Body Books for Every BODY
I am delighted to recommend some books to delve into the depths of the body. We all things body here at The Curious Mover! There is always so much to learn, with different philosophies and outlooks. These three books I have read offer just that. A scientific approach, a spiritual outlook, and a radical idea. All books pointing to loving the body you have, its miracles, its companionship, perfections, and imperfections. I got all these books from Libby, but they are available wherever you buy books!
Left Brain - The Body by Bill Bryson
This book made me chuckle, squirm, and gasp in awe of our magnificent body. It’s a fascinating delve into the body and all of its systems. It’s a trivia night goldmine of all things body, sometimes TMI when it comes to microbes and bacteria. I don’t want to know there are critters on my scalp crunching dead skin like corn flakes, but understanding how complex the blood is - riveting. A chapter on the importance of exercise is always good for business. It’s straight science, so you won’t hear anything about the chakras here. It’s not a creationists cup of tea either. It’s a fantastic read (or listen, as the author narrates beautifully). I highly recommend jumping into the miracles that occur everyday, some (lots really) we never have to even think about.
Soulful - The Joyous Body by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
It’s no lie, I am a HUGE fan of Clarissa Pinkola Estes. Her storytelling and knowledge is sublime. This is an audio book only, and it’s even more delightful and powerful to hear her narrate these stories. What I loved most about this book is the inspiration to treat the body as a companion, and not an enemy. A beautiful ode to the female body at different stages of life. It’s for everyone, especially women who have had a complicated relationship with their body. As we get older, or go through sickness, our body does so much to keep us alive, and we should look at the miracle of what it has done for us as a loyal and constant companion. The Joyous Body is part 3 of her “Dangerous Old Woman” series, which does not need to be listened to in any order. I will be devouring them all!
Radical - The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor
This book is a progressive look at bodies and delves into body/race/ableism politics. I love the cover. It truly is unapologetic. The book discusses the importance of loving ourselves first, then we will know how to love and honor other bodies. She states her book’s purpose is “the transformative foundation of how we make peace with our bodies… the bodies of others, and ultimately change the world.” She talks a lot about body shame. I was thinking how many people I know have body shame. But I also went back and realized as comfortable I am in my body, I have experienced it as well. Body shame is so prevalent that we don’t even notice it, yet it has a psychological impact. It starts when we are little kids, and never quits. Time to get radical and live unapologetically in our bodies!