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A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, and Power Really Look Like
One of the most outspoken voices gracing the runway today encourages women to be their most confident selves, recognize their personal beauty, and reach for their highest dreams in this wise, warm, and inspiring memoir.
Voluptuous beauty Ashley Graham has been modeling professionally since the age of thirteen. Discovered at a shopping mall in her native Nebraska, her stunning face and sexy curves have graced the covers of top magazines, including Cosmopolitan and Elle, and she was the first plus-size model to appear on the front of the wildly popular Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The face of H&M Studio, she is also a judge for America’s Next Top Model. And that's only the beginning for this extraordinary talent.
Ashley is on the leading edge of a new generation of women breaking ground and demolishing stereotypes, transforming our ideals about body image and what is fashionable. A woman who proves that when it comes to beauty, size is just a number, she is the voice for the body positivity movement today and a role model for all women—no matter their individual body type, shape, or weight.
In this collection of insightful, provocative essays illustrated with a dozen photos, Ashley shares her perspective on how ideas around body image are evolving—and how how they aren’t; the fun—and torture—of a career in the fashion world; her life before modeling; and her path to accepting her size without limiting her dreams—defying rigid industry standards and naysayers who told her it couldn’t be done. As she talks about her successes and setbacks, Ashley offers support for every woman coming to terms with who she is, helps her bolster her self-confidence, and motivates her to be her strongest, healthiest, and most beautiful self.
Voluptuous beauty Ashley Graham has been modeling professionally since the age of thirteen. Discovered at a shopping mall in her native Nebraska, her stunning face and sexy curves have graced the covers of top magazines, including Cosmopolitan and Elle, and she was the first plus-size model to appear on the front of the wildly popular Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The face of H&M Studio, she is also a judge for America’s Next Top Model. And that's only the beginning for this extraordinary talent.
Ashley is on the leading edge of a new generation of women breaking ground and demolishing stereotypes, transforming our ideals about body image and what is fashionable. A woman who proves that when it comes to beauty, size is just a number, she is the voice for the body positivity movement today and a role model for all women—no matter their individual body type, shape, or weight.
In this collection of insightful, provocative essays illustrated with a dozen photos, Ashley shares her perspective on how ideas around body image are evolving—and how how they aren’t; the fun—and torture—of a career in the fashion world; her life before modeling; and her path to accepting her size without limiting her dreams—defying rigid industry standards and naysayers who told her it couldn’t be done. As she talks about her successes and setbacks, Ashley offers support for every woman coming to terms with who she is, helps her bolster her self-confidence, and motivates her to be her strongest, healthiest, and most beautiful self.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2017
218 people are currently reading
3147 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Graham
2 books98 followersAshley Graham is a world-renowned model who has been featured in Vogue, Glamour, Elle UK, Style Magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Sports Illustrated, and many other publications. She is a body activist who speaks out about body positivity and self-acceptance, particularly for women. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 372 reviews
May 15, 2017
Love, love, love this book!
As someone who has struggled with body confidence my entire life, Ashely Graham has some amazing words advice for me and girls like me everywhere. This is going to be a book I pull off the shelf over and over again to remind myself to feel confident inside and out.
Below are just some of my favorite lines I highlighted:
"If there is something about you that you like, show it off - that's my motto. If you think you look good, others will, too."
"No matter what your size, you are a sexy goddess. Remember that."
"Finding power in your vagina is about realizing that you will never find acceptance and validation through a man."
#beautybeyondsize
As someone who has struggled with body confidence my entire life, Ashely Graham has some amazing words advice for me and girls like me everywhere. This is going to be a book I pull off the shelf over and over again to remind myself to feel confident inside and out.
Below are just some of my favorite lines I highlighted:
"If there is something about you that you like, show it off - that's my motto. If you think you look good, others will, too."
"No matter what your size, you are a sexy goddess. Remember that."
"Finding power in your vagina is about realizing that you will never find acceptance and validation through a man."
#beautybeyondsize
May 21, 2017
I love Ashely and her message, but this book wasn't incredibly well written.
July 30, 2017
The other reviews for this book seem to be very positive, and I don't know what it is, but it just didn't do it for me.
While some people are saying they found the book to be more self-help than biography, I found it to be very much the other way around. I guess now I know more about her life and the modeling industry than I did before, but I was hoping for more of the beauty/confidence/power front. The book was structured into chapters with subheadings that implied they would be full of advice about things (like "Don't fall into the trap of sacrificing your self-esteem for affection and acceptance. No matter what your size, you are a sexy goddess. Remember that." and "Every day is a new day and a new struggle. But with a little reflection, you can develop the tools to put that Snickers down or not care so much when you don't want to"). But after a chapter mostly filled with biographical content, I found myself more than once going back to the heading of the chapter to remind myself what the message was supposed to be.
I'm all for body positivity, but I found the messaging in this book to be very flat. Ashley did briefly mention a few times that plus-size models are usually just as proportionate and conventionally beautiful as straight-size models, but I was hoping for more of this type of nuanced discussion in all parts of the book. I find messaging like "No matter your size, you are a sexy goddess. Remember that" to be empty and not meaningful. Every woman is beautiful, but she won't feel that way simply by having someone/everyone say it to her instead of having it inspired within her. Similarly, Graham mentioned how her female family/friends/colleagues aren't allowed to have negative self-talk when they're around her. It doesn't do anyone any good to dwell on negative feelings, but I would find a friend who cuts me off and throws bland positivity back at me to be pretty dismissive and would more appreciate someone listening to how I feel. I guess what I'm trying to say is that body positivity and self-acceptance comes from the freedom of feeling like you need to look a certain way, and appreciating your body because of its quirks and differences instead of being told in a blanket statement that everyone is beautiful. It's only once women of all sizes are represented in the fashion world and designers aren't congratulated anymore for including plus-sized models that bigger women will feel like they are honestly allowed the same space to feel beauty and own their beauty as smaller women. Graham does mention that to do this, we need to ask for the sizes and styles that we want, but this was only a small section of the book.
All this being said, it's not a bad book. I feel like it was written more for the teen girl demographic and I would happily recommend this book to someone in that age group, who is just beginning to learn where her body fits in the world and the politics surrounding the female shape. However, for someone who is familiar with this type of discourse, I don't feel like it added much to the discussion aside from maybe some behind-the-scenes knowledge of the plus-size modelling industry.
While some people are saying they found the book to be more self-help than biography, I found it to be very much the other way around. I guess now I know more about her life and the modeling industry than I did before, but I was hoping for more of the beauty/confidence/power front. The book was structured into chapters with subheadings that implied they would be full of advice about things (like "Don't fall into the trap of sacrificing your self-esteem for affection and acceptance. No matter what your size, you are a sexy goddess. Remember that." and "Every day is a new day and a new struggle. But with a little reflection, you can develop the tools to put that Snickers down or not care so much when you don't want to"). But after a chapter mostly filled with biographical content, I found myself more than once going back to the heading of the chapter to remind myself what the message was supposed to be.
I'm all for body positivity, but I found the messaging in this book to be very flat. Ashley did briefly mention a few times that plus-size models are usually just as proportionate and conventionally beautiful as straight-size models, but I was hoping for more of this type of nuanced discussion in all parts of the book. I find messaging like "No matter your size, you are a sexy goddess. Remember that" to be empty and not meaningful. Every woman is beautiful, but she won't feel that way simply by having someone/everyone say it to her instead of having it inspired within her. Similarly, Graham mentioned how her female family/friends/colleagues aren't allowed to have negative self-talk when they're around her. It doesn't do anyone any good to dwell on negative feelings, but I would find a friend who cuts me off and throws bland positivity back at me to be pretty dismissive and would more appreciate someone listening to how I feel. I guess what I'm trying to say is that body positivity and self-acceptance comes from the freedom of feeling like you need to look a certain way, and appreciating your body because of its quirks and differences instead of being told in a blanket statement that everyone is beautiful. It's only once women of all sizes are represented in the fashion world and designers aren't congratulated anymore for including plus-sized models that bigger women will feel like they are honestly allowed the same space to feel beauty and own their beauty as smaller women. Graham does mention that to do this, we need to ask for the sizes and styles that we want, but this was only a small section of the book.
All this being said, it's not a bad book. I feel like it was written more for the teen girl demographic and I would happily recommend this book to someone in that age group, who is just beginning to learn where her body fits in the world and the politics surrounding the female shape. However, for someone who is familiar with this type of discourse, I don't feel like it added much to the discussion aside from maybe some behind-the-scenes knowledge of the plus-size modelling industry.
November 18, 2019
I highly recommend this book for anyone that has ever had issues with body confidence! I know I am guilty of that and I know a lot of women out there can speak for me! Ashley Graham is a pioneer when it comes to accepting our bodies and making ourselves better women inside and out! She questions the pressure that women have of trying to conform to the pressures of being size 2 and speaks about plus size women not having enough access to high end fashion.
We need to forget about what is represented in those fashion magazines because that is not the norm and most of those images are airbrushed anyway. We must look deeper and see the "beauty beyond size!"
We need to forget about what is represented in those fashion magazines because that is not the norm and most of those images are airbrushed anyway. We must look deeper and see the "beauty beyond size!"
February 1, 2018
I find it very sad to live in a world where "fat people" shouldn't be entitled to love themselves, and if you're not skinny you're not meant to love the body you have.
I just love Ashley's views on the subject. She's so fearlessly herself, that she inspires others to love themselves unconditionally. She inspired me at least.
I think she's extremely brave and bold, and I admire her for working so hard and achieve success in an industry that has always been super negative towards bigger body types, without compromising her true self.
You go girl!
I just love Ashley's views on the subject. She's so fearlessly herself, that she inspires others to love themselves unconditionally. She inspired me at least.
I think she's extremely brave and bold, and I admire her for working so hard and achieve success in an industry that has always been super negative towards bigger body types, without compromising her true self.
You go girl!
June 15, 2019
RATING: 1 STAR
2017; Day Street Books/HarperCollins
(Review Not on Blog)
I love the message that Ashley Graham is trying to promote in this book about self love. However, the execution is very poorly done. This book is neither a memoir or a self-help book, but yet is trying to be both so come off a bit childish. It reads like a diary of a teenage girl, or for a teenage girl. While I am glad that Graham has had so much success, she comes off a bit arrogant rather than inspiring.
***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***
2017; Day Street Books/HarperCollins
(Review Not on Blog)
I love the message that Ashley Graham is trying to promote in this book about self love. However, the execution is very poorly done. This book is neither a memoir or a self-help book, but yet is trying to be both so come off a bit childish. It reads like a diary of a teenage girl, or for a teenage girl. While I am glad that Graham has had so much success, she comes off a bit arrogant rather than inspiring.
***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***
October 22, 2017
Heel leuk om te lezen en erg inspirerend. Ik ben groot fan van Ashley dus alleen maar lof voor haar reis en werk. Ik had alleen meer verwacht dat het een bopo boek met meer handvatten en tips zou zijn. Het is vooral een biografie. En Ashley vertelt zelf dat ze al sinds kinds af aan mega comfortabel met haar lichaam is: ze is enorm zelfverzekerd en dat is ze altijd al geweest. Fantastisch natuurlijk, maar als je zelf niet zo in elkaar zit is het lastig daar een les uit te halen. Natuurlijk: iedereen is mooi enz, maar daar kan je toch weinig mee.
Wel echt leuk om te lezen, ik vind Ashley echt een fantastische vrouw en ze doet zoveel voor de plus size community.
Wel echt leuk om te lezen, ik vind Ashley echt een fantastische vrouw en ze doet zoveel voor de plus size community.
September 17, 2017
I knew of Ashley Graham, but didn't know much of her story before I picked up this book. I was pleasantly surprised that more of it was focused on positive body image and self-esteem instead of the ins and out of the modeling industry. Even though, she is a famous model, her journey is one that a lot of women can relate to.
June 20, 2018
I really wanted to like this, because I am a big admirer of Ashley Graham. It honestly just read as a big humblebrag that certainly didn't feel fat-positive. There's the time when she *can't believe* someone would compare her to an OBESE person, and how awesome it is that with all her curves and cellulite her tummy is perfectly flat. "I'm confident because I'm stunningly beautiful" (in so many words) isn't a hot take.
Don't get me wrong. Confidence is great and I think she's made excellent and important strides for plus-size women in fashion. But this book didn't give me what was promised. It gave me diet tips. It told me how important weight and appearance were in her world of fashion and talked about some of the bullying she's received, but it all comes from this weird "it happens to me, and I'm, like, BEAUTIFUL" perspective. I was expecting motivation but it just didn't quite get there for me, and that's a shame.
Don't get me wrong. Confidence is great and I think she's made excellent and important strides for plus-size women in fashion. But this book didn't give me what was promised. It gave me diet tips. It told me how important weight and appearance were in her world of fashion and talked about some of the bullying she's received, but it all comes from this weird "it happens to me, and I'm, like, BEAUTIFUL" perspective. I was expecting motivation but it just didn't quite get there for me, and that's a shame.
May 16, 2018
I love Ashley Graham a lot. I preach a lot that I don't care about my size, that I'm confident in how I look. But we all have bad days. And I loved that she wasn't afraid to talk about them in this book.
I wasn't perfect for me, I found it repetitive at times, but I loved how honest she was about more than just her size. She's not afraid to talk about her religion and the role it's played in her life (I actually had no idea she was religious), and on her marriage and the ups and downs that her and Justin have gone through.
Whether your plus-sized or not, care about models not, I think I'd still recommend this book. She shares a lot of insight about going for what you believe in, and what it's like to be fat.
4/5 stars!
I wasn't perfect for me, I found it repetitive at times, but I loved how honest she was about more than just her size. She's not afraid to talk about her religion and the role it's played in her life (I actually had no idea she was religious), and on her marriage and the ups and downs that her and Justin have gone through.
Whether your plus-sized or not, care about models not, I think I'd still recommend this book. She shares a lot of insight about going for what you believe in, and what it's like to be fat.
4/5 stars!
June 11, 2017
5 well deserved stars. This was such an empowering, necessary read. Ashley is not shy to admit both her successes and her failures. She discusses her rise to fame, her body dysmorphia and unhealthy relationship to food, her journey to self love, her husband, her family, everything. I couldn't help but cry while reading it. Ashley's affirmations and reassurances remind us that there is #beautybeyondsize indeed.
May 10, 2017
I read this entire book on release date. It was so engaging, I don't know If it's because I've always loved her, but I think I would have fallen in love with her again if I wasn't already. I loved the look into her world. She is 'the' new model. I love it. I think you will too.
November 3, 2017
"Really, beauty beyond size."
April 2, 2022
Ashley Graham paved the way for plus size models and I have been a huge fan. I read a lot of positive reviews and I understand my personal opinion is not with the majority. I believe she comes across extremely arrogant. She is in fact beautiful and sexy but continuously reminds readers of it.
She talks about “eating healthy” and having colonics before photo shoots to keep her stomach flat. She seems to perpetuate women needing to be beautiful for men. She talks about the rules of being a model and what bodies need to look like. Her statements about colonics and diets are ill informed. She talks about many specific diets in detail and how they worked for her. She speaks of good and bad food, eating disorder behaviors (which she doesn’t recognize as ED behaviors), exercising in order to “allow” herself to eat certain foods. She even says she “feels fat”. Fat is not a feeling. She talks about specific sizes and measurements throughout. A lot of this book could be extremely triggering and damaging to someone who has an eating disorder.
I recently read Emily Ratajkowski’s book titled “My Body.” Em Rata manages to describe modeling, objectification, self love, and growth in such a beautiful and compelling way. I thought this book would be similar since Ashley Graham broke boundaries as a plus size model. Her lack of depth, maturity, and ability to consider her audience was a let down for me. Especially when other books like Em Rata’s offer the reader some thought provoking takeaways.
She talks about “eating healthy” and having colonics before photo shoots to keep her stomach flat. She seems to perpetuate women needing to be beautiful for men. She talks about the rules of being a model and what bodies need to look like. Her statements about colonics and diets are ill informed. She talks about many specific diets in detail and how they worked for her. She speaks of good and bad food, eating disorder behaviors (which she doesn’t recognize as ED behaviors), exercising in order to “allow” herself to eat certain foods. She even says she “feels fat”. Fat is not a feeling. She talks about specific sizes and measurements throughout. A lot of this book could be extremely triggering and damaging to someone who has an eating disorder.
I recently read Emily Ratajkowski’s book titled “My Body.” Em Rata manages to describe modeling, objectification, self love, and growth in such a beautiful and compelling way. I thought this book would be similar since Ashley Graham broke boundaries as a plus size model. Her lack of depth, maturity, and ability to consider her audience was a let down for me. Especially when other books like Em Rata’s offer the reader some thought provoking takeaways.
May 15, 2017
When I first heard about this book, I was very excited. Finally a plus-size model that wrote a book! But for some reason, I didn't account for all the model talk.
Even though the book is titled A New Model, I thought there would be less of the model and more of the Ashley. Though Ashley does talk about her life in terms of her attraction to men, her weight, her relationship with her husband Justin, etc...she also talks a lot about modeling, which is understandable. I mean, she is a model. But most of her target audience isn't. So when it came to the modeling portions of her book, I was disappointed. I'm not going to be a model, but I just want more confidence, beauty, and power, and how to get them without being a model.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that her book tended to drift away from those three aspects and focus mostly on the model part and her experience being in the industry. She did talk about confidence, beauty, and power here and there, but it was not the sole focus of her book, like I would have wanted.
Even so, her book is pretty entertaining when it comes to her personal life and how she got to be where she is now. Basically any part of the book that you can relate to is good, but the rest is more of a dragging experience read.
Even though the book is titled A New Model, I thought there would be less of the model and more of the Ashley. Though Ashley does talk about her life in terms of her attraction to men, her weight, her relationship with her husband Justin, etc...she also talks a lot about modeling, which is understandable. I mean, she is a model. But most of her target audience isn't. So when it came to the modeling portions of her book, I was disappointed. I'm not going to be a model, but I just want more confidence, beauty, and power, and how to get them without being a model.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that her book tended to drift away from those three aspects and focus mostly on the model part and her experience being in the industry. She did talk about confidence, beauty, and power here and there, but it was not the sole focus of her book, like I would have wanted.
Even so, her book is pretty entertaining when it comes to her personal life and how she got to be where she is now. Basically any part of the book that you can relate to is good, but the rest is more of a dragging experience read.
July 4, 2017
I like the message of this book and what Ashley stands for, but it wasn't well written and most of it felt like a rolling list of all her accomplishments. I would've liked to read more about her personal growth throughout her journey.
May 28, 2019
In my eyes, Ashley Graham has always been a beautiful woman, and when I found out (2 years later lol), that she wrote a biography, I could not wait to read it.
The book devotes quite some pages to her modeling career and how it all started, her relationship with men and eventually her husband, and of course her body. I am sad to say that this book does not contain a secret solution for getting Ashley Graham’s body (it’s all genes and luck!), but it does contain some tips on how to get her level of confidence.
She also writes about her struggles as a bigger woman with regards to finding clothes and the treatment of plus-size models in the modeling industry. It is truly crazy to read some of the comments she’s received from stylists for example. I am amazed that she found the power to keep going and even managed to prove them all wrong.
Ashley Graham is a beautiful model, but this book really highlights her personality and self-confidence! A nice read if you’re interested in (plus-size) modeling, the fashion industry, or just love reading biographies about strong women who have done impressive things.
The book devotes quite some pages to her modeling career and how it all started, her relationship with men and eventually her husband, and of course her body. I am sad to say that this book does not contain a secret solution for getting Ashley Graham’s body (it’s all genes and luck!), but it does contain some tips on how to get her level of confidence.
She also writes about her struggles as a bigger woman with regards to finding clothes and the treatment of plus-size models in the modeling industry. It is truly crazy to read some of the comments she’s received from stylists for example. I am amazed that she found the power to keep going and even managed to prove them all wrong.
Ashley Graham is a beautiful model, but this book really highlights her personality and self-confidence! A nice read if you’re interested in (plus-size) modeling, the fashion industry, or just love reading biographies about strong women who have done impressive things.
February 16, 2018
It’s books like these that remind me why it’s important to pick up a memoir every now and then. The book is primarily focused on Graham’s career as a plus-size model, but it manages to repeatedly underscore the point that confidence and self-love - beauty beyond size - is what’s truly important. I found her recounting of entering the modeling world as a teen incredibly interesting, since I was also fascinated with modeling at that age (watching ANTM on repeat...). However it was her tales of adulthood that really gave me the feels. I am so impressed with Graham’s outlook on her body and her relentless crusade to show women that plus-size bodies are beautiful. To turn the tide of the fashion industry, Graham has worked her way into a historically straight-sized modeling agency (IMG), become a designer of swimsuits, lingerie, and dresses for plus-size women, and even made history as the first size 14 model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated’s iconic swimsuit edition. I found her memoir to be incredibly uplifting and inspiring. I am happy to be joining the ranks of Ashely Graham’s adoring fans!
July 6, 2022
I loved reading Ashley’s story! I love everything she stands for. Her personality shines through in this book and she is just amazing.
I love her confidence, I love her words of wisdom, and how hard she fights for women’s bodies to be seen in the modeling world in all sizes. Sexy lingerie for all sizes, glamorous high end clothing for all sizes, swimsuits for all sizes, she really seems to do her best to be a voice for all plus sizes models, and any plus size women in general.
She has accomplished so much as a model and it is inspiring. I have no desire to be a model myself, but reading her story of just going for things and not being ashamed of your body or afraid of what others might think is so inspiring. Makes me want to wear a bold outfit or swimsuit and just go be out in the world living my best life.
While I wasn’t completely invested in all of the modeling and fashion talk (just not my scene/personality) I still enjoyed reading this book!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I love her confidence, I love her words of wisdom, and how hard she fights for women’s bodies to be seen in the modeling world in all sizes. Sexy lingerie for all sizes, glamorous high end clothing for all sizes, swimsuits for all sizes, she really seems to do her best to be a voice for all plus sizes models, and any plus size women in general.
She has accomplished so much as a model and it is inspiring. I have no desire to be a model myself, but reading her story of just going for things and not being ashamed of your body or afraid of what others might think is so inspiring. Makes me want to wear a bold outfit or swimsuit and just go be out in the world living my best life.
While I wasn’t completely invested in all of the modeling and fashion talk (just not my scene/personality) I still enjoyed reading this book!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
June 10, 2018
I won this book thru the goodreads giveaways and I'm so glad I did. The book was an easy read; talking about body image and essentially loving your body. Ashley discusses her own hardships and body image. It's a real book. Honest (at least one can think that). Truly eye opening. I really enjoyed it and got to the point that I didn't want to put it down. I found myself googling different things that she was talking about and looking up her brands. I feel it is a good book to read if you're feeling down about body image; in a way a self help without the doctor mumbo-jumbo. #beautybeyondsize
March 1, 2018
As someone who is a huge Ashley Graham fan I really enjoyed this book. Being plus size I was able to really relate to all of the topics discussed in the book. Looking for some inspiration and body positive messages it is a book I highly recommend.
September 2, 2018
5 stars are truly not enough.
I admire Ashley so much and she keeps inspiring me every day. Her message is so important to anyone who has ever struggled with body issues. Everyone should aspire to become the best version of oneself, no matter size and looks - because beauty is truly beyond size.
I admire Ashley so much and she keeps inspiring me every day. Her message is so important to anyone who has ever struggled with body issues. Everyone should aspire to become the best version of oneself, no matter size and looks - because beauty is truly beyond size.
December 8, 2020
I simply adore this woman for who she is and finally made time to read her book. I can recommend this book to everyone that likes a little autobiography combined with some (body)positivity.
April 14, 2018
Ashley is so inspiring.
March 13, 2018
I have been interested in Ashley Graham's story since seeing her interviewed on The View a few months ago. Body image and self-confidence have been something I have been more aware of since becoming pregnant with my son and subsequent changes that my body has gone through since he was born. Until then I hadn't realised how much my attitude towards my body affected my confidence. It's a lot better now but I was interested to hear what Ashley Graham, a prolific 'plus-size' model, had to say about the beauty standards set by the modelling industry.
I found it interesting to hear about all of the different factors that fed into Ashley's attitude towards her body, and how she has slowly developed and overcome these issues. I think it's important to hear from women (and men) from all backgrounds and sizes and I'm glad that I gave this a chance as it's not the kind of book I would usually be drawn to. I have read criticisms that say that Ashley Graham is too self-obsessed but I didn't take that from the book; I understood it as confidence. The only thing I would say is that the non-linear style meant that there was a lot of repetition that was unneeded but apart from that I would recommend it if you want to read a take on the modelling industry that we don't often see.
I found it interesting to hear about all of the different factors that fed into Ashley's attitude towards her body, and how she has slowly developed and overcome these issues. I think it's important to hear from women (and men) from all backgrounds and sizes and I'm glad that I gave this a chance as it's not the kind of book I would usually be drawn to. I have read criticisms that say that Ashley Graham is too self-obsessed but I didn't take that from the book; I understood it as confidence. The only thing I would say is that the non-linear style meant that there was a lot of repetition that was unneeded but apart from that I would recommend it if you want to read a take on the modelling industry that we don't often see.
May 26, 2019
I gave this book two out of five stars because, although I absolutely LOVE Ashley Graham and am very proud of her success, her entire book came off to me as a poorly written subtle-brag. The prose itself was rather underdone; I really believe she wrote this herself, rather than a writer taking a celebrity's experiences and putting them down on paper more eloquently than they may have. That isn't to say that I don't love the idea of her actually writing her own book, but I just feel that because she isn't a writer, the reading experience was rather underwhelming.
Another issue I had with A New Model was differentiating whether this was a self-help, 'You can do it if you put your mind to it' sort of book, OR if this was supposed to be an autobiography. Graham's book seems to constantly straddling the line between the two genres, and I found this to be irritating for me for whatever reason.
I hope that this review helps! Feel free to reach out to me to talk about this book and other titles.
Another issue I had with A New Model was differentiating whether this was a self-help, 'You can do it if you put your mind to it' sort of book, OR if this was supposed to be an autobiography. Graham's book seems to constantly straddling the line between the two genres, and I found this to be irritating for me for whatever reason.
I hope that this review helps! Feel free to reach out to me to talk about this book and other titles.
July 29, 2019
A Welcome Voice for Body Positivity
I like Ashley Graham as a body positive role model. I think she's fun, beautiful outspoken, and gorgeous. She gives women outside the traditional beauty norms a voice.
I truly enjoyed A New Model. Graham didn't paint a fairy tale version of her life and career. I identified with her in a lot of ways, especially as someone who also matured early and didn't know what to do with the power and pain of a twelve-year old with a women's body. It was a hard reality, and I'm so glad girls now are growing up in a new reality Graham is helping to shape.
A New Model was an easy book to read. Graham has a welcoming, friendly voice. I was sometimes confused by the non-linear narrative, but enjoyed it all the same.
I like Ashley Graham as a body positive role model. I think she's fun, beautiful outspoken, and gorgeous. She gives women outside the traditional beauty norms a voice.
I truly enjoyed A New Model. Graham didn't paint a fairy tale version of her life and career. I identified with her in a lot of ways, especially as someone who also matured early and didn't know what to do with the power and pain of a twelve-year old with a women's body. It was a hard reality, and I'm so glad girls now are growing up in a new reality Graham is helping to shape.
A New Model was an easy book to read. Graham has a welcoming, friendly voice. I was sometimes confused by the non-linear narrative, but enjoyed it all the same.
January 10, 2023
"Difficult times will come your way, but it's how you handle them that makes you the person that you are. Being the big girl, I've alwasy had to work harder, be nicer, look more put together, anticipate needs quicker. Chances are you have too."
Part memoir, part self-help, ground-breaking model Ashley Graham shares her story and the key to her sucess in life. I didn't know a ton about Ashley before reading this, just that she changed the way plus-size models are seen in the fashion industry, but this book made me want to be friends with her. We've all read crappy memoirs, but this one felt like a conversation with your older sister who just wants the best for you. All the love for this woman, and I highly recommend you pick it up.
Part memoir, part self-help, ground-breaking model Ashley Graham shares her story and the key to her sucess in life. I didn't know a ton about Ashley before reading this, just that she changed the way plus-size models are seen in the fashion industry, but this book made me want to be friends with her. We've all read crappy memoirs, but this one felt like a conversation with your older sister who just wants the best for you. All the love for this woman, and I highly recommend you pick it up.
August 18, 2017
Not what I expected & I'm sad to say that I enjoyed it far less than I thought I would. The biggest issue I found with this read that the memoir had no flow or rhythm, which unfortunately made it kind of flat for me. Having said that, nothing could change my opinion of, or admiration for this woman. She is in a word AMAZING, and has done so much to help establish and promote the body positivity movement. A movement that is in my humble opinion, far overdo.
September 13, 2017
Poorly written and bland with sprinklings of generic advice. This novel did not evoke any emotion in me and I didn't finish it because I stopped caring. Very disappointing; especially after just reading 'Size Zero: My Life as a Disappearing Model' by Victoire Dauxerre which was extremely raw, compelling, fascinating and well written.
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