Pixel Flesh pleasantly surprised me with its depth and overall intersectional lens. This was the most comprehensive look at toxic beauty culture in all of its major iterations -- ageism, colorism, motherhood, EDs, and more. At times it was a hard listen, I think there is subject matter that is triggering to most women, since we have all been raised under capitalism -- specifically a capitalism that preys on us at every turn for the entirety of our lives, because it profits from our insecurities. I think this book should be mandatory reading for all girls in middle school. If I had read this earlier it would have put a lot in perspective for me, but here I am at 33 deciding to cancel my Botox appointment next month upon finishing this book. I'm glad it found its way to me, and I hope it finds its way to more women.

The only thing better than reading Pixel Flesh? Having it read to you by the author, Ellen Atlanta.

WOW, this needs to be required reading for 2024, especially for anyone 35 and under who identifies as female. Ellen Atlanta hit it out of the park with this; from the beautiful interviews, to the heartbreaking truths, to the evidence backed claims. Pixel Flesh is unique in that it brings transparency to our inner monologues as they are now, rather than just providing affirmations in hopes it'll lessen our emotional burden going forward. There's a raw feeling that envelops you while simultaneously learning.

I'm a sucker for books that can completely alter the way I think about aspects of life - Ellen does that more than a few times. I'll admit there are many books similar to this; I've read a lot of them... This is the new front runner. Mark my words, this will become one of the best Women's Nonfiction books from 2024.


(Thank you to NetGalley & publisher St. Martin's Press for ALC!)