The Gospel of Wellness

 

 I received a copy of this release from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Gospel of Wellness: Gyms, Gurus, Goop, and the False Promise of Self-Care

Author: Rina Raphael 

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Release Date: 9.20.22

Publisher’s Summary 

Journalist Rina Raphael looks at the explosion of the wellness industry: how it stems from legitimate complaints, how seductive marketing targets hopeful consumers–and why women are opening up their wallets like never before.

Wellness promises women the one thing they desperately desire: control.

Women are pursuing their health like never before. Whether it’s juicing, biohacking, clutching crystals, or sipping collagen, today there is something for everyone, as the wellness industry has grown from modest roots into a $4.4 trillion entity and a full-blown movement promising health and vitality in the most fashionable package. But why suddenly are we all feeling so unwell?

The truth is that deep within the underbelly of self-care—hidden beneath layers of clever marketing—wellness beckons with a far stronger, more seductive message than health alone. It promises women the one thing they desperately desire: control.

Vividly told and deeply reported, The Gospel of Wellness reveals how this obsession is a direct result of women feeling dismissed, mistreated, and overburdened. Women are told they can manage the chaos ruling their life by following a laid-out plan: eat right, exercise, meditate, then buy or do all this stuff. And while wellness may have sprung from good intentions, we are now relentlessly flooded with exploitative offerings, questionable ideas, and a mounting pressure to stay devoted to the divine doctrine of wellness. What happens when the cure becomes as bad as the disease?

With a critical eye, humor, and empathy, wellness industry journalist Rina Raphael examines how women have been led down a kale-covered path promising nothing short of salvation. She knows: Raphael was once a disciple herself—trying everything from “clean eating” to electric shock workouts—until her own awakening to the troubling consequences. Balancing the good with the bad, The Gospel of Wellness is a clear-eyed exploration of what wellness can actually offer us, knocking down the false idols and commandments that have taken hold and ultimately showing how we might shape a better future for the movement—and for our well-being.

My Review

Wellness is not just a personal goal, it's a hyper-capitalistic, competitive industry. Companies and influencers are selling their goods, and consumers are trying it all, attempting to maximize their health or just trying to feel better. Rina Raphael points out endless inconsistencies, exploitations, and unequal access. She also provides detailed observations of the constant onslaught of products, treatments, and activities marketed to us every single minute of the day. Supported with cited research and a splash of personal insight, her work expands beyond the dreamy face cream cover to include sections on gyms, nutrition, medical care, New-Age spiritualism, and biohacking.

I found "The Gospel of Wellness" to be the perfect mashup of Leigh Stein's "Self Care" and Amanda Montell's "Cultish" and have added it to my Best Books of 2022 list.