Body Talk: 37 Voices Explore Our Radical Anatomy

 Bibliography: Jensen, K. (2020). Body Talk: 37 Voices Explore Our Radical Anatomy. Algonquin Books. ISBN: 978-1-61620-967-4

Plot Summary: The book is a collection of anecdotal stories from various authors who have dealt or are dealing with various body topics. The stories vary and include: physical disabilities (both visible and invisible),  weight issues, birthmarks, body hair, and transgender issues. Written by celebrities, bloggers, and other artists, the theme running throughout is accepting one's self and making peace with one's body. 

Critical Analysis: Although not every story in the anthology is relatable, more than likely, everyone can find one or two that speaks to them.  Every story is a first person narrative from someone who has experienced that body issue. Jensen does an excellent job of taking the broad theme of "body talk" and breaking it down into 6 subtopics with narratives that relate to each other on some level. Each author speaks with vulnerability, openly and honestly, about their bodies.  Tyra Banks discusses how it felt to be viewed as "fat".  Kelly Jensen speaks about her struggle with body hair as a result of PCOS. And Kiran Gandhi speaks about the taboo of periods, describing in detail how she ran a marathon on her period, with no protection, as a statement against women's oppression and the stigma of "the period". Each learns to accept their bodies in their own way and in the process, the reader learns of the importance of diversity and inclusivity

Reviews:

Kirkus Reviews: "A thoughtful, well-rounded anthology featuring diverse voices speaking out on essential topics."

School Library Journal: "The experiences are relayed with equal parts honesty and knowledge. A must-have anthology collection on an evergreen topic."

Awards:

School Library Journal Best Book of 2020

Connections:

    Use in a Sociology or Psychology class. Read as an introduction to discussing various issues such as identity, physical disability, and inclusivity for example.

    Use in an English class. Select a few of the stories to read together as a class. Then choose a broad subject that students can relate to and create your own classroom anthology.  

    

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