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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
informative
reflective
medium-paced
While I don't agree with everything in this book (there is, in fact, a fair bit I strongly disagree with), it certainly played a role in shaping my thoughts about being a woman. It opened me up to a lot of ideas and provoked a lot of thought. This was a book that didn't make me agree with it, but made me ask myself a lot of questions about why.
One thing this book does very effectively: desensitize you to the word "cunt." What it does not do well: provide a solid argument for reclaiming the word in the first place. Like other readers, I expected the book to be based more on this reasoning. But after simply proclaiming that women should embrace "cunt" because they have one, the book moves on.
The whole thing reads like a long tumblr rant about periods and white supremacy, with some conspiracy theories thrown into the afterword. I was constantly surprised by the writing style, wherein the author apparently thought proper grammar would have ruined her street cred and just couldn't be allowed for more than two sentences in a row. Maybe the overly aggressive suggestions for smashing the patriarchy (like gathering mobs of women to throw rotten eggs at rapists or walking around naked letting your period blood drip on your kitchen floor) were meant to come across as funny but not to be taken seriously, but this kind of freaked me out. Inga's brand of feminism is extreme.
I'm only a budding feminist myself, so while she did raise some good points about accepting your femininity, practicing self-love, and defending yourself and other woman, much of the book felt like a parody. Feminism has always been considered inflammatory, and for a lot of people the term still brings to mind psycho crazy bitches. Books like this don't help erase that stigma.
The whole thing reads like a long tumblr rant about periods and white supremacy, with some conspiracy theories thrown into the afterword. I was constantly surprised by the writing style, wherein the author apparently thought proper grammar would have ruined her street cred and just couldn't be allowed for more than two sentences in a row. Maybe the overly aggressive suggestions for smashing the patriarchy (like gathering mobs of women to throw rotten eggs at rapists or walking around naked letting your period blood drip on your kitchen floor) were meant to come across as funny but not to be taken seriously, but this kind of freaked me out. Inga's brand of feminism is extreme.
I'm only a budding feminist myself, so while she did raise some good points about accepting your femininity, practicing self-love, and defending yourself and other woman, much of the book felt like a parody. Feminism has always been considered inflammatory, and for a lot of people the term still brings to mind psycho crazy bitches. Books like this don't help erase that stigma.
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
So interesting on a lot of levels, way out there on others. For one, the whole book is about the title in the literal sense. Like, vaginas. So there were a few things in there that were actually helpful for me as a woman and/or some advice I would take. For example, I might try to only read books by women or a little bit (or focus on that) which was a suggestion from this book.
However, the rest of it was sort of all over the place. I got how each chapter connected to the subject but that's about it. I might keep it around as a reference book for the actual info but wouldn't re-read the whole thing.
However, the rest of it was sort of all over the place. I got how each chapter connected to the subject but that's about it. I might keep it around as a reference book for the actual info but wouldn't re-read the whole thing.
This book can kiss my booty. I couldn't even read it. I completely support feminism, and women's rights, but this was ridiculous. She said that to get what we want in the world, we have to fight hate with love, which I agree with. Then she went on to say that everything wrong in the world is men's fault, and we need to stand up against them, and was so extremely negative about it, it made me sick. I don't think anyone should read this book, especially feminists, because it continues the negative cycle, and feeds the monster.
I really had mixed feelings while I was reading this book. Although I agreed with a few points, I was more inclined to disagree with a lot of what the author was saying. Especially during the chapter on mentruation. (I personally find it unsanitary that she likes to bleed on her kitchen floor.) I also felt a lot like she was just a bitter man-hater, and at times I was embarassed that she was speaking for women. Other times I felt like she presented a reasonable view on feminism and the way women are treated in society. (I especially liked the point she made about how American women tend to demean each other, whereas women in many other male-dominated countries the women stick together.) I do feel as though she redeemed herself some in the update at the end of the book. I felt as though she matured in her thinking quite a bit and appreciated the list of websites, companies, organizations, etc. at the end.
This book was pivotal to my feminist journey—now that I’ve grown more, I can see some areas where this book is not as inclusive. A quick, easy, enjoyable, empowering read!
challenging
funny
reflective
medium-paced