thedustbunnyslibrary's review
4.0
3.8 stars ✨ (but I’ll be generous and round up to 4)
I’ll start by saying I thought this was a great, eye opening topic for a book. While I’ve never been one for much pink or princesses, and always did see the harm in pushing the stereotype, I was still able to take a lot out of this. Peggy Orenstein brought up some points I hadn’t thought of before and taught me a few things.
On the other hand, I do have complaints. I felt that Orenstein was a little harsh, even scornful! Many comments on fat, sexuality, and race came across as cruel to me. I hoped I was reading too much into it, until I saw other reviewers point it out as well. Thankfully, more than once, the author questions aloud if she’s being too narrow minded.
Another complaint of mine is that it easily could’ve been longer. An extra three to five chapters, possibly on more child behavior/influence/psychology, how children play together in and outside of school, clothing/halloween costumes, sexual music & music videos, teens, influences from family members, and girly (or not so girly) culture outside of the US would’ve significantly improved the book for me!
If written 5-10 years later I would’ve liked to hear Orenstein’s thoughts on JoJo Siwa, Maleficent, Youtube toy videos, and controversial movies such as Netflix’s Cuties. I wouldn’t be surprised if she brings these up elsewhere (TED talks, social media, other books perhaps) but this is the first book I’ve read by her and was underwhelmed.
Cinderella Ate My Daughter has further intrigued me to explore the world of young girls’ influences, young boys influences and how they may have toxic masculinity pushed on them, and lives of androgynous children and teens.
I’ll start by saying I thought this was a great, eye opening topic for a book. While I’ve never been one for much pink or princesses, and always did see the harm in pushing the stereotype, I was still able to take a lot out of this. Peggy Orenstein brought up some points I hadn’t thought of before and taught me a few things.
On the other hand, I do have complaints. I felt that Orenstein was a little harsh, even scornful! Many comments on fat, sexuality, and race came across as cruel to me. I hoped I was reading too much into it, until I saw other reviewers point it out as well. Thankfully, more than once, the author questions aloud if she’s being too narrow minded.
Another complaint of mine is that it easily could’ve been longer. An extra three to five chapters, possibly on more child behavior/influence/psychology, how children play together in and outside of school, clothing/halloween costumes, sexual music & music videos, teens, influences from family members, and girly (or not so girly) culture outside of the US would’ve significantly improved the book for me!
If written 5-10 years later I would’ve liked to hear Orenstein’s thoughts on JoJo Siwa, Maleficent, Youtube toy videos, and controversial movies such as Netflix’s Cuties. I wouldn’t be surprised if she brings these up elsewhere (TED talks, social media, other books perhaps) but this is the first book I’ve read by her and was underwhelmed.
Cinderella Ate My Daughter has further intrigued me to explore the world of young girls’ influences, young boys influences and how they may have toxic masculinity pushed on them, and lives of androgynous children and teens.
jleaabell's review
4.0
Read my review at www.calledformotherhood.blogspot.com/2011/05/book-review-cinderella-ate-my-daughter.html
catbooking's review against another edition
4.0
This is less in depth child psychology, and more of an everyday explanation of how to put all that wonderful research into practice. A sort of 'where the rubber meets the road' book. With great simple explanations on why a doll dressed in hooker wear and stripper heels is not an appropriate toy for an 8 year old without needing to provide a primer on feminist theory first.
mjsteimle's review
3.0
Some interesting ideas, although I feel like Orenstein herself is still conflicted about whether or not the girly-girl culture is detrimental to girls.
sde's review
4.0
If, like me, you've been reading occasional books and articles about topics like advertising aimed at kids, the pressure on girls to look perfect, and so forth, then you will not find a lot of new, startling information in this book. Orenstein, however, writes in a very engaging and humorous fashion. She is self-deprecating about her own parenting, and she is rarely preachy. For instance, she attends some kiddie beauty pageants, but she doesn't demonize the parents that enter their daughters. Instead she introduces readers to a few of them and makes them seem like human, caring parents. She also talks about how hard it is not to give in to some of the pinky, girly, sexy, pretty stuff for our daughters - admits to doing it herself - when it is all around us. She provides some tools to help parents deal with this.
Because of Orenstein's approach, this book might be a good one to give to a parent who says, "Well, that's just the way girls are." The book shows in an easy-going way that this is NOT how girls have always been, and just might open some eyes.
Because of Orenstein's approach, this book might be a good one to give to a parent who says, "Well, that's just the way girls are." The book shows in an easy-going way that this is NOT how girls have always been, and just might open some eyes.
greenrain's review
4.0
This book is a brief look at the princess culture that has sprung up around little girls in the past decade. I found the author to be funny, informative, willing to question her own assumptions, and very eager to look at all sides of the story (giving the reader some empathy for pageant moms, is one example). I particularly enjoyed the section about fairytales and might look into some of the books the author cited on the subject.
Some reviews on this site have blasted the author for not being more in depth, but I found this to be a wonderful introduction to the subject. The author is a journalist, not an academic, and I thought she fulfilled her role quite well.
I think anyone would benefit from reading this book, especially those who interact with young children (even boy culture is briefly addressed). This really is a fascinating cultural phenomenon, so anyone could enjoy mulling it over.
Some reviews on this site have blasted the author for not being more in depth, but I found this to be a wonderful introduction to the subject. The author is a journalist, not an academic, and I thought she fulfilled her role quite well.
I think anyone would benefit from reading this book, especially those who interact with young children (even boy culture is briefly addressed). This really is a fascinating cultural phenomenon, so anyone could enjoy mulling it over.