What do you think?
Rate this book
One Dress. One Year.
How can one girl change the world? It all began with a heart for justice and a little black dress. In 2012, sixteen-year-old Bethany Winz decided to make a difference. To raise awareness, she determined to
- wear the same black dress every day for a year to bring attention to the lack of choices slaves have
- come up with new ways to accessorize the dress each day
- use her blog and pictures of her outfits to raise money for agencies helping those who were being trafficked
Her yearlong journey was one of hope, discipline, and sometimes disappointment. She celebrated some successes yet despaired at the depth of the problem. As she found her identity tied to the things she did, Bethany discovered that while she stood for freedom for others, she also struggled to find her own freedom in believing that she was loved just as she was. This moving book shows readers that their voices matter, they can make a difference, and sometimes the smallest gestures have lasting impact.
- wear the same black dress every day for a year to bring attention to the lack of choices slaves have
- come up with new ways to accessorize the dress each day
- use her blog and pictures of her outfits to raise money for agencies helping those who were being trafficked
Her yearlong journey was one of hope, discipline, and sometimes disappointment. She celebrated some successes yet despaired at the depth of the problem. As she found her identity tied to the things she did, Bethany discovered that while she stood for freedom for others, she also struggled to find her own freedom in believing that she was loved just as she was. This moving book shows readers that their voices matter, they can make a difference, and sometimes the smallest gestures have lasting impact.
160 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2016
9 people are currently reading
503 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 6, 2023
One teenage girl says "NO!" to human trafficking by saying "Yes!" to The Dress Project: wearing one dress for one whole year and sharing daily photos via a blog sharing some not-so-fun but vital facts and inviting all who follow her to donate to organizations that help end human trafficking and help those formerly enslaved by it to rebuild their lives--lives in which they will have CHOICES.
"I've lived here all of my life, but Florida and my hair have never gotten along." (p.16)
"Tell someone about human trafficking. Until they know, they can't act." (p. 25)
"It's amazing how God has chosen to use people in my life in such powerful ways. So to all of you--you know who you are--thank you so, so much." (p. 34)
"Shouts of laughter chase smoke in the sky." (p. 37)
"I may not be in the slums of India, but I'm still trying to change the world--or at least my world. I just hope I can help other people think seriously about human trafficking and inspire them to act." (p. 39)
"Some people don't get a shot at this kind of joy." (p. 41)
"'We want to let out broken hearts change the world.'" (p. 56)💔
"When I'm exposed to evil, I want to ... close the cabinet door and pretend I never saw it in the first place. The problem is that I did see it. I know it's there. That makes me responsible. If I don't face it, then who will?" (p. 58)
"How do you say 'My dress is smelly' in Spanish?" (p. 60) 😖
"Seeing the looks on their faces when I tell them what I'm doing inspires me all over again. It's a reflection of how I feel about my life right now." (p. 63)
"The fear that we're unlovable is a lie we spend our entire lives fighting in one way or another. We have to face that lie with the truth of who God says we are: loved." (p. 82)
"Even with the pictures in front of me, it's hard for me to grasp that I've really made it this far." (p. 89) 🧗🏻♀️
"The dress keeps bringing out new qualities in me that I never knew I had." (p. 96)
"God can do big things through young people." (p. 102)
"Summer, for me, is a long string of camps linked together by pool parties and beach days." (p. 106)
"I'm about to learn what happens when you tie your identity to what you do instead of who you are." (p. 107)
"...if my blood tests are to be believed, I have enough of some hormones in my body for two people. I would like to give them back to whomever they belong." (p. 116)
"I know that the God I worship is far bigger than the circumstances I face, but rarely do I live like I believe it." (p. 119)
"I know my emotions can lie, but right now they're the only voice I can hear." (p. 123)
"The evening light flooding the room behind me frames my reflection like a halo. Angelic is not the term I would use to describe myself though. Maybe ragamuffin couture? Threadbare chic?" (p. 126)
"Maybe my dream will inspire someone else's dream ... together we can break through the darkness of slavery. And somehow, as we work toward this goal, we find this dream shaping us and setting us free." (p. 138) 🆓
"You know it's time to stop wearing an article of clothing when you start talking to it like a person." (p. 140)
Thank you for choosing to read this review, and I hope you will choose to read this book and share it.
"I've lived here all of my life, but Florida and my hair have never gotten along." (p.16)
"Tell someone about human trafficking. Until they know, they can't act." (p. 25)
"It's amazing how God has chosen to use people in my life in such powerful ways. So to all of you--you know who you are--thank you so, so much." (p. 34)
"Shouts of laughter chase smoke in the sky." (p. 37)
"I may not be in the slums of India, but I'm still trying to change the world--or at least my world. I just hope I can help other people think seriously about human trafficking and inspire them to act." (p. 39)
"Some people don't get a shot at this kind of joy." (p. 41)
"'We want to let out broken hearts change the world.'" (p. 56)💔
"When I'm exposed to evil, I want to ... close the cabinet door and pretend I never saw it in the first place. The problem is that I did see it. I know it's there. That makes me responsible. If I don't face it, then who will?" (p. 58)
"How do you say 'My dress is smelly' in Spanish?" (p. 60) 😖
"Seeing the looks on their faces when I tell them what I'm doing inspires me all over again. It's a reflection of how I feel about my life right now." (p. 63)
"The fear that we're unlovable is a lie we spend our entire lives fighting in one way or another. We have to face that lie with the truth of who God says we are: loved." (p. 82)
"Even with the pictures in front of me, it's hard for me to grasp that I've really made it this far." (p. 89) 🧗🏻♀️
"The dress keeps bringing out new qualities in me that I never knew I had." (p. 96)
"God can do big things through young people." (p. 102)
"Summer, for me, is a long string of camps linked together by pool parties and beach days." (p. 106)
"I'm about to learn what happens when you tie your identity to what you do instead of who you are." (p. 107)
"...if my blood tests are to be believed, I have enough of some hormones in my body for two people. I would like to give them back to whomever they belong." (p. 116)
"I know that the God I worship is far bigger than the circumstances I face, but rarely do I live like I believe it." (p. 119)
"I know my emotions can lie, but right now they're the only voice I can hear." (p. 123)
"The evening light flooding the room behind me frames my reflection like a halo. Angelic is not the term I would use to describe myself though. Maybe ragamuffin couture? Threadbare chic?" (p. 126)
"Maybe my dream will inspire someone else's dream ... together we can break through the darkness of slavery. And somehow, as we work toward this goal, we find this dream shaping us and setting us free." (p. 138) 🆓
"You know it's time to stop wearing an article of clothing when you start talking to it like a person." (p. 140)
Thank you for choosing to read this review, and I hope you will choose to read this book and share it.
May 12, 2021
I appreciate Bethany's heart for those being trafficked, and that she wanted to do something about the problem and not just talk about it. Bethany decides to wear the same dress for a year to raise funds and awareness for ending human trafficking.
Here's where I get negative: From what I could gather, she did not donate any funds herself. This really irked me. Throughout the book, she talks about how frustrated she is that no one else seems to care as much as she does about this problem – don't they know that organizations can't do anything without money, and we each have to do our part? She's wearing the same dress for a year, why can't all these other people give money?! About halfway or so through the book, we learn that her parents are missionaries with Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) and all of a sudden it clicked. She has clearly grown up in one of those families where missionaries "do" and everyone else pays for it. (One of the reasons I love the apostle Paul so much is that he loses this entitlement attitude!)
The writing itself is very thin, and the fact that some portions, at least, were written by a 16/17 year old shows. It's also very repetitive, and Bethany has to explicitly state that certain situations and dialogue are funny, rather than writing in a way that shows it. I just didn't find her sense of humor very funny. What concerns me the most about the poor writing, though, is that Baker Books found it worthy to be published! I'll be watching their titles a bit more carefully before reading from now on...
Thankfully, because of the book's brevity and simplicity of writing, it's a quick read, so I didn't waste a lot of time. I'm also glad I didn't purchase this myself, but do feel a little bad for requesting that my library purchase it.
I would recommend this only to teenage girls who are not avid readers of quality material – those who read only for school, for example. They might be able to overlook the poor writing and be inspired to make a difference.
Here's where I get negative: From what I could gather, she did not donate any funds herself. This really irked me. Throughout the book, she talks about how frustrated she is that no one else seems to care as much as she does about this problem – don't they know that organizations can't do anything without money, and we each have to do our part? She's wearing the same dress for a year, why can't all these other people give money?! About halfway or so through the book, we learn that her parents are missionaries with Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) and all of a sudden it clicked. She has clearly grown up in one of those families where missionaries "do" and everyone else pays for it. (One of the reasons I love the apostle Paul so much is that he loses this entitlement attitude!)
The writing itself is very thin, and the fact that some portions, at least, were written by a 16/17 year old shows. It's also very repetitive, and Bethany has to explicitly state that certain situations and dialogue are funny, rather than writing in a way that shows it. I just didn't find her sense of humor very funny. What concerns me the most about the poor writing, though, is that Baker Books found it worthy to be published! I'll be watching their titles a bit more carefully before reading from now on...
Thankfully, because of the book's brevity and simplicity of writing, it's a quick read, so I didn't waste a lot of time. I'm also glad I didn't purchase this myself, but do feel a little bad for requesting that my library purchase it.
I would recommend this only to teenage girls who are not avid readers of quality material – those who read only for school, for example. They might be able to overlook the poor writing and be inspired to make a difference.
July 1, 2016
I am so disappointed in this book.
If you are a young girl wanting to know how you can make a difference, then yes, read this. It is a cute story that you might enjoy. It can inspire you to want to make a difference in some way. Good work! You can do it!
Bethany is a sweet girl. I like her. I don't really like her book though.
Here's my issue with this book:
Bethany is inspired by Elaini Garfield (well, she doesn't say Elaini's last name - which you think she would when writing about her inspiration, but I have been good internet friends with Elaini for a few years now). The way Bethany talked about Elaini, it seems like she didn't really get much information about what she was doing). Elaini has an actual health issue with her muscles that keeps her from being able to travel (but she barely ever mentioned it at all because she is a very humble person). She wanted to be able to do missions work in India to help the Dalit children there. She raised $100,000 in four years for Kinship United (formerly known as Warm Blankets Orphan Care). She regularly talks with the children that she raised money for through Skype, building relationships and bonds with them which is why she calls them "her kids." Bethany mentioned the "her kids" without explaining much of why she calls them that. Elaini wore the same dress for 100 days styled uniquely each time also to promote modesty and because she loves fashion. Most of the kids she helped were trafficked, but Bethany has vague information about it and doesn't even mention that some of these kids came out of trafficking, but then again, perhaps she doesn't know that either.
This brings me to my point. It is one thing to feel inspired, but it is another thing to imitate and get so upset when things don't go the way you planned. Bethany, being 16 at the time, figured she could do the same thing as Eliani, but for various organizations. She talks about how upset she is all the time about not getting her goal of $100,000 in one year. She raised a few thousand dollars which is still an accomplishment and not something to be sad about. Elaini's original goal was $50,000 and she kept lifting her goal and didn't stop until it reached $100,000 four years later. Bethany made nearly the same type of dress that Elaini wore. If anything, I know that if Elaini instead wrote a book about her 100 days of wearing a dress, she'd talk less about herself and way more about the individual children that her heart cares for. She has a lot of stories about them. Bethany just talks about herself the whole time. It is a bit weird to read.
Here's a comparison between Elaini (left) and Bethany (right) by the way.
Bethany barely explains a thing about each of these organizations and why they tug at her heart and what they specifically do. Example: She mentions Love 146 and how they started when explaining about their video that she shared at a small get together to raise money, but she doesn't talk about how they have a safe house in the Philippines or that they even work with young boys as well. . .she is vague. Each chapter ends with a little blurb about human trafficking, but it is too brief. If this is your passion, express it way more in depth.
Here's what I gather from reading this book. Bethany doesn't like her appearance which is obvious throughout the whole book. She has a low self image. Perhaps she saw the kind and lovely comments that were left on Elaini's blog and maybe part of the reason she wanted to blog about herself in a dress is because Bethany wanted to have some encouraging words and compliments too. This is a normal teenage girl thing to want, but I don't know. Her hardest day of wearing the dress had nothing to do with human trafficking and was about the hair growing on her face that someone mocked. Don't let someone's negative comment break you down. You are beautiful as you are and beauty fades anyway, even if you do have some facial hair. Please stop shaving though! Use wax or Nair. Shaving makes the hair follicles stay on your face to look like a 5 o'clock shadow! You probably have it all lasered off by now though.
I just felt like I was in pain reading about this girl's plight of self worth. She talks about all these amazing encouraging people in her life from great friends, wonderfully involved parents, a kind brother, youth pastors and leaders who have her back, and Bob Goff on the phone. She literally has to explain to us HOW they put her on the spot at times to talk about her dress and how yes, it wasn't easy because she didn't really know what she was doing anymore. The whole thing became focused on her instead of on her passion against human trafficking. With all that encouragement she still felt so down about herself. She is way more blessed than I can imagine compared to these girls who are brutally raped each day for profit and beat up and forced into drug addiction to ease their pain. Instead of saying stuff like that, she'd say, "compared to what they go through." What if a reader has no idea what they go through? What if a reader doesn't know much about human trafficking and what is going on? Tell about these women's stories along with your dress!
It seems like a lot of people lately only do things to get something out of it. You wear a dress to feel better about yourself and feel like you are doing something important and as if you did something for someone, but there is barely a notion of what connections you made with these people other than Bob Goff. Did he tell you any stories about the people that he started a safe house for? I want to know that. I want to know about the people who were affected by the raising of funds for your dress, not about how you played hide and seek with some younger kids and ripped your dress while hiding under a bed. What about the girls who have their bodies ripped apart and resewn up again and again to be sold as "virgins" to go with that story?
If you are a young girl wanting to know how you can make a difference, then yes, read this. It is a cute story that you might enjoy. It can inspire you to want to make a difference in some way. Good work! You can do it!
Bethany is a sweet girl. I like her. I don't really like her book though.
Here's my issue with this book:
Bethany is inspired by Elaini Garfield (well, she doesn't say Elaini's last name - which you think she would when writing about her inspiration, but I have been good internet friends with Elaini for a few years now). The way Bethany talked about Elaini, it seems like she didn't really get much information about what she was doing). Elaini has an actual health issue with her muscles that keeps her from being able to travel (but she barely ever mentioned it at all because she is a very humble person). She wanted to be able to do missions work in India to help the Dalit children there. She raised $100,000 in four years for Kinship United (formerly known as Warm Blankets Orphan Care). She regularly talks with the children that she raised money for through Skype, building relationships and bonds with them which is why she calls them "her kids." Bethany mentioned the "her kids" without explaining much of why she calls them that. Elaini wore the same dress for 100 days styled uniquely each time also to promote modesty and because she loves fashion. Most of the kids she helped were trafficked, but Bethany has vague information about it and doesn't even mention that some of these kids came out of trafficking, but then again, perhaps she doesn't know that either.
This brings me to my point. It is one thing to feel inspired, but it is another thing to imitate and get so upset when things don't go the way you planned. Bethany, being 16 at the time, figured she could do the same thing as Eliani, but for various organizations. She talks about how upset she is all the time about not getting her goal of $100,000 in one year. She raised a few thousand dollars which is still an accomplishment and not something to be sad about. Elaini's original goal was $50,000 and she kept lifting her goal and didn't stop until it reached $100,000 four years later. Bethany made nearly the same type of dress that Elaini wore. If anything, I know that if Elaini instead wrote a book about her 100 days of wearing a dress, she'd talk less about herself and way more about the individual children that her heart cares for. She has a lot of stories about them. Bethany just talks about herself the whole time. It is a bit weird to read.
Here's a comparison between Elaini (left) and Bethany (right) by the way.
Bethany barely explains a thing about each of these organizations and why they tug at her heart and what they specifically do. Example: She mentions Love 146 and how they started when explaining about their video that she shared at a small get together to raise money, but she doesn't talk about how they have a safe house in the Philippines or that they even work with young boys as well. . .she is vague. Each chapter ends with a little blurb about human trafficking, but it is too brief. If this is your passion, express it way more in depth.
Here's what I gather from reading this book. Bethany doesn't like her appearance which is obvious throughout the whole book. She has a low self image. Perhaps she saw the kind and lovely comments that were left on Elaini's blog and maybe part of the reason she wanted to blog about herself in a dress is because Bethany wanted to have some encouraging words and compliments too. This is a normal teenage girl thing to want, but I don't know. Her hardest day of wearing the dress had nothing to do with human trafficking and was about the hair growing on her face that someone mocked. Don't let someone's negative comment break you down. You are beautiful as you are and beauty fades anyway, even if you do have some facial hair. Please stop shaving though! Use wax or Nair. Shaving makes the hair follicles stay on your face to look like a 5 o'clock shadow! You probably have it all lasered off by now though.
I just felt like I was in pain reading about this girl's plight of self worth. She talks about all these amazing encouraging people in her life from great friends, wonderfully involved parents, a kind brother, youth pastors and leaders who have her back, and Bob Goff on the phone. She literally has to explain to us HOW they put her on the spot at times to talk about her dress and how yes, it wasn't easy because she didn't really know what she was doing anymore. The whole thing became focused on her instead of on her passion against human trafficking. With all that encouragement she still felt so down about herself. She is way more blessed than I can imagine compared to these girls who are brutally raped each day for profit and beat up and forced into drug addiction to ease their pain. Instead of saying stuff like that, she'd say, "compared to what they go through." What if a reader has no idea what they go through? What if a reader doesn't know much about human trafficking and what is going on? Tell about these women's stories along with your dress!
It seems like a lot of people lately only do things to get something out of it. You wear a dress to feel better about yourself and feel like you are doing something important and as if you did something for someone, but there is barely a notion of what connections you made with these people other than Bob Goff. Did he tell you any stories about the people that he started a safe house for? I want to know that. I want to know about the people who were affected by the raising of funds for your dress, not about how you played hide and seek with some younger kids and ripped your dress while hiding under a bed. What about the girls who have their bodies ripped apart and resewn up again and again to be sold as "virgins" to go with that story?
October 27, 2018
I really enjoyed this short read. It gave me a lot to think about, and it changed the way I look at human trafficking. Who knew that slavery was still just as horrific as it once was? I will say that I felt like the book ended up being more about the author's own freedom from insecurity than the freedom she advocated for through the black dress, but that's the only complaint I can come up with. Definitely would recommend this to young girls looking to make a difference for the kingdom and are passionate about ending modern day slavery.
January 28, 2024
Love the idea of this book but I agree with a lot of the reviews that say it’s probably best for teenage girls who don’t like to read LOL
Read
November 28, 2016In the vague uninformed way the internet gives you the feeling you know about something but in fact you really don't, I thought I knew about this book when I saw it on the new books shelf at the library, but in fact really didn't.
Rather than being distracted by the questionable grammar choices of the previous sentence I'll just explain how I know nothing.
At some point during my recovery from broken feet I came across a blog talking about another blog. Or maybe a blog about an article that talked about a blog? It's hard to do fact checking on an unreliable memory of something I didn't pay much attention to at the time a few years ago.
But I heard about a woman who wore the same dress everyday, but with different accessories so it looked like a different dress. And the word "accessories" is used in very loose ways, as putting a skirt on over the dress counted as an accessory just like a flowery scarf would.
At the time I thought it was a project on minimalist living, or sustainability, or, well something. At the time I thought "how is it simplified fashion if you spend so much time and materials/accessories making it look different?" Clearly I never really did more than look at headline, or else I would have realized the project wasn't about fashion, but was about slavery.
Having admitted my cluelessness it shouldn't be much of a surprise to hear that this book was not about the blog that I only thought I knew what it was about.
Bethany Winz was inspired by the blog I thought I knew about, and as a 16 year old in many ways surpassed the original project (for example the original project had 7 identical dresses so that washing and damage wouldn't be an issue. Winz soldiered on with exactly one dress for 366 days).
While her project and her blog (and now book) were an hopeful and entergetic attempt to bring awareness of and funding for ending modern day slavery, the book was both more and less.
More in that it was really the story of a teen trying to find a way to make the world better and to feel special (despite health issues), and less in that it didn't give direct information on what the readers can do aside from donating money.
I wasn't the target audience for this book, so I'm not rating it with stars. It wouldn't be fair. The woman I am today would rate it 2 stars, but who I was at 20 would have given it three stars.
Rather than being distracted by the questionable grammar choices of the previous sentence I'll just explain how I know nothing.
At some point during my recovery from broken feet I came across a blog talking about another blog. Or maybe a blog about an article that talked about a blog? It's hard to do fact checking on an unreliable memory of something I didn't pay much attention to at the time a few years ago.
But I heard about a woman who wore the same dress everyday, but with different accessories so it looked like a different dress. And the word "accessories" is used in very loose ways, as putting a skirt on over the dress counted as an accessory just like a flowery scarf would.
At the time I thought it was a project on minimalist living, or sustainability, or, well something. At the time I thought "how is it simplified fashion if you spend so much time and materials/accessories making it look different?" Clearly I never really did more than look at headline, or else I would have realized the project wasn't about fashion, but was about slavery.
Having admitted my cluelessness it shouldn't be much of a surprise to hear that this book was not about the blog that I only thought I knew what it was about.
Bethany Winz was inspired by the blog I thought I knew about, and as a 16 year old in many ways surpassed the original project (for example the original project had 7 identical dresses so that washing and damage wouldn't be an issue. Winz soldiered on with exactly one dress for 366 days).
While her project and her blog (and now book) were an hopeful and entergetic attempt to bring awareness of and funding for ending modern day slavery, the book was both more and less.
More in that it was really the story of a teen trying to find a way to make the world better and to feel special (despite health issues), and less in that it didn't give direct information on what the readers can do aside from donating money.
I wasn't the target audience for this book, so I'm not rating it with stars. It wouldn't be fair. The woman I am today would rate it 2 stars, but who I was at 20 would have given it three stars.
March 25, 2016
"One Dress, One Year" by Bethany Winz is about how one young woman decided to wear one dress for a year to bring awareness to human trafficking. This was an interesting book on how the author decided to bring awareness and even raise money to end human trafficking. The book itself was not bad but I just don't understand the whole premise of it. Even at 16 (the age the author was when she did this) there are actual things you can do to bring awareness or even help the victims of human trafficking. I just did not understand how wearing one dress with different accessories every day brought more awareness especially since this type of thing has been done for other issues. Maybe I am not understanding it but it just seems to me that more could have been done than just wear the same dress. Other than my not getting it, it was an interesting book. So I do recommend it as an interesting read.
I was given this book from Baker Books for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.
December 17, 2018
I enjoy books about people who receive a burden from God and actually allowed that burden to influence their decisions: maybe by motivating them to wear the same dress for every day of one year (a leap year!). I'm challenged by the fact that Bethany wasn't afraid to get out there and DO something, making herself conspicuous and vulnerable. While her motives were obviously not all good, she grew tremendously, emotionally and spiritually.
You should know that this is NOT a book about human trafficking. It's about one girl's journey as she is confronted with weaknesses in her own character. As she struggles with confusing health problems. As she learns more about herself and her Savior. If you're picking this up because you want to learn about human trafficking and what you can do to help, you will be very disappointed.
Fortunately for me, I didn't go into this book with a lot of expectations. A great, short read!
You should know that this is NOT a book about human trafficking. It's about one girl's journey as she is confronted with weaknesses in her own character. As she struggles with confusing health problems. As she learns more about herself and her Savior. If you're picking this up because you want to learn about human trafficking and what you can do to help, you will be very disappointed.
Fortunately for me, I didn't go into this book with a lot of expectations. A great, short read!
July 14, 2017
One Dress, one year recounts the writer's experiences over the course of a year in which she made and then wore one dress everyday in order to raise awareness and money for sustainable fashion and human trafficking. The author is young and idealistic, which shows in the writing. She's very sincere but small moments become big dramas, which means the book is more about her, and her growing up, than the issues.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2018
"One Dress One Year", by Bethany Winz, is the true story of a 16 year old girl who determines to bring attention to human trafficking by wearing the same dress every day for a year. She created a blog about it, set up fund-raising capabilities, and chronicled the adventures she had over the year. In the process she learned a lot about herself, brought attention to many, and raised over $8000.
Kudos to Bethany, who has continued her journey toward social justice.
Kudos to Bethany, who has continued her journey toward social justice.
January 17, 2022
Kudo's to Bethany for her perseverance and willingness to share her story! As a seamtress, I can appreciate her making a dress she was willing to wear for one year. Most of those who had Home Ec. made a dress and never wore it once! Your cause for human trafficking is also a mission for our United Methodist Women, in which your book is on our Reading Program. I really enjoyed your story and will let others know about it. Thank you, Bethany, and God Bless You.
Read
February 5, 2022I was impressed with Ms. Winz's need to do something to help the trafficking problem and then acting on it. She spread the word to many groups and raised money for the cause. Even though she didn't meet her goal, she at least did something..
Then, I went to see her outfits on her blog. Everything had been taken down and she gave the impression that her faith was not as strong. I was very disappointed.
Then, I went to see her outfits on her blog. Everything had been taken down and she gave the impression that her faith was not as strong. I was very disappointed.
March 20, 2018
I wish I had been this brave and free at 16 but instead I was just being rescued by my parents from four years of abuse by a "family friend". So thank you Bethany for drawing ANY attention to this subject! some of these critical women could use their skills writing against abuse, slavery and trafficking instead of tearing down someone who actually DID SOMETHING!
June 1, 2020
I was disappointed that this book didn’t really deal with the issues of human trafficking very much at all - just a few brief facts scattered throughout. Much of the content felt like filler and could have been condensed to half or less. But I did appreciate the message that God works through our plans in unexpected ways, and often we learn and accomplish things we never expected.
March 1, 2023
Short read that made me think about how pervasive human trafficking is but it lacked substance and I was disappointed on how she considered her life and “problems” and thought/thinks her body is broken. Of course she is a teenager and teenagers tend to be self absorbed so I’m keeping this in mind.
August 14, 2024
Blahhh I appreciate the heart and motive behind this but the writing and layout of this book was rough. Thankfully it was a short book. Not completely horrid, I think I'm just well out of the age range that this is geared towards.
February 16, 2018
Inspiring story about a girl who is motivated to raise awareness about human trafficking
August 20, 2018
I appreciated that Bethany’s story wasn’t just about the positives. She did a cool thing and it didn’t go the way she’d hoped or planned, but God still used it for her good & His glory.
February 13, 2019
It was a bit young for me, but a good message nonetheless. The message is important and thats worth the read.
March 13, 2019
Bethany Winz, then a teenager, wore the same black dress everyday in 2012 to raise awareness of modern day slavery and sexual exploitation.
May 27, 2019
An enjoyable read.
June 5, 2019
One Dress, One Year is an interesting series of blogs by a teenage girl as she wears the same dress every day for one year to raise money and awareness of modern day slavery.
June 5, 2019
A very important topic and neat approach to fighting trafficking. Not very well written with excess details and stories which took away from the main points.
March 22, 2020
Bethany retraces a year spent in one dress as a way to talk about human trafficking. She shared the journey of self and how God used it but not as she expected.
March 2, 2022
I appreciated this 16 year old girls heart and journey. Easy read and was not what I expected, but enjoyed it
December 9, 2023
Inspirational. Teenager reflections underdeveloped.
July 16, 2016
One Dress. One Year is in essence a compilation of blog posts with additional commentary regarding Bethany Winz's journey over a one-year period. Winz wears the same dress day by day to call attention to the abject misery of people who are still enslaved. She desires to bring awareness to the tragedy of human trafficking and to advocate for it’s elimination. The dress project was inspired by Alex and Brett Harris’ book Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations. The Harris’ book explains their project called The Rebellion, which is a teenage rebellion against low expectations. Winz was also inspired by Elaini Ous who wore the same dress for 100 days in order to raise funds to help orphans in India. Ous’ project was wildly successful. You can learn all about her project on her blog MISS-ELAINI-OUS (how cool is that?!).
Winz’s story is an interesting one. She shows great naïveté while also having an open heart willing to take in God's truth. Winz bares her soul to the world in One Dress. One Year. Something that could not have been easy. When you go to Winz’s blog to read about her dress project you will find he following scripture prominently displayed:
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12
Not an easy task. A task that can only be accomplished through faith in the grace and sacrifice of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Winz desired to serve God and to end human trafficking. She went about it like a teenager; gung-ho and without having completely thought it through. Teenagers do that. Winz started with the desire to help eliminate human trafficking and she wanted to be well known for it. She wanted people to esteem her. She wanted the success seen by the Harris’ and Elaini Ous. Success did not come as she desired. Success came in the way that God desired. Winz learned the hard lesson that not everyone will understand and that many people are unkind. God reminded her of where her worth lies. Winz didn’t raise large sums of money for the charitable organizations that she chose yet she learned of God’s sustaining power in difficult circumstances. This teenage girl went farther than most and she gained wisdom and a deeper understanding of how great is the God who works in and through believers.
God did bless her project though. Winz’s leap of faith and her gained wisdom of God’s will and ways has led to an increasing awareness of human trafficking. It has reminded me of the plight of those almost forgotten souls. I wouldn’t be writing this review if it weren’t for her project. She has given me an opportunity to share in her hearts desire to end human trafficking. Winz’s success is due to her realization that grand gestures are not needed and that egos need to be checked at the door. Winz grew closer to God throughout her journey and learned how to more deeply place her whole trust and faith in Christ. To step up for the "widows and orphans*” deeply scarred through slavery.
One Dress. One Year is a very simple read. On the negative side there are a fair number of errors that should have been corrected during the proofreading phase. A missing word here and there or a word used incorrectly. These errors generate some unique sentences. I’m not holding that against the book.
I’m thankful for the obedience to God that Winz, Alex and Brett Harris, Elaini Ous, and others have displayed and for their example to teenagers today. I am impressed by Winz’s willingness to open her heart up to the rest of us serving as an inspiration. She has inspired me. If you have a teenager in need of inspiration for a life better than the “norm” I would highly recommend that they read Alex and Brett Harris’ book Do Hard Things as well as Bethany Winz’s One Dress. One Year. I pray that our next generation will fight back at the low expectations that society has for them and that they will seek God's will; going forth to serve Him faithfully.
I received a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. My thanks to the author and publisher.
__________________________________
Winz requested that donations be given to the ollowing charities that seek to end slavery**:
* International Justice Mission (IJM)
* Not for Sale
* A21 Campaign
* Compassion International
* Restore International | Love Does
* Love146
*James 1:27
**I cannot speak to the leadership and efficacy of these organizations.
For all of my reviews visit Blessed and Bewildered
Winz’s story is an interesting one. She shows great naïveté while also having an open heart willing to take in God's truth. Winz bares her soul to the world in One Dress. One Year. Something that could not have been easy. When you go to Winz’s blog to read about her dress project you will find he following scripture prominently displayed:
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12
Not an easy task. A task that can only be accomplished through faith in the grace and sacrifice of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Winz desired to serve God and to end human trafficking. She went about it like a teenager; gung-ho and without having completely thought it through. Teenagers do that. Winz started with the desire to help eliminate human trafficking and she wanted to be well known for it. She wanted people to esteem her. She wanted the success seen by the Harris’ and Elaini Ous. Success did not come as she desired. Success came in the way that God desired. Winz learned the hard lesson that not everyone will understand and that many people are unkind. God reminded her of where her worth lies. Winz didn’t raise large sums of money for the charitable organizations that she chose yet she learned of God’s sustaining power in difficult circumstances. This teenage girl went farther than most and she gained wisdom and a deeper understanding of how great is the God who works in and through believers.
God did bless her project though. Winz’s leap of faith and her gained wisdom of God’s will and ways has led to an increasing awareness of human trafficking. It has reminded me of the plight of those almost forgotten souls. I wouldn’t be writing this review if it weren’t for her project. She has given me an opportunity to share in her hearts desire to end human trafficking. Winz’s success is due to her realization that grand gestures are not needed and that egos need to be checked at the door. Winz grew closer to God throughout her journey and learned how to more deeply place her whole trust and faith in Christ. To step up for the "widows and orphans*” deeply scarred through slavery.
One Dress. One Year is a very simple read. On the negative side there are a fair number of errors that should have been corrected during the proofreading phase. A missing word here and there or a word used incorrectly. These errors generate some unique sentences. I’m not holding that against the book.
I’m thankful for the obedience to God that Winz, Alex and Brett Harris, Elaini Ous, and others have displayed and for their example to teenagers today. I am impressed by Winz’s willingness to open her heart up to the rest of us serving as an inspiration. She has inspired me. If you have a teenager in need of inspiration for a life better than the “norm” I would highly recommend that they read Alex and Brett Harris’ book Do Hard Things as well as Bethany Winz’s One Dress. One Year. I pray that our next generation will fight back at the low expectations that society has for them and that they will seek God's will; going forth to serve Him faithfully.
I received a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. My thanks to the author and publisher.
__________________________________
Winz requested that donations be given to the ollowing charities that seek to end slavery**:
* International Justice Mission (IJM)
* Not for Sale
* A21 Campaign
* Compassion International
* Restore International | Love Does
* Love146
*James 1:27
**I cannot speak to the leadership and efficacy of these organizations.
For all of my reviews visit Blessed and Bewildered
March 22, 2017
As much as I enjoyed "Julie and Julia," I sometimes get wary of "stunt blogging." The idea of trying to do some strange or unusual thing (and documenting it the whole way) in order to make a statement about something. Things get even more complicated when this is combined with social justice. It can be difficult to tell sometimes what the "awareness" is actually being raised towards (e. g., ice bucket challenge).
But I appreciate Bethany Winz's (pre-ice-bucket-challenge) take on this, because she at least had the maturity to admit that the conflict is there. When she was 16, she decided to wear the same dress every day for a year, in order to raise awareness (and funds) for victims of human trafficking. The idea being that victims do not have choices, and this project would, in some small way, show her and others what it's like to let go of one of the choices we get every day.
This is a quick read, and most of the book involves the things she did during this challenge--speaking about it to different groups, finding accessories to vary her look, enduring health problems, growth pains, and insecurities. In some ways it is a refreshingly honest look at doing a "challenge" like this. This book would probably appeal very well to teenage homeschoolers like her, especially those who also liked the book "Do Hard Things."
Honestly though, I don't know that I'd really be able to recommend this book to anyone else. There are plenty of more worthwhile, time-wise, ways to learn about human trafficking and make a difference. The book is really more about her.
One of my favorite quotes came as she summed up her project at the end:
"I now realize that taking a stand for justice doesn't have to involve a big, dramatic, gesture intended to change the entire world. Maybe it's something much smaller--righting wrongs one relationship at a time. I've found that discovering who I am has much less to do with impressing people and much more to do with living a life of faithfulness wherever God has placed me."
I think this is a very valuable lesson to take away from this, especially in our image-obsessed society, and I appreciate her willingness to be honest.
I also appreciated the tidbits and facts shared about human trafficking and the different organizations that are doing something about it.
Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Books through the Baker Books Bloggers www.bakerbooks.com/bakerbooksbloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....
But I appreciate Bethany Winz's (pre-ice-bucket-challenge) take on this, because she at least had the maturity to admit that the conflict is there. When she was 16, she decided to wear the same dress every day for a year, in order to raise awareness (and funds) for victims of human trafficking. The idea being that victims do not have choices, and this project would, in some small way, show her and others what it's like to let go of one of the choices we get every day.
This is a quick read, and most of the book involves the things she did during this challenge--speaking about it to different groups, finding accessories to vary her look, enduring health problems, growth pains, and insecurities. In some ways it is a refreshingly honest look at doing a "challenge" like this. This book would probably appeal very well to teenage homeschoolers like her, especially those who also liked the book "Do Hard Things."
Honestly though, I don't know that I'd really be able to recommend this book to anyone else. There are plenty of more worthwhile, time-wise, ways to learn about human trafficking and make a difference. The book is really more about her.
One of my favorite quotes came as she summed up her project at the end:
"I now realize that taking a stand for justice doesn't have to involve a big, dramatic, gesture intended to change the entire world. Maybe it's something much smaller--righting wrongs one relationship at a time. I've found that discovering who I am has much less to do with impressing people and much more to do with living a life of faithfulness wherever God has placed me."
I think this is a very valuable lesson to take away from this, especially in our image-obsessed society, and I appreciate her willingness to be honest.
I also appreciated the tidbits and facts shared about human trafficking and the different organizations that are doing something about it.
Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Books through the Baker Books Bloggers www.bakerbooks.com/bakerbooksbloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....
March 13, 2016
As teenagers and young adults, we often dream of doing something great with our lives; of making a difference and changing the world. When we actually decide to chase after the dreams that are truly God-given, beautiful and incredible things are bound to happen. In a new non-fiction release from BakerBooks, young Bethany Winz (with Susanna Foth Aughtmon) shares her story of what happened when she decided to chase after a dream, and how it changed her life - but not always in the ways she expected. "One Dress. One Year: One Girl's Stand against Human Trafficking" is the impactful memoir of Bethany's experiences as a sixteen-year-old girl who decided to make a stand for the men, women, and children trapped in slavery around the world. Her plan? To wear the same black dress, every day, for one entire year, and to raise $100,000 in the process.
I wasn't sure exactly what to expect when I began this book. Would it be boring, preachy, or juvenile? To my surprise and delight, none of these adjectives can accurately describe "One Dress. One Year". It is a unique journey that Bethany invites us to join her on, certainly one of insight and inspiration. But most of all, it is real. Very real. Her struggles, not just of wearing the dress but of ordinary life itself, are raw and authentic. During a year that begins with a project to raise funds for various organizations fighting to end slavery around the world, Bethany soon realizes that it will teach her a lot about who she is, and how everyone in the world needs freedom of one kind or another.
The issues of human trafficking and various kinds of slavery are presented in a compelling and passionate way. Clearly, Bethany believes in fighting for her cause, and her enthusiasm is contagious. Amazingly enough, she doesn't try to coerce us into copying, supporting, or funding her goals. She doesn't strive to convince us to wear a dress for a year to raise awareness, or to tell everyone we know to donate to her cause. Instead, she rightfully suggests that each one of us has a unique dream that will change the world in a unique way, if used how God intended. The question is, will we? Will we fight for what we are passionate about, and for the injustices we see around us? After reading Bethany's story, I feel that many people, young and old, will be inspired to do just that.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."
I wasn't sure exactly what to expect when I began this book. Would it be boring, preachy, or juvenile? To my surprise and delight, none of these adjectives can accurately describe "One Dress. One Year". It is a unique journey that Bethany invites us to join her on, certainly one of insight and inspiration. But most of all, it is real. Very real. Her struggles, not just of wearing the dress but of ordinary life itself, are raw and authentic. During a year that begins with a project to raise funds for various organizations fighting to end slavery around the world, Bethany soon realizes that it will teach her a lot about who she is, and how everyone in the world needs freedom of one kind or another.
The issues of human trafficking and various kinds of slavery are presented in a compelling and passionate way. Clearly, Bethany believes in fighting for her cause, and her enthusiasm is contagious. Amazingly enough, she doesn't try to coerce us into copying, supporting, or funding her goals. She doesn't strive to convince us to wear a dress for a year to raise awareness, or to tell everyone we know to donate to her cause. Instead, she rightfully suggests that each one of us has a unique dream that will change the world in a unique way, if used how God intended. The question is, will we? Will we fight for what we are passionate about, and for the injustices we see around us? After reading Bethany's story, I feel that many people, young and old, will be inspired to do just that.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."
May 18, 2016
“The dress isn’t perfect and neither am I. Maybe if I can embrace that, then I’ll find a little more freedom myself.”
-Bethany Winz
Who would have thought that the word “abolitionist” would still be used in the 21st century? Sadly, millions of people are trafficked and held in slavery against their will throughout the world. When I initially received this book to review my gut wrenched. Although heartbreaking, human trafficking is an absolute real thing, even in the United States. I also feel like God has given me a heart to serve those that are trafficked. I’m not sure in what way yet, but every time I think or hear about trafficking it hits deep in my heart, as if God is tugging at me, reminding me to listen.
A young high school student, Bethany Winz, has set her sights on ending human trafficking. In her book One Dress. One Year., Bethany decides enough is enough, and plans to raise $100,000 in donations to organizations that help those that are trafficked. Her plan is simple, sew a plain black dress and wear it for one whole year to raise awareness against human trafficking. The dress representing the lack of choices those that are trafficked have. Throughout her year of dress-wearing, Bethany deals with teenage struggles of fitting in and erratic hormones she can’t get under control. Her faith is tested on Day 100 and her will is tried, but through her faith in God and the victims for whom she is standing, her resolve eventually is undeterred; she intends to see her goal through to the end. Posting daily to her blog of a human trafficking fact, total amount raised, and her outfit for the day, Bethany has a mind to change the world. She is a regular abolitionist; we all should be like Bethany. The most beautiful thing about Bethany’s story is her obedience in listening to God, and in turn He took her story and gave it wings–through this book.
My favorite line from Matthew West’s song, “Do Something”, kept playing in my head as I read Bethany’s story: “Said, ‘God, why don’t You do something?’ He said, ‘I did, I created you'”. This line gives me chills EACH and EVERY time I hear it, it also infuses me with guilt. Guilt of not doing anything for the hurting and lost. So thank you Bethany Winz for motivating me to “Do Something”, anything. I attached the video here, because come on there is never a bad time to hear “Do Something”.
-Bethany Winz
Who would have thought that the word “abolitionist” would still be used in the 21st century? Sadly, millions of people are trafficked and held in slavery against their will throughout the world. When I initially received this book to review my gut wrenched. Although heartbreaking, human trafficking is an absolute real thing, even in the United States. I also feel like God has given me a heart to serve those that are trafficked. I’m not sure in what way yet, but every time I think or hear about trafficking it hits deep in my heart, as if God is tugging at me, reminding me to listen.
A young high school student, Bethany Winz, has set her sights on ending human trafficking. In her book One Dress. One Year., Bethany decides enough is enough, and plans to raise $100,000 in donations to organizations that help those that are trafficked. Her plan is simple, sew a plain black dress and wear it for one whole year to raise awareness against human trafficking. The dress representing the lack of choices those that are trafficked have. Throughout her year of dress-wearing, Bethany deals with teenage struggles of fitting in and erratic hormones she can’t get under control. Her faith is tested on Day 100 and her will is tried, but through her faith in God and the victims for whom she is standing, her resolve eventually is undeterred; she intends to see her goal through to the end. Posting daily to her blog of a human trafficking fact, total amount raised, and her outfit for the day, Bethany has a mind to change the world. She is a regular abolitionist; we all should be like Bethany. The most beautiful thing about Bethany’s story is her obedience in listening to God, and in turn He took her story and gave it wings–through this book.
My favorite line from Matthew West’s song, “Do Something”, kept playing in my head as I read Bethany’s story: “Said, ‘God, why don’t You do something?’ He said, ‘I did, I created you'”. This line gives me chills EACH and EVERY time I hear it, it also infuses me with guilt. Guilt of not doing anything for the hurting and lost. So thank you Bethany Winz for motivating me to “Do Something”, anything. I attached the video here, because come on there is never a bad time to hear “Do Something”.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews