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Each month, the SELF Well-Read Book Club highlights a timely, delightful, and crucial book on a subject that helps readers live better lives. So far, we’ve covered everything from the politics of running to the state of modern motherhood.
Yes, Cody Rigsby is a world-famous Peloton instructor, former Dancing With the Stars competitor, and mega-influencer. But it seems that the hyper-photogenic multi-hyphenate is only just getting started: With his debut memoir-cum-self-help book, he’ll be a published author, too. XOXO, Cody: An Opinionated Homosexual’s Guide to Self-Love, Relationships, and Tactful Pettiness comes out tomorrow, and to celebrate it in all of its fabulousness we’re making it the September SELF Well-Read Book Club pick.
XOXO, Cody begins with Rigsby’s childhood as the son of a mother living with drug addiction in Burbank, California. He takes readers through his adolescent move to North Carolina and teen years in the closet before recalling his early days in New York City, when he worked as a waiter and nightclub host. (“Hustling until 3 a.m. was bearable only because I got to watch a trans performance artist pee all over wealthy investment bankers,” Rigsby writes.)
Eventually, Rigsby stumbled upon what was then a little-known fitness startup: Peloton. He had never taught an exercise class before—his experience was in performance and professional dancing—but his charisma and athleticism were enough to prove he could be a new type of star: One who has the unique ability to make at-home viewers feel so motivated and supported from afar that, before they know it, they’ve already pushed through one last “climb.”
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But this book isn’t solely about Cody: Rigsby offers his best advice—the enthusiasm and encouragement that makes him such a beloved and inclusive fitness instructor—for anyone looking to love themselves just a little bit more and laugh along the way. It’s a perfect read for when you need a mood boost, pep talk, or source of inspiration—the book version of a high-five, narrated by someone with all of the opinions (with no holds barred about any of them).
To read along with us this month, grab a copy of the book below. And stay tuned—we’ve got some more exciting Cody content coming your way this week. XOXO!
