Book Review: Am I Beautiful?

I was excited to get a copy of this (garishly pink, but we can excuse that because the content is great) book, a first from Chine Mbubaegbu, because I've followed the author on Twitter for a while and find her to be of the more consistent and thought-provoking people on my feed. Chine works for the Evangelical Alliance, but this book is very personal. It is also real, vulnerable, and (I think) true. The title is a question, the subtitle a hint at the answer, and the bold pink font asks the question that invades our culture, "Am I Beautiful? Finding Freedom in the Answer".

Mbubaegbu writes a very personal book, with poignant examples from her childhood of realising the difference that physical appearance can mean, and reflections on different parts of her grappling with the question that our culture demands all women answer. As a man, even a married man with a sister and two sisters in law, it was at times quite a hard book to read, as there is an implicit acknowledgement that men don't exactly help with how women feel. As a Christian and an occasional feminist, it was an encouragement to read this feisty account of getting to grips with beauty and identity in Christ.

The book is peppered with thoughtful quotations and (thank you, as it is often rare in a Christian book!) relevant biblical passages. These are drawn into, sewn into, integrated into the story, a rambling narrative about grace and beauty and identity, in a way that isn't contrived, and reads very easily. The highlight for me was the story that opened chapter 3, 'The Beauty Within', as Chine tells of a time she travelled abroad, and forget (apparently, I don't personally understand the topic!) some essential makeup. Echoing her vulnerability throughout the book, this story helped to illustrate the power and point of this book. It is in this chapter, too, that the often idolatrous nature of beauty industry is powerfully exposed.

This is a powerful read. I think it is an important book, especially for young women and those that love them, but also for men who 'expect' a standard of beauty, or make snap judgements. Its helped me to understand a little of my wifes morning routine (as a man who showers, brushes his teeth, and shaves occasionally, I'm something of a minimalist), but also to see more of the importance of engaging on issues of 'beauty' and 'sexualisation'. 

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If this review piqued your interest, you might enjoy my wife's Guest Post on Identity, and my review of her favourite book, 'Mirror Mirror'. I'd also encourage you to read - and Chine references Emma's story - the powerful 'A New Name', which is about Emma Scriveners battle with identity and eating disorders. I would also recommend Glynn Harrion's excellent engagement with Self Esteem, 'The Big Ego Trip'. If you don't already, I'd love you to find me on Twitter and Facebook.