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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I never expected that this would be the book to get me out of my reading slump, but The Female of the Species was so amazing, it got me out of my reading slump. I read this in one sitting in a five hour car ride, and oh, damn. That was unexpectedly good. I honestly had no idea what to expect going into this book, just some few impressions from non-spoiler reviews, but, wow, I was impressed.
This book was brutal. I've read books (read: one book aka [b:A Little Life|22822858|A Little Life|Hanya Yanagihara|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1446469353l/22822858._SY75_.jpg|42375710]) that go in depth with violence, but as this is YA, it does not go too in depth into the details, but you sure as hell will know what's happening, to put it lightly. There's animal abuse, sexual assault, murder, and torture all in The Female of the Species, but that doesn't get in the way of the message that it gives.
I think the reason why I enjoyed reading this book so much was the portrayal of sexual assault. It's stark and, for lack of a better word, brutally honest in its descriptions and revelations, something I found to be the most impactful way of spreading and getting a message across. It was not romanticized (as many things are nowadays, and I'm not like to point fingers even though I'd love to right now), but so real and so heart-wrenching that it got me mad and choked up while reading it.
However, if I had to be critical of one thing, it would be the ending, but that I will leave for you to read and judge for yourself. It just seemed so abrupt and unnecessary to me, and I'm so confused to why that specific ending was needed (if you read the book, you know what I mean).
But other than that, I loved The Female of the Species. Read it, revel in it, maybe even learn some things if you can. But I really liked this book, and I'm hoping that more people will read it, too.
This book was brutal. I've read books (read: one book aka [b:A Little Life|22822858|A Little Life|Hanya Yanagihara|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1446469353l/22822858._SY75_.jpg|42375710]) that go in depth with violence, but as this is YA, it does not go too in depth into the details, but you sure as hell will know what's happening, to put it lightly. There's animal abuse, sexual assault, murder, and torture all in The Female of the Species, but that doesn't get in the way of the message that it gives.
I think the reason why I enjoyed reading this book so much was the portrayal of sexual assault. It's stark and, for lack of a better word, brutally honest in its descriptions and revelations, something I found to be the most impactful way of spreading and getting a message across. It was not romanticized (as many things are nowadays, and I'm not like to point fingers even though I'd love to right now), but so real and so heart-wrenching that it got me mad and choked up while reading it.
However, if I had to be critical of one thing, it would be the ending, but that I will leave for you to read and judge for yourself. It just seemed so abrupt and unnecessary to me, and I'm so confused to why that specific ending was needed (if you read the book, you know what I mean).
Spoiler
if there was a metaphorical reason to her death, please let me know, because I certainly can't think of it. I just wanted a happy ending for everyone, goddammit.But other than that, I loved The Female of the Species. Read it, revel in it, maybe even learn some things if you can. But I really liked this book, and I'm hoping that more people will read it, too.
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
There are spoilers ahead, but if you only read one book this decade please let it be this one there are so many important messages. I think it should be read in every high school, end of story.
Seriously this book should be taught, there are so many important messages not just about feminism and rape culture but also regarding alcohol and drug use, and very valid fears of moving on. Like yes, you love to hate the place and it is small and stifling and you see the same people you’ve always seen and you’re completely over it, but at the same time when the reality hits that you’re actually going to be leaving…you find that you’re going to miss the place. I think that particular coming of age and embracing the changes this time brings was really well done.
I also like that through working in an animal shelter we get to explore the title origins and who Alex is. While talking about dogs she mentions to Claire (PK –Preacher’s Kid) that while people think male dogs are more aggressive, the females are actually worse due to this desire they have to protect the womb –their brood. And that is basically Alex, she is a protector, a defender, and also a murderer and I’m not sure I really agree with this part of her character because she killed her first person at 14 and while completely justified that is also ridiculously intense, and I am a bit over all the ‘real world’ teen books that have these just…completely inept and absent parents that allow the protagonist to go and do whatever. I’m grateful for Claire and Jack’s families for that, Jack’s aren’t really present but do help him as much as they can, but Claire’s family is solid and they really do support her and have the hard conversations and it just feels more genuine. Also deals with teenage heartbreak and the real intensity of those feelings very well without making it overblown, and without dismissing the validity of these feelings.
I am 110% here for books like this one. The messages in it (minus vigilante justice because while yeah, there are a bunch of people who have done absolutely atrocious things and are walking around free while people I know are emotional and mental wrecks because of what these cretins did to them, murder is wrong) not only need to be heard loud and clear, and disseminated in as many forms of media/in accessible forms of media as possible, but are also genuinely good and well-presented and heck, may even get through to people. Like, it isn’t “cool” to be a feminist in a lot of circles as you’re a party pooper and it was “just a joke” and whatever but this novel literally shows you that it isn’t just a joke: the first someone makes a joke about probably being raped almost is raped and is only saved by another girl shooting the guy. While doing that it also shows you three completely different girls, from different “walks” of high school life all supporting other girls when it really matters, and realising that they need to start supporting, not shaming, one another. So not only are we bringing down rape culture, but we’re raising young women up and I am so here for that. I can’t sing the praises of this book enough, read it and get a copy for every, absolutely every single high school, college, and university aged girl you know.
ON that note there is some seriously heavy content and while I checked 13-15 it may be better for 14+? I don’t know the maturity of 13 year olds, and there is a lot of sex, talking about sexual violence, some actual sexual violence, slut shaming and name calling, heavy alcohol use, and clear reference to drug use. And every bit of it is excellent read this book.
Seriously this book should be taught, there are so many important messages not just about feminism and rape culture but also regarding alcohol and drug use, and very valid fears of moving on. Like yes, you love to hate the place and it is small and stifling and you see the same people you’ve always seen and you’re completely over it, but at the same time when the reality hits that you’re actually going to be leaving…you find that you’re going to miss the place. I think that particular coming of age and embracing the changes this time brings was really well done.
I also like that through working in an animal shelter we get to explore the title origins and who Alex is. While talking about dogs she mentions to Claire (PK –Preacher’s Kid) that while people think male dogs are more aggressive, the females are actually worse due to this desire they have to protect the womb –their brood. And that is basically Alex, she is a protector, a defender, and also a murderer and I’m not sure I really agree with this part of her character because she killed her first person at 14 and while completely justified that is also ridiculously intense, and I am a bit over all the ‘real world’ teen books that have these just…completely inept and absent parents that allow the protagonist to go and do whatever. I’m grateful for Claire and Jack’s families for that, Jack’s aren’t really present but do help him as much as they can, but Claire’s family is solid and they really do support her and have the hard conversations and it just feels more genuine. Also deals with teenage heartbreak and the real intensity of those feelings very well without making it overblown, and without dismissing the validity of these feelings.
I am 110% here for books like this one. The messages in it (minus vigilante justice because while yeah, there are a bunch of people who have done absolutely atrocious things and are walking around free while people I know are emotional and mental wrecks because of what these cretins did to them, murder is wrong) not only need to be heard loud and clear, and disseminated in as many forms of media/in accessible forms of media as possible, but are also genuinely good and well-presented and heck, may even get through to people. Like, it isn’t “cool” to be a feminist in a lot of circles as you’re a party pooper and it was “just a joke” and whatever but this novel literally shows you that it isn’t just a joke: the first someone makes a joke about probably being raped almost is raped and is only saved by another girl shooting the guy. While doing that it also shows you three completely different girls, from different “walks” of high school life all supporting other girls when it really matters, and realising that they need to start supporting, not shaming, one another. So not only are we bringing down rape culture, but we’re raising young women up and I am so here for that. I can’t sing the praises of this book enough, read it and get a copy for every, absolutely every single high school, college, and university aged girl you know.
ON that note there is some seriously heavy content and while I checked 13-15 it may be better for 14+? I don’t know the maturity of 13 year olds, and there is a lot of sex, talking about sexual violence, some actual sexual violence, slut shaming and name calling, heavy alcohol use, and clear reference to drug use. And every bit of it is excellent read this book.
I can’t believe I read something like this in one day. I remember reading something by Mindy McGinnis years ago, A Madness So Discreet, and the beginning was so horrific, I had to put the book down.
With The Female of the Species I went in expecting a narrative that would explore revenge and show a perspective that would come from Alex’s satisfaction from killing, but this was a story that explored rape culture from three different perspectives wonderfully. I was so sucked into the world that I read this book in one sitting.
Alex is easily one of the most interesting characters I’ve read about this year. Not only is her inner struggle shown with her actions, but she was also one of the best representations of fighting slut shaming and internalized misogyny. Her character being exposed to the world with Peekay (Claire) by her side was one of the best relationships the novel had.
I did feel the romantic storyline came from nowhere. I just didn’t see Alex’s character being one to fall in love with the first boy she becomes involved with. But I can’t even say that it took away from the characters, and I don’t even have proper suggestions on how it could’ve been “better”.
The conclusion is so raw that it makes you wonder if a different ending would’ve ever fit the story. I will definitely be checking out McGinnis’s other works. Recommended if you enjoy gritty storytelling with almost dark humor and normalization mixed in with its tones.
With The Female of the Species I went in expecting a narrative that would explore revenge and show a perspective that would come from Alex’s satisfaction from killing, but this was a story that explored rape culture from three different perspectives wonderfully. I was so sucked into the world that I read this book in one sitting.
Alex is easily one of the most interesting characters I’ve read about this year. Not only is her inner struggle shown with her actions, but she was also one of the best representations of fighting slut shaming and internalized misogyny. Her character being exposed to the world with Peekay (Claire) by her side was one of the best relationships the novel had.
I did feel the romantic storyline came from nowhere. I just didn’t see Alex’s character being one to fall in love with the first boy she becomes involved with. But I can’t even say that it took away from the characters, and I don’t even have proper suggestions on how it could’ve been “better”.
The conclusion is so raw that it makes you wonder if a different ending would’ve ever fit the story. I will definitely be checking out McGinnis’s other works. Recommended if you enjoy gritty storytelling with almost dark humor and normalization mixed in with its tones.
If you want edgy and a potentially crazy book, then this is it! After hearing Mindy McGinnis speak at AASL and talk about why she writes makes an effort to write books that could be potentially banned, I was curious and had to start reading them immediately. “Female of the Species” doesn’t disappoint. The main character, Alex, deals with trauma of her sisters murder through committing murder herself in what reminds me of a “Dexter”-sequence vendetta, but that isn’t the main focus of the story. You’ve got three teens, Alex, Jack (who she starts dating), and Peekay (who she becomes friends with) all have entwining stories about the struggles of teens and potential issues they may run into and even though it may sound far-fetched, all of these issues are real things that kids deal with... this book does a good job in telling those stories.