Reviews tagging 'Ableism'

Women Don't Owe You Pretty: The Small Edition by Florence Given

17 reviews

deverills's review against another edition

funny informative reflective fast-paced

5.0

I loved the way this was written and could identify with the majority of the author's struggles. A very intersectional, sensitive, funny and take-no-bullshit approach to the way women are seen as vessels of male expectations. A must-read.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Ableism, Biphobia, Classism, Fatphobia, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Transphobia

izzywoo's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual content

Minor: Sexual assault, Ableism, Biphobia, Body shaming, Cursing, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Racism, and Sexism

lucyduller's review against another edition

hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

3.5

The book does feel a little bit ironic, which Given herself acknowledges; she talks about privilege and cultural appropriation while using arguments and ideas she has learnt from Black women. Yet she herself is a white woman. I don't know, it feels like profiting from her privilege and taking advantage? 
Some of the points she made were excellent. Some of them, I didn't agree with. I think if you were to use this book as a bible you would actually end up with no friends or support network at all as it feels like the answer to everything is CUT THEM OUT OF YOUR LIFE! YASSS! 
But some things are more complicated than that and I do think isolating yourself from everyone isn't the answer. I also didn't realise how young Florence Given was! She's 21, and to be a published author? Wow, that's commendable. Her illustrations are fantastic and inclusive too. I think I would have preferred a book of her illustrations than the preachy explanations and suggestions she provides. However, I think it would be a great introduction to feminist writing for women who maybe don't consider themselves feminists. 
And the ending is really beautiful, brought a tear to my eye. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Ableism, Transphobia, Racism, Homophobia, and Sexism

Minor: Rape and Sexual assault

papercraftalex's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

2.0

This book was a (good) slap in the face. It's a journey to self-respect through feminism with absolutely stunning illustrations throughout. It's succinct yet personal and has wonderful tidbits of advice that feel like gold. The book has sections on desirability politics, privilege, abusive relationships, queerness, self-care and so much more. Given teachers the readers how to own their lives and free themselves from the patriarchy like a big sister; it's not overly academic but still teaches so much. I recommend it to all women and women adjacent people. 

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

EDIT: After learning about the controversy with this book, I've reflected a bit more. I see this book as self-help with a feminist lens. The feminism in this book is very basic and nothing new, the ideas are definitely decades old.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Toxic relationship

Moderate: Biphobia, Body shaming, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Mental illness, Racism, and Transphobia

Minor: Ableism and Bullying

ellencraddock's review against another edition

informative inspiring slow-paced

2.0

I don't disagree with any of the points made in this book. Some are very basic principles and theories that I think most fem lit readers would be largely familiar with. Think it would have benefitted from speaking more about Given's personal experience growing up - these were the most gripping parts. Commenting on issues not affecting Given felt false... like why would I read a white girls book about what it's like to live as a black women?

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Content Warnings

Minor: Ableism, Biphobia, Body shaming, Bullying, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexism, and Toxic relationship

0xytocinn's review against another edition

informative inspiring fast-paced

3.25

I was initially really enamoured with this book, and I feel that it's a fantastic introduction to feminism. I put it as a recommendation on my instagram as I've got so many friends who would benefit from the messages in it, but there aren't really any new ideas portrayed. It didn't really tell me anything I hadn't already seen on Tumblr in 2014, but, I have to give the book credit for it's accessibility. It's also gorgeously presented. More a coffee table book than anything.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Ableism, Biphobia, Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Toxic relationship

carolinalopes's review against another edition

challenging informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.75

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Toxic relationship and Sexual assault

Minor: Ableism, Biphobia, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Transphobia, Sexism, Rape, Misogyny, and Racism