4.09

4

Jun 02, 2017

I received A New Model as a gift, and at first I was reluctant to read it. For me, looking at Ashley Graham i saw what until recently was the norm in the fashion industry- a girl who is a size 10 who models as plus size (sizes 12 and up). What does she know about struggles women like me face? I regret being so judgmental, I pride myself in knowing that one size 16 can look very different from another and yet here I was assuming Ashley wasn't even in the 12-18 size range (which are actually I received A New Model as a gift, and at first I was reluctant to read it. For me, looking at Ashley Graham i saw what until recently was the norm in the fashion industry- a girl who is a size 10 who models as plus size (sizes 12 and up). What does she know about struggles women like me face? I regret being so judgmental, I pride myself in knowing that one size 16 can look very different from another and yet here I was assuming Ashley wasn't even in the 12-18 size range (which are actually exactly the sizes her body fluctuates in between).

I was completely wrong, and at times she faces more struggles than me- after all she's in the public eye and with that comes the trolls and fashion industry snobs. At one point she shares a few hurtful comments from people who had an issue with her being on the cover of Sports Illustrated, I was shocked by what I read. To me, Ashley's body is beautiful, yet here were men and women saying horrible things about her being too fat and undeserving to be on the cover or even the pages of SI.

At the beginning of A New Model Ashley talks a lot about what it took to find herself, making a name for herself in the industry, and really figuring things out for life in general; those chapters had a good pace but I couldn't help but feel like I would have gotten more from them if I was high school or "just out of high school" age. Once I got to the chapters about her relationship with food, her struggles finding fashionable clothing in plus size departments and stores, and empowering women- I was sold. I related so much to these latter chapters.

Something I loved throughout the book is Graham's positivity toward her own body and the "Beauty Beyond Size" movement. It's clear she gets her confidence and positive attitude from her mother, who also seems like an amazing woman. Her determination to make others love their bodies no matter what size is admirable, especially since she could have a fairly lucrative career just modeling commercially, without speaking out and fighting for plus to finally be considered equal. 4.5/5 ...more

5

May 15, 2017

Love, love, love this book!

As someone who has struggled with body confidence my entire life, Ashely Graham has some amazing words advice for me and girls like me everywhere. This is going to be a book I pull off the shelf over and over again to remind myself to feel confident inside and out.

Below are just some of my favorite lines I highlighted:
"If there is something about you that you like, show it off - that's my motto. If you think you look good, others will, too."
"No matter what your Love, love, love this book!

As someone who has struggled with body confidence my entire life, Ashely Graham has some amazing words advice for me and girls like me everywhere. This is going to be a book I pull off the shelf over and over again to remind myself to feel confident inside and out.

Below are just some of my favorite lines I highlighted:
"If there is something about you that you like, show it off - that's my motto. If you think you look good, others will, too."
"No matter what your size, you are a sexy goddess. Remember that."
"Finding power in your vagina is about realizing that you will never find acceptance and validation through a man."
#beautybeyondsize ...more

2

May 21, 2017

I love Ashely and her message, but this book wasn't incredibly well written.

3

Aug 10, 2017

I highly recommend this book for anyone that has ever had issues with body confidence! I know I am guilty of that and I know a lot of women out there can speak for me! Ashley Graham is a pioneer when it comes to accepting our bodies and making ourselves better women inside and out! She questions the pressure that women have of trying to conform to the pressures of being size 2 and speaks about plus size women not having enough access to high end fashion.

We need to forget about what is I highly recommend this book for anyone that has ever had issues with body confidence! I know I am guilty of that and I know a lot of women out there can speak for me! Ashley Graham is a pioneer when it comes to accepting our bodies and making ourselves better women inside and out! She questions the pressure that women have of trying to conform to the pressures of being size 2 and speaks about plus size women not having enough access to high end fashion.

We need to forget about what is represented in those fashion magazines because that is not the norm and most of those images are airbrushed anyway. We must look deeper and see the "beauty beyond size!" ...more

5

June 2, 2017

Great book by a wonderful role model. Ashley didn't leave a typical charmed model life growing up, and she doesn't look like your typical stick-thin magazine cover model. But she is every bit as beautiful inside and out, and she has more confidence than most people I know. This book is not only a gr...Full Review

5

May 29, 2017

Great book! As a fellow curvy girl..Ashley is my role model

4

Feb 01, 2018

I find it very sad to live in a world where "fat people" shouldn't be entitled to love themselves, and if you're not skinny you're not meant to love the body you have.

I just love Ashley's views on the subject. She's so fearlessly herself, that she inspires others to love themselves unconditionally. She inspired me at least.

I think she's extremely brave and bold, and I admire her for working so hard and achieve success in an industry that has always been super negative towards bigger body I find it very sad to live in a world where "fat people" shouldn't be entitled to love themselves, and if you're not skinny you're not meant to love the body you have.

I just love Ashley's views on the subject. She's so fearlessly herself, that she inspires others to love themselves unconditionally. She inspired me at least.

I think she's extremely brave and bold, and I admire her for working so hard and achieve success in an industry that has always been super negative towards bigger body types, without compromising her true self.

You go girl! ...more

2

Jul 30, 2017

The other reviews for this book seem to be very positive, and I don't know what it is, but it just didn't do it for me.

While some people are saying they found the book to be more self-help than biography, I found it to be very much the other way around. I guess now I know more about her life and the modeling industry than I did before, but I was hoping for more of the beauty/confidence/power front. The book was structured into chapters with subheadings that implied they would be full of advice The other reviews for this book seem to be very positive, and I don't know what it is, but it just didn't do it for me.

While some people are saying they found the book to be more self-help than biography, I found it to be very much the other way around. I guess now I know more about her life and the modeling industry than I did before, but I was hoping for more of the beauty/confidence/power front. The book was structured into chapters with subheadings that implied they would be full of advice about things (like "Don't fall into the trap of sacrificing your self-esteem for affection and acceptance. No matter what your size, you are a sexy goddess. Remember that." and "Every day is a new day and a new struggle. But with a little reflection, you can develop the tools to put that Snickers down or not care so much when you don't want to"). But after a chapter mostly filled with biographical content, I found myself more than once going back to the heading of the chapter to remind myself what the message was supposed to be.

I'm all for body positivity, but I found the messaging in this book to be very flat. Ashley did briefly mention a few times that plus-size models are usually just as proportionate and conventionally beautiful as straight-size models, but I was hoping for more of this type of nuanced discussion in all parts of the book. I find messaging like "No matter your size, you are a sexy goddess. Remember that" to be empty and not meaningful. Every woman is beautiful, but she won't feel that way simply by having someone/everyone say it to her instead of having it inspired within her. Similarly, Graham mentioned how her female family/friends/colleagues aren't allowed to have negative self-talk when they're around her. It doesn't do anyone any good to dwell on negative feelings, but I would find a friend who cuts me off and throws bland positivity back at me to be pretty dismissive and would more appreciate someone listening to how I feel. I guess what I'm trying to say is that body positivity and self-acceptance comes from the freedom of feeling like you need to look a certain way, and appreciating your body because of its quirks and differences instead of being told in a blanket statement that everyone is beautiful. It's only once women of all sizes are represented in the fashion world and designers aren't congratulated anymore for including plus-sized models that bigger women will feel like they are honestly allowed the same space to feel beauty and own their beauty as smaller women. Graham does mention that to do this, we need to ask for the sizes and styles that we want, but this was only a small section of the book.

All this being said, it's not a bad book. I feel like it was written more for the teen girl demographic and I would happily recommend this book to someone in that age group, who is just beginning to learn where her body fits in the world and the politics surrounding the female shape. However, for someone who is familiar with this type of discourse, I don't feel like it added much to the discussion aside from maybe some behind-the-scenes knowledge of the plus-size modelling industry. ...more

4

May 06, 2017

I knew of Ashley Graham, but didn't know much of her story before I picked up this book. I was pleasantly surprised that more of it was focused on positive body image and self-esteem instead of the ins and out of the modeling industry. Even though, she is a famous model, her journey is one that a lot of women can relate to.

5

Jun 22, 2017

I listened to the audiobook edition and I was really disappointed that Ashley Graham doesn't narrate the book... she only narrates the intro and outro. Personally, I think autobiography audiobooks are the best when the author reads it. I find it more personal and genuine hearing the author naturally hit the punchlines, sad and happy moments and correctly pronounce names. Every single time the narrator pronounced "Addition Elle" I cringed.

Other than being disappointed with the narrator I enjoyed I listened to the audiobook edition and I was really disappointed that Ashley Graham doesn't narrate the book... she only narrates the intro and outro. Personally, I think autobiography audiobooks are the best when the author reads it. I find it more personal and genuine hearing the author naturally hit the punchlines, sad and happy moments and correctly pronounce names. Every single time the narrator pronounced "Addition Elle" I cringed.

Other than being disappointed with the narrator I enjoyed the book. I'm not a huge Ashley Graham fan, I haven't seen much of what she's done other than her being a judge on American's Next Top Model but I loved her critiques and motivations on the show.



This book looked into how she made it into the industry, included great tips and advice and I think a genuine presentation of her career and personal journey.

...more

4

May 16, 2018

I love Ashley Graham a lot. I preach a lot that I don't care about my size, that I'm confident in how I look. But we all have bad days. And I loved that she wasn't afraid to talk about them in this book.
I wasn't perfect for me, I found it repetitive at times, but I loved how honest she was about more than just her size. She's not afraid to talk about her religion and the role it's played in her life (I actually had no idea she was religious), and on her marriage and the ups and downs that her I love Ashley Graham a lot. I preach a lot that I don't care about my size, that I'm confident in how I look. But we all have bad days. And I loved that she wasn't afraid to talk about them in this book.
I wasn't perfect for me, I found it repetitive at times, but I loved how honest she was about more than just her size. She's not afraid to talk about her religion and the role it's played in her life (I actually had no idea she was religious), and on her marriage and the ups and downs that her and Justin have gone through.
Whether your plus-sized or not, care about models not, I think I'd still recommend this book. She shares a lot of insight about going for what you believe in, and what it's like to be fat.
4/5 stars! ...more

1

Jan 29, 2018

RATING: 1 STAR
2017; Day Street Books/HarperCollins
(Review Not on Blog)

I love the message that Ashley Graham is trying to promote in this book about self love. However, the execution is very poorly done. This book is neither a memoir or a self-help book, but yet is trying to be both so come off a bit childish. It reads like a diary of a teenage girl, or for a teenage girl. While I am glad that Graham has had so much success, she comes off a bit arrogant rather than inspiring.

***I received an eARC RATING: 1 STAR
2017; Day Street Books/HarperCollins
(Review Not on Blog)

I love the message that Ashley Graham is trying to promote in this book about self love. However, the execution is very poorly done. This book is neither a memoir or a self-help book, but yet is trying to be both so come off a bit childish. It reads like a diary of a teenage girl, or for a teenage girl. While I am glad that Graham has had so much success, she comes off a bit arrogant rather than inspiring.

***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS*** ...more

5

May 09, 2017

I read this entire book on release date. It was so engaging, I don't know If it's because I've always loved her, but I think I would have fallen in love with her again if I wasn't already. I loved the look into her world. She is 'the' new model. I love it. I think you will too.

5

Jun 11, 2017

5 well deserved stars. This was such an empowering, necessary read. Ashley is not shy to admit both her successes and her failures. She discusses her rise to fame, her body dysmorphia and unhealthy relationship to food, her journey to self love, her husband, her family, everything. I couldn't help but cry while reading it. Ashley's affirmations and reassurances remind us that there is #beautybeyondsize indeed.

5

February 11, 2018

Great book by a wonderful role model. Ashley didn't leave a typical charmed model life growing up, and she doesn't look like your typical stick-thin magazine cover model. But she is every bit as beautiful inside and out, and she has more confidence than most people I know. This book is not only a great read, it's inspiring and teaches a valuable lesson in self-confidence and self-love. Ashley is not just a model on the rise, she's a force to be reckoned with who isn't going away anytime soon. This book comes highly recommended by me, someone who thinks the world would benefit from a few more Ashley Grahams :)

4

May 28, 2019

In my eyes, Ashley Graham has always been a beautiful woman, and when I found out (2 years later lol), that she wrote a biography, I could not wait to read it.

The book devotes quite some pages to her modeling career and how it all started, her relationship with men and eventually her husband, and of course her body. I am sad to say that this book does not contain a secret solution for getting Ashley Graham’s body (it’s all genes and luck!), but it does contain some tips on how to get her level In my eyes, Ashley Graham has always been a beautiful woman, and when I found out (2 years later lol), that she wrote a biography, I could not wait to read it.

The book devotes quite some pages to her modeling career and how it all started, her relationship with men and eventually her husband, and of course her body. I am sad to say that this book does not contain a secret solution for getting Ashley Graham’s body (it’s all genes and luck!), but it does contain some tips on how to get her level of confidence.

She also writes about her struggles as a bigger woman with regards to finding clothes and the treatment of plus-size models in the modeling industry. It is truly crazy to read some of the comments she’s received from stylists for example. I am amazed that she found the power to keep going and even managed to prove them all wrong.

Ashley Graham is a beautiful model, but this book really highlights her personality and self-confidence! A nice read if you’re interested in (plus-size) modeling, the fashion industry, or just love reading biographies about strong women who have done impressive things. ...more

5

Feb 16, 2018

It’s books like these that remind me why it’s important to pick up a memoir every now and then. The book is primarily focused on Graham’s career as a plus-size model, but it manages to repeatedly underscore the point that confidence and self-love - beauty beyond size - is what’s truly important. I found her recounting of entering the modeling world as a teen incredibly interesting, since I was also fascinated with modeling at that age (watching ANTM on repeat...). However it was her tales of It’s books like these that remind me why it’s important to pick up a memoir every now and then. The book is primarily focused on Graham’s career as a plus-size model, but it manages to repeatedly underscore the point that confidence and self-love - beauty beyond size - is what’s truly important. I found her recounting of entering the modeling world as a teen incredibly interesting, since I was also fascinated with modeling at that age (watching ANTM on repeat...). However it was her tales of adulthood that really gave me the feels. I am so impressed with Graham’s outlook on her body and her relentless crusade to show women that plus-size bodies are beautiful. To turn the tide of the fashion industry, Graham has worked her way into a historically straight-sized modeling agency (IMG), become a designer of swimsuits, lingerie, and dresses for plus-size women, and even made history as the first size 14 model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated’s iconic swimsuit edition. I found her memoir to be incredibly uplifting and inspiring. I am happy to be joining the ranks of Ashely Graham’s adoring fans! ...more

4

Jun 10, 2018

I won this book thru the goodreads giveaways and I'm so glad I did. The book was an easy read; talking about body image and essentially loving your body. Ashley discusses her own hardships and body image. It's a real book. Honest (at least one can think that). Truly eye opening. I really enjoyed it and got to the point that I didn't want to put it down. I found myself googling different things that she was talking about and looking up her brands. I feel it is a good book to read if you're I won this book thru the goodreads giveaways and I'm so glad I did. The book was an easy read; talking about body image and essentially loving your body. Ashley discusses her own hardships and body image. It's a real book. Honest (at least one can think that). Truly eye opening. I really enjoyed it and got to the point that I didn't want to put it down. I found myself googling different things that she was talking about and looking up her brands. I feel it is a good book to read if you're feeling down about body image; in a way a self help without the doctor mumbo-jumbo. #beautybeyondsize ...more

4

Jun 18, 2018

"Women have to support each other more. Women get women. We understand each other when we are happy or sad, when we have our period, start a new job, or fall in love. We are typically the caretakers. Let's take care of each other, start building each other up. The stereotype with women is that we are catty and vindictive. It's important to fight against that notion."

5

Mar 01, 2018

As someone who is a huge Ashley Graham fan I really enjoyed this book. Being plus size I was able to really relate to all of the topics discussed in the book. Looking for some inspiration and body positive messages it is a book I highly recommend.

5

Sep 02, 2018

5 stars are truly not enough.
I admire Ashley so much and she keeps inspiring me every day. Her message is so important to anyone who has ever struggled with body issues. Everyone should aspire to become the best version of oneself, no matter size and looks - because beauty is truly beyond size.

4

Jun 03, 2017

I truly respect and admire Ashley for more than just being a model. She is obviously beautiful on the outside but what is more admirable is her intelligence, her charm, her desire and will to help others at high cost to herself. She is more than just a trend setter but a leader who paves the way for others to feel comfortable in their own skin.
As a former model myself (who didn't make it as big as Ashley in the biz) I found a quick way to the exit when I was starving myself to stay an unhealthy I truly respect and admire Ashley for more than just being a model. She is obviously beautiful on the outside but what is more admirable is her intelligence, her charm, her desire and will to help others at high cost to herself. She is more than just a trend setter but a leader who paves the way for others to feel comfortable in their own skin.
As a former model myself (who didn't make it as big as Ashley in the biz) I found a quick way to the exit when I was starving myself to stay an unhealthy size 4-6 at 5'8". As a white model with blonde hair and blue eyes nearly 30 yrs ago ( yes I was only 18) I was told I wasn't diverse enough. They already had an influx of blondes and they needed more ( it also didn't help that I didn't like to smile above and beyond myself). Fake smiling wasn't my thing.
But I remember thinking I don't want to be told I must be a stick to be sexy. I didn't want to be told I had to smile if I didn't feel like it. To me sexy was more than just a smile, a body image, or a unhealthy lifestyle.
Yes, it was a catty arena and yes it was this way even in modeling school (hello John Casablancas). Yes it was also the fact that I had no talent so those cute pageants and the Miss America was but a far dream. However local pageants that I entered and exited was much the same feeling.
I remember when Tyra Banks once gained a little bit and they made a big issue of her weight one day. I too remember the days being told it was a cut throat business in which your time was limited based on your age.
Cindy Crawford was someone I grew up admiring in the cover photos but I later learned of a thing called photo shopping and how what you see is not what you get in these photos as they are cropped, airbrushed, and fixed because as we all know models are human with blemishes.
So I applaud Ashley for paving the way. For discussing how women are stronger in numbers and should work together to achieve our goals.
How size is but a number as how we feel within is the catalyst to importance.
I love the Beauty Beyond Size message it sends out to society and I'm so glad she formed ALDA.
Your size doesn't define your beauty. Big is beautiful. Loving who you are is most important as God has given us exactly what we need to succeed.
In the end when I modeled I was a size 4-6 now more of 6-10 but much more comfortable ( plus my boob size went up courtesy of 3 kids). If you ever want a boob increase just have kids trust me b to d cup here ladies.
But in all seriousness yes we women can eat more than a salad. Yes we should eat more than salad. Yes if we want that pizza I say go for it. Everything in moderation. Skinny is nice but healthy is nicer.
When I grew up I had a best friend who was big boned. I had another friend who ate honestly way less than me and was heavy. Yet both these women were truly genuine and awesome friends.
We never know what someone's story may be behind it all. Many eat for comfort. Many eat from pain. Many eat because they have eating disorders.
Wherever you find yourself on the spectrum know that you can be anything you want to be if you're willing to put in the effort.
Thank you Ashley from one of your biggest fans. ...more

3

May 15, 2017

When I first heard about this book, I was very excited. Finally a plus-size model that wrote a book! But for some reason, I didn't account for all the model talk.

Even though the book is titled A New Model, I thought there would be less of the model and more of the Ashley. Though Ashley does talk about her life in terms of her attraction to men, her weight, her relationship with her husband Justin, etc...she also talks a lot about modeling, which is understandable. I mean, she is a model. But When I first heard about this book, I was very excited. Finally a plus-size model that wrote a book! But for some reason, I didn't account for all the model talk.

Even though the book is titled A New Model, I thought there would be less of the model and more of the Ashley. Though Ashley does talk about her life in terms of her attraction to men, her weight, her relationship with her husband Justin, etc...she also talks a lot about modeling, which is understandable. I mean, she is a model. But most of her target audience isn't. So when it came to the modeling portions of her book, I was disappointed. I'm not going to be a model, but I just want more confidence, beauty, and power, and how to get them without being a model.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that her book tended to drift away from those three aspects and focus mostly on the model part and her experience being in the industry. She did talk about confidence, beauty, and power here and there, but it was not the sole focus of her book, like I would have wanted.

Even so, her book is pretty entertaining when it comes to her personal life and how she got to be where she is now. Basically any part of the book that you can relate to is good, but the rest is more of a dragging experience read.
...more

4

Mar 22, 2018

A Welcome Voice for Body Positivity

I like Ashley Graham as a body positive role model. I think she's fun, beautiful outspoken, and gorgeous. She gives women outside the traditional beauty norms a voice.

I truly enjoyed A New Model. Graham didn't paint a fairy tale version of her life and career. I identified with her in a lot of ways, especially as someone who also matured early and didn't know what to do with the power and pain of a twelve-year old with a women's body. It was a hard reality, A Welcome Voice for Body Positivity

I like Ashley Graham as a body positive role model. I think she's fun, beautiful outspoken, and gorgeous. She gives women outside the traditional beauty norms a voice.

I truly enjoyed A New Model. Graham didn't paint a fairy tale version of her life and career. I identified with her in a lot of ways, especially as someone who also matured early and didn't know what to do with the power and pain of a twelve-year old with a women's body. It was a hard reality, and I'm so glad girls now are growing up in a new reality Graham is helping to shape.

A New Model was an easy book to read. Graham has a welcoming, friendly voice. I was sometimes confused by the non-linear narrative, but enjoyed it all the same. ...more

2

Aug 18, 2017

Not what I expected & I'm sad to say that I enjoyed it far less than I thought I would. The biggest issue I found with this read that the memoir had no flow or rhythm, which unfortunately made it kind of flat for me. Having said that, nothing could change my opinion of, or admiration for this woman. She is in a word AMAZING, and has done so much to help establish and promote the body positivity movement. A movement that is in my humble opinion, far overdo.