Picture Perfect: What You Need to Feel Better About Your Body

Being a teen girl was tough in the 80s. Through the Bible study for teen girls I’m leading, I’ve learned that being a teen in today’s world is even tougher. Let’s be honest, girls can be brutal. Add to that the pressure to be as thin as one of the Olsen twins, and it’s no wonder today’s girls don’t feel comfortable in their own skin.

I admit I wanted to read Picture Perfect: What You Need to Feel Better About Your Body because I have a daughter who struggles with her weight. It’s been a sore subject in our home for a while now, and the cause of many tears (mine and hers). I was hoping Jill Zimmerman Rutledge would be able to impart some wisdom and shed a little light on our dilemma.

Rutledge does just that, addressing weight, fashion, and perfectionism. Written for a teen audience, each chapter shares the stories of three girls and how they’re coping with that particular issue. Each girl created a special statement for themselves (such as my personal favorite, “Everyone gets a prize”, which means every one has one truly great thing about her no matter what she may think), and developed a plan of action to get to her goal. Rutledge is careful not to push dieting, but a healthy lifestyle filled with good foods and exercise. She tackles different body types and unrealistic expectations. I was impressed with the straight-forward, practical approach that is both honest and encouraging.

I’m glad I read this book. It has allowed me to see my daughter’s perspective. I hope it will make me more sympathetic to her struggle, and enable me to encourage her as she works toward finding her healthy weight. I would recommend Picture Perfect: What You Need to Feel Better About Your Body for any teen (or parent) who has the same concerns.

Melissa has been captivated by books for as long as she can remember. She resides in Virginia and at Breath of Life.