ryliebaldwin's review against another edition
4.0
This is the most FEMINIST young-adult book. Loved this book and is so amazing. Very well written and the amazing storytelling. I will definitely be looking for more by this author <3
#gaslightgatekeepgirlboss
#gaslightgatekeepgirlboss
anotherhel's review against another edition
4.0
This book is about rape, violence and a weird girl getting back into society.
This is going to crush your feelings. It's so good. I really liked all the view points of this. I fell in love with each character. Even Brandley!! Thank god the "bitchy" character is well explained and not slut shammed.
Seriously though this book is brutally honest and I really recommend it to everyone.
This is going to crush your feelings. It's so good. I really liked all the view points of this. I fell in love with each character. Even Brandley!! Thank god the "bitchy" character is well explained and not slut shammed.
But boys will be boys, our favorite phrase that excuses so many things, while the only thing we have for the opposite gender is women, said with disdain and punctuated with an eye roll.
Seriously though this book is brutally honest and I really recommend it to everyone.
jazzyjan94's review against another edition
4.0
The Female of the Species follows Alex Craft who is familiar with violence, as well as what it is like to kill someone. Her older sister, Amanda was found raped and murdered three years ago, and her killer was allowed to walk free. However, Alex decided to do something about it, and no one knows that she is responsible for his death. As a result she believes that she can't be trusted around other people, because she never knows when her violent streak will make an appearance. But, the star athlete of her school, Jack is entranced by her and wants to get close to her, even though she keeps trying to find reasons and put up walls to keep him out. Jack also feels guilty for his actions on the night that Anna's body is discovered and wants to find some way to atone for it. And then we are introduced to Peekay, the pastor's kid who is trying to distance herself from that label, who gets to know Alex at the local animal shelter that they volunteer at. This is a dark novel that deals with timely topic of rape culture.
This novel deals with several topics such as anger and guilt. One quote that was told from Jack's perspective was, "Anger makes you tired, but guilt keeps you from falling asleep" (38). In reference to how he feels guilt from his actions the night that Anna's body was discovered. Readers also learn that Alex's mom is neglectful, almost to a fault.
Another one of the main themes discussed is sexual assault and rape culture, as well as the societal sin of telling a victim that "she was asking for it" because of how she was dressed. The first time this shows up is when all the students are in an assembly and someone in the audience suggests that one of the popular girls, Branley, would be the one in five girls to hypothetically get raped. Obviously Branley is described as being upset by this comment, and rightfully so.
There is also a lot of discussion about how sexual assault shouldn't happen and that perpetrators should not be allowed to walk free, especially if they are capable of doing it again. There are a couple of quotes from the book that stuck out that deal with this topic. The first one talking about the law and how it doesn't always work the way we think it should, "It shouldn't be this easy. There are laws in place that stop us from doing things. This is what we tell ourselves. In truth we stop ourselves; the law is a guideline for how to punish someone who is caught" (238). Another quote is in reference to the discovery that one of the character's uncle's s a child molester and how it is common crime that is committed, "I live in a world where not being molested as child is considered luck" (239).
Mindy McGinnis also makes good use of metaphors throughout the book, one in particular is when Jack finds out that Alex is a murderer and tries to distance himself from her, he goes and cuts down the tree where he told her he loved her.
There is also some exploration about the ethical implications of what Alex did. On the one hand she did rid the world of a rapist and murderer, but on the other hand she still committed murder. She is portrayed as a morally gray character because she has good intentions and motives, however her actions are wrong. And we even see her struggle with that. However, she tries to only go after those who are predators and she does it with the intention of making sure no one else in her small town ends up like her sister.
Another theme that is touched upon is that of identity, especially for Peekay, who is trying to distance herself from being the preacher's kid. It also touches on that topic with Branley - even though she is more of a minor character - as she has been led to believe that she is just a sex object, and that that is all she is good for and as a result she lives up to that expectation even though there is more to her than that.
The whole novel is a tragedy, especially the ending. This can be a hard book to get through because of the subject matter, however it is an important book to read. 4/5 Stars.
This novel deals with several topics such as anger and guilt. One quote that was told from Jack's perspective was, "Anger makes you tired, but guilt keeps you from falling asleep" (38). In reference to how he feels guilt from his actions the night that Anna's body was discovered. Readers also learn that Alex's mom is neglectful, almost to a fault.
Another one of the main themes discussed is sexual assault and rape culture, as well as the societal sin of telling a victim that "she was asking for it" because of how she was dressed. The first time this shows up is when all the students are in an assembly and someone in the audience suggests that one of the popular girls, Branley, would be the one in five girls to hypothetically get raped. Obviously Branley is described as being upset by this comment, and rightfully so.
There is also a lot of discussion about how sexual assault shouldn't happen and that perpetrators should not be allowed to walk free, especially if they are capable of doing it again. There are a couple of quotes from the book that stuck out that deal with this topic. The first one talking about the law and how it doesn't always work the way we think it should, "It shouldn't be this easy. There are laws in place that stop us from doing things. This is what we tell ourselves. In truth we stop ourselves; the law is a guideline for how to punish someone who is caught" (238). Another quote is in reference to the discovery that one of the character's uncle's s a child molester and how it is common crime that is committed, "I live in a world where not being molested as child is considered luck" (239).
Mindy McGinnis also makes good use of metaphors throughout the book, one in particular is when Jack finds out that Alex is a murderer and tries to distance himself from her, he goes and cuts down the tree where he told her he loved her.
There is also some exploration about the ethical implications of what Alex did. On the one hand she did rid the world of a rapist and murderer, but on the other hand she still committed murder. She is portrayed as a morally gray character because she has good intentions and motives, however her actions are wrong. And we even see her struggle with that. However, she tries to only go after those who are predators and she does it with the intention of making sure no one else in her small town ends up like her sister.
Another theme that is touched upon is that of identity, especially for Peekay, who is trying to distance herself from being the preacher's kid. It also touches on that topic with Branley - even though she is more of a minor character - as she has been led to believe that she is just a sex object, and that that is all she is good for and as a result she lives up to that expectation even though there is more to her than that.
The whole novel is a tragedy, especially the ending. This can be a hard book to get through because of the subject matter, however it is an important book to read. 4/5 Stars.
riverbarret's review against another edition
4.0
This book took risks! I really enjoyed my time reading this. I just wish it had been a little longer and had a bit more of a nuanced discussion about sexism. But I did like mainly reading about Alex.
stephanieclaire's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
katieeigenfeld's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
myrvd's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 STARS
I really really like this one! No wonder it got the praises, definitely deserves it!
First of all, the heavy topic that this book brought about rape culture is so important. And I don't see many books discuss it.
Secondly, the plot was really good. Yeah some parts are not my favorite, like how come in the end Jack still thinks it's a good idea to meet up with Branley alone in the abandoned church. But knowing his perspective helps a lot. It made us able to see how his relationship really works with Branley.
The characters are good. Some of it, to be honest, are not my favorite. Like Jack and Branley. I really like Alex and Claire tho.
I really enjoy the writing style and the plot.
I enjoy the multi POVs.
I really like the main heavy topic this book brought. It opens so many discussions about rape culture.
Overall, it's a really good thriller that exceeds my expectations.
I really really like this one! No wonder it got the praises, definitely deserves it!
First of all, the heavy topic that this book brought about rape culture is so important. And I don't see many books discuss it.
Secondly, the plot was really good. Yeah some parts are not my favorite, like how come in the end Jack still thinks it's a good idea to meet up with Branley alone in the abandoned church. But knowing his perspective helps a lot. It made us able to see how his relationship really works with Branley.
The characters are good. Some of it, to be honest, are not my favorite. Like Jack and Branley. I really like Alex and Claire tho.
I really enjoy the writing style and the plot.
I enjoy the multi POVs.
I really like the main heavy topic this book brought. It opens so many discussions about rape culture.
Overall, it's a really good thriller that exceeds my expectations.
nunib28's review against another edition
4.0
I don't know what to write. It was weird, dark but interesting. I give it a 4.5 stars.
everthereader's review against another edition
4.0
Review Posted On: Eden of Books
Spoiler Free Review:
The main reason I wanted to read this book is because of the focus on rape culture. Rape is something I've only heard of, but it stands as one of my worst nightmares and fears. It's honestly so terrible that people have to live in a society where we live in fear of someone taking our dignity away by sexual assault. Throughout my life, rape has been something barely brought to the surface, always pushed to the side. People would murmur about it in secret, crack jokes about claiming that the victim was asking for it. Despite the issues I had this book, it's message was clear and I'm so appreciative to the author for writing an impactful story.
The plot revolves around the overarching message on rape culture. It takes place in a Southern small town where most of the teenagers are oblivious and ignorant about sexual assault. Throughout the course of the story, Alex motivates the main characters to open their eyes to rape culture. To acknowledge that it exists and can happen to you or one of you can even inflict it on to someone else. I think Mindy McGinnis did a really great job at bringing rape culture to the surface and identifying it as an issue.
"But boys will be boys, our favorite phrase that excuses so many things, while the only thing we have for the opposite gender is women, said with disdain and punctuated with an eye roll."
This quote really sums up on so many prevalent, misogynistic issues in today's society. As someone who witnesses so many boys being excused for their disgusting behavior, this line speaks to me. I've always wondered why there was the term boys will be boys but never girls will be girls. It took me a while to realize that whenever a girl does try to be herself, she's immediately shunned and shamed for her behavior.
There was also the issue of slut shaming which again was dealt with wonderfully.
"You shouldn't be that way about her," Alex says. "I hear what people say and I bet half of it isn't even true. And even if it is - fine. She's no different from you and me; she wants to have sex. So let her…She likes boys, and she can get them. You were hurt by that, but it wasn't Branley who hurt you. It was Adam."
I remember so many times when my one friends would look at the way a certain girl would dress and automatically judge her for the amount of makeup she wore and how revealing her clothes were. See, the girls who consistently slut shame are not immediately bad, just misguided and are acting on instinct. They immediately see something that society claims is terrible and it makes them feel good to judge someone else to make themselves feel better. Once again, McGinnis did an amazing job at taking down slut shaming.
Despite McGinnis's great messages, I did want their to be more representation. All of the characters were white and there was only one very minor character that was lesbian. By adding POC and people of different sexualities would make the message seem even more clearer. That anyone can be raped, regardless of race or sexuality.
The story is told through three perspectives, Alex, Jack and Peekay. Out of the three, I found Alex's chapters to be the most intriguing, Peekay's the most redeemable and Jack's chapters were just irritatingly boring. Alex had the most interesting mind out of all them, her chapters were morbidly fascinating. Her thoughts differed from the "average teenager", she was so much more self aware on societal issues on rape culture and slut shaming. I loved how Alex quietly motivated the characters in this book, they gradually opened their eyes through her actions and words. Alex was still very flawed and had her own demons to deal with. I'll admit I was half expecting a main character driven by anger and grief, someone who clearly has anger management issues, the more bad-girl-esque character. Alex was more so driven by purpose along with grief. As problematic her methods of punishing the rapists were, she still made me feel like they were justified. Alex was definitely the most relateable and powerful character.
Peekay is your average "I'm a good girl to everyone else but in reality, I drink and I'm a supposed bad girl in my head." In the beginning, I didn't like her much, she was hung up on an idiotic ex-boyfriend and there was a lot of girl hate and slut shaming towards one of her classmates. I did like her friendship with Alex since I haven't read a genuine female friendship in a while. Overall, Peekay was a pretty redeemable character, so I decided to give the benefit of the doubt. Then there is Jack, the quintessential, popular white f*ckboy. To be completely honest, I didn't see the appeal in his character as a love interest. I would have liked a friendship over a romance (always) and it felt too forced and just meh, in general. Though I do the purpose of his character, I ended up not liking him very much.
Although I wasn't a huge fan of the ending, it did take me by surprise. The more I think about it, the ending was pretty powerful and did leave an impact. Even after finishing it, I still find myself thinking about the story and its message. Overall, I would highly recommend this book for everyone, especially teenagers. As someone who attends high school and witnesses so many of these issues taking place in this book, I'm hoping that this story will open some eyes to the disgusting horrors of rape culture.
Rating: 4/5
Spoiler Free Review:
The main reason I wanted to read this book is because of the focus on rape culture. Rape is something I've only heard of, but it stands as one of my worst nightmares and fears. It's honestly so terrible that people have to live in a society where we live in fear of someone taking our dignity away by sexual assault. Throughout my life, rape has been something barely brought to the surface, always pushed to the side. People would murmur about it in secret, crack jokes about claiming that the victim was asking for it. Despite the issues I had this book, it's message was clear and I'm so appreciative to the author for writing an impactful story.
The plot revolves around the overarching message on rape culture. It takes place in a Southern small town where most of the teenagers are oblivious and ignorant about sexual assault. Throughout the course of the story, Alex motivates the main characters to open their eyes to rape culture. To acknowledge that it exists and can happen to you or one of you can even inflict it on to someone else. I think Mindy McGinnis did a really great job at bringing rape culture to the surface and identifying it as an issue.
"But boys will be boys, our favorite phrase that excuses so many things, while the only thing we have for the opposite gender is women, said with disdain and punctuated with an eye roll."
This quote really sums up on so many prevalent, misogynistic issues in today's society. As someone who witnesses so many boys being excused for their disgusting behavior, this line speaks to me. I've always wondered why there was the term boys will be boys but never girls will be girls. It took me a while to realize that whenever a girl does try to be herself, she's immediately shunned and shamed for her behavior.
There was also the issue of slut shaming which again was dealt with wonderfully.
"You shouldn't be that way about her," Alex says. "I hear what people say and I bet half of it isn't even true. And even if it is - fine. She's no different from you and me; she wants to have sex. So let her…She likes boys, and she can get them. You were hurt by that, but it wasn't Branley who hurt you. It was Adam."
I remember so many times when my one friends would look at the way a certain girl would dress and automatically judge her for the amount of makeup she wore and how revealing her clothes were. See, the girls who consistently slut shame are not immediately bad, just misguided and are acting on instinct. They immediately see something that society claims is terrible and it makes them feel good to judge someone else to make themselves feel better. Once again, McGinnis did an amazing job at taking down slut shaming.
Despite McGinnis's great messages, I did want their to be more representation. All of the characters were white and there was only one very minor character that was lesbian. By adding POC and people of different sexualities would make the message seem even more clearer. That anyone can be raped, regardless of race or sexuality.
The story is told through three perspectives, Alex, Jack and Peekay. Out of the three, I found Alex's chapters to be the most intriguing, Peekay's the most redeemable and Jack's chapters were just irritatingly boring. Alex had the most interesting mind out of all them, her chapters were morbidly fascinating. Her thoughts differed from the "average teenager", she was so much more self aware on societal issues on rape culture and slut shaming. I loved how Alex quietly motivated the characters in this book, they gradually opened their eyes through her actions and words. Alex was still very flawed and had her own demons to deal with. I'll admit I was half expecting a main character driven by anger and grief, someone who clearly has anger management issues, the more bad-girl-esque character. Alex was more so driven by purpose along with grief. As problematic her methods of punishing the rapists were, she still made me feel like they were justified. Alex was definitely the most relateable and powerful character.
Peekay is your average "I'm a good girl to everyone else but in reality, I drink and I'm a supposed bad girl in my head." In the beginning, I didn't like her much, she was hung up on an idiotic ex-boyfriend and there was a lot of girl hate and slut shaming towards one of her classmates. I did like her friendship with Alex since I haven't read a genuine female friendship in a while. Overall, Peekay was a pretty redeemable character, so I decided to give the benefit of the doubt. Then there is Jack, the quintessential, popular white f*ckboy. To be completely honest, I didn't see the appeal in his character as a love interest. I would have liked a friendship over a romance (always) and it felt too forced and just meh, in general. Though I do the purpose of his character, I ended up not liking him very much.
Although I wasn't a huge fan of the ending, it did take me by surprise. The more I think about it, the ending was pretty powerful and did leave an impact. Even after finishing it, I still find myself thinking about the story and its message. Overall, I would highly recommend this book for everyone, especially teenagers. As someone who attends high school and witnesses so many of these issues taking place in this book, I'm hoping that this story will open some eyes to the disgusting horrors of rape culture.
Rating: 4/5