Anita Bhagwandas' "Ugly" delves into vital topics with depth and insight, and I'm grateful for the work, research, and self-reflection evident in this book.

From pop culture's influence to the impact of racism, ageism, and classism, Anita provides ample historical and cultural references alongside personal anecdotes, enriching each point.

However, I personally stopped reading around 60%. This was purely due to the fact that I wasn't gaining any additional perspectives that I hadn't already encountered and worked through elsewhere, having read and researched extensively on this topic myself. If I had picked this up at a different stage in life, I'm certain I would have devoured the whole thing!

For those yet to explore the complexities of beauty standards in our society in depth, I highly recommend this book. I can especially imagine it having been more powerful for me during my transitional years from my teens to my twenties, providing the perfect accompaniment to doing the work around these topics. Alongside other non-fiction works in this sphere, ‘Ugly’ contributes to the vitally important and transformative process of societal change.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.