Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Ever Imagined

Here is a book whose title says it all. Written by an academic expert on “lookism” who is also director and founder of the Appearance Phenomenon Institute, this volume is an exhaustive examination of how the handily summarized “PA” (for personal attractiveness) gets you everywhere, from the better job and the better spouse to the better verdict at your criminal trial. Beginning with early evidence of lookism in history, Patzer analyzes preferential treatment given to pretty people from beautiful babyhood onward. While consumers of women’s magazines might not find as much new information as other readers, Patzer refers to dozens of studies, articles and investigation to prove his thesis. Yet Patzer’s volume doesn’t offer much in the way of solutions, apparently because you’ve either got it or you don’t. While Patzer does criticize the overzealousness of the media, reality television and unethical plastic surgeons, he only devotes one chapter to personal affirmations to help deal with and fight back on image obsession. Although he concludes by proclaiming the reader’s newfound awareness of lookism’s pervasiveness is a step forward, one can’t help seeing the weakness in a conclusion that leaves the reader with little more than a well-argued reminder of our culture’s shallow side. (Jan.)