The World Has Curves

September 15, 2009
Savacool (articles director, "Fitness" magazine) has written a breezy exploration of the search for the ideal female body, examining the lengths to which women worldwide will go to achieve one. Unfortunately, many of her arguments are problematic; the book is at times contradictory (particularly in Savacool's readings of globalization), and it contains numerous claims with little backing or with selective readings of supporting texts. Rejecting the notion of a male-dominated system that dictates standards of female beauty without providing any cogent alternatives, Savacool merely trades the concept of an ideal body reached through dieting and plastic surgery for one achieved through exercise and fitness. VERDICT While there are some attention-grabbing examinations of beauty around the world, and while this is certainly a topic of interest to many readers, Savacool often adopts the language of the multibillion-dollar beauty industry to claim that striving for the body ideal through devotion to fitness is, in the 21st century, about empowerment rather than consumerism. (Endnotes and index not seen.) Optional.Julie Biando Edwards, Univ. of Montana Lib., Missoula

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