rustbeltjessie's review against another edition
5.0
This book gave me so much to think about. It doesn’t give any easy answers about what’s ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ in literature, but asks us to question our own preconceptions and desires. I definitely need my own copy, because I wanted to underline so many passages for future reference, but I was reading a copy from the library.
kathrichards's review against another edition
5.0
I do believe that every writer, creator, and reader who has ever worried about cultural appropriation (or/and especially those who have not worried about this), should read this book.
aserra's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
In an enganging, non-judgmental way, Rekdal invites audiences to ruminate on topics that may make many uncomfortable. An important read for any creator and any person engaging with media.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cultural appropriation
spacestationtrustfund's review against another edition
5.0
I love love LOVE reading books by smart people.
madi's review against another edition
4.0
Appropriate by Paisley Rekdal takes the form of letters to an imagined student struggling with the ethics of appropriation in creative writing. This book is a comprehensive overview of all types of appropriation, cultural and not, and while it gives no definitive answers, it guides the reader to make their own decision through thoughtful analysis and historical contexts.
I would say this is a necessary read for any white writer, though I did find some of the information to be surface level, and some of the analysis to be too in depth and academic to be constructive to anyone outside of academia. As a whole, Rekdal does a great job at contextualizing appropriation in all of its different forms, and I’m leaving with a stacked reading list to continue the conversation. Definitely worth reading with a pen & highlighter in hand.
I would say this is a necessary read for any white writer, though I did find some of the information to be surface level, and some of the analysis to be too in depth and academic to be constructive to anyone outside of academia. As a whole, Rekdal does a great job at contextualizing appropriation in all of its different forms, and I’m leaving with a stacked reading list to continue the conversation. Definitely worth reading with a pen & highlighter in hand.