Unashamed

Musings of a Fat, Black Muslim

By: Leah Vernon

Narrated by: Sisi Aisha Johnson

Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

A Muslim woman’s searingly honest memoir of her journey toward self-acceptance as she comes to see her body as a symbol of rebellion and hope—and chooses to live her life unapologetically

Ever since she was little, Leah Vernon was told what to believe and how to act. There wasn’t any room for imperfection. "Good" Muslim girls listened more than they spoke. They didn’t have a missing father or a mother with a mental disability. They didn’t have fat bodies or grow up wishing they could be like the white characters they saw on TV. They didn’t have husbands who abused and cheated on them. They certainly didn’t have secret abortions. In Unashamed, Vernon takes to task the myth of the perfect Muslim woman with frank dispatches on her love-hate relationship with her hijab and her faith, race, weight, mental health, domestic violence, sexuality, the millennial world of dating, and the process of finding her voice.

She opens up about her tumultuous adolescence living at the poverty line with her fiercely loving but troubled mother, her absent dad, her siblings, and the violent dissolution of her 10-year marriage. Tired of the constant policing of her clothing in the name of Islam and Western beauty standards, Vernon reflects on her experiences with hustling paycheck to paycheck, body-shaming, and redefining what it means to be a “good” Muslim.

Irreverent, youthful, and funny, Unashamed gives anyone who is marginalized permission to live unapologetic, confident lives.

“Vernon’s determined advocacy for body positivity as a feminist and mental health issue, and her painful journey to self-acceptance, are moving and powerful, forcing readers to examine their own preconceptions about beauty standards and health.” —Booklist

©2019 Leah Vernon (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Narrator Sisi Aisha Johnson has a sassy, confident voice. She’s a great choice to present model and writer Leah Vernon’s memoir of body positivity.”—AudioFile Magazine

“Vernon’s determined advocacy for body positivity as a feminist and mental health issue, and her painful journey to self-acceptance, are moving and powerful, forcing readers to examine their own preconceptions about beauty standards and health.”—Booklist

“This candid memoir will be of interest for those who have experienced emotional, physical, or sexual violence, and who are seeking forceful encouragement toward self-empowerment and self-expression.”—Library Journal

An impactful memoir

Truthfully I didn’t know who Leah Vernon was before this, but I’m glad I took a chance and decided to find out. This was such a beautiful body of work that encompassed the joys and many downs of her identities and intersectionality. I love that despite recounting painful stories, she still found a way to bring humour and positivity. I’m very happy that she decided to share her story with the world.

Accepting You

This story should help those become free from social norms and give them permission to become whole just where the are. enjoyable read. Freeing.

Raw, honest, and beautiful

Vernon writes with a brutal honesty I've rarely found in memoirs. The title fits perfectly. She is reflective, but maintains a voice that is authentic to who she was and how she felt at each stage she describes. I've read many memoirs, but I've never read a story quite like hers. She courageously lets the reader into some intimate and vulnerable points in her life, articulating with grace, confidence, and strength.

Unashamed made me laugh, cry, wax nostalgic, get angry, and feel motivated. I highly recommend!

Honest and Brave

How Refreshing. The author's unapologetic and honest account about growing up Black, Muslim, and Plus-sized in America. It was entertaining, humorous, and poignant all in one. I really appreciated the overall message of triumph and self-acceptance. Finally, a novel that breaks the monochromatic stereotype about Muslim Women.

You Rock!

I did not know who you were. I just did a Google search of “autobiographies written by black women.” Your book were on a couple of lists. I read up on it, then I decided to purchase. Your story is my story in regards of having a complicated relationship with our mothers. Unfortunately, I never really had the chance to rectifying my relationship with my mother because she died the same year I became a mother. I struggle with it, even now as I am writing this I am crying.

You are such a beautiful person. Thank you for sharing your story with the world. Thank you for being a light within a culture that that may have been a mystery to outsiders. I have a new found respect for Muslim women. ❤️

Love love

I loved this book!!! Very entertaining. Every cuss word made me laugh!! Great read? Listen

How to stand in your truth!

Loud. Proud. And leading the way.

Y’all Sit down and listen up to Leah. She’s got this on lock.

Real stories from a unique perspective

I've been following LV for awhile and it was an honor to hear this memoir, and it's beautifully read.

This is a real and grounded set of essays about learning to love yourself and progress in your own way. L faces so many obstacles, big and small, and her tales of navigating them shine brightly with humor and reveal her human flaws as well as her deep creative strengths.

Definitely unapologetic. Love you LV!

Thankful for Have read this gem!

I've followed the author on Instagram for a few years. this book was an amazing read and helped me to understand not just nuance but also paradox. this book makes you think as you follow the author on her journey in faith and freedom.

Look Into A Mirror Before You Judge

I admire the courage of the author to lay bare the good and bad parts of her life in this book. If more people could read and understand we are much more alike than we are different as human beings we would have so much less to fight about. None of us can change who we are nor what family we are born into. What we can control is who we become.