Summary: The world may only know her as a model and actress but Emily Ratajkowski is more than that. She’s a mother. A wife. A progressive woman. And many more titles that make up this book full of essays surrounding the exploration of feminism and sexuality. Most of all, how women are treated at the hands of powerful men and what explanations those women provide to excuse their misfortune. Through the eyes of one of Hollywood’s “controversial” woman, Emily gives her audience the ups and downs of female beauty.
Date read: April 29, 2022
Rating: 5/5 stars
Content warning: mentions of sexual harassment/assault
Publisher: Quercus
Review
Modeling is a profession most young women dream of pursuing. However, Emily succeeds in pointing out its impacts on the human mind. In reality, modeling standards impact vulnerable women. According to her, pretty privileged women experience abuse from patriarchy. She reminds us she isn’t blessed and appreciates the genuine gifts life has to offer her.
I love the transparency of her career she provides on every page. This is her way of preaching the message in knowing your worth as a woman. From her experience, modeling has the benefits you must observe closely to spot life threatening incidents.
She reflects on her past with shame over her naivete and the “generous” men she has met. She follows those memories with encouraging advice from Present Emily to do better for her well-being.
If there is one thing these essays manage to do, it’s point out society’s view on women and pretty privilege. As an independent woman, higher ups punish Emily through the exploitation of her body. They expect her to model for the male gaze and not speak her mind.
My Thoughts
Like Emily, I often have conflicting thoughts about my body. I can feel confident in a bikini in front of my bedroom mirror. At the beach, I will hide the swimsuit with a cover-up until I go home. This is because I’m always given contradicting comments on my body. People will call me beautiful while expecting me to hide the features they praise.
It’s confusing and irritating. I wholeheartedly empathize with every italicized thought of hers.
My empathy is another reason why I give this book five stars. After all, the essays are personal. At the same time, Emily wants her audience to at least consider what she endures. The best way to achieve that goal is by being completely honest with everything she does.
I’ll forever be a fan of Vogue magazine. So, it should not come as a surprise that I’m recommending you watch British Vogue’s interview with Emily! As my favorite content creator, I Am Eloho says, Emily gives us “the looks, the facts, and the tea” on some important things discussed in My Body.
Other than that, I highly recommend women of all backgrounds read this. Whether they be vulnerable or not, I think it’s important to recognize celebrities as human beings too. Too often, we believe they “have it easier” because of the amount of wealth they hold. However, like Emily, they have their downside to being well-known.
Word of advice: Go into this with an open mind.