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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Bad Feminist in Books
Nov 23, 2017
A mixed bag of essays
Roxane Gay is a gifted writer no doubt, but like a lot of her more prominent work, there are huge amounts of autobiographical information that didn't seem completely relevant.
Her essays on the intersection of feminism with misogynistic pop culture was incredibly on point, exploring E.L. James' infamous BDSM novel Fifty Shades of Grey, as well as other popular novels such as Twilight. She briefly mentions rape culture and how all of the above feeds into this notion.
Similarly her discussion on how race is portrayed in major Hollywood motion pictures is accurately disturbing - showing how African Americans are used in plots as a way to prop up white protagonists (The Help, Django Unchained).
Some of her other chapters seemed disconnected as if they were put in the book because there was no other place for it. This appears in the chapter on Scrabble. (Playing Scrabble doesn't make you a bad feminist).
There were a lot of haphazard thoughts that didn't quite thread together with the rest of the book ie. abortion rights, and male politicians' views on body autonomy. Gay was pretty adamant on her views on this, which appeared to showcase her opinion that she truly is a feminist.
The underlying message was that you may have flaws by enjoying aspects of pop culture, but as long as you are aware of how important it is that women receive equal rights, you can be any kind of feminist. But the book does feel as if she's trying to prove it to herself and to the world which seems rather unnecessary. We believe you Roxane.
Her essays on the intersection of feminism with misogynistic pop culture was incredibly on point, exploring E.L. James' infamous BDSM novel Fifty Shades of Grey, as well as other popular novels such as Twilight. She briefly mentions rape culture and how all of the above feeds into this notion.
Similarly her discussion on how race is portrayed in major Hollywood motion pictures is accurately disturbing - showing how African Americans are used in plots as a way to prop up white protagonists (The Help, Django Unchained).
Some of her other chapters seemed disconnected as if they were put in the book because there was no other place for it. This appears in the chapter on Scrabble. (Playing Scrabble doesn't make you a bad feminist).
There were a lot of haphazard thoughts that didn't quite thread together with the rest of the book ie. abortion rights, and male politicians' views on body autonomy. Gay was pretty adamant on her views on this, which appeared to showcase her opinion that she truly is a feminist.
The underlying message was that you may have flaws by enjoying aspects of pop culture, but as long as you are aware of how important it is that women receive equal rights, you can be any kind of feminist. But the book does feel as if she's trying to prove it to herself and to the world which seems rather unnecessary. We believe you Roxane.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Thorn Queen (Dark Swan, #2) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I liked this book more than the first in the series, Storm Born, simply because the complaints I had about the first book were answered to in this one. I thought that Dorian was by far a better match for Eugenie than Kiyo, and really, Kiyo just becomes a major wimp in this book. Even his ability in the bedroom is shown up by Eugenie's mere memories of Dorian - and that's just sad.
The second complaint I had in the first book is also answered for - but definitely not in a good way, as it was about how Richelle Mead wrote Eugenie's reactions to the multiple rape attempts made on her. This book took things much further and really drew an emotional reaction from me. I really hope that the next two books don't revisit this issue. Moving on.
Dorian is nearly perfect in every way in this book, answering to Eugenie's many sensitivities and internal struggles, as well as exacting justice when Kiyo was too cowardly to do the deed. Honestly, I'm at the point where if Dorian says to do it, Eugenie should do it. After all, I loved that Dorian tricked Eugenie into claiming Aeson's kingdom, as she genuinely cares about and wants to help her people just as much as she would want to in the human world.
Oh yes, and some of the other quirks of this plot were quite enjoyable, such as watching Eugenie gain greater access to her storm abilities, as well as her angsty half-sister Jasmine coming to her aid at the end. I look forward to reading the next installment, Iron Crowned.
The second complaint I had in the first book is also answered for - but definitely not in a good way, as it was about how Richelle Mead wrote Eugenie's reactions to the multiple rape attempts made on her. This book took things much further and really drew an emotional reaction from me. I really hope that the next two books don't revisit this issue. Moving on.
Dorian is nearly perfect in every way in this book, answering to Eugenie's many sensitivities and internal struggles, as well as exacting justice when Kiyo was too cowardly to do the deed. Honestly, I'm at the point where if Dorian says to do it, Eugenie should do it. After all, I loved that Dorian tricked Eugenie into claiming Aeson's kingdom, as she genuinely cares about and wants to help her people just as much as she would want to in the human world.
Oh yes, and some of the other quirks of this plot were quite enjoyable, such as watching Eugenie gain greater access to her storm abilities, as well as her angsty half-sister Jasmine coming to her aid at the end. I look forward to reading the next installment, Iron Crowned.
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Anatomy of a Scandal in Books
Jun 5, 2019
Anatomy of a Scandal is based around three central characters. First there’s James, the suave, charismatic family man and politician who is also good friends with the Prime Minister. He’s wealthy and over-privileged. Then we meet Kate, the young, ruthlessly ambitious prosecutor, who’s determined to see James get the guilty verdict he deserves. She’s also good at her job and made her name prosecuting the very worst sexual assault cases. Finally we meet Sophie, James’ wife who has been dating James since college and knows him better than anyone else. All have a vital part to play in this psychological, legal drama, which starts with a shocking scandal being revealed, which is then dissected in court.
James is accused of rape one of his assistants, but did he do it? While his wife Sophie is seemingly supportive on the outside, on the inside her mind is going crazy thinking about his alleged crimes and what he could in fact be capable of. Just how long can she remain loyal as the story unfolds?
We travel from the court case, back in time to Oxford in the 90s and into the current murky goings on within the privileged political world, where money, corruption and power rule the day.
This is an extremely well written and cleverly plotted, insightful story, which I can easily see adapted into a BBC drama, very much like Louise Doughty’s Apple Tree Yard.
Sarah Vaughan has mastered a treat for us with Anatomy of a Scandal, a sharp, engrossing and poignant political drama, which highlights some shocking hard-hitting facts with sensitivity and realism. Terrific!
James is accused of rape one of his assistants, but did he do it? While his wife Sophie is seemingly supportive on the outside, on the inside her mind is going crazy thinking about his alleged crimes and what he could in fact be capable of. Just how long can she remain loyal as the story unfolds?
We travel from the court case, back in time to Oxford in the 90s and into the current murky goings on within the privileged political world, where money, corruption and power rule the day.
This is an extremely well written and cleverly plotted, insightful story, which I can easily see adapted into a BBC drama, very much like Louise Doughty’s Apple Tree Yard.
Sarah Vaughan has mastered a treat for us with Anatomy of a Scandal, a sharp, engrossing and poignant political drama, which highlights some shocking hard-hitting facts with sensitivity and realism. Terrific!
Merissa (12902 KP) rated To the Boys Who Wear Pink in Books
Mar 31, 2020
To The Boys Who Wear Pink is a standalone novel that details the lives of seven (sometimes eight) men from individual points of view through current time and flashbacks. Most of them were at the same school and we find out what their lives were like, who they were with etc. And then they grow up and a tragedy occurs. It is only about three-quarters through the book when you actually get the full picture but the hints are definitely enough to keep you turning the pages.
This is a dark story, with many subjects such as being overweight, drug use, excessive drinking, self harm, and rape being covered in personal histories. Although I personally didn't like some of the characters, I thought the way they were written was simply brilliant.
There is no HEA in this book. It would be wrong to have one. I'm not actually sure about the ending. It was right in one way but... I don't know. Some of the characters I was happy with how their story ended (for now) and some I wanted more for them. I'll leave it to you to figure out which was which.
This is a great read, told from many differing perspectives, and no, it doesn't always make sense. What does if you are drunk or on drugs? However, the overall effect was one I thoroughly enjoyed and therefore I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a dark story, with many subjects such as being overweight, drug use, excessive drinking, self harm, and rape being covered in personal histories. Although I personally didn't like some of the characters, I thought the way they were written was simply brilliant.
There is no HEA in this book. It would be wrong to have one. I'm not actually sure about the ending. It was right in one way but... I don't know. Some of the characters I was happy with how their story ended (for now) and some I wanted more for them. I'll leave it to you to figure out which was which.
This is a great read, told from many differing perspectives, and no, it doesn't always make sense. What does if you are drunk or on drugs? However, the overall effect was one I thoroughly enjoyed and therefore I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Bringing Down the Krays: Finally the Truth About Ronnie and Reggie by the Man Who Took Them Down
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'The Krays were out of control. They had the East End buttoned up too tight and someone had to undo...
Gender at Work: Theory and Practice for 21st Century Organizations
Aruna Rao, Joanne Sandler, David Kelleher and Carol Miller
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At a time when some corporate women leaders are advocating for their aspiring sisters to 'lean in'...
Testosterone: The Molecule Behind Power, Sex, and the Will to Win
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We inherit mechanisms for survival from our primeval past; none so obviously as those involved in...
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated Let Me Make You A Martyr (2016) in Movies
Jun 15, 2020
Contains spoilers, click to show
Drew Glass returns to his home town to reconnect with his stepsister & lover June and to right the wrongs of his past.
Let Me Make You A Martyr starts off as a slow paced ‘Tarantino’ esq. film. The story is mostly told by Drew, parts of the film are shown out of sequence and follow two story lines which converge around an hour in.
The film has a very dark tone and features themes of drug use, violence, people trafficking and rape although most of the violence takes place off screen or on the edge of the screen, giving just the hint of what is happening, and that’s the thing about ‘Let Me Make You A Martyr’, it’s not an action film. It has the feel of something from Tarantino but with a much slower pace. The violence is almost subdued, being of screen or shot through a filter.
Like a Tarantino move ‘Let Me Make You A Martyr’ goes from talking to silence and back to talking and, as the film goes on you notice that there are a lot of musings about death and the afterlife. Death and the afterlife are themes that runs throughout the film which even has a killer called Pope (Played by Marilyn Manson).
If you want a fast paced action film then ‘Let Me Make You A Martyr’ is not for you and the films ending is possibly not what you’d expect from a revenge movie, leaving off with at least one question but, if you can handle a dark, slow, sometimes non liner film then give ‘Let Me Make You A Martyr’ a watch.
Let Me Make You A Martyr starts off as a slow paced ‘Tarantino’ esq. film. The story is mostly told by Drew, parts of the film are shown out of sequence and follow two story lines which converge around an hour in.
The film has a very dark tone and features themes of drug use, violence, people trafficking and rape although most of the violence takes place off screen or on the edge of the screen, giving just the hint of what is happening, and that’s the thing about ‘Let Me Make You A Martyr’, it’s not an action film. It has the feel of something from Tarantino but with a much slower pace. The violence is almost subdued, being of screen or shot through a filter.
Like a Tarantino move ‘Let Me Make You A Martyr’ goes from talking to silence and back to talking and, as the film goes on you notice that there are a lot of musings about death and the afterlife. Death and the afterlife are themes that runs throughout the film which even has a killer called Pope (Played by Marilyn Manson).
If you want a fast paced action film then ‘Let Me Make You A Martyr’ is not for you and the films ending is possibly not what you’d expect from a revenge movie, leaving off with at least one question but, if you can handle a dark, slow, sometimes non liner film then give ‘Let Me Make You A Martyr’ a watch.
IW
In Womens Words: Violence & Everyday Life During the Indonesian Occupation of East Timor, 19751999
Book
Drawing primarily upon oral history interviews, this study presents a woman-centred history of the...
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Mayhem in Books
Aug 25, 2020
YA feminist mash-up inspired by The Lost Boys and The Craft.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
A YA feminist mash-up inspired by The Lost Boys and The Craft. That's the first line of the description of Mayhem by Estelle Laure, which meant it was a book I just had to read. It was later changed to describe it as The Lost Boys meets Wilder Girls. I am glad I saw the earlier description because I probably would not have been so eager to read it.
When Mayhem Brayburn and her mom flee from an abusive stepfather/husband and return to Roxy's family home, Mayhem hopes to discover her mother's secrets and more about herself. What she learns is magic runs through the female lineage in her family, and the Brayburn women are responsible for keeping the town safe. Now, it is her generation, Mayhem and the kids who live with the Brayburns, to find the serial killer responsible for the missing girls.
Many reviewers rated the book low because it resembles The Lost Boys. Mayhem does pay homage to it. The Frog brothers make an appearance, and a few famous lines from the movie are included. However, Mayhem stands on its own.
Mayhem contains adult themes including rape and should be read by older YA readers.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/15/20 and updated on 8/24/20.
A YA feminist mash-up inspired by The Lost Boys and The Craft. That's the first line of the description of Mayhem by Estelle Laure, which meant it was a book I just had to read. It was later changed to describe it as The Lost Boys meets Wilder Girls. I am glad I saw the earlier description because I probably would not have been so eager to read it.
When Mayhem Brayburn and her mom flee from an abusive stepfather/husband and return to Roxy's family home, Mayhem hopes to discover her mother's secrets and more about herself. What she learns is magic runs through the female lineage in her family, and the Brayburn women are responsible for keeping the town safe. Now, it is her generation, Mayhem and the kids who live with the Brayburns, to find the serial killer responsible for the missing girls.
Many reviewers rated the book low because it resembles The Lost Boys. Mayhem does pay homage to it. The Frog brothers make an appearance, and a few famous lines from the movie are included. However, Mayhem stands on its own.
Mayhem contains adult themes including rape and should be read by older YA readers.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/15/20 and updated on 8/24/20.