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miriam16's review against another edition
5.0
a must read for everyone in my opinion, so many good points made throughout
koseto_tliterature's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
2.0
shontellereads's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
1.5
This reads like a cosmo magazine from 2009 attempting feminism. Inherently not terrible points but the delivery was lacking. You'd have to be very new to feminism to learn much from this and if that's you, I could list a few better options (rage becomes her and everyday sexism for a start). This is full of "don't do this" and "always do this" but really doesn't support statements with any evidence.
Also, don't call me love, hun or babe. Just no.
Also, don't call me love, hun or babe. Just no.
dnietoperafan's review against another edition
5.0
SUCH A GOOD BOOK. EVERYONE SHOULD GIVE IT A READ.
I honestly did not know what to expect when I grabbed this book. The title was catchy and the cover was pretty. But OH MY LORD, this book completely read me. Yup, I didn’t read this book, this book read me. After every chapter I kept on realising toxic behaviours I’ve let slide, and toxic behaviours I have to work on.
The take on feminism that Given talks about is so well explained. Every aspect (from self-love, to the patriarchy, to LGBTQ+, to privilege) was beautifully portrayed and explained. I feel like I’ve learned so much about the negative, and so much on how to change and be a better person.
Honestly, the only two words I’d say to Given if I ever get the chance to talk to her is: Thank You.
Please read this book. It will change the way you see things for ever.
I honestly did not know what to expect when I grabbed this book. The title was catchy and the cover was pretty. But OH MY LORD, this book completely read me. Yup, I didn’t read this book, this book read me. After every chapter I kept on realising toxic behaviours I’ve let slide, and toxic behaviours I have to work on.
The take on feminism that Given talks about is so well explained. Every aspect (from self-love, to the patriarchy, to LGBTQ+, to privilege) was beautifully portrayed and explained. I feel like I’ve learned so much about the negative, and so much on how to change and be a better person.
Honestly, the only two words I’d say to Given if I ever get the chance to talk to her is: Thank You.
Please read this book. It will change the way you see things for ever.
mhazz's review against another edition
2.0
If this is your first foray into feminism then you will probably enjoy this book more. It is, though, filled mostly with regurgitated ideas and little credit to feminist predecessors, packaging itself as something new and groundbreaking. When read as an introductory book for younger readers it becomes easier to enjoy, but overall I found that it generalised, assumed, and patronised. The idea that there is no body shaming and societal beauty standards for men was extremely unfounded.
As much as she rants (in almost every chapter) about how lucky she is to be so wonderfully privileged and beautiful, I feel Given will look back on this book in a few years and cringe. A book that is very much following a trend, containing no real substance.
As much as she rants (in almost every chapter) about how lucky she is to be so wonderfully privileged and beautiful, I feel Given will look back on this book in a few years and cringe. A book that is very much following a trend, containing no real substance.
graceverse's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.75
katyab's review against another edition
4.0
Ha, two books finished in one day – take that, Goodreads "two books behind schedule" Reading Challenge!
Anyway, this was a book – manifesto? – I'd been wanting to read for some time, especially after it being recommended by a friend as something hugely important for women to read. I certainly understand why. There are a lot of necessary truths and reflections in here that women should be acquainted with in some way. It was shocking (although not that surprising) to realise all the ways in which women have to pay the price (often literally) to adhere and respond to societal expectations and norms. When reading this, I spent some time thinking about the ways in which I'd done this, and often how I'd set (or not set) boundaries for myself, and respected (or not respected) the boundaries of others, without going into too much detail.
The messages in the book were not new to me, but this is not a bad thing. If anything, it shows that I'm privileged enough to be in a circle that allows me to discuss and challenge issues like this, and feel supported by those around me, which includes but is not limited to the women in my life. Of course, there are things to be worked on and improved; I know I've got thinking to do. There were points where I was getting quite emotional thinking about the ways in which I'd been affected by the structures and expectations for women. In terms of the book, it wasn't as revelatory to me as it might be for someone else. That doesn't make it any less important. I'd thoroughly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about who they are and what they're capable of. It's absolutely a necessary book for healing. For me, I already know that healing is a necessary thing, and a lot of this book seemed to tell me what I already knew, but other parts directed me to where I needed to pay more attention to myself and the people around me.
Anyway, this was a book – manifesto? – I'd been wanting to read for some time, especially after it being recommended by a friend as something hugely important for women to read. I certainly understand why. There are a lot of necessary truths and reflections in here that women should be acquainted with in some way. It was shocking (although not that surprising) to realise all the ways in which women have to pay the price (often literally) to adhere and respond to societal expectations and norms. When reading this, I spent some time thinking about the ways in which I'd done this, and often how I'd set (or not set) boundaries for myself, and respected (or not respected) the boundaries of others, without going into too much detail.
The messages in the book were not new to me, but this is not a bad thing. If anything, it shows that I'm privileged enough to be in a circle that allows me to discuss and challenge issues like this, and feel supported by those around me, which includes but is not limited to the women in my life. Of course, there are things to be worked on and improved; I know I've got thinking to do. There were points where I was getting quite emotional thinking about the ways in which I'd been affected by the structures and expectations for women. In terms of the book, it wasn't as revelatory to me as it might be for someone else. That doesn't make it any less important. I'd thoroughly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about who they are and what they're capable of. It's absolutely a necessary book for healing. For me, I already know that healing is a necessary thing, and a lot of this book seemed to tell me what I already knew, but other parts directed me to where I needed to pay more attention to myself and the people around me.
flame_red's review against another edition
4.0
A must read for anyone who wants to begin to delve in to the triumphs and challenges of feminism.
Easily approachable and thought provoking
Easily approachable and thought provoking
pazula's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.25