The Beauty Myth

In "The Beauty Myth," Naomi Wolf provocatively argues that society's obsession with physical beauty enslaves women, undermining their achievements and self-worth. She reveals how media, fashion, and cultural standards perpetuate an unattainable ideal that women feel pressure to conform to. Through eye-opening statistics and compelling anecdotes, Wolf exposes the ways in which beauty becomes a means of control and distraction. As she dissects our collective fixation on appearance, she calls for a rebellion against these damaging norms. Could redefining beauty be the key to unleashing women's true potential?

By Naomi Wolf

Published: 2009

"The Beauty Myth is about the power of beauty and how it can oppress women."

The Beauty MythBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

The bestselling classic that redefined our view of the relationship between beauty and female identity. In today's world, women have more power, legal recognition, and professional success than ever before. Alongside the evident progress of the women's movement, however, writer and journalist Naomi Wolf is troubled by a different kind of social control, which, she argues, may prove just as restrictive as the traditional image of homemaker and wife. It's the beauty myth, an obsession with physical perfection that traps the modern woman in an endless spiral of hope, self-consciousness, and self-hatred as she tries to fulfill society's impossible definition of "the flawless beauty."

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from The Beauty Myth

About the Author

N

Naomi Wolf

Naomi Wolf is an American author, journalist, and former political advisor, best known for her influential works on feminism and women's rights. She gained prominence with her groundbreaking book "The Beauty Myth," published in 1991, which critiques societal standards of beauty and their impact on women. Throughout her career, Wolf has been an outspoken advocate for various social issues, including women's health, freedom of speech, and civil liberties. In addition to her writing, she has served as a consultant and advisor in various political campaigns, focusing on progressive issues. Wolf continues to engage in public discourse through her writings and media appearances, advocating for a more equitable society.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Naomi Wolf
Published
March 2009
Publisher
Harper Collins
ISBN
006196994X
Language
English
Pages
372
Genres
Health and WellnessWomen EmpowermentWomenBody Positivity

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

Smart Women Finish Rich, Expanded and UpdatedBook binding

Smart Women Finish Rich, Expanded and Updated

David Bach

Women Who Run with the WolvesBook binding

Women Who Run with the Wolves

Clarissa Pinkola Estés Phd

Ina May's Guide to ChildbirthBook binding

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

Ina May Gaskin

Active BirthBook binding

Active Birth

Janet Balaskas

A History of the WifeBook binding

A History of the Wife

Marilyn Yalom

THERESE DESQUEYROUX; TRANS. BY RAYMOND N. MACKENZIE.Book binding

THERESE DESQUEYROUX; TRANS. BY RAYMOND N. MACKENZIE.

François Mauriac

Women Who Love Too MuchBook binding

Women Who Love Too Much

Robin Norwood

Quantum QuestionsBook binding

Quantum Questions

Ken Wilber

Drop the BallBook binding

Drop the Ball

Tiffany Dufu

The Power of BrokeBook binding

The Power of Broke

Daymond John, Daniel Paisner

A Peace to End All PeaceBook binding

A Peace to End All Peace

David Fromkin

Women in ClothesBook binding

Women in Clothes

Sheila Heti, Heidi Julavits, Leanne Shapton

Great by ChoiceBook binding

Great by Choice

Jim Collins, Morten T. Hansen

The Recollections of Rifleman HarrisBook binding

The Recollections of Rifleman Harris

Benjamin Harris

The Complete Novels of Jane AustenBook binding

The Complete Novels of Jane Austen

Jane Austen

Our Bodies, OurselvesBook binding

Our Bodies, Ourselves

Boston Women's Health Book Collective

Adventures of a BystanderBook binding

Adventures of a Bystander

Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management

Finding FlowBook binding

Finding Flow

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Invisible WomenBook binding

Invisible Women

Caroline Criado Perez

The Feminine MystiqueBook binding

The Feminine Mystique

Betty Friedan

Bad Luck and TroubleBook binding

Bad Luck and Trouble

Lee Child

SlaveryBook binding

Slavery

James Walvin

Men Explain Things to MeBook binding

Men Explain Things to Me

Rebecca Solnit

My BodyBook binding

My Body

Emily Ratajkowski

The ChrysalidsBook binding

The Chrysalids

John Wyndham

Break Any Woman DownBook binding

Break Any Woman Down

Dana Johnson

ThickBook binding

Thick

Tressie McMillan Cottom

The Myth of the Nice GirlBook binding

The Myth of the Nice Girl

Fran Hauser

The Vagina MonologuesBook binding

The Vagina Monologues

Eve Ensler

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Aileen Lee's Book Recommendations

Aileen Lee's Book Recommendations

Aileen Lee is a distinguished venture capitalist and founder of Cowboy Ventures, a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies. She is widely known for coining the term "unicorn" to describe startups valued at over $1 billion, significantly impacting how the tech industry views high-growth companies. Lee's keen eye for innovation and her advocacy for diversity in tech have made her a prominent figure in Silicon Valley. Beyond her financial acumen, she has authored insightful articles on entrepreneurship and startup culture, contributing valuable perspectives to business literature. Lee's work continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and investors.

View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.

View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

View Collection
Esther Perel's Book Recommendations

Esther Perel's Book Recommendations

Esther Perel is a renowned Belgian psychotherapist and author, celebrated for her groundbreaking work in the field of relationships and sexuality. She is best known for her best-selling books "Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence" and "The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity," which explore the complexities of modern love and desire. Perel's insightful TED Talks have garnered millions of views, further establishing her as a leading voice on intimacy and human connection. She also hosts the popular podcast "Where Should We Begin?" where she provides a candid look into the intricacies of couples therapy. Perel's innovative perspectives have significantly influenced contemporary discussions on relationships, making her a pivotal figure in both psychology and literature.

View Collection
Emma Watson's Book Recommendations

Emma Watson's Book Recommendations

Emma Watson is a British actress and activist best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the "Harry Potter" film series, which brought J.K. Rowling's beloved books to life. Beyond her acting career, Watson has made significant contributions to literature by promoting gender equality and women's rights through her work with the United Nations, including the HeForShe campaign. She has also curated and shared book recommendations that highlight feminist literature and diverse voices. Watson graduated from Brown University with a degree in English literature, further emphasizing her dedication to the literary world. Her advocacy and influence have made her a prominent figure in both the entertainment and literary communities.

View Collection
Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations

Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations

Arianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.

View Collection
Ina May Gaskin's Book Recommendations

Ina May Gaskin's Book Recommendations

Ina May Gaskin is a midwife and author renowned for her advocacy of natural childbirth. She is the founder of The Farm Midwifery Center in Tennessee and the author of Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, which has inspired generations of women to embrace natural birth practices. Gaskin’s work focuses on empowering women with knowledge and confidence during childbirth, advocating for a holistic and less medicalized approach to labor and delivery. Her influence in the field of midwifery has been profound, helping to reshape modern perspectives on childbirth.

View Collection
Emily Oster's Book Recommendations

Emily Oster's Book Recommendations

Emily Oster is an economist and professor at Brown University, known for her data-driven approach to parenting. She is the author of popular books like Expecting Better and Cribsheet, where she uses economics to debunk common parenting myths and offer evidence-based advice. Emily’s research empowers parents to make informed decisions based on data rather than societal pressure. Her approachable style has made her a favorite among modern parents seeking clarity in an overwhelming information landscape. She continues to challenge conventional wisdom with a focus on making parenting less stressful.

View Collection
Roxane Gay's Book Recommendations

Roxane Gay's Book Recommendations

Roxane Gay is a critically acclaimed American writer, editor, and professor known for her insightful and provocative explorations of race, gender, and identity. She gained widespread recognition with her essay collection "Bad Feminist" (2014), which blends personal anecdotes with cultural critique. Gay's novel "An Untamed State" (2014) and memoir "Hunger" (2017) further showcase her powerful storytelling and unflinching examination of trauma and resilience. In addition to her writing, she has contributed to major publications like The New York Times and served as a visiting professor at prestigious institutions. Gay's work has earned her numerous accolades and a devoted readership, solidifying her as a significant voice in contemporary literature.

View Collection
Alexis Ohanian's Book Recommendations

Alexis Ohanian's Book Recommendations

Alexis Ohanian is an American entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Reddit, one of the world’s most popular social news and discussion platforms. Ohanian is also a prominent advocate for open internet and net neutrality, and he has invested in numerous startups through his venture capital firm, Initialized Capital. In addition to his work in tech, Ohanian is involved in philanthropy, supporting causes related to women’s rights, education, and social justice. He is married to tennis star Serena Williams, and together they advocate for gender equality and inclusive leadership. Ohanian’s influence in the tech world and his commitment to social impact have made him a respected figure in both business and activism.

View Collection
Aaron Levie's Book Recommendations

Aaron Levie's Book Recommendations

Aaron Levie is the co-founder and CEO of Box, a cloud content management platform that revolutionized how businesses manage and collaborate on content. He launched Box in 2005 while still a college student, and the company rapidly grew into a leader in the cloud storage industry. Levie is known for his innovative, forward-thinking approach to enterprise software and for pushing the boundaries of digital transformation. Under his leadership, Box went public in 2015 and continues to evolve with new technologies and partnerships. He is a strong advocate for cloud-first business strategies and frequently shares his insights on the future of work and the digital workplace. Levie is also a prolific speaker and writer, often discussing technology's role in the modern economy. His energetic and witty personality has made him a popular figure in Silicon Valley and beyond.

View Collection
Janet Mock's Book Recommendations

Janet Mock's Book Recommendations

Janet Mock is an acclaimed writer, director, and transgender rights activist known for her groundbreaking memoir, "Redefining Realness," which became a New York Times bestseller. She followed this with "Surpassing Certainty," further cementing her voice in contemporary literature. Mock's work has not only highlighted her own journey but also brought vital visibility to the transgender community. In addition to her literary achievements, she has made significant contributions to television, notably as a writer, director, and producer for the series "Pose." Through her multifaceted career, Mock has become a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and an influential figure in modern storytelling.

View Collection
Stewart Brand's Book Recommendations

Stewart Brand's Book Recommendations

Stewart Brand is an influential American writer, best known for founding the Whole Earth Catalog, a publication that became a cornerstone of the counter-culture movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s. His pioneering work in promoting environmental sustainability and self-sufficiency has had a lasting impact on both literature and society. Brand is also a co-founder of The WELL, an early online community that predated the widespread use of the internet and helped shape the development of digital culture. He has authored several significant books, including "The Media Lab" and "Whole Earth Discipline," which explore technology's role in environmental and societal issues. Brand's contributions continue to influence contemporary discussions on ecology, technology, and community building.

View Collection
Meghan Markle's Book Recommendations

Meghan Markle's Book Recommendations

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, is an American actress, humanitarian, and author known for her role as Rachel Zane on the television series "Suits." After marrying Prince Harry in 2018, she became a prominent figure in the British royal family and an advocate for social justice and women's rights. In 2021, she published her first children's book, "The Bench," which explores the bond between fathers and sons through a mother's eyes. Markle's literary work reflects her commitment to storytelling and her passion for fostering empathy and understanding. Beyond literature, she co-founded the Archewell Foundation with Prince Harry to promote compassion and well-being globally.

View Collection
Emily Ratajkowski's Book Recommendations

Emily Ratajkowski's Book Recommendations

Emily Ratajkowski is a renowned model, actress, and author, who gained prominence in the entertainment industry through her work in fashion and film. She made a significant literary contribution with her debut book, "My Body," published in 2021, which explores themes of feminism, sexuality, and empowerment. The book received critical acclaim for its insightful and candid examination of her experiences in the public eye. Ratajkowski's writing has been praised for its depth and honesty, shedding light on the complexities of body politics and personal agency. Beyond her literary endeavors, she continues to use her platform to advocate for women's rights and social justice.

View Collection
Anna Kendrick's Book Recommendations

Anna Kendrick's Book Recommendations

Anna Kendrick is an acclaimed actress and author, best known for her versatile performances in film and theater. She gained widespread recognition for her role in the "Twilight" series and earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in "Up in the Air." In 2016, Kendrick expanded her creative repertoire by publishing her memoir, "Scrappy Little Nobody," which offers a candid, humorous look at her life and career. The book became a New York Times bestseller, showcasing her sharp wit and storytelling talent. Kendrick continues to influence both the entertainment and literary worlds with her engaging presence and authentic voice.

View Collection
Linda Sarsour's Book Recommendations

Linda Sarsour's Book Recommendations

Linda Sarsour is a Palestinian-American activist and author known for her influential work in social justice and civil rights. She co-authored the book "We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders: A Memoir of Love and Resistance," which details her experiences and activism. Sarsour is a co-founder of the Women's March, an event that drew millions of participants worldwide advocating for women's rights and social equality. Additionally, she has been recognized for her efforts in promoting Muslim-American involvement in civic and political spheres. Her impactful activism has earned her numerous accolades and a prominent voice in contemporary social movements.

View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.

View Collection
Jen Sincero's Book Recommendations

Jen Sincero's Book Recommendations

Jen Sincero is a renowned author, success coach, and motivational speaker best known for her New York Times bestseller "You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life." With a background in both writing and personal development, Sincero has inspired millions through her empowering books and transformative coaching programs. Her writing combines humor, actionable advice, and relatable anecdotes, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. In addition to her flagship book, she has authored several other successful titles, including "You Are a Badass at Making Money." Sincero's work has significantly contributed to the self-help genre, encouraging readers to overcome self-imposed limitations and achieve their fullest potential.

View Collection
Nancy Pearl's Book Recommendations

Nancy Pearl's Book Recommendations

Nancy Pearl is an American librarian, author, and literary critic, best known for her work in promoting reading and literature. She gained national recognition with her Book Lust series, which provides recommendations on a wide range of books for all types of readers. Pearl’s enthusiasm for books and reading has made her a beloved figure in the literary community, and her “One City One Book” program has inspired cities across the U.S. to come together through shared reading experiences. Pearl is also known for her regular book reviews and discussions on public radio. Her influence as a literary advocate has helped foster a culture of reading and learning.

View Collection
Sheryl Sandberg's Book Recommendations

Sheryl Sandberg's Book Recommendations

Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Meta (formerly Facebook) and the author of the bestselling book Lean In, which encourages women to pursue leadership roles and create gender equality in the workplace. She is a prominent advocate for women’s rights, particularly in corporate environments, and has launched initiatives to support women’s empowerment globally. Sheryl’s leadership at Facebook helped the company grow into one of the world’s largest social media platforms. She is also the founder of LeanIn.Org, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women.

View Collection
Ann Handley's Book Recommendations

Ann Handley's Book Recommendations

Ann Handley is a renowned digital marketing pioneer and a Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She is the author of "Everybody Writes," a seminal guide on creating compelling content, and co-author of "Content Rules," which outlines effective content marketing strategies. As the Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs, she has significantly influenced modern marketing practices. Handley is also a highly sought-after keynote speaker, known for her insights on digital content and marketing trends. Her work has empowered countless marketers to elevate their content creation and strategy efforts.

View Collection
Amanda Palmer's Book Recommendations

Amanda Palmer's Book Recommendations

Amanda Palmer is an American singer-songwriter, author, and performance artist, best known for her work as a solo artist and as part of the band The Dresden Dolls. Palmer is known for her theatrical performances, genre-blending music, and her strong connection with her fanbase. She has been a pioneer in crowdfunding, raising millions to fund her creative projects through platforms like Kickstarter and Patreon. Palmer is also the author of The Art of Asking, where she explores themes of vulnerability, creativity, and connection. Her work transcends traditional music, blending performance art, activism, and community engagement.

View Collection
Liz Lambert's Book Recommendations

Liz Lambert's Book Recommendations

Liz Lambert is a renowned American hotelier and creative visionary, best known for transforming the hospitality industry through her innovative designs and storytelling approach. Though not primarily an author, Lambert's influence extends into literature through her evocative narratives about the places and people that inspire her work. Her most notable project, Hotel San José in Austin, Texas, has become a cultural landmark, celebrated in numerous design and lifestyle publications. Lambert's contributions have been documented in various books and documentaries, highlighting her impact on modern hospitality and design. Her ability to blend personal stories with public spaces has redefined the guest experience, making her a pivotal figure in contemporary hotel culture.

View Collection

The Beauty Myth is about the power of beauty and how it can oppress women.

The Beauty Myth

By Naomi Wolf

Frequently Asked Questions