que c’est possible de lire ce livre sans avoir les larmes ? C’était tellement une représentation de mon adolescence (à part les commentaires de la mère), ça m’a fait touchée en plein coeur. Encore aujourd’hui, après des pensées sur mon propre corps, je me suis dit : pourquoi s’obséder sur des changements physiques quand mon corps est en bonne santé et me permet de vivre sans aucune douleur ? Et c’est justement ces pensés là, sur un corps sain, qui détruisent la santé mentale.
L’autrice a utilisé les mots parfaits pour parler d’une situation que malheureusement beaucoup de trop de filles vivent. Aimons-nous, c’est le plus important !! Il m’a fallu une thérapie quand j’étais ado pour me sortir de ces horribles pensées, et chaque jour depuis je suis reconnaissante d’être en santé 💌
"How can a body that lets me experience the world like this be disgusting and shameful?"

[Jodi]

Not rating because it's a memoir, but I'm very appreciative of this honest depiction of disordered eating. Having a child dealing with an eating disorder is one of the scariest and hardest things I've ever faced and the joy of nearing an eventual return to health is indescribable. I'm very impressed that Ms. Tung was able to recover without any therapy or dietitian help (or at least I didn't see a mention of outside help). My child was younger at onset and unfortunately it's been a hamper to physical growth, but I hope that there aren't any lingering messages that food is bad in their life like Ms. Tung has described. I've read many books about eating disorders from the perspectives of all involved and I think this short graphic novel does one of the best jobs of encapsulating the experience of disordered eating from the point of view of the person experiencing it.