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1.09k reviews for:
Feminists Don't Wear Pink and Other Lies: Amazing Women on What the F-Word Means to Them
Scarlett Curtis
3.97 AVERAGE
1.09k reviews for:
Feminists Don't Wear Pink and Other Lies: Amazing Women on What the F-Word Means to Them
Scarlett Curtis
3.97 AVERAGE
This was absolutely perfect. I don't think I can express how reading this made me feel, I don't think there are words to describe how grateful I am to have read it. I have learnt so much from reading this, mainly that feminism isn't exclusive. There isn't one way to do it, there isn't only one kind of feminist. The book is a collection of essays written by women across the globe, and the thing that really struck me was how different their opinions of it were. Each piece had it's own character, it's own format. Each woman had different priorities, different stories, was doing different things to help. The one thing they shared was a common goal. Equality. For everyone. 'Intersectional feminism' is a new term to me, but it so accurately describes everything we should strive for. This book shows that, while these women all have different opinions, they are united by their desire to help, and their willingness to learn, and those are the things that matter.
I was disappointed with this one.
It’s often recommended as a good, introductory read to feminism for young girls but I have to say I wouldn’t personally recommend it for that purpose. It’s a bit all over the place and the grouping of essays often didn’t make much sense. I didn’t expect a fantastically in depth discussion of feminism but I would have preferred more mention and critique of the key topics, let’s give teenagers more credit. Instead, it’s just some very short essays focusing on something personal on feminism (some very loosely) for the writer. That’s fine to an extent but it needed more to back it up.
There were some standout essays (I liked Keira Knightly’s writing but had some issues with the way she reduced feminism to motherhood and passed judgement on another woman’s choice) but most really weren’t very engaging or groundbreaking.
The sections I liked best were the last two, action and education. Minus some oddly placed essays in these groups, most were better written and for the first time the universal issues and their solutions began to be discussed. It felt like a start.
I really liked the concept of this book but unfortunately I don’t think it was executed very well. Perhaps a young person already interested in feminism with an awareness of the topic might enjoy reading the experiences of some well known or respected figures and applying their knowledge to them. But as an introduction to feminism it feels lacking.
It’s often recommended as a good, introductory read to feminism for young girls but I have to say I wouldn’t personally recommend it for that purpose. It’s a bit all over the place and the grouping of essays often didn’t make much sense. I didn’t expect a fantastically in depth discussion of feminism but I would have preferred more mention and critique of the key topics, let’s give teenagers more credit. Instead, it’s just some very short essays focusing on something personal on feminism (some very loosely) for the writer. That’s fine to an extent but it needed more to back it up.
There were some standout essays (I liked Keira Knightly’s writing but had some issues with the way she reduced feminism to motherhood and passed judgement on another woman’s choice) but most really weren’t very engaging or groundbreaking.
The sections I liked best were the last two, action and education. Minus some oddly placed essays in these groups, most were better written and for the first time the universal issues and their solutions began to be discussed. It felt like a start.
I really liked the concept of this book but unfortunately I don’t think it was executed very well. Perhaps a young person already interested in feminism with an awareness of the topic might enjoy reading the experiences of some well known or respected figures and applying their knowledge to them. But as an introduction to feminism it feels lacking.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
I really loved reading this book! Never thought I could talk about a non fiction book like that but this one deserves it. This essay collection was my first feminist work of literature and it couldn´t be a better pick. The book is a collection of many short essays, personal stories, poems and more - all about feminism, the patriarchy and everything in between.
The pacing was really nice because of those short "chapters".
Honestly, if you have any interest in that topic I don´t see a reason why you shouldn´t give this a shot. Of course there are stories that are less interesting than other´s but I can guarantuee there will be (at least) ONE story that will inspire or motivate you.
The pacing was really nice because of those short "chapters".
Honestly, if you have any interest in that topic I don´t see a reason why you shouldn´t give this a shot. Of course there are stories that are less interesting than other´s but I can guarantuee there will be (at least) ONE story that will inspire or motivate you.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
[5.0]
i finished this book over a month ago but oh well…
this book was everything and as a young woman trying her best to learn about feminism, im so thankful that this is the first book i read since it’s basically me along with a number of amazing women who are in the same boat as me and trying to figure out what feminism really is and what it means to me.
just from this book alone, i learnt about the different women of unique backgrounds about their experiences with misogyny to the history of how feminism was established.
i finished this book over a month ago but oh well…
this book was everything and as a young woman trying her best to learn about feminism, im so thankful that this is the first book i read since it’s basically me along with a number of amazing women who are in the same boat as me and trying to figure out what feminism really is and what it means to me.
just from this book alone, i learnt about the different women of unique backgrounds about their experiences with misogyny to the history of how feminism was established.
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
I am not the target audience. This is more for people who see the word “feminism” and scream and run.
The “essays” ranged from anecdotes related to the female experience, but didn’t really touch on feminism itself (Kat Dennings) to deeper analyses of the fear of feminism (Alison Sudol). I think it was the word “essay” that lead me to expect a more consistent mix of writings - like everybody writing what feminism meant to them personally or how they got involved with feminism etc. But after a weak start (sorry Evanna Lynch, but seeing JKR mentioned as a feminist rolemodel in 2022 is pretty yikes*) there are some cool segments. I was kind of put off but by the end of the book, I’d say it’s not An Essential, but an interesting read, if you want to broaden your horizons on people active in the movement and areas it addresses.
If you’re a seasoned feminist like me and want to engage w this book, I’d recommend these pieces of writing:
Lolly Adefope - intersection of gender and race, bonus points for the story format, drops the mic at the end
Alison Sudol - Good questions, analysis of fear of the F word (feminism), dipping her toe into the cult of the Divine Feminine but overall good points
Charlie Craggs - trans woman’s story
Alaa Murabit - a surgeon who founded the Voice of Libyan Women organisation, her essay includes data on the positive effects of inclusion of women
Amani Al-Khatahtbeh - A list of straight-to-the-point messages from a muslim woman
Jameela Jamil - essay about the importance of not holding yourself back and educating men about feminism, both its history and present state, and dismantling toxic masculinity as a part of the feminist movement ♥ probably my fave
Keira Knightley - the naturalism of motherhood and childbirth
Lydia Wilson - women’s bodies as public property
Akilah Hughes - because I’m a sucker for playlists
Grace Campbell - a poem about masturbation/pleasure
Alice Wroe - cool stories about historical groups of women
Claire Horn - short history of feminism
Emma Watson - a reading list, I can’t miss on including that
*This book is 2018, JKR started being a truly prominent TERF in 2020, so this is not a call out of Evanna just as a sidenote
toto bola pre mňa veľká slabota, taká, že tomu nechcem dávať hviezdičky, lebo by som sa cítila zle, že by som ich dala málo. zjavne nie som cieľovka, zároveň však neviem, kto je. lebo keď si predstavím, že by som mala mladé dieťa, tak ani jemu/jej by som túto knižku nekúpila. je strašne plytká, plná 'girlboss' citátov, ktoré ma úprimne iritujú. veľmi háklivo sa mi to hodnotí, pretože nechcem brať slovo ženám, ktoré tie eseje písali, ale zároveň mám pocit, že výpovedná hodnota je nesmierne nízka. ak by som to mala k niečomu prirovnať, tak táto kniha je ako tričko z primarku, na ktorom je nápis že 'girls just wanna have FUNdamental rights'. s nápisom sa stotožňujem, ale také tričko nechcem, lebo sme už dávno za týmto pointom. plus primark je úplne nanič, rovnako ako napríklad taká j.k. rowling, ktorá je v jednej z esejí spomenutá ako ikona, hah. až ma prekvapilo, že kniha vyšla v 2018. tak veľmi je pozadu.
What a perfect way to celebrate International Women’s Day – finishing the incredible, inspiring and eye-opening collection of essays that make up Scarlett Curtis’ Feminists Don’t Wear Pink and other lies.
Feminists Don’t Wear Pink and other lies was everything I expected and so, so, so much more. I pride myself on being a strong feminist, but I’ve always had niggling doubts that I’m not enough of one.
I’m not an outwardly extrovert character and there’s very little chance you’ll see me screaming about the unfairness of the patriarchy in the middle of the street. But this book has made me realise that’s okay, and I’m still a strong feminist because I have a passion for tackling inequality and bringing about change.
It was truly astounding and I wish it were mandatory reading for teenagers, male and female, around the world.
Full review available here: https://read-run-write.com/2020/03/08/review-feminists-dont-wear-pink-by-scarlett-curtis/
Feminists Don’t Wear Pink and other lies was everything I expected and so, so, so much more. I pride myself on being a strong feminist, but I’ve always had niggling doubts that I’m not enough of one.
I’m not an outwardly extrovert character and there’s very little chance you’ll see me screaming about the unfairness of the patriarchy in the middle of the street. But this book has made me realise that’s okay, and I’m still a strong feminist because I have a passion for tackling inequality and bringing about change.
It was truly astounding and I wish it were mandatory reading for teenagers, male and female, around the world.
Full review available here: https://read-run-write.com/2020/03/08/review-feminists-dont-wear-pink-by-scarlett-curtis/
4 stars
A fantastic book about feminism! Made up of small paragraphs, essays, lists and poems, this book is a breath of fresh air when it comes to feminism and women supporting women.
It is a brilliant book that made me think about the things I have lived through and how I have been treated unfairly purely because I am female.
I would highly recommend this book!
A fantastic book about feminism! Made up of small paragraphs, essays, lists and poems, this book is a breath of fresh air when it comes to feminism and women supporting women.
It is a brilliant book that made me think about the things I have lived through and how I have been treated unfairly purely because I am female.
I would highly recommend this book!
This is a collection of personal essays, poems and articles surrounding the topic of feminism. Divided into 6 large sections - Epiphany, Anger, Joy, Poetry, Education and Action, these short, accessible essays serve to explore the many aspects of feminism, what it means to be a feminist today, and what we still have to overcome.
My main cririque of the book is that it seems like the curator Scarlett Curtis simply sent out a press release to PR agencies covering the entertainment industry as well as activism. While the topics covered were quite broad (I assume chosen by each contributor), I think that Curtis could have included pieces by "normal" women too - just your average Jane who isn't a top manager, isn't a famous actress, isn't a big activist. This book is very much from not only a Western perspective but a UK/US perspective. Wome of colour are discussed a good bit.. But only if they réside in the US or UK. Even other European countries don't apparently get to contribute! Let alone the rest of the world.
I also think one of the areas that frustrates me the most gets litte discussion (probably because it's not an issue for well paid actresses!) - and that's childcare and maternity v paternity leave. I find it so frustrating that no matter who has the better paying job, or who has the desire to stay home with kids, paternity leave is practically non-existent and in every country I've lived in (6!), childcare predominantly culturally and politically hinges on the women. Childcare is very expensive, it is limited, and it varies from country to country even across the EU states and the US states, as well as across company to company. Men who stay at home are consider "soft" and "effeminate" - because apparently the desire to care for one's offspring is emasculating! What!? Anyway that's the topic I would have ranted about if I was contributing.
All in all, the book dis its job of firi g me up, talking more about feminism, noticing it more often...I just don't know what else I might do. I'm not a activist kinda gal, nor do I have a Twitter account. But still. At least I'm thinking about it more. And I have resolved to read more books by women, more stories set in countries or culturea different than that of my childhood (US suburbia) and adulthood (urban France and rural Ireland), and more diversness in books and genres outside my comfort zone. So that's a start I guess....! (though I did make this resolution at the beginning of the year, not simply as a result of reading this book. Instead, this book has simply reinforced it).
My main cririque of the book is that it seems like the curator Scarlett Curtis simply sent out a press release to PR agencies covering the entertainment industry as well as activism. While the topics covered were quite broad (I assume chosen by each contributor), I think that Curtis could have included pieces by "normal" women too - just your average Jane who isn't a top manager, isn't a famous actress, isn't a big activist. This book is very much from not only a Western perspective but a UK/US perspective. Wome of colour are discussed a good bit.. But only if they réside in the US or UK. Even other European countries don't apparently get to contribute! Let alone the rest of the world.
I also think one of the areas that frustrates me the most gets litte discussion (probably because it's not an issue for well paid actresses!) - and that's childcare and maternity v paternity leave. I find it so frustrating that no matter who has the better paying job, or who has the desire to stay home with kids, paternity leave is practically non-existent and in every country I've lived in (6!), childcare predominantly culturally and politically hinges on the women. Childcare is very expensive, it is limited, and it varies from country to country even across the EU states and the US states, as well as across company to company. Men who stay at home are consider "soft" and "effeminate" - because apparently the desire to care for one's offspring is emasculating! What!? Anyway that's the topic I would have ranted about if I was contributing.
All in all, the book dis its job of firi g me up, talking more about feminism, noticing it more often...I just don't know what else I might do. I'm not a activist kinda gal, nor do I have a Twitter account. But still. At least I'm thinking about it more. And I have resolved to read more books by women, more stories set in countries or culturea different than that of my childhood (US suburbia) and adulthood (urban France and rural Ireland), and more diversness in books and genres outside my comfort zone. So that's a start I guess....! (though I did make this resolution at the beginning of the year, not simply as a result of reading this book. Instead, this book has simply reinforced it).