This month’s selection for RWR Book ClubWhat We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat by Aubrey Gordon — a powerful, unflinching look at anti-fat bias in culture, medicine, and daily life. Gordon, known to many as “Your Fat Friend,” lays bare the systemic and interpersonal discrimination fat people face and asks us all to reconsider what we think we know about fatness, health, and justice.
This isn’t a book about weight loss or body positivity. It’s about visibility, equity, and the moral urgency of treating fat people with dignity — in healthcare, media, and relationships.
The Book Club What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat Reading Guide:
Book Summary
Aubrey Gordon’s writing is sharp, vulnerable, and deeply informed by lived experience. In this book, she breaks down how fat people are mistreated — not just through rude comments, but through systemic barriers to healthcare, employment, and safety.
She explains how well-meaning people (including friends and doctors) perpetuate harm, and how even conversations that seem “neutral” — like concern trolling or unsolicited advice — can be deeply dehumanizing.
Gordon invites readers to become better allies and to reframe the way we think about fatness — not as a health crisis, but as a civil rights issue.
This Book Is Great If You…
Are tired of apologizing for your size, opinions, or presence
Want to laugh, cry, and nod along with stories that feel way too familiar
Need validation that taking up space is powerful
Appreciate sharp feminist analysis wrapped in real-life humor
At Results Without Restriction, we talk a lot about how diet culture harms us but What We Don’t Talk About goes beyond personal harm to expose the structural violence fat people endure daily. It’s an essential read for anyone committed to building a more just and inclusive wellness culture and world.
This book will challenge you and that’s exactly why it belongs here.
Suggested 4-Week Reading Planfor Book ClubWhat We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat
Week 1: Chapters 1–2 (The Roots of Bias) Week 2: Chapters 3–5 (Everyday Harm + Medical Discrimination) Week 3: Chapters 6–8 (Fat People in Public and Policy) Week 4: Chapters 9–End (Allyship, Visibility, and Liberation)
Journal Prompts
What assumptions have you internalized about fatness and health?
How has anti-fat bias shaped the spaces you’re part of — and how could that change?
What’s one way you can show up differently for fat folks in your life (or online)?
What does justice look like when it comes to body size?
FAQ
Q: Is this book only for fat readers?
A: Absolutely not. This book is for everyone. If you live in a fat body, you’ll feel seen and validated. If you don’t, you’ll gain critical insights about how to be a better friend, ally, professional, and community member.
Q: Is this a personal memoir or more research-based?
A: It’s both. Gordon blends personal stories with data, research, and social commentary. It’s readable, eye-opening, and grounded in facts.
Q: Does this book offer solutions or just highlight problems?
A: While it centers truth-telling, it also outlines clear steps for allyship, institutional change, and personal reflection. It ends on a powerful note of possibility.
Q: I’m in healthcare or wellness — should I read this?
A: 100%. If you work with people’s bodies in any capacity, this is essential reading. It will help you unlearn bias and offer more ethical, supportive care.
This month’s selection for RWR Book Club The Body Is Not an Apology
This month’s selection for RWR Book Club The Body Is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor — a transformative call to action that invites us to stop making ourselves small and instead embrace radical self-love as a tool for individual healing and collective liberation. Through personal stories, poetry, and cultural critique, Taylor shows us how body shame isn’t just personal — it’s political.
This book challenges everything we’ve been taught about worth, beauty, power, and permission — and gives us the tools to reclaim what diet culture, white supremacy, and patriarchy have tried to take from us.
RWR Book Club The Body Is Not an Apology Reading Guide:
Book Summary
Sonya Renee Taylor defines radical self-love as a deeply rooted, transformative relationship with your body that exists beyond comparison, shame, or validation. In The Body Is Not an Apology, she argues that body shame is a tool of oppression — and loving our bodies unconditionally isn’t vanity or delusion, it’s resistance.
Taylor invites readers to examine internalized messages about body image and expand their definition of love, justice, and liberation. Her writing is both poetic and practical, with exercises and reflections that help readers move from awareness to action..
This Book Is Great If You…
Are on a healing journey from diet culture or body shame
Want to build a deeper, more liberated relationship with your body
Are curious about how self-love connects to social justice
Need a bold, loving push toward the next level of self-trust
At Results Without Restriction, we believe your body was never the problem and The Body Is Not an Apology is a cornerstone in understanding why. It aligns with everything RWR stands for: redefining results, dismantling shame, and building wellness rooted in dignity and choice.
This book speaks directly to anyone who’s been told to “fix” themselves to be worthy and gently reminds us we were never broken.
Suggested 4-Week Reading Planfor Book ClubThe Body Is Not an Apology
What have you been apologizing for that no longer needs an apology?
What messages have you internalized about who is worthy of love and why?
How does radical self-love differ from self-acceptance or self-care for you?
What would it feel like to exist in your body without explanation?
Journal Prompts
What beliefs about your body and fertility are you ready to challenge?
How has your weight impacted the care you’ve received — or expected to receive?
Where do you need more support, clarity, or permission in your journey?
What truths in this book felt liberating — or even surprising?
FAQ
Q: Is this book spiritual, political, or personal?
A: All three. Taylor’s work blends personal narrative, activism, and soul-level reflection. It’s for readers who want deep, meaningful change — in themselves and the world.
Q: Is this book only for women?
A: No. While many women see themselves in this book, its message is for all bodies — trans, nonbinary, disabled, racialized, marginalized — anyone who’s been taught their body is wrong or “less than.”
Q: Do I need to do the exercises in the book?
A: The exercises are powerful tools for reflection and integration, but there’s no pressure. Even reading the book passively will spark change — and you can always return to the practices later.
Q: Is there a community around this book?
A: Yes! Taylor’s work has inspired a global movement. Visit thebodyisnotanapology.com for resources, events, and a deeper dive into radical self-love work.
Keywords
radical self-love, body liberation, social justice and self-love, healing from body shame, body image
This month’s selection for RWR Book ClubFat and Fertile by Nicola Salmon
This month’s RWR Book Club selection is Fat and Fertile by Nicola Salmon — a compassionate, empowering guide that challenges the stigma fat people face when trying to conceive. If you’ve ever been told that your weight is the sole reason you can’t get pregnant — or if you’re supporting someone navigating fertility in a fat body — this book will meet you with facts, tools, and deep empathy.
Nicola Salmon is a fat-positive fertility coach and activist, and her work flips the script on harmful medical narratives by offering evidence-based support rooted in body autonomy and choice.
The Book Club Fat and Fertile Reading Guide:
Book Summary
Fat and Fertile addresses the deeply ingrained biases fat people face in reproductive healthcare. From being denied treatment to internalizing blame, many fat folks encounter immense shame when pursuing pregnancy. Salmon breaks down the science, dispels dangerous myths, and shows readers how to advocate for respectful, ethical care.
She doesn’t just say “you’re not broken” — she backs it up with data, scripts, journal prompts, and permission to believe in your body again..
This Book Is Great If You…
Are tired of apologizing for your size, opinions, or presence
Want to laugh, cry, and nod along with stories that feel way too familiar
Need validation that taking up space is powerful
Appreciate sharp feminist analysis wrapped in real-life humor
At RWR, we know health is not one-size-fits-all and neither is fertility. Fat and Fertile isn’t just a book about getting pregnant. It’s a book about reclaiming body trust, rejecting medical gaslighting, and making empowered choices. It’s a powerful read whether or not you’re trying to conceive, because it speaks to how our culture treats fat bodies and how we can push back.
Suggested 4-Week Reading Planfor Book ClubFat and Fertile
What beliefs about your body and fertility are you ready to challenge?
How has your weight impacted the care you’ve received — or expected to receive?
Where do you need more support, clarity, or permission in your journey?
What truths in this book felt liberating — or even surprising?
FAQ
Q: Do I need to be actively trying to get pregnant to read this book?
A: No. This book is incredibly affirming even if you’re unsure about parenthood. It addresses how fatphobia shows up in reproductive care and how to reclaim your power, no matter your path.
Q: Is this book anti-health or anti-doctor?
A: Not at all. Nicola Salmon advocates for evidence-based care, ethical providers, and informed consent. She supports people in advocating for themselves within — and sometimes outside — the medical system.
Q: Can this book help me prepare for appointments or consults?
A: Yes! It includes advocacy scripts, affirmations, and journaling prompts you can use before and after appointments to stay grounded and confident.
Q: Is there a community or support group to go along with this book?
A: Nicola’s work has inspired a growing community of fat-positive fertility advocates. Check out her site and social media for resources and support options.
Keywords
fertility and fatness, plus-size pregnancy, health at every size, fat-positive resources, anti-diet fertility
This month’s selection for RWR Book ClubSet Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab
The Book Club Set Boundaries Find Peace Reading Guide:
Book Summary
In this selection for our book club Set Boundaries, Find Peace by licensed therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab is a practical, compassionate guide to learning how to say no, honor your needs, and build healthier relationships. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, overcommitted, or resentful from people-pleasing, this book will feel like a deep exhale.
Tawwab offers not just insight, but tools. This isn’t another abstract self-help book, it’s a step-by-step guide to making real change in how you communicate and care for yourself.
This Book Is Great If You…
Are tired of apologizing for your size, opinions, or presence
Want to laugh, cry, and nod along with stories that feel way too familiar
Need validation that taking up space is powerful
Appreciate sharp feminist analysis wrapped in real-life humor
In Set Boundaries, Find Peace, Tawwab explains how a lack of boundaries leads to burnout, resentment, and emotional exhaustion and how learning to set them can be transformational. She breaks down six types of boundaries (physical, emotional, time, sexual, intellectual, and material) and gives readers the language, mindset, and structure to implement them in everyday life.
Whether you’re struggling in work, family, or romantic dynamics, this book gives you the permission and practical tools to put yourself first without guilt.
Suggested 4-Week Reading Planfor Book ClubSet Boundaries Find Peace
Week 1: Chapters 1–5 (Childhood + Early Adulthood) Week 2: Chapters 6–10 (Workplace + Comedy Culture) Week 3: Chapters 11–15 (Fat Activism + Public Backlash) Week 4: Chapters 16–End (Reclaiming Joy + Final Thoughts)
Journal Prompts
What surprised you most about the connection between fatphobia and anti-Blackness?
Where have you seen these patterns in your own life or community?
What parts of this book made you uncomfortable and what might that discomfort be pointing to?
How does your wellness work expand to include collective liberation?
FAQ
Q: Do I have to read this book in a group or can I go solo?
A: You can absolutely read solo! The RWR Book Club format offers a 4-week guide, but it’s flexible and totally at your pace. Whether you reflect alone or share insights with others, the work is personal and powerful.
Q: I’m not a confrontational person, will this book still work for me?
A: Yes! Tawwab’s approach is direct but compassionate. She provides scripts, phrasing ideas, and boundary-setting strategies for all kinds of personalities especially those who tend to avoid conflict.
Q: What if I’ve read a lot of self-help already? Will this feel new?
A: Many readers say this book was a game-changer, even if they’ve read other personal development books. The difference is in the clarity, examples, and therapist-backed guidance that actually feels doable not overwhelming.
Q: Is this book only for personal relationships?
A: Nope! Tawwab includes workplace scenarios, parenting dynamics, friendships, and even social media boundaries. It’s comprehensive and easy to apply to every area of life.
Keywords
boundary setting, self-care strategies, codependency recovery, emotional wellness, communication skills
This month’s selection for RWR Book ClubShrillby Lindy West — a fierce, funny, and radically honest memoir that confronts sexism, fatphobia, and what it means to take up space unapologetically in a culture that demands women be small, quiet, and compliant. West blends memoir, social critique, and laugh-out-loud humor to share her journey from self-silencing to self-ownership.
The Book Club Shrill Reading Guide:
Book Summary
In this selection for our book club Shrill, Lindy West takes us through pivotal moments in her life — navigating body shame, internet trolls, workplace misogyny, and a culture that rewards silence over self-expression. Her voice is unapologetic and refreshingly vulnerable. Whether she’s confronting a cruel stand-up comedy industry or reclaiming her right to exist without apology, West keeps her sharp wit and searing insight front and center.
This book is a rally cry for women who’ve been told they’re too loud, too much, too fat, or too angry — and a love letter to those learning to stop shrinking themselves.
This Book Is Great If You…
Are tired of apologizing for your size, opinions, or presence
Want to laugh, cry, and nod along with stories that feel way too familiar
Need validation that taking up space is powerful
Appreciate sharp feminist analysis wrapped in real-life humor
Shrill aligns perfectly with RWR’s mission: to redefine what results look like and reject restrictive norms. Lindy West’s journey isn’t about changing her body, it’s about reclaiming her voice. This book reminds us that joy, confidence, and self-worth aren’t rewards we earn through shrinking, they’re things we can claim right now.
Suggested 4-Week Reading Planfor Book ClubShrill
Week 1: Chapters 1–5 (Childhood + Early Adulthood) Week 2: Chapters 6–10 (Workplace + Comedy Culture) Week 3: Chapters 11–15 (Fat Activism + Public Backlash) Week 4: Chapters 16–End (Reclaiming Joy + Final Thoughts)
Journal Prompts
What surprised you most about the connection between fatphobia and anti-Blackness?
Where have you seen these patterns in your own life or community?
What parts of this book made you uncomfortable — and what might that discomfort be pointing to?
How does your wellness work expand to include collective liberation?
FAQ
Q: Is this book only for plus-size readers?
A: Not at all. While West shares her experience as a fat woman, Shrill is for anyone who’s been told they’re “too much” — whether that means too loud, too smart, too sensitive, or too ambitious. The core message is universal: you don’t have to shrink to be accepted.
Q: Is this book more funny or serious?
A: Both. Lindy West is hilarious, but she also tackles serious issues with thoughtfulness and depth. Expect to laugh and cry — sometimes in the same chapter.
Q: Do I need to read her other books first?
A: Nope. Shrill is a standalone memoir and a great introduction to her work. If you enjoy her voice, check out The Witches Are Coming next.
Q: Is this book appropriate for younger readers or teens?
A: Shrill contains adult language and themes, including body image, sexism, and online harassment. While the content is empowering, it’s best suited for older teens and adults. If you’re thinking about sharing it with a younger reader, consider reading it first to gauge age-appropriateness.
Q: How does this book connect to Results Without Restriction?
A: Lindy West’s journey is a perfect example of rejecting societal restrictions whether it’s about your body, your voice, or your worth. She doesn’t chase the ideal of being “smaller” in any sense, and that’s exactly the kind of freedom and self-trust we champion at RWR. Her story reminds us that taking up space is not a flaw, it’s a form of resistance.
Keywords
feminist memoirs, fat acceptance, body positivity books, women’s empowerment
This month’s pick for the Results Without Restriction (RWR) Book Club Belly of the Beast by Da’Shaun L. Harrison. This powerful, deeply intellectual book explores how anti-fatness is rooted in anti-Blackness, and how both oppressions are maintained by white supremacy and capitalism.
Harrison argues that fat Black people are often denied humanity and visibility, and offers a new vision of body liberation grounded in abolition and self-determination.
The Book Club Belly of the Beast Reading Guide:
Book Summary
This selection of the RWR Book Club Belly of the Beast connects fatphobia to systemic anti-Blackness. Harrison weaves personal stories, political analysis, and historical context to explain how fatness has been weaponized against Black people — especially Black queer and trans people — and how body liberation requires dismantling oppressive systems.
This book is radical in the truest sense: it goes to the root of where oppression lives, and what must be torn down to truly be free.
This Book Is Great If You…
Want to deepen your understanding of fatphobia as systemic oppression
Are exploring abolition, Black liberation, or radical self-acceptance
Need language for the intersections of race, gender, fatness, and queerness
Want a book that challenges and expands your worldview
At RWR, we talk about redefining results and rejecting restriction — and that includes recognizing how our bodies exist within systems that weren’t built for us to thrive. This book reframes the conversation around fatness from individual choices to structural violence. It’s not easy reading, but it’s essential if we want our self-care to mean something beyond ourselves.
Suggested 4-Week Reading Planfor Book ClubBelly of the Beast
What surprised you most about the connection between fatphobia and anti-Blackness?
Where have you seen these patterns in your own life or community?
What parts of this book made you uncomfortable — and what might that discomfort be pointing to?
How does your wellness work expand to include collective liberation?
FAQ
Q: Do I need to identify as Black or fat to benefit from this book?
A: Not at all. This book is for anyone interested in understanding how systems of oppression intersect. Harrison’s work invites all readers to consider how anti-fatness and anti-Blackness are embedded in our culture and institutions. Whether you’re a health professional, activist, educator, or someone navigating your own relationship with your body, you’ll find something here that challenges and expands your perspective.
Q: Is this book academic or personal?
A: It’s both. Harrison weaves personal narrative with cultural critique and historical analysis. It’s accessible to non-academic readers while offering the depth and rigor often found in scholarly work. Their voice is bold, clear, and unapologetically radical.
Q: Will this book be too heavy for me emotionally?
A: Parts of it may feel intense — especially if you’re new to anti-racism or body liberation work — but it’s also affirming. Take your time, pause when needed, and know you’re not alone.
Keywords
body justice, anti-fatness, Black liberation, Anti-oppression education, fatphobia and racism, racialized body image
