Face Value: The Hidden Ways Beauty Shapes Women's Lives by Autumn Whitefield-Madrano is an interesting look at beauty and, perhaps more importantly, the presentation of oneself to others.

There is not a presentation of a lot of new research or necessarily new ideas but I don't think that was the purpose of this book. What Whitefield-Madrano does very well here is bring together these various ideas and research findings, often tying them together through the use of personal anecdotes and other stories. This serves to present the ideas in a newly juxtaposed manner and also in an easy to read and grasp form.

She often avoids taking sides when the point she wants to make does not depend on one's position. For instance, when discussing social media in Chapter 7, she specifically states that "[w]hatever side of the debate you're perched on, it's undeniable that social media has shaped the way we display our self-image." the debate in question is social media as being a positive or negative influence on self-image. I find that explicitly stepping outside a debate allows her point to be taken in a more open manner.

I would recommend this to readers who want an overview of research and ideas on beauty and self-image and I also think the new presentation of familiar information will make this an interesting book for those of us who have studied in WGS departments. The writing is clear and Whitefield-Madrano's points are well made.

Reviewed from a copy made available through Goodreads First Reads. ( )