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eak1013's review against another edition
4.0
If you've been immersed in the feminist blogosphere for any length of time, nothing here is particularly revolutionary, and most of the first half felt very 101, but I enjoy the simple fact that this book exists. I wanted it to go a bit further, and the "I'm going to tell you, I just told you, as you recall in chapter whatsit" was a little wearing, but, again, overall I liked the balance she struck of personal to larger trends.
One picky little point entirely unrelated to the quite nice content of the book: I hated the font. Like, I had no idea I could loathe the typesetting of a book so much. It was just close enough to italics that I kept thinking the primary text was some sort of quote and at some point they would have to go back to regular, easy on the eyes font, right? Right? Also, the moderately thick grey line across the bottom of the page was wildly distracting.
Ah, goodreads. How glad I am that you exist so that I have a place to record my positive, if mild, feelings about book content and my wild, vociferous negative feelings about book layout.
One picky little point entirely unrelated to the quite nice content of the book: I hated the font. Like, I had no idea I could loathe the typesetting of a book so much. It was just close enough to italics that I kept thinking the primary text was some sort of quote and at some point they would have to go back to regular, easy on the eyes font, right? Right? Also, the moderately thick grey line across the bottom of the page was wildly distracting.
Ah, goodreads. How glad I am that you exist so that I have a place to record my positive, if mild, feelings about book content and my wild, vociferous negative feelings about book layout.
finesilkflower's review against another edition
3.0
A critique of the modern dating narrative presented by pop culture (particularly self-help books, but also TV, movies, magazines, etc.) This is stuff I've ranted about for years, and it's precisely this widespread and infuriating sexist baggage that made me give up on dating straight people. (Luckily, I had other options.) In many places the book had me saying "Right on!!"
Here's the problem: this book has no audience, other than me. I'm ignorant enough about feminist theory that this was more or less new to me while being tenacious enough to keep reading a wall of text. Not a lot of people are in this position. This seems like it would be too basic for anyone who's actually interested in the topic, while it's not snappy and digestible enough for the average jo. I wish Mukhopadhyay had taken a page from the self-help books she criticizes (in style, not substance) and laid things out with eye-catching infographics, bullet points, how-to lists, meme-able soundbites, etc.
The writing isn't just dense, it's clunky, awkward, and sometimes betrays gaps in logic. I understood what the author meant most of the time, and I don't even think Mukhopadhyay is right for the wrong reasons--she's right for the right reasons, but she's not good at explaining what those reasons are. I think these are mostly failures of proofreading, but I'd worry about giving this to someone who did not already agree with the ideas, because valid points are sometimes explained confusingly or in a way that allows for nitpicking. This book can really only be used for "preaching to the choir" purposes, and not to try to convince anyone of anything they don't already know.
Here's the problem: this book has no audience, other than me. I'm ignorant enough about feminist theory that this was more or less new to me while being tenacious enough to keep reading a wall of text. Not a lot of people are in this position. This seems like it would be too basic for anyone who's actually interested in the topic, while it's not snappy and digestible enough for the average jo. I wish Mukhopadhyay had taken a page from the self-help books she criticizes (in style, not substance) and laid things out with eye-catching infographics, bullet points, how-to lists, meme-able soundbites, etc.
The writing isn't just dense, it's clunky, awkward, and sometimes betrays gaps in logic. I understood what the author meant most of the time, and I don't even think Mukhopadhyay is right for the wrong reasons--she's right for the right reasons, but she's not good at explaining what those reasons are. I think these are mostly failures of proofreading, but I'd worry about giving this to someone who did not already agree with the ideas, because valid points are sometimes explained confusingly or in a way that allows for nitpicking. This book can really only be used for "preaching to the choir" purposes, and not to try to convince anyone of anything they don't already know.
sondosia's review against another edition
4.0
This book made a lot of good points, but the writing itself wasn't very good--it was overly simple at times, in my opinion. I'd still recommend it, though, but mostly to people who are new to feminism.
truestorydesu's review against another edition
4.0
Thank God (and feminism) for books like this one. Writers like Samhita Mukhopadhyay are the only people who don't make me feel like an utter failure. After all, as an unwillingly celibate female (and not, "oh ha ha I haven't done the nasty in six months I'm totally celibate!" celibate. I mean completely celibate) who has never been on a date, been asked out (or asked anyone out for that matter), it's easy for most writers to dismiss me as a failure. In fact, I'm already considered a freak-of-nature. It's awful the way society stigmatizes, shames, and dismisses single women. But, then again, if you go out and have too much sex, you're a slut. There's no winning.
This book made me feel like less of a freak of nature and reminded me that no, I am not a failure. Thank you, book. Thank you.
This book made me feel like less of a freak of nature and reminded me that no, I am not a failure. Thank you, book. Thank you.
mara_miriam's review against another edition
4.0
While for an experienced feminist who is not straight, this text did not have any new concepts or revolutionary ideas; that said, for a middle-aged single femme, it was a very affirming read with a lot of great reminders, especially as I prepare for a move to a less progressive community. I especially liked the way the author discussed self-esteem, how feminism benefits people of all genders, and her (brief) section on polyamory.
anniebgood's review
3.0
This book was okay. I really wanted it to go deeper. It felt like a pep talk where I wanted more thoughtful analysis and constructive ideas on how to navigate a relationship and dating while feminist.
eak1013's review
4.0
If you've been immersed in the feminist blogosphere for any length of time, nothing here is particularly revolutionary, and most of the first half felt very 101, but I enjoy the simple fact that this book exists. I wanted it to go a bit further, and the "I'm going to tell you, I just told you, as you recall in chapter whatsit" was a little wearing, but, again, overall I liked the balance she struck of personal to larger trends.
One picky little point entirely unrelated to the quite nice content of the book: I hated the font. Like, I had no idea I could loathe the typesetting of a book so much. It was just close enough to italics that I kept thinking the primary text was some sort of quote and at some point they would have to go back to regular, easy on the eyes font, right? Right? Also, the moderately thick grey line across the bottom of the page was wildly distracting.
Ah, goodreads. How glad I am that you exist so that I have a place to record my positive, if mild, feelings about book content and my wild, vociferous negative feelings about book layout.
One picky little point entirely unrelated to the quite nice content of the book: I hated the font. Like, I had no idea I could loathe the typesetting of a book so much. It was just close enough to italics that I kept thinking the primary text was some sort of quote and at some point they would have to go back to regular, easy on the eyes font, right? Right? Also, the moderately thick grey line across the bottom of the page was wildly distracting.
Ah, goodreads. How glad I am that you exist so that I have a place to record my positive, if mild, feelings about book content and my wild, vociferous negative feelings about book layout.
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