The Other Side of Beauty

October 1, 2017
Darrow, a former contestant on America's Next Top Model and Roman Catholic advocate, recounts her rise in the fashion world. After moving to New York, pursuing modeling, and living the dream, Darrow found the dream to be empty. She realized that she was living only to fulfill others' expectations. The constant striving for unrealistic standards of beauty led to anxiety, low self-esteem, distorted body image, and depression. Raised in a religious home, she left modeling and reclaimed her roots. This book is a meditation on what constitutes true beauty. Written from a Christian perspective, it shares scripture passages in addition to quotes from philosophers, theologians, and other great thinkers. Although the book may come across as didactic in spots, it is likely to be embraced in Evangelical Christian circles and could be a helpful resource for teens. Darrow includes appendixes that promote healthy makeup products and tips for dressing simply and modestly. Endnotes round out this debut offering from an author with the power to influence young lives.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)