Margaret Gardiner's debut book has already soared to the top 10 in various bookstores in SA.
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Former Miss SA and Miss Universe Margaret Gardiner's debut book, "Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar" has entered the top 10 rankings at various Exclusive Books outlets.
The milestone comes just two weeks after Gardiner launched the book in Pretoria.
Set against the backdrop of 1980s America, the book's narrative follows the rise and fall of Joey Superstar, a cover model whose life spirals amid the chaos of parties, drugs and the pressures of an industry obsessed with perfection.
“It is an absolute honour, and I am so happy that so many people are enjoying the book. I hope that every person that reads the book gains insight from the message,” Gardiner expressed in a heartfelt statement about her book's success.
Following its much-anticipated releases in the United States and the United Kingdom, "Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar" has garnered attention and praise, achieving several five-star reviews from readers and critics alike.
The book is acclaimed not just for its narrative but also for its ability to shed light on the often-unspoken challenges women face.
Gardiner recently said in a TV interview: "One of the most important reasons for writing 'Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar' is that women self-damage. They internalise stress and they take on the responsibility for what happens that goes wrong.
"It's really important for women to talk about developing healthy coping tools so that they don't fall back into damaging patterns. By talking we find ways to help each other and we change things for the next generation."
Gardiner, who first captured international fame as the first South African crowned Miss Universe in 1978, has long championed women's rights and social justice.
Her new book is described as a natural extension of her lifelong commitment to advocating for these critical issues.
Currently residing in Los Angeles, Gardiner is a familiar presence at high-profile awards and events, where she continues to use her platform to raise awareness about subjects like cyberbullying, mental health and the relentless pressures of being in the public eye.
In an exclusive interview with "Independent Media" while in South Africa, Gardiner said that the book allowed her to connect with women and share her own journey of courage and self-discovery.
"The real belief is that the topics revealed in this book will resonate with women and start discussions ...
"Underneath it is about a woman who is damaged by the way the world treats her. She embarks on a turbulent journey, initially adopting unhealthy coping mechanisms. It is a journey of ups and downs, passionate yet destructive, dealing with issues that many women endure. It is remarkable," said Gardiner.