The Gospel of Wellness

Reviews

"Next-level revelatory... You’ll never look at an Instagram ad for organic face wash the same way again. I found myself repeating many anecdotes to friends while I was reading, which is always the sign of a good book.”
—Sarah Knight, New York Times bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck

“Raphael articulates why women go on yoga retreats, start cleanses, and think we can only feed our kids organic, from scratch meals… A smart, reassuring read that you'll want to keep on hand for the next time Instagram tries to convince you that this supplement or that expensive new workout trend is The One.”
—Virginia Sole-Smith, author of The Eating Instinct

"This groundbreaking book explores something I’ve always suspected: that wellness harbors a dark side impacting women’s self-esteem, body image, and mental health. The Gospel of Wellness takes a much-needed magnifying glass to an industry left unchecked."
—Rachel Bloom, Golden Globe winner for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and author of I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are

"With empathy and nuance, Rina Raphael explores the roots of American women's embrace of the wellness industry—including their disillusionment with a medical system that's all-too-often dismissive and ignorant of their health concerns. And she offers a clear-eyed call for true wellness—based not in individualist, hyperconsumerist self-care but in the collective pursuit of a healthier, saner society."
—Maya Dusenbery, author of Doing Harm: The Truth About How Bad Medicine and Lazy Science Leave Women Dismissed, Misdiagnosed, and Sick

"A journalist who specializes in health and women’s issues, Raphael is perfectly situated to investigate the massive wellness industry. . . Writing with authority and empathy, Raphael tells a disturbing story of taking a good thing and then overdoing it."
—Kirkus, Starred Review

“A bubbly and engagingly thorough dissection of the modern wellness industry”
—The Atlantic

“Raphael does a tremendous job…readable, entertaining, surprising, and illuminating.”
—Harriet Brown, author of Body of Truth and Brave Girl Eating

"This book is an utterly juicy deep dive for wellness devotees and skeptics alike. The perfect balance of criticism and empathy for a movement that meant well."
—Jane Marie, creator and host of The Dream

“… a deeply honest look from a woman's perspective…a well needed antidote to the usual victim-blaming and cruel optimism by helping us see the wider structural and social issues underlying our cultural angst.”
—Ronald E. Purser, Ph.D., San Francisco State University and author of McMindfulness

"Raphael delivers an eye-opening, cautionary study of the contemporary, amorphous meaning of 'wellness.'"
—Booklist

“A revelation and a revolution. With humor and insight, Rina Raphael excavates the world of wellness.”
—Lyz Lenz, author of God Land

"Do yourself a favor and become a smarter consumer and mute so much of the noise created by the wellness industry with this great read. You'll never hear the phrases 'natural,' or 'free from harsh chemicals,' 'detox,' 'clean eating,' or 'cleanse' the same way again. "
—Katherine Goldstein, journalist and creator of The Double Shift podcast

"Rina Raphael takes a much-needed journalist's approach to critique a complicated business that generates $4 trillion by selling us ‘health’ in a bottle, and she shows us with startling prose why this industry deserves more scrutiny and oversight."
—Nick Bilton, Vanity Fair correspondent and author of New York Times bestseller, American Kingpin