Boobs is an adult non-fiction book, co-authored by Dr Lisa Portolan and Amanda Goff. It is a multi-faceted exploration of the cultural, social, and biological significance of breasts, blended with personal narratives.
It is often light-hearted, perhaps even irreverent, but at times offers a more serious dialogue encouraging women to reclaim their power and challenge the objectification and societal views about their bodies.
The book examines some of the common negative narratives around breasts, which can create feelings of inadequacy and body dissatisfaction, especially when repeatedly reinforced with unrealistic expectations.
The authors cover many different aspects, ranging from perceptions of beauty, nurturing, sexuality, body dysmorphia, to breastfeeding and identity. The ultimate message is that every woman has her own relationship to her breasts, and she does not need to meet the standards or expectations of others.
Amanda Goff, formerly known as Samantha X and author of the book Misfit, brings a deeply personal reflection of her experiences with large breasts while Dr. Lisa Portolan adds the academic analysis with her experience as a small chested woman.
The two authors have collaborated to bring balance and lay seeds which are sure to challenge the reader to re-think current narratives.
The title of the book and references to the colloquial term “boobs” throughout the book, is clever, and in itself a bold move with food for much thought. The word itself holds negative connotations which can affect women depending on their social, cultural or professional backgrounds.
Perhaps some readers may find the term “boobs” to be light-hearted and casual, but for others, it may be seen as insensitive, disrespectful or even vulgar. It could also be considered to be culturally insensitive or mistaken for a joke book or erotica due to the sexual connotations frequently attached to this term. This could possibly deter readers who are looking for a more serious content, but nevertheless, the title is provocative and in itself expresses the need to challenge how we (and society) perceive our breasts.
I found the book to be interesting and thought provoking, and while I enjoyed the conversational tone with anecdotal experiences, I also found myself wanting more exploration of the many important issues raised. But, perhaps this was the purpose of the book?
A selection of our Beauty and Lace members are reading Boobs by Dr Lisa Portolan and Amanda Goff. You an read their comments below, or add your own review.
Reading this book really made me think.
For those of us with boobs they certainly have a massive impact on our lives.
This Book made me think about my own experiences as someone who developed early and at age 10 had side 32C Boobs which at the time the boy didnt really appreciate and teased me bigtime. From then on I would hide my boobs with baggy tops. By age 13 and up to a D cup I was still hiding but stunned when the other girls wernt and they were also not being teased but gaining positive attention. Like the woman mentioned in the book I retained that first negative experience.
This book points out how very few of us are happy with what we have. We feel we are either too big or too small, lopsided or the wrong shape, etc.
I must admit that I have wondered if it was Men that had to wear bras perhaps they would be made more comfortable or is this the best we can get?
Boobs is a book that covers a lot of ground in the discussion regarding Boobs. From those early experiences to those that decide to have surgery and those that are forced to have surgery due to cancer.
I really enjoyed reading this expose on Boobs and reading peoples stories regarding them.
If you have Boobs or want to have Boobs then this the book for you.
Boobs by Dr Lisa Portolan and Amanda Goff is an analysis of Boobs but shared as a conversation rather than a scientific, dense read. A mixture of anecdotes, conversations and thoughts centred around Boobs, what they mean in various contexts and how the fashion of them has changed throughout history.
While the book was interesting and easy to read, it could easily be passed on to a younger generation to read and have an understanding about different pressures around our bodies and what we can do to mitigate some of these pressures.
I have recently read Amanda Goff’s book Misfit, and her sections of this book are told in a frank, matter-of-fact way. The insertion of Amanda’s sections in between Dr Lisa’s sections, helps move the book along and helps make this a conversation rather than a one-sided narration.
Overall, there were parts of the book that were fascinating, but other parts were easy to gloss over.
Boobs: What’s All the Fuss About? by Dr. Lisa Portolan and Amanda Goff
A very interesting book about how society views and obsesses over women’s breasts.
The dual perspective , from a flat chested academic and a busty former escort ,brings a unique dynamic to the conversation, highlighting how women across the nation experience scrutiny and judgment regardless of their body type.
What makes this book engaging is its blend of humor and serious cultural analysis they examine breasts as cultural symbols shaped by power, media, and beauty standards.
While it’s lighthearted at times, it still doesn’t shy away from the real frustrations women face regarding their bodies.
I thought the book was funny and serious at the same time, which really worked. It’s a great read that got me thinking while also making me laugh.
Thankyou Beauty and Lace
I really enjoyed this book .