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A review by talknerdybookblog
Here She Is: The Complicated Reign of the Beauty Pageant in America by Hilary Levey Friedman
informative
slow-paced
3.5
Representation: Interrogates racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia and antisemitism
Overall Rating: 3.5/5 stars
This herstory (history centring women) of pageantry and the women's movement in America yields a compelling, yet occasionally tedious, analysis of the often confusing and contradicting ways that women have held up and defied conventions of womanhood and identity at the time.
HERE SHE IS was so well researched. While the pacing lagged because of the number of dates and details, the upside is that no aspect of pageantry was left unturned. Friedman also made sure to corroborate her research with interviews.
What I liked the most, though, was that the largest takeaway was to remind women–and feminists–that you can't judge what a girl does to create better opportunities for herself. If you have a problem with pageantry, assess and challenge the systems that create and sustain them.
My biggest issue with HERE SHE IS was Friedman's choice in categorizing feminism into three waves instead of four. I found this decision of the feminist movement problematic which I expand in my Blog (see below).
Overall, I enjoyed learning more about American pageantry and how the main driver for contestants is access to scholarship money. The way that minorities have reclaimed pageants to spotlight and center their identities also contributed to the intersectional reality of US politics, feminism and beauty standards.
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the FSB Association for the opportunity.
Read my full review on my blog:
Talk Nerdy Book Blog | Here She Is Review
Follow Me
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Mature Themes
• References to and discussion of underage drinking, drug abuse and sex
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Possible Triggers:
• Slut-shaming
• Objectification of women (and children)
• Discussion of rape and sexual assault
• Death (including of a child)
• Murder of a child
Ending:Non-fiction
Overall Rating: 3.5/5 stars
This herstory (history centring women) of pageantry and the women's movement in America yields a compelling, yet occasionally tedious, analysis of the often confusing and contradicting ways that women have held up and defied conventions of womanhood and identity at the time.
HERE SHE IS was so well researched. While the pacing lagged because of the number of dates and details, the upside is that no aspect of pageantry was left unturned. Friedman also made sure to corroborate her research with interviews.
What I liked the most, though, was that the largest takeaway was to remind women–and feminists–that you can't judge what a girl does to create better opportunities for herself. If you have a problem with pageantry, assess and challenge the systems that create and sustain them.
My biggest issue with HERE SHE IS was Friedman's choice in categorizing feminism into three waves instead of four. I found this decision of the feminist movement problematic which I expand in my Blog (see below).
Overall, I enjoyed learning more about American pageantry and how the main driver for contestants is access to scholarship money. The way that minorities have reclaimed pageants to spotlight and center their identities also contributed to the intersectional reality of US politics, feminism and beauty standards.
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the FSB Association for the opportunity.
Read my full review on my blog:
Talk Nerdy Book Blog | Here She Is Review
Follow Me
Blog • Instagram • Goodreads • Facebook • BlogLovin'
Mature Themes
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Possible Triggers:
• Objectification of women (and children)
• Discussion of rape and sexual assault
• Death (including of a child)
• Murder of a child
Ending: