Take a photo of a barcode or cover
2.5 Stars
I have severe mixed feelings about this book. The topic of sexism and inequality in the workplace is a serious one and should be talked about more. Awareness of a problem is one of the first steps to solving the problem.
Bennett touched on some symptoms of sexism in the workplace that I've dealt with personally. Some of the recommended strategies could be helpful, but others... not so much. I agree that women need to be better at standing up for themselves and learning to say no in certain situations, but that is only half the battle. The other half of the battle is the men being aware of the issue and being willing to change. This book is not male-friendly. It was quite hostile and derogatory towards men, especially the chapter written TO men. I don't think this is a helpful approach to take.
There were also elements that she mentioned that I wanted more on, but they only got mentioned in passing. Elaborating on certain areas would have been helpful to understanding the problem.
I think the other problem I have is the presentation of the message. It's pink and full of doodles and cartoons. The only thing that is missing is glitter. Yes, we are women. No, there is nothing inherently wrong with pink and glitter. But a book that is trying to change the perceptions of women in the workplace is not the place for frills. I also didn't love the tone of the writing. Open hostility and irreverence are not going to help change minds.
I have severe mixed feelings about this book. The topic of sexism and inequality in the workplace is a serious one and should be talked about more. Awareness of a problem is one of the first steps to solving the problem.
Bennett touched on some symptoms of sexism in the workplace that I've dealt with personally. Some of the recommended strategies could be helpful, but others... not so much. I agree that women need to be better at standing up for themselves and learning to say no in certain situations, but that is only half the battle. The other half of the battle is the men being aware of the issue and being willing to change. This book is not male-friendly. It was quite hostile and derogatory towards men, especially the chapter written TO men. I don't think this is a helpful approach to take.
There were also elements that she mentioned that I wanted more on, but they only got mentioned in passing. Elaborating on certain areas would have been helpful to understanding the problem.
I think the other problem I have is the presentation of the message. It's pink and full of doodles and cartoons. The only thing that is missing is glitter. Yes, we are women. No, there is nothing inherently wrong with pink and glitter. But a book that is trying to change the perceptions of women in the workplace is not the place for frills. I also didn't love the tone of the writing. Open hostility and irreverence are not going to help change minds.
"Today's sexism is insidious, casual, politically correct, even friendly."
Before I start this review, I have to confess that books about feminism tend to be a hit or a miss for me. But this one was a hit (at least, for me). However, I think this is one of those polarizing books where your own experiences and opinions influence your final take on the book.
For me, as a feminist and a woman who has dealt with and studied various cases of discrimination against women, I think this book makes very valid points and observations about the sexism that still exists in the workplace (yeah, I know, shocking). It gives women tips and advice about how to deal with certain situations that can happen in the workplace. And although Bennett talks about the importance of a group of friends create their own support group (the Feminist Fight Club), I like the way that she didn't exclude men from the fight (or the club)- if we want to change something, we need their help.
Another thing that I liked in this book is the way that Bennett blended personal stories (and some jokes) with research, statistics, and advice from experts. These elements help to create an interesting and rather engaging reading experience. My only problem with this book was its structure in which a problem is presented and then the solution/tip is given. I get what the author was trying to do, but this type of structure turned out to be somewhat repetitive. Even so, the "writing style" makes up for it.
A book that I strongly recommend reading. Forever FFC!
Before I start this review, I have to confess that books about feminism tend to be a hit or a miss for me. But this one was a hit (at least, for me). However, I think this is one of those polarizing books where your own experiences and opinions influence your final take on the book.
For me, as a feminist and a woman who has dealt with and studied various cases of discrimination against women, I think this book makes very valid points and observations about the sexism that still exists in the workplace (yeah, I know, shocking). It gives women tips and advice about how to deal with certain situations that can happen in the workplace. And although Bennett talks about the importance of a group of friends create their own support group (the Feminist Fight Club), I like the way that she didn't exclude men from the fight (or the club)- if we want to change something, we need their help.
Another thing that I liked in this book is the way that Bennett blended personal stories (and some jokes) with research, statistics, and advice from experts. These elements help to create an interesting and rather engaging reading experience. My only problem with this book was its structure in which a problem is presented and then the solution/tip is given. I get what the author was trying to do, but this type of structure turned out to be somewhat repetitive. Even so, the "writing style" makes up for it.
A book that I strongly recommend reading. Forever FFC!
Everyone should read this book - women, men, everyone. Tips to fight sexism are couched in professional advice that everyone can use, no matter what your situation. Highly recommend
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
This book was an eye opener. So many everyday life situations that we just overlook and don't even thing about them twice.
For the entire book I was playing in my head some situations I witnessed in my workplace and thing about them with a different set of mind.
It really made me see other people's actions in a different way and, most important of all, my on actions towards myself and other women around me.
For the entire book I was playing in my head some situations I witnessed in my workplace and thing about them with a different set of mind.
It really made me see other people's actions in a different way and, most important of all, my on actions towards myself and other women around me.
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, Sexism
Love the concept of this book but was disappointed by the execution. The author did a fabulous job of pulling in relevant research and sharing practical ideas for interrupting sexism, plus the whole idea of having a feminist fight club just makes my heart swell with solidarity. This is a decent reference book and I'll be coming back to the salary negotiation chapter for sure.
That said, I didn't care for the forced convention of cutesy, female-inspired nicknames for everything. (Surely there is a better way to describe having a critical mass of women than "clitoral mass"? Also cringeworthy: "vagffirmative action.") The nicknames were overkill and a little juvenile; I am a grown-ass woman and can keep track of clearly labeled concepts, thankyouverymuch... though I will say that "manterruption" is a welcome addition my vocabulary.
Finally, a lesser gripe: this book could have used a good copy editor. Even spellcheck would have caught errors like ture for true. Also, Penn is not Penn State. "Penn face" comes from the former, not the latter. The irony of that mistake coming in the "Herfectionist" chapter is not lost on me.
That said, I didn't care for the forced convention of cutesy, female-inspired nicknames for everything. (Surely there is a better way to describe having a critical mass of women than "clitoral mass"? Also cringeworthy: "vagffirmative action.") The nicknames were overkill and a little juvenile; I am a grown-ass woman and can keep track of clearly labeled concepts, thankyouverymuch... though I will say that "manterruption" is a welcome addition my vocabulary.
Finally, a lesser gripe: this book could have used a good copy editor. Even spellcheck would have caught errors like ture for true. Also, Penn is not Penn State. "Penn face" comes from the former, not the latter. The irony of that mistake coming in the "Herfectionist" chapter is not lost on me.
I very much enjoyed reading this book. It was insightful as well as helpful. I can definitely see myself using many of the tools in Ms. Bennett has written.
If you are a male, I would highly suggest reading this to see, understand, and combat what a woman has to go through daily in the workplace. Just think about how much good you can do if you help women instead of using them as stepping stones.
Fellow women, I think you should also read this book. It is great for understanding what you can do to better yourselves as well as supporting your fellow woman. It is truly a phenomenal work.
If you are a male, I would highly suggest reading this to see, understand, and combat what a woman has to go through daily in the workplace. Just think about how much good you can do if you help women instead of using them as stepping stones.
Fellow women, I think you should also read this book. It is great for understanding what you can do to better yourselves as well as supporting your fellow woman. It is truly a phenomenal work.
I like Bahni Turpin's narration for books about feminism. She just does it well! The last two parts were most useful to me. I definitely recommend this to women who are looking for ways to combat sexism in the workplace.
This was a fun and light hearted book, though there was a little bit that I had to disagree with. I am sure there was research done, but the way some of it came through was more like man-bashing than woman empowerment. We need men to stand along side us to get us on the equal playing field.
I really enjoyed this book. It's funny and sarcastic and has a slight tongue in cheek tone, but everything in it is relevant and useful. I think men and women alike could benefit from reading it. Probably one of my favourite books this year.