Scan barcode
Reviews
Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity by Julia Serano
cyber_woman's review against another edition
5.0
I feel like I could write lengthy, college essay about my thoughts on the entirety of this book. Anything less feels like an oversimplification.
While parts of this book feel less contemporaneously relevant than others and I may disagree with some of the conclusions, I found all of it thought-provoking and easy to read. I found the parts about oppositional sexism versus traditional sexism and how that ties in with transmisogyny illuminating.
also the author seemed to be able to predict the future with the last chapter lol
While parts of this book feel less contemporaneously relevant than others and I may disagree with some of the conclusions, I found all of it thought-provoking and easy to read. I found the parts about oppositional sexism versus traditional sexism and how that ties in with transmisogyny illuminating.
also the author seemed to be able to predict the future with the last chapter lol
ephemeralbison's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Written in 2007, but with many observations and perspectives that still feel relevant today. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered transness described so well, or the shortcomings of anti-trans arguments described so well.
That said, this book is somewhat surface-level in that in-depth analysis and description are eschewed in favor of rhetoric. I found myself noting time and again entries in the end notes for further reading, because I am interested in a deeper dive.
That said, this book is somewhat surface-level in that in-depth analysis and description are eschewed in favor of rhetoric. I found myself noting time and again entries in the end notes for further reading, because I am interested in a deeper dive.
sidewriter's review against another edition
4.0
I got this one from the library and ended up with a postit note on every fifth page with some question, epiphany, or memorable quote scrawled on it. I ended up buying my own copy and transferring all the notes. I learned a lot about transsexuality, but also about sexuality and gender in general. Serano's writing is sincere and clear and unapologetic without being preachy. You'll come away ponderous about yourself, about people, and hopefully a little more accepting of both.
qteabeans's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
A thoughtful meditation on how to actually consider trans-ness in the larger narratives of feminism and how queers and feminists have tried to exclude transgender people from their ranks to try and get their goals forwarded. While she never says it, she does harken back to the typical wisdom that none of us are free until we all are free. I am also glad to have read the second edition which helps to place it in the historical frame where it was written. Thoughtful and clearly informed. Definitely worth the read.
gardenoftulips's review against another edition
challenging
informative
5.0
perhaps the most "oh god, she's right about everything" book i have ever read, whipping girl explained transfemininity to me, a transfeminine person, in a way that genuinely enriched my understanding of the things that happen to me, which is something i definitely can't say about most books. mandatory reading for everyone for any reason
fecks's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Whipping girl reads something like a textbook at the start and can be challenging to follow if you aren't fully focused, but if you can move past that it provides an insightful explanation of transgender issues in relation to society.
I particularly identified with the second half of the book and found it a much easier read than the first half.
I particularly identified with the second half of the book and found it a much easier read than the first half.
qpy's review against another edition
4.0
A must-read. Part I was easier for me to understand and consume than Part II. I'm excited to continue finishing Excluded.
It's difficult when I know I can't truly understand the magnitude of discrimination and emotions described, and that I may never master the language to accurately and appropriately discuss transsexism and queerness. I enjoyed the essay format and the mix between lived experience, true anecdotes, and the juxtaposition to the major flaws and downfalls of traditional research and academia in this field. Also, I could benefit from more time wading through some of the vocabulary and arguments.
It's difficult when I know I can't truly understand the magnitude of discrimination and emotions described, and that I may never master the language to accurately and appropriately discuss transsexism and queerness. I enjoyed the essay format and the mix between lived experience, true anecdotes, and the juxtaposition to the major flaws and downfalls of traditional research and academia in this field. Also, I could benefit from more time wading through some of the vocabulary and arguments.