ANY BODY

A close-up look at how bodies work—and the emotions they evoke.

This book, translated from German, was informed by a 2020 survey conducted by von der Gathen and Kuhl on “how people see their bodies and how they feel others see them.” Topics include body parts (skin, hair, sexual organs), beauty ideals, gender identity, people’s feelings about their bodies, ways in which bodies change (puberty, age), body alterations (haircuts, tattoos), and more. A sense of acceptance and celebration for body differences permeates this joyful read. There are many naked bodies depicted in the comic-style illustrations, reducing the stigma of nudity and sending the much-needed message that bodies differ widely—and that’s OK. The images alternate between the goofy (hairy human ancestors laughing at their not-as-hairy descendants) and the more realistic (accurate depictions of skin features like pimples and scars), making for a good balance and ramping up reader appeal. Of particular note, the book includes sections on trans people, body size, and bodily autonomy; diagrams on body language; and information on the harms of social media filters and making hurtful remarks about others’ bodies. The people depicted are diverse in terms of race and ability, although light-skinned bodies are mostly given center stage.

A whimsical, enlightening, and empowering volume to set readers on the path toward self-acceptance and body positivity.