I absolutely loved this book. Leah Darrow is an incredible example of a faithful woman, and we need more stories like hers!

Its a nice idea and a good view onto the beauty industry but i felt that it was a bit too heavily focused on the author and her personal experience for a book that was not marketed as a memoir!

Leah aptly observes, "While I used my body for personal and professional gains, I was mistaken to think I could control exactly how I wanted to be used. The more I treated myself like an object, the easier it was for others to do so as well. When the consequences got out of control, such as people touching and using me without my consent, I finally realized that I no longer wanted to be treated as if I were just a body. However, the world and that guy at the bar didn't know where I drew the line". The beauty industry doesn't create beauty, it enhances the beauty we already have. There is nothing wrong with beauty and putting effort into it, but we do need to present ourselves carefully and even more so how we think of ourselves. Timely book from an intresting perspective.

I would like to thank the publishers for gifting me a digital copy of this book through netgalley.

I must admit beforehand, I did not know who Leah Darrow was nor did I know anything about her book. I am quite glad to have had the opportunity to read her story and her insights. I was a big fan of ANTM and remembered her after reading that she had been a model on the show. I appreciated her sharing with us her story that was very personal. Hearing how she came to learn the things she was sharing with us, made them even more appreciated and credible. I think every young woman, well every woman, would benefit from reading this and hopefully coming to their own realization that true beauty is not only outwardly beauty or what can be purchased. True beauty comes from how you take care of your body, but more so from how you live in that beauty- your kindness, service, gratitude, attitude.. Thank you Leah for sharing your story!

Sometime last year, I stumbled across the podcast Do Something Beautiful by Leah Darrow. Though we differ theologically, I find myself learning a lot from Darrow's point of view. So I picked up her new book, The Other Side of Beauty recently and devoured it.

I'm always looking for resources that will help me parent better. And as I work with teen girls at church, I'm always wanting to think about ways to present new ways of thinking. Especially when it comes to beauty.

The Other Side of Beauty is a wonderful reminder to teen girls and young adults alike that we are more than what society says we are. Darrow speaks to our worth separate from our outward appearance. She reminds us that God is the ultimate authority on what is beautiful.

This book shares stories of how Darrow learned to think differently about beauty. The Other Side of Beauty shows us how to reflect God's glory rather than depending on ourselves to create beauty. To journey from needing the approval of man to seeking freedom in God instead.

This book paints a clear picture of how to walk towards a beauty that is both counter-cultural and God-glorifying. I learned several things from reading The Other Side of Beauty, and will definitely be using things I learned as I parent.

One quick note: Darrow is Catholic and therefore we differ theologically on a few points. We both agree on the main tenants of Christianity and therefore I find I can still gain a lot of value from reading this book. It is well worth your time!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own, honest opinion.

The book begins with the Leah's own experience with the beaty industry, which makes the following inspiring thoughts all the more authentic and important.

An interesting look at the other side of beauty and how our society has been become obsessed with outer beauty and how important it is that we still remember to promote and celebrate inner beauty.