Real Gorgeous: The Truth about Body and Beauty (Paperback)

by Kaz Cooke (Author) "Whoopsie, where did these curvy bits come from?..." (more)
Key Phrases: real gorgeous, beauty pages, style police, New York, United States, Penelope Goward (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Kaz Cooke knew women needed a book that cut through the confusing and cruel messages about body image, beauty, eating disorders, diets, and cosmetic surgery. "Mostly, we needed a book that wasn't trying to sell us anything except self-confidence and the truth," says Cooke. "I couldn't find one so I had to write one." Written in the spirit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of body acceptance, Cooke playfully challenges some of the most oppressive misogynists of the 20th century: the beauty, fashion, and diet industries. Simultaneously funny and reassuring, Cooke boldly asserts her opinions and research on push-up bras (they dig and hurt), cellulite (it's a cosmetic company-induced condition, not a medical condition), and fashion models ("some of the most insecure, tortured souls around"). The cartoon illustrations offer comic and compassionate accents to this poignant discussion.

From Publishers Weekly
Australian filmmaker and newspaper columnist Cooke shoots as straight from the hip as Dr. Ruth when discussing body image. Although her jocular tone and clever cartoons often make this book more appropriate for young teens than adults (e.g., "Like a little old caterpillar programmed to become a butterfly, our grown-up shapes are already decided before we are born."), her no-nonsense pronouncements on the ultimate uselessness of moisturizer and the eating disorder- inducing tactics of the fashion industry are wonderfully refreshing. Some of this ground has already been covered, but Cooke's irreverence is all-inclusive: she reels off statistics and examples (particularly damaging are quotes from fashion magazines); doesn't wince from explaining why, scientifically speaking, "No cream or lotion in the world will firm or shape or enlarge or reduce your breasts"; and even supplies practical advice on how to deal with (or answer back to) people who feel compelled to comment on others' bodies. Cooke tries to be funny and very often succeeds, but she is never coy or condescending, and there is plenty of serious stuff mixed in with the cheery advice. Dissections of advertisements and their phony techno-speak are priceless, and her cartoons have the same mordant wit. A complete list of resources rounds out this hefty, funny reference.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: W.W. Norton & Co. (February 17, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393313557
• ISBN-13: 978-0393313550
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #662,540 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #2 in	Books > Teens > Literature & Fiction > Girl Power
  #3 in	Books > Teens > Health, Mind & Body > Body Image

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is Really, Really Gorgeous!, December 7, 1999

By A Customer

This is a great book for anyone who is feeling like a 'space-porker from hell'. Kaz Cooke tells the truth about dieting, modelling, body image and much more. The section on cosmetic surgery and why it is not a good thing was really useful to me. The information is presented in a frank, easily readable way, with funny cartoons and tips on how to deal with the 'body police' and the 'style police'. This book taught me to feel good about who I am and that my personality is more important than my looks. I especially liked 'Social Blunder Woman' and the 'Sensible Underpants' cartoons.I really enjoyed reading (and re-reading) this great book and anyone who has ever felt like they are worthless, fat or ugly will too. An excellent read for women (and men!) of all ages.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every teenage girl should read this book, and most women, December 8, 1998

By A Customer

Kaz Cooke is a friend to women everywhere. One of those friends who can tell you the truth and still make you feel better. The book covers issues like body image, advertising, make-up and beauty myths. It will give you a boost, as well as a laugh, and a lot of really useful, sensible information. It could just change the way you look at dieting, health, fashion etc. Lots of perspective and a breath of fresh air. There are plenty of cartoons, drawings and real life letters, tips on what to say to "the body police" and ideas on how to boost your body image, amongst other things. This book is a good counterpoint to the madness that young women go through every day. It's a sensible, mature healthy way to live and think.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good...but not for the younger girls, December 2, 1999

By	Marion Johnson "[e-mail]" (utah) - See all my reviews

This book is fun and very tongue-in-cheek and makes you feel good about those cute chunky thighs. The book is promoted for women "11-111", but it is NOT appropriate for girls in their early teen years. I bought the book for my 12 year old daughter, but I'm glad I read it first. I will not be giving it to her. Some of the drawings are a bit too graphic, and sexuality is mentioned as though the reader is sexually active. This book is OK for grown women, but not for young girls as it will only further bewilder them.