Love This For You

by Deni Todorović

A guidebook to being your best, most authentic self, from Instagram sensation Deni Todorović aka Style by Deni

How can I love myself?
How do you live so authentically?

Deni Todorović never meant to become a poster child for self-love. On their popular Instagram page, Style by Deni, they show their followers what it means to lead a joyous, open-hearted life – but this wisdom has been hard-won, and in this book Deni shares how they’ve learned to live on their own terms.

As a queer, non-binary person and as a child of migrants, Deni knows firsthand what it means to exist between worlds and to step into one’s truth. We all grow up in a society that teaches us the rules about how to fit in, but Deni has learnt from a career in fashion that it’s not always a good idea to follow the dress code.

Full of intimate, insightful reflections on everything from family and culture to friendship, dating and career goals, and packed with useful tips, tools and techniques, Love This for You invites you to explore each pillar of your identity in order to start healing and live with great intention.

If you’ve ever felt lost, walking through your life with the light switch off, this book is here to guide you into your light. Are you ready to go on your own journey to self-love?

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Self Help

320 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2022

Reviews

[Peta Kelly]

I picked this up because I follow Deni on Instagram and because they are local to my hometown. This was insightful and slightly endearing, but I will not be rating it due to it's somewhat precarious position as self-help/memoir.

[Cody · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m going to start by saying, this won’t be for everyone. It’s loud. It’s controversial. It’s extra.. it’s a no apologies, I just am - owned.
It was recommended to me by audible due to other books I had previously listened to and tbh it caught my eye instantly. The colourful cover, the bold heading, and the punchline, how to live authentically and rewrite the rules - it was a yes from me. It felt empowering yet rebellious. I pressed add to library and started listening.
It started off with a run down of all the lingo and what it meant and how the book would read. Then it dives straight in. I found this helpful and it made me smile. It was a personal touch that made it its own read.
From someone myself who has been judged for being different I found some parts of this sad yet so relatable. But I love the full turn around and the concept of now - here I am, take it or leave it. That shows the amount of inner work done and it’s fucking inspiring!
Words and the way they are used can hold so much power. As can the opinions and expectations of others and ourselves. Two take homes for this are 1. Don’t let your past dictate who you are but let it be a part of who you will become. 2. Do not go through life with your light switch dimmed or turned off - turn it on, full, shine bright.
The reference to high school meaning very little in the big scheme of things gave me goosebumps as it’s true. People do not care what you were labelled as at high school, they care about your values and how you make them feel. All the warm hugs and big love ok.
I found the connection to spiritual work and talks of oracle interesting and something I want to explore further. I’m a big ‘signs/universe’ person. And I loved the concept of visual cues being beautiful reminders of where you are going.
My favourite part of this whole read was the playlists attached to each chapter! Take a breath, turn it up, and dance it out! And the mention of MJ 💛 Music is mood boosting, healing and soul touching. Play the song!
The whole book is very expressive. Some bits felt a little repetitive and waffling but maybe that’s just me. But I loved the emphasis in how it was spoken and I’ll part this review with this.. from a brown human living in a very white world, ‘Reject to what society asks you to be, and revel in who you truly are. Change the voices in your head - you are fucking perfect!’
A fun, enjoyable, sparks joy read and a reminder to be unapologetically ~ you.

[Bridget Loats · Rating 5 out of 5]

An iconic human being who has revolutionised the way I see fashion, self love, mainstream media & body image. I don't think I was quite ready to take in the chapter about spirituality but otherwise such a great read!

[Gabrielle Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Love Deni, the book wasn't for me (a little too self help rather than memoir).

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend the audiobook version read by Deni!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deni Todorovic never meant to become a poster child for self-love. On their popular Instagram page, Style by Deni, they show their followers what it means to lead a joyous, open-hearted life – but this wisdom has been hard-won, and in this book Deni shares how they’ve learned to live on their own terms.

A real honest exploration into how to be completely and utterly your authentic self and it was really interesting. I love how honestly Deni explores the challenges around sexual interest and gender and the challenges they have faced as they learnt who they really were. It’s honest and raw but gives some amazing tips for trying this yourself.

If you like an engaging, at times hands on approach (with multiple dance breaks), then this is the book for you!

[Aidan Tringas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible. Deni conveys their story and experience of life in a way that is honest, relate-able, and heartfelt to the letter.

“Love this for you” aims to help the reader in embracing themselves for themselves, and to progress their journey of self love, and Deni is the absolute perfect person to guide such a journey.

As someone who lives a life brimming with CISHET male privilege, the stories of LQBTQIA+ people such as Deni always fills me with wonder, at the courage and strength they inevitably entail, to live, not to mention to retell and to bare to the public.

I am better for reading Deni’s book, and you would be too.

And follow them on insta x.

[Amanda Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this for you, darling.
This book far exceeded my expectations, I purchased knowing Deni from my socials and wanted to know more about this divine fashion icon. What I received was a swift look at myself, questions I don’t think I have ever answered. I finished a little more open minded with a better understanding and a whole lot more love for me and for you Deni. Thank you, this book is amazing as are you xx

[Kirstie Gillon-Wood · Rating 2 out of 5]

Deni shares their intimate journey and challenges through life thus far which I found the most interesting. They pose questions to the reader for them to do their own work. Think of it as a life coach in a book...I didn't gain anything from that aspect but that's not to say others won't. Not sure the "dance breaks" were necessary. As an atheist, I didn't enjoy the spirituality chapter. I listened to it on Audible and had to increase the speed.

[Emma Jo-Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

This author has stated many times that this is not in fact, an authentic representation of themselves or their life. For this reason, I can’t rate this book any higher. I trust other queer voices over Deni. I also found the spirituality chapter really uncomfortable.

This author has repeatedly stated they are Jewish, while at the same time saying that they have great respect for Adolf Hitler. I don’t think anyone should take self help advice from this book.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely adored this book! It was informative and inspiring, I loved the way it was written and it really sparked joy in every chapter. Being from Croatian heritage, I resonated with the ethnic and cultural upbringing perspectives. It’s the first book I’ve marked with little post it notes to go back to. Will 100% be spreading this gem around amongst my girlfriends.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dance breaks 💃, affirmations and amazing vibes! This book is one in a million. My journey began as I found myself in the self-help section of the bookshop. I was in a rough patch of self-acceptance. The bold green cover beckoned my curiosity, the tile like a phrase, that of good vibes from a friend. I instantly felt connected to Deni’s message from the get go, they open up to you with acceptance, making you feel you could do the same. I felt I could honor myself, growing as a human with each turning page.

Thank you Deni for bringing me the inner peace I needed, in a rocking style. I felt as though you were my supportive friend in killer heels cheering me on through the chapters. 👠

Bethany

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Idk, most people might hate this, it kinda hit for me, but self-improvement authenticity guides are kinda crazy, I enjoyed the vibe though. Shout out to the affirmations at the end of each section, some interesting things to think about and that.

This is a YouTube video I have just watched after reading this book about the philosophical pitfalls of "authenticity" as a self-help concept, I think that while it does kinda of oppose the core teachings of this book, they also go hand in hand to help find the right balance. I don't think this takes anything away from the book either, but I do think it goes well with it and touches the other side of the bridge from this book. - https://youtu.be/_-EzHJDKiCg?si=p67pJ...

[Gabriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this book at Kmart for $5, loved the title and the cover line "how to rewrite the rules and live authentically" I looked at the back cover and while the lime green threw me a little, I decided to read it. This book was a great read and I greatly enjoyed it, I like books that don't give answers but lead you to your own truths in your own time. If you're still "old fashioned" (for lack of a better less judgy term) it will hopefully help you realise that at our core we are all humans worthy of love and in the end, love is what governs most of what we do ✨

[Van Lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author has since stated in a live that LTFY is a "book of lies". I tend to agree, something isn't adding up. LTFY feels like a production line style book. Follows a common formula of being bright, eye popping, full of surface level self help and pop psychology. Deni has no background in writing (apart from SM captions) and his inexperience shows. Personal stories as they stated are based on lies and revisionist history. I trust many other Queer voices over Deni.

[Katherine Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you decide to read this book, do yourself a favour and listen to it by audiobook. Deni's narration is incredible and I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much without them.

I really enjoyed hearing their story and how it related to the advice they give. I wish I had this book at a much younger age as I feel it would have been perfect for me in my late teens.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yass, Henny! Deni connected with their audience right from the start, and everything was resonating - it was an emotional ride all the way through. I loved this and have been recommending this book to anyone who will listen!

[Susannah PK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love Deni! But I didn't love the book.

Granted, probably Deni's first book but I think they would be best off writing a fashion encyclopedia with commentary. This would be a great way to utilise their fantastic fashion styling and buying skills. I would read that book and buy that book!

[Deb · Rating 1 out of 5]

Umm, what can I say, well I thought I would love this book but I found it badly written and totally not helpful in any way. Also I found out that the author doesn't even believe in there own words in this book no more. Wish I knew that before trying to finish the book.

[Natasha Godden-Tough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darlings, read this book 💜

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feeling liberated 💃🏻

[Shani · Rating 4 out of 5]

would recommend. open and welcoming.

[Victoria Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring. Very relatable

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book Deni. Held my attention better than most.

[Hutch Hussein · Rating 3 out of 5]

More self help than memoir. Read if you’d benefit from the questions, affirmations and probing they prompt.

[Anna Qi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought the dance break sections were interesting but I preferred to read the book without having to get up haha
I enjoyed the book but not a book I’d recommend to everyone

[Dylan D · Rating 1 out of 5]

Deni has withheld up to $21k in donations from trans charities. That doesn't feel like a very authentic person to me.

I highly recommend watching the four-part video series on @pablodragqueen 's Instagram for more insight into the truth about this person.

I genuinely hope Deni gets the help they need. There's still a chance for them to come clean and repair the damage they've done to our community, but there needs to be some serious accountability.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I highly recommend listening to this book as an audiobook. Deni's storytelling style is delightful and hearing their story in their own voice makes it all the more special. What you take from a book like this will depend so much on where you are in your life - definitely falls into the self-help/memoir category. If you love following Deni you will appreciate this book!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book incredible! It discusses some really important topics that aren't talked about enough. It's thought provoking and thoughtfully written. The journal prompts were really useful and I particularly loved the playlist and dance breaks. I think everyone should read it, highly recommend

[Cass Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an emotional roller coaster, but every bit liberating. Would recommend reading and would also recommend following Deni.