AUTHOR: Caitlin Moran
STARTED: April 26, 2014
FINISHED: May 26, 2014
PAGES: 306
GENRE: Non-Fiction
FIRST SENTENCE: Here I am, on my 13th birthday.
SUMMARY: [From Barnes and Noble] Though they have the vote and the Pill and haven't been burned as witches since 1727, life isn't exactly a stroll down the catwalk for modern women. They are beset by uncertainties and questions: Why are they supposed to get Brazilians? Why do bras hurt? Why the incessant talk about babies? And do men secretly hate them?
Caitlin Moran interweaves
provocative observations on women's lives with laugh-out-loud funny
scenes from her own, from the riot of adolescence to her development as a
writer, wife, and mother. With rapier wit, Moran slices right to the
truth—whether it's about the workplace, strip clubs, love, fat,
abortion, popular entertainment, or children—to jump-start a new
conversation about feminism. With humor, insight, and verve, How To Be a Woman
lays bare the reasons why female rights and empowerment are essential
issues not only for women today but also for society itself.
THOUGHTS: Between Isla Vista, #yesallwomen, and reading this book, I was in a feminist bubble all week. It was a good thing. Mentally and emotionally draining, but good.
I love this book. I love it for these reasons:
- Moran shares her story. This book creates narrative as a series of revelations. Each of Moran's feminist points is introduced with a personal story that showcases how her world view came to be.
- Moran does not pull punches. She states her opinions and clearly is ready to take on those who will vehemently disagree.
- Moran is crass and in your face. Her choice of language is sassy and punchy. This is no thoughtful treatise. It is full frontal feminism.
- Moran does not apologize. Instead of couching her thoughts with "I'm sorry but..." she just states her points.
- Moran does not sugar coat. This includes the highs and lows of her own live. She puts everything (including the "dirty laundry") on the table and expects the reader to form their own opinion.
- Moran is descriptive. Her writing style is visual and high energy. This kept the book lively and entertaining, while also setting the perfect scene for her feminist development. She includes many details but stays away from info-dumping. It's masterful.
- Moran makes me uncomfortable. This is not a bad thing. The pages about her first childbirth story left me writhing in imaginary pain. Her abortion story did the same. This is a good thing. It means I was forced to think about hard personal decisions.
- Moran doesn't care. These are her opinions. You can take them or leave them. She hopes you change your world view, but if you don't, I highly doubt it would affect her.
RATING: 10/10 [Best. Book. Ever.]
Comments