Born with a rare genetic condition, Lizzie Velasquez always knew she was different, but it wasn't until she was much older that she understood what that meant to others. At 17 years old, she came across a viral video entitled "World's Ugliest Woman"—only to discover that it featured her. In response, she decided to stand up on behalf of victims everywhere and created one of the web's most popular YouTube channels ever and a TED talk that has drawn tens of millions of viewers.
In this daring, revelatory book, Lizzie reveals the hidden forces that give rise to self-doubt, shame, and cruelty, and empowers us to redirect them to unlock empathy and kindness for ourselves and others. She pulls from examples in her own life—such as battles with anxiety and coping with disappointment—to share uplifting insight on how we can overcome obstacles in our path and move forward with greater positivity and the right mental attitude.
Brilliantly drawing on Lizzie's wisdom and sentiment, Dare to Be Kind presents the path to acceptance, love, and tolerance, and provides a framework to help us lead confident, resilient lives and, ultimately, forge a radically compassionate world.
Lizzie Velasquez is a motivational speaker and has over a half a million subscribers on her YouTube channel. She was the executive producer of a documentary based on her life, A Brave Heart.
Catherine Avril Morris is a novelist, freelance writer, and former middle school Language Arts teacher. She lives with her husband and children in Austin, Texas.