In Defense of "My Body" by Emily Ratajkowski | London at Christmas

[@alishareadsrambles98]

This was a great review! I haven't heard very much about this book, but I am really interested in checking it out. And I definitely agree that just because she has privilege doesn't mean she can't have problems / is not being exploited by men.

[@RachaelsReadingNook]

Thank you! She didn't cover any new topics for me, but I did enjoy reading it.

[@hollyelms9469]

I’ve got this book on my shelf and I am looking forward to a less academic feminist book if that makes any sense? I also agree with the fact that despite her privilege she does and can still be exploited and have grievances, it isn’t pitched as a feminist novel on the industry as a whole but as her own experiences. I hope you get to it after Christmas!

[@RachaelsReadingNook]

Hi! Thank you so much for your comment 😊 I completely understand what you mean. While theoretical texts are incredibly important, sometimes you just want to read a book that's not claiming to hold any answers and simply exists as documentation of personal experience. I hope you enjoy it! 🐛

[@pdxleo]

Great review! I actually hadn't run across this book yet so I'm glad my first exposure is through your analysis. And also LOVED the footage of London and the decorations. Happy holidays!

[@RachaelsReadingNook]

Thank you so much for your comment, I'm glad you enjoyed! Happy holidays! 😇

[@harrietsbookcorner]

It takes some doing to make Christmas in London seem relaxing, but you succeeded 😅 lovely video. This book will definitely be one that I pick up in 2022.

[@RachaelsReadingNook]

I really believed it would be quite on a weekday leading up to Christmas...it was not 😂

[@justemefa]

I read it after your review and I have a lot to say when I probably get back to filming.

[@RachaelsReadingNook]

Oh you've peaked my curiosity 👀

[@attention5638]

I never wanted to ask, as I just figured it is none of my business--but I was always curious on why you seemed to be in another place on the globe in every video. Though the traveling must be great, I can't imagine the stresses such a career can have on one. Completely agree, where someone comes from in life, their background, privilege or whatnot, does not invalidate their mental health. Especially in an industry that has a reputation for putting women in such situations that take a toll on mental health and self image (how much is perpetuated by the media, I wouldn't know). But considering Ratajkowski is in a position that she can reach a lot of people, she has a great opportunity to talk about these issues and have it be heard. People trying to silence her for decisions that she personally made does not help the cause. 😓

[@RachaelsReadingNook]

Oh of course you can ask! Thanks to covid I haven't traveled much in the past two+ years, but I have tried to explore where I'm living when possible (and safe!) 🐛 I lived in Switzerland for the past few years while completing my MA and due to the timing of lockdowns hitting I didn't leave Switzerland during that time, but I was fortune to visit my family in the US last summer. I've completed my masters & my student visa ended, so I've now moved to England (I'm British). 100% with you on everything here. I think this book is quite accessible in terms of the writing and the concepts and due to Ratajkowski's mainstream fame it will be something that more people pick up than, say, discourse on gender written by philosophers or lesser known activists. Conversations about social conventions and addressing harmful norms is always a good thing!

[@RachaelsReadingNook]

Thanks for your long comment, by the way!

[@justemefa]

Goodreads has some bad taste in comments tbh. Also, I still don’t get that whole analogy of women dressing a certain way or looking a certain way the reason they are sexually abused or exploited. I loved the discussion.

[@RachaelsReadingNook]

The comments can be so toxic! It's shocking. Completely agree, research shows that women are assaulted while clothed head to foot so this victim-blaming is just another way to subjugate us. Thank you!

[@jescafranke7507]

Strong dislike for the goodreads comments regarding her book. It sounds like someone experiencing deep distain for women wrote it. Empowering/loving how you look or using our society’s misogynistic views to a woman’s advantage is not an invitation for mistreatment or harassment, and it is not a statement saying objectifying women is okay

[@RachaelsReadingNook]

Honestly! And those comments seem to be overlooking the key element of *consent*

[@LarryHasOpinions]

i thought you might be a model! :-) not a book im probably interested in reading to be honest (although you never know) but good to hear your thoughts

[@RachaelsReadingNook]

Haha! I'm flattered 😊 It's not ground-breaking, but also don't think it deserves all the backlash I've been seeing!

[@MishelleLexi]

What is wrong with people hey, I really hate this idea that all women aren't worthy of being included in feminism, these are the same type of people who try to exclude sex workers, transwomen and housewives from feminism. It's just so stupid.

[@RachaelsReadingNook]

Yes to everything you've said! Feminism has to be inclusive.