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3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
There's uhhh A Lot to unpack with some sections of this book, but probably what distressed me the most was when a woman would describe past, real life experiences that were definitely assault or abuse but clearly not recognize it as such. Sometimes the women themselves would describe (and again, not in the context of simply fantasy, but real life behaviors) committing acts of assault or abuse towards others which also stressed me out. Still an interesting repository of its time though.
Ok so like objectively this books was probably really important and sensational when it was published. It is like reading a time capsule in many ways. But the thing about time capsules is that some of them maybe should remain buried. I honestly can’t get my head around this book. Like important for the women’s sexual Revolution? Probably. Shining a light on women as independent sexual beings and not little virgins who exist only for men? Great! But also boy this book is A LOT. I don’t want to judge people’s fantasies but I personally wasn’t prepared for all the beastiality (those poor dogs), incest, underaged, non con and who BOY racism. Like A LOT of racism. This book also had big “are the straights ok vibes.” Idk man. Don’t read it is my suggestion. Just like read an article about it if you’re curious. Or don’t - never think about this again. That also works.
challenging
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
"My Secret Garden: Women's Sexual Fantasies" by Nancy Friday is a groundbreaking exploration of female sexuality that earns a solid four out of five stars. Published in the 1970s, it was revolutionary for its time, boldly delving into the taboo subject of women's sexual fantasies. Friday provides a candid and enlightening collection of anonymous accounts, offering readers a rare glimpse into the innermost desires and fantasies of women.
What makes this book particularly intriguing is its portrayal of women's sexual fantasies from the 1960s, shedding light on the sexual attitudes and societal norms of the era. Through these intimate narratives, Friday challenges stereotypes and empowers women to embrace their sexual desires without shame or judgment.
Although some of the content may seem tame by contemporary standards, "My Secret Garden" remains a provocative and insightful read, offering valuable perspectives on female sexuality that continue to resonate today.
What makes this book particularly intriguing is its portrayal of women's sexual fantasies from the 1960s, shedding light on the sexual attitudes and societal norms of the era. Through these intimate narratives, Friday challenges stereotypes and empowers women to embrace their sexual desires without shame or judgment.
Although some of the content may seem tame by contemporary standards, "My Secret Garden" remains a provocative and insightful read, offering valuable perspectives on female sexuality that continue to resonate today.
The fantasies themselves remain interesting, but the interspersed analysis is now rather dated.
Of its time - primarily blown away by the number of women married and/or with children in their very early twenties or earlier!?
Smut be smutting but there's smuttier on AO3.
Smut be smutting but there's smuttier on AO3.
What on earth! To divulge the secrets of a book like this is to rob its readers of the joy of discovery... So be it..
informative
medium-paced
I listened to this one on Audible, which made for some interesting car rides.
In this collection, Nancy Friday asked women to share their sexual fantasies. It is amazing how many women responded and, even more astounding, how many admitted to some pretty graphic fantasies, not all of which involved men. The breadth of fantasies was so wide that Nancy broke them down into "rooms" within an imaginary house. This enabled her to organize the fantasies into chapters with a specific focus.
No matter how strange a woman's fantasy might be, it is hard to believe it wasn't covered in this book. Seriously. I try not to judge, but there were some bizarre things shared with her that made me slightly uncomfortable. And I'm not one to get squimish usually.
It was an interesting social experiment that challenged the idea that women were less sexually minded then men. I think it was especially so when it was published in 1973.
In this collection, Nancy Friday asked women to share their sexual fantasies. It is amazing how many women responded and, even more astounding, how many admitted to some pretty graphic fantasies, not all of which involved men. The breadth of fantasies was so wide that Nancy broke them down into "rooms" within an imaginary house. This enabled her to organize the fantasies into chapters with a specific focus.
No matter how strange a woman's fantasy might be, it is hard to believe it wasn't covered in this book. Seriously. I try not to judge, but there were some bizarre things shared with her that made me slightly uncomfortable. And I'm not one to get squimish usually.
It was an interesting social experiment that challenged the idea that women were less sexually minded then men. I think it was especially so when it was published in 1973.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
An erotic women's studies book, I enjoyed the cerebral side of Friday's commentary. A fascinating look at the private lives of women and the people they choose to incorporate in their fantasy life.