#Review: Hug Yourself by Vinitha

“Hug Yourself” is a timely and thoughtful anthology that combines sixteen voices with a singular goal: to dismantle narrow standards of beauty and lift young readers in the face of them. Each story is a stand-alone world, capturing themes of body positivity through real, resonant experiences that today’s teenagers can relate to and find strength in.

The diversity of perspectives here is remarkable. Writers like Aditi De, Harshikaa Udasi, and Priyanka Sinha Jha provide unique stories that celebrate the beauty of different shapes, shades, and sizes. Readers are shown that body image is complex yet universal. Rather than portraying a one-size-fits-all solution, this collection validates the full range of body experiences, exploring everything from self-acceptance and resilience to the quiet power of self-love.

This anthology takes readers by the hand, especially those who feel outside today’s impossible standards, and reminds them that what matters is far beyond skin deep. “Hug Yourself” succeeds in being both tender and empowering, speaking not only to teenagers but to anyone who has ever struggled to embrace the mirror’s reflection.

Find this book here.