Reviews

The “Society of Shame” by Jane Roper was… interesting? I don’t really know what to think to be honest. Some aspects were good, some were cringey and others outright odd. I liked the idea of taking an awkward or embarrassing situation and harnessing it for good. Also, learning not to give others complete power over who you are, how you see yourself etc. But, I was easily annoyed by the main character’s behavior towards her daughter and then when that got a bit better how she did in fact seem to be more into being an influencer rather than activist. Finally, some details thrown in were definitely over the top but I’m sure that was the author’s intention.

In general I felt that this was a commentary on the power of social media to do both good and harm in the world, with some political messaging thrown in there.

Content Warnings

rmarcin's review

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2.0

This book was compared to Lessons in Chemistry in the description -- it is so far from that magnificent novel, I feel disillusioned by the comparison.
This book tries to make menstruation an activist issue when a politician's wife catches her husband in an affair, but the scandal is her menstruation stain captured in a photo as she confronts her cheating husband. Kathleen is mortified by the photo and its publication, and the ensuing publicity and movement called #YesWeBleed. Kathleen is also trying to navigate the difficult issues with her daughter Aggie.
I suffered through this book-it had so much promise but I didn't like it, and didn't laugh at all. A struggle all the way through.

katelidong's review against another edition

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3.0

I’m glad I pulled through this book until the end. There was a little climax at the end. The pacing in the middle feels a bit slow for me. Overall, this is an insightful book of the life of a celebrity/public figure in the era of strong internet and social media-driven culture.

gettheetoalibrary's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Fascinating

mkannen21's review

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emotional funny reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

booknick's review

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.25

nekreader's review

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4.0

This book reads like the revenge of the moderate middle just trying to live their lives every day in the real world. A very funny take on the twitterverse, managing your personal brand, cancel culture, contemporary politics and more. #readthis

iamjazzybull's review

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funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Funny and witty. The commentary on the news cycle and how people take in and spit out information was spot on. Loved every second of it.

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