Body Talk: 37 Voices Explore our Radical Anatomy by Kelly Jensen

Body Talk: 37 Voices Explore our Radical Anatomy

Bibliography

Jensen, Kelly (Ed.). 2020. Body Talk: 37 Voices Explore our Radical Anatomy. Chapel Hill, NC: Algonquin Young Readers. ISBN 9781616209674.

Plot Summary

This book is a compilation of personal narratives from a wide range of people, including writers, models, Olympic athletes, and activists. Each story tells of a specific issue that the person had with their body or body image, ranging from debilitating diseases and conditions like spinal muscular atrophy, cancer, limb loss, and having a collapsed spine, to common problems such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, acne, and chin hair. Each story reflects the person's struggle to accept his or her own body and has a message of positivity. Interspersed throughout the narratives are drawings and "Body Talk FAQ's" that give information on that chapter's topic.

Critical Analysis

As I was reading this book I didn't really get the feeling that this was a YA book, as I think it can appeal to adults as well, many of whom struggle with body image just as much as teens. Whether the reader is young or old, the topics are all presented in a mature way with (mostly) appropriate language, however, I think some of the illustrations and topics might be too mature for tweens and young teens, such as "Your Complete Guide to Shane's Sex Life." Older teens would greatly benefit from hearing about these peoples' experiences that are often viewed as taboo topics to discuss with adults. Seeing your story in someone else's words helps to eliminate the sense of isolation and loneliness that many teens (and adults) feel when they have a body image concern they feel they can't talk about with others. This book helps us to bridge gaps between people to show that there is almost always someone else out there with the same problem(s) as you.

Review Excerpts 

School Library Journal Starred 7/1/2020, by Amanda Borgia. "As with her previous anthologies, Jensen expertly organizes these stories into chapters on a common theme. The experiences are relayed with equal parts honesty and knowledge. Throughout the book, readers can find "Body Talk FAQs" that fit the section in which they are located. The further reading guide contains nonfiction titles and fictional works where characters contend with those topics. Teens may not find a touchstone in every story but are likely to have experienced insecurity about one or more of the subjects. VERDICT A must-have anthology collection on an evergreen topic."

Booklist 6/1/2020 "The authors and illustrators are diverse; some, such as Tyra Banks, Shane Burcaw, Aly Raisman, and Alex Gino will be more recognizable. Together, their contributions not only emphasize acceptance and self-love but reclaim identities like “fat” and “disabled” and span across gender, gender identity, race, and other intersections. Readers will find many commonalities among all these differences and may begin to embrace those differences in others and, most importantly, in themselves."

Connections

Readers who enjoyed this anthology may also enjoy Kelly Jensen's (Don't) Call Me Crazy: 33 Voices Start the Conversation About Mental Health, ISBN 9781616207816 or Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers by Nancy Amanda Redd and Kelly Kline, ISBN 9781592403264.