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elizanderson1066's review against another edition
3.0
Having read and loved Laura Bates' non-fiction, and loving Laura Bates in general, I was very excited to read this book.
After the first couple of chapters though, I did a small inner sigh of disappointment. The writing is patchy, with some seriously unrealistic, if not downright awkward, dialogue between characters, and some pop culture references that are already dating themselves.
I also thought there would be a bit more to the plot other than highlighting slut-shaming as the huge problem it is. While this is true, and should be talked about a great deal, I couldn't really find a take home message beyond the notion that slut-shaming is disgusting, bigoted behaviour which needs stamping out in schools and taken more seriously in society. I was hoping for more of a stance of what people can do to fight against this vile, ever-present issue.
Having said that, this is in incredibly important book, particularly for the young women whom it is aimed at. And even more particularly for any young women who have been catcalled, shamed, assaulted or harassed. And especially even more particularly for anyone, male or female, who has perpetrated that behaviour.
But yeah, considering Bates isn't a first time author, and is a Guardian journalist, a few more edits wouldn't have gone a miss.
After the first couple of chapters though, I did a small inner sigh of disappointment. The writing is patchy, with some seriously unrealistic, if not downright awkward, dialogue between characters, and some pop culture references that are already dating themselves.
I also thought there would be a bit more to the plot other than highlighting slut-shaming as the huge problem it is. While this is true, and should be talked about a great deal, I couldn't really find a take home message beyond the notion that slut-shaming is disgusting, bigoted behaviour which needs stamping out in schools and taken more seriously in society. I was hoping for more of a stance of what people can do to fight against this vile, ever-present issue.
Having said that, this is in incredibly important book, particularly for the young women whom it is aimed at. And even more particularly for any young women who have been catcalled, shamed, assaulted or harassed. And especially even more particularly for anyone, male or female, who has perpetrated that behaviour.
But yeah, considering Bates isn't a first time author, and is a Guardian journalist, a few more edits wouldn't have gone a miss.
crowinator's review against another edition
3.0
This debut from the founder of the Everyday Sexism Project is a solid, emotionally-charged read about double standards, sexual harassment, cyber bullying, and social media's pervasive influence, with an reasonable though obvious parallel between contemporary high school mob mentality and seventeenth century witchcraft trials. It was a difficult but cathartic read and really made clear the emotional trauma girls (and their friends and families) can experience from such sustained targeted bullying online and at school. I'd never been bulled like this as a young adult (being an Old like I am, social media wasn't such a big thing, though I remember some IRC rooms that could get uncomfortable) but it was all too easy to put myself in Anna's shoes. The mild supernatural element didn't fit in with the rest of the book, though; I wish it had been left out. That kind of mix of magical dream-states and realism can be done well, but it missed the mark here.
lyd_squid96's review against another edition
5.0
Wow wow wow, I have devoured this book in one day and it was just enchanting!
*If you loved Asking For It by Louise O'Neil, this is definitely one to read for you!
*If you loved Asking For It by Louise O'Neil, this is definitely one to read for you!
tracyreaderwriterswimmer's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 I love Laura Bates from her Ted Talk and Guardian articles and think this books is another one for our times. It's about slut-shaming and revenge porn set in a fictional tale set in Scotland. As well as the modern day story of Anna, there's also a story about Maggie, who was wrongly accused of being a witch centuries before. The unfairness that so many women experience ruins so many lives and The Burning portrays this so well.
plant_night's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
pistaciaveras's review against another edition
4.0
As the parent of a girl, this book gave me The Fear about how bullying manifests in the age of social media and the challenges my daughter could face. It's all the more harrowing knowing that Laura Bates has based the experiences of Anna, the main character, on countless girls who have contributed to the Everyday Sexism project. The ending was a bit of a let down, it seemed more optimistic than realistic, and I wanted more information about the witch trials in Scotland that were interwoven into the main story. But overall, a very enjoyable - albeit chilling - narrative.
squirrel242759's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/5
You get to know the main character before you find out why they have moved which meant you didn't see her as just the reason for them moving but as an actual person. Though I would have liked to learn more about Cat's dad and her relationship with him.
At certain points I had to put the book down and read a cheerier book. This is because it's quite powerful and at points I got angry, not at the book but at how the story could actually be real.
I would have liked Cat's story to have been explored a bit more. Since it's told from Anna's perspective, when Cat is also being bullied and harassed you don't know the emotions she's going through and what it's like for her.
I wasn't the biggest fan of the epilogue, it just didn't quite sit right.
You get to know the main character before you find out why they have moved which meant you didn't see her as just the reason for them moving but as an actual person. Though I would have liked to learn more about Cat's dad and her relationship with him.
At certain points I had to put the book down and read a cheerier book. This is because it's quite powerful and at points I got angry, not at the book but at how the story could actually be real.
Spoiler
I liked how Maggie's story was told as well. I think if it went to Maggie's story more often it would have gotten confusing, especially when Anna moves around so much.I would have liked Cat's story to have been explored a bit more. Since it's told from Anna's perspective, when Cat is also being bullied and harassed you don't know the emotions she's going through and what it's like for her.
I wasn't the biggest fan of the epilogue, it just didn't quite sit right.
theregoesrose's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
prestonj662's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
molarbear31's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Abortion, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment