In her book "Hunger," Roxane Gay explores her journey with body image and identity. She reflects on the perception she created among her peers of being confident and unshakeable, which she associates with the traits "bottomless" and "fearless." However, she reveals that this reputation was not entirely accurate, as it masked deeper insecurities and struggles she faced regarding her body and self-worth.

Gay's narrative invites readers to examine the complexities of how we present ourselves in social contexts versus our internal experiences. By admitting to the dichotomy between her public persona and private reality, she sheds light on the pressures many individuals feel to conform to certain ideals of strength and resilience, even when they are not fully authentic.