So I saw this book at a used book store and thought, "why not"? And so finally got to read it. For the most part I liked it alright. I had problems here and there. I definitely understand some of the criticisms that I saw leveled at it by Black Amazon back when it first came out. But you know I think it is what it said it was, one woman's experience of life and feminism. That is limiting, and the book showed it. But as one book taken with others, and in knowledge of the goals and limitations of it...? Really a pretty decent primer.
For me personally, I didn't like her tendency to "other" people who are on opposite sides of issues. It felt very short sighted and immature to me. On the other hand, I like the way she "cut the bullshit" on certain issues. I can also see how someone might feel "talked down to" by her choice of tone, however her target are like, 16 year olds, right? I would have loved it then.
All in all, you know what, I don't know if I could write a book. I think it's cool she took it on, and her source list at the end of the book is brilliant. If the women who read it read those too, it will do a lot of good for feminism.
FFF was my stumble into feminism. I saw her on Colbert, and picked it up the next day. I felt simultaneously inspired, and all of the things you mentioned. I liked the snark and tone, and I was 27 at the time.
ReplyDeleteIt is not w/o it's flaws, but you are right, it is a good primer. If I had never read it I would not be where I am now. It gave me that thing I couldn't put my finger on my whole life.