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alyssalindz's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
epellicci's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
Girls Will Be Girls explores the idea that femininity is largely performance, and using research and lived experience, encourages readers to reconsider gender and the actions or behaviours we may take for granted as “male” or “female”. This book is very listenable and brings humour to what can be a heavy going and difficult to dissect topic. While I did find it reflective, and was engrossed by some of O’Toole’s perspectives on genderless society and personal expression, I also felt a bit like I was reading the authors diary rather than a book on contemporary feminist theory. It strays over into the realm of memoir for me, which wasn’t what I was really looking for. Despite this, I can’t deny that I’ll be contemplating some of O’Toole’s ideas for time to come.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Rape, and Sexual assault
betweenbookends's review against another edition
4.0
Such a witty, interesting and fascinating look at performances of gender. Highly recommend!
For a full length review check: https://varsharavi.wordpress.com/2017/11/11/girls-will-be-girls-dressing-up-playing-parts-and-daring-to-act-differently-by-emer-otoole/
For a full length review check: https://varsharavi.wordpress.com/2017/11/11/girls-will-be-girls-dressing-up-playing-parts-and-daring-to-act-differently-by-emer-otoole/
kitty_kat21's review against another edition
3.0
Originally posted here.
This is a really hard book to review. I was expecting Girls Will Be Girls to be more of a scientific non-fiction when actually it is more of a memoir. I do like a good memoir, but this one didn't really 'open my mind' like the blurb claimed.
It is essentially about Emer O'Toole's experience growing up in Ireland and how gender expectations affected her and how she became a feminist. None of the ideas in here were that unique to me. It was funny in places but ultimately I found myself rolling my eyes. There is nothing new or revolutionary about dressing like a boy on occasion or not shaving your armpits, it's all been done before. I think this book is geared more towards feminist newbies who aren't really familiar with a lot of the basic feminist rhetoric.
As a memoir, it was fascinating to read about some of Emer's experiences with sexism and gender stereotypes in Irish culture. She does have a a few good points about the fluidity of gender and sexuality. I think Emer's hope for a genderless society where everyone is treated completely equally is a nice idea but I'm not sure all women would want that. I'm more geared towards liberation myself rather than strict equality.
Regardless of my personal opinions, I can't deny this is a fascinating look at an individual's experiences with feminism and gender politics. It's not exactly the same to my own experiences and that is great as it showed me a new perspective.
This is a really hard book to review. I was expecting Girls Will Be Girls to be more of a scientific non-fiction when actually it is more of a memoir. I do like a good memoir, but this one didn't really 'open my mind' like the blurb claimed.
It is essentially about Emer O'Toole's experience growing up in Ireland and how gender expectations affected her and how she became a feminist. None of the ideas in here were that unique to me. It was funny in places but ultimately I found myself rolling my eyes. There is nothing new or revolutionary about dressing like a boy on occasion or not shaving your armpits, it's all been done before. I think this book is geared more towards feminist newbies who aren't really familiar with a lot of the basic feminist rhetoric.
As a memoir, it was fascinating to read about some of Emer's experiences with sexism and gender stereotypes in Irish culture. She does have a a few good points about the fluidity of gender and sexuality. I think Emer's hope for a genderless society where everyone is treated completely equally is a nice idea but I'm not sure all women would want that. I'm more geared towards liberation myself rather than strict equality.
Regardless of my personal opinions, I can't deny this is a fascinating look at an individual's experiences with feminism and gender politics. It's not exactly the same to my own experiences and that is great as it showed me a new perspective.
dr_aish's review against another edition
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0