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kaseyc1010's review against another edition
DNF at page 75
- confusing timeline
- confusing plot points
- extremely long paragraphs and chapters
- just struggling to get through it
However
- did think had some good points about being a girl in that time period
- enjoyed the time setting
- confusing timeline
- confusing plot points
- extremely long paragraphs and chapters
- just struggling to get through it
However
- did think had some good points about being a girl in that time period
- enjoyed the time setting
mkat303's review against another edition
2.0
I picked this up because it was by Alix Kates Shulman and I hadn't read it yet. Didn't really like it that much, though. Maybe I just prefer Shulman's memoirs to her fiction, since I wasn't that into her newest, Menage, either. On the other hand, maybe this book is just dated for me. Had I read it back in the '80s, or in 1972, when it was published, it may have made a bigger impact.
karencorday's review against another edition
4.0
I went through a phase during which I was obsessed with first-wave feminist coming-of-age stories. I was in high school, and I read them in a state of complete fascination and horror. This one features a home abortion scene that is completely out of hand; it's a lot like the one in the original Alfie, actually.
eleria's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Abortion, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
buecherballern's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
differentsisters's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This is a book I know I will have to reread at some point again in my future, such as when I am married and have children. I really resonated with Sasha as a teenager and a young woman trying to find herself, so I know that when I experience these parts, I know I will find a connection with Sasha's as well.
About four or five chapters into this book I realised that I needed to underline sentences and paragraphs just to keep them with me. While the writing was a bit slow, I appreciate that Shulman stuck around to tell us the reader about the important moments of Sasha's life, that while mundane at times always had a reason behind it.
The sad truth that hangs over this book that while it is set in the 50's and was released in the early 70's, a lot of the crap our main character Sasha has to go through and worries about, are shit that woman still have to deal with. I felt pity for her at times, while an incredibly smart person with a mind of her own (I studied Philosophy for a year and that subject is hard), she is sadly conditioned by the patriarchy to think of beauty as the only important thing. This is even while she is trying to remain free from the role of wife and mother. It's a sad truth.
About four or five chapters into this book I realised that I needed to underline sentences and paragraphs just to keep them with me. While the writing was a bit slow, I appreciate that Shulman stuck around to tell us the reader about the important moments of Sasha's life, that while mundane at times always had a reason behind it.
The sad truth that hangs over this book that while it is set in the 50's and was released in the early 70's, a lot of the crap our main character Sasha has to go through and worries about, are shit that woman still have to deal with. I felt pity for her at times, while an incredibly smart person with a mind of her own (I studied Philosophy for a year and that subject is hard), she is sadly conditioned by the patriarchy to think of beauty as the only important thing. This is even while she is trying to remain free from the role of wife and mother. It's a sad truth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
lydiagardiner's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
chiliecat's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
genevieve_hayes's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book, the writing, and Sasha herself. I’m sure as I get older and reread it, I will connect even more, especially to the ideas about motherhood. When I started it, I thought that Sasha was the vain blonde she wanted people to see her as but delving further in, her intelligence and resignation were both astounding. Seeing her become the woman she always knew she would be, despite her resistance, was strange and sad. Her early insight into the world was powerful, especially as it followed her through life, and it really resonated with me.