The Body Is Not an Apology, Second Edition: The Power of Radical Self-Love

Written by Sonya Renee Taylor and Ijeoma Oluo

Narrated by Sonya Renee Taylor

New York Times bestseller! "To build a world that works for everyone, we must first make the radical decision to love every facet of ourselves. . . . 'The body is not an apology' is the mantra we should all embrace."
-Kimberlé Crenshaw, legal scholar and founder and Executive Director, African American Policy Forum

In a revolutionary departure from the capitalist-driven self-help and body-positivity movement, poet, author, and humanitarian Sonya Renee Taylor forges an inextricable bond between radical self-love and social justice. The first step is recognizing that we have all been indoctrinated into a system of body shame that profits off our self-hatred. This second edition includes stories from Taylor's travels around the world combating body terrorism and shines a light on the path toward liberation guided by love. In a brand new chapter, Taylor confronts each of the "isms" and phobias, especially racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, and transphobia, showing how radical self-love manifests in each space. Radical self-love not only dismantles shame and self-loathing in us but has the power to dismantle global systems of injustice-because when we make peace with our bodies, only then do we have the capacity to truly make peace with the bodies of others. Readers can also engage more deeply using the accompanying workbook, which builds on the ten tools and radical reflection and unapologetic inquiry exercises woven throughout the book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ascent Audio
• Release date: Feb 9, 2021
• ISBN: 9781663741103

Sonya Renee Taylor

Sonya Renee Taylor is the founder and radical executive officer of The Body Is Not an Apology, a digital media and education company. Her work as an activist and educator has been highlighted in numerous countries and on major media outlets around the world, reaching millions of people with her commitment to radical self-love and transformation. Taylor continues to perform, speak, and facilitate workshops globally.

Reviews for The Body Is Not an Apology, Second Edition

[greeniezona · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I had a reading challenge prompt for Black Joy, and I walked into my local bookstore saying HELP, I NEED A REC, NONE OF THE BLACK BOOKS ON MY TBR CURRENTLY HAVE ENOUGH JOY, and they pointed me at this book and I purchased it immediately.

I ended up loving it (of course!) Especially the challenge questions at the end — which were good opportunities to examine what bullshit I have mostly unlearned and where the Big Work is still to be done. Taylor's writing embraces joy while also making clear there is real challenge in the work. I will be ruminating on this one for a while.

[bangerlm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I don't think there was a lot of new-to-me revelations or philosophy. I am not sure where or when, but I feel like I have come across Sonya's work before. Regardless, it was a good reminder.

[thewestwing-864351 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book! One that will stay with me for a long time to come. Very thought provoking.

[librolindsay · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was fabulous--I just wish I had it when I was younger as it could have helped to hasten where I find myself today. I love that Taylor connects the personal to the wider society. The audio, read by Taylor, was fabulous, too--entertaining and powerful--though I kinda wish I'd read the physical book. I need to spend more time with the Unapologetic Inquiries rather than just blast through them.

[spinsterrevival · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is an anthem with work for the reader. It has good questions, and I appreciated that she talks about the body as a whole as far as inclusiveness rather than just fat representation. I will be returning to it.