Read our interview with Liz Tenuto, who wrote "When The Body Speaks."
What was your inspiration behind your most recent book?
My inspiration for "When The Body Speaks" is any person who's feeling stuck in their current life right now. Maybe they can't get out of bed, or they're constantly exhausted, or they have sleep issues, or unexplained physical pain. This book is a guidebook for them to release tension and stress so they're no longer held back by their past stress or trauma.
What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?
Reading Rainbow means feeling safe to explore who you are without judgment. It means giving yourself permission to be curious about your identity, your experiences, and what resonates with you. Reading creates a space where you can discover new parts of yourself and feel seen, rather than questioned or confined.
Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?
The stories we consume shape what we believe is possible for us. If we aren't represented, we can't dream about our future. Representation also reinforces who we feel allowed to be and how fully we feel we can take up space in the world. When we see ourselves reflected in stories, it creates a sense of belonging that can be deeply affirming and transformative.
Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it.
My work really took off on social media, but I knew there were so many people who needed this information who aren’t on those platforms. Writing a book felt like a way to reach them, and also to create something more grounded and lasting, something people can return to as they move through their healing.
What can fans expect from your book?
The book is deeply personal and highly practical at the same time. I go deeper into my own trauma story than I ever have before. I teach about the science behind stress and different health conditions. And at the end there are practical somatic exercise routines you can try for better sleep, stress release, etc.
What's up next for you in the bookish world?
Writing this book was such an immersive process, and I’m taking time to rest and recharge before thinking about what’s next. Right now, my focus is on continuing to build and expand my app, Embody.
