Book Club: The Body is Not an Apology

📚 The Body Is Not an Apology Book Club

A 3-Session Book Club on Radical Self-Love

Join us for a three-part book club exploring The Body Is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor—a bold, compassionate invitation to reject body shame and embrace radical self-love as a pathway to individual and collective liberation.

Together, we’ll read, reflect, and connect through powerful discussion, gentle practices, and community support. Whether this is your first time reading the book or a return visit, you’ll find space here to deepen your relationship with your body and reimagine what it means to live with love and justice in mind.

Format: 3 virtual gatherings | 75 minutes each

Who it's for: Open to all, especially those curious about body liberation, healing, and collective care

What to expect: Real talk, reflection, light structure, deep listening, and zero pressure to “have it all figured out.”

When: Tuesday October 7, 14 and 21 at 1:00-2:15pm ET

Bring your heart, your questions, and your body—just as it is.

FAQs

Q: What exactly happens during each book club session?

This is not your average book club. We’re slowing down, meeting three times over the course of our reading to unpack Sonya Renee Taylor’s powerful book The Body Is Not an Apology. This book club blends the reflection of a book club with the depth of a class—offering space for personal insight, real connection, and collective growth.

Session 1: Radical Self-Love Begins

Chapters: Introduction – Chapter 3

Theme: What is radical self-love, and why does it matter?We’ll begin by exploring the foundations of radical self-love, how body shame takes root, and what it means to start unraveling inherited beliefs. Expect discussion, journaling, and space for gentle truth-telling.You’ll leave with: a clearer sense of how body narratives have shaped your life, and a working definition of radical self-love that feels personal and true.

Session 2: Systems, Shame & Structural Power

Chapters: Chapters 4–7

Theme: How does oppression show up in our relationships with our bodies?This session focuses on the intersections of body shame and systemic injustice—like racism, ableism, and fatphobia. We'll talk about how the personal is political and how body shame keeps us disconnected from each other and ourselves.

You’ll leave with: tools to identify where body-based oppression shows up in your life and a deeper understanding of how body liberation connects to social justice.

Session 3: Love in Action

Chapters: Chapters 8–End

Theme: What does it look like to live out radical self-love?We’ll close by focusing on what liberation can look like in everyday life and how to carry this work forward. We'll share reflections, creative responses, and body-honoring intentions for the road ahead.

You’ll leave with: a personal practice or commitment, and a sense of community support for your body liberation journey.

Q: What if I have to miss a session, come late, or leave early?

You are welcome in the group regardless of coming early, leaving late or missing a session. Each session is designed to stand on its own while also building on the others, so missing one won’t leave you lost. You’re welcome to arrive late or leave early if needed—just come as you are and join when you can. We’ll also share optional reflection questions after each session so you can stay connected to the themes, even if you can’t attend live.

Q: Will you be recording the sessions?

No, these sessions will not be recorded.

25% of the revenue from this course will go towards the book's author, an award winning (and deeply admired by me) poet, author, activist and and leader https://www.sonyareneetaylor.com/.