ginbott's review
5.0
Funny, insightful and very honest. Pascoe presents a history of bodies and behaviour and delves into perceptions, projection, cultural bias, fear and misunderstanding.
It is, sometimes simultaneously, illuminating and infuriating to read her findings. It's eye-opening to discover how much of what we perceive as attitude or habit actually has roots in our evolutionary past - and how much everyday practices, laws and individual beliefs spring from this same foundation. There seems to be a whole lot going on within our bodies and brains that we are not consciously aware of (anymore).
But more than presenting a well-researched thesis on the nature and role of females throughout history, Pascoe uses herself as a case-study in a disarmingly entertaining and genuinely brave manner. Rarely have I read an author more willing to present their own flaws and mistakes, as well as insecurities to analyse ideas and test (once) accepted notions. It's refreshing and it works.
Pascoe 's exploration of the female and the female body - and how perspectives are shaped, influenced and changed - is relevant and worth a read whatever sex you are.
It is, sometimes simultaneously, illuminating and infuriating to read her findings. It's eye-opening to discover how much of what we perceive as attitude or habit actually has roots in our evolutionary past - and how much everyday practices, laws and individual beliefs spring from this same foundation. There seems to be a whole lot going on within our bodies and brains that we are not consciously aware of (anymore).
But more than presenting a well-researched thesis on the nature and role of females throughout history, Pascoe uses herself as a case-study in a disarmingly entertaining and genuinely brave manner. Rarely have I read an author more willing to present their own flaws and mistakes, as well as insecurities to analyse ideas and test (once) accepted notions. It's refreshing and it works.
Pascoe 's exploration of the female and the female body - and how perspectives are shaped, influenced and changed - is relevant and worth a read whatever sex you are.
michaelbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
niamh15's review
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
medium-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm and Eating disorder
wanderaven's review
4.0
Drunk off my whirlwind bookstore tour during my recent trip to London, I didn't know how to stop and at Heathrow, at the last moment, I went into the newsagent greedily looking for even more.
I walked away with Sara Pascoe's Animal: The Autobiography of a Female Body, (along with two more - they were having a three for two sale, what was I supposed to do, buy only one or two?) I thought I didn't know who Pascoe is until I was told by the book jacket/remembered that she is in The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret (I haven't seen past the first season). I've since discovered she's also a stand-up comedienne.
I started Animal on the plane and am now a fanatical convert. Animal is a memoir, incredibly funny, and above all a fascinating critique and education of the history of women's bodies and sexuality. She discusses the anthropological theories as to how we got to where we are, physically, sexually, sociologically.
There are certainly things here that readers will already know, there were for me, but there were also a lot of illuminating and surprising theories and facts. She writes of the obvious patriarchal history and current states that affect almost all women in the world, just some more than others. But she also addresses how we often internalize these societal standards and turn them against ourselves and other women, perpetuating the standard.
And she's also clever and pointed and so very funny about it all.
I walked away with Sara Pascoe's Animal: The Autobiography of a Female Body, (along with two more - they were having a three for two sale, what was I supposed to do, buy only one or two?) I thought I didn't know who Pascoe is until I was told by the book jacket/remembered that she is in The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret (I haven't seen past the first season). I've since discovered she's also a stand-up comedienne.
I started Animal on the plane and am now a fanatical convert. Animal is a memoir, incredibly funny, and above all a fascinating critique and education of the history of women's bodies and sexuality. She discusses the anthropological theories as to how we got to where we are, physically, sexually, sociologically.
There are certainly things here that readers will already know, there were for me, but there were also a lot of illuminating and surprising theories and facts. She writes of the obvious patriarchal history and current states that affect almost all women in the world, just some more than others. But she also addresses how we often internalize these societal standards and turn them against ourselves and other women, perpetuating the standard.
And she's also clever and pointed and so very funny about it all.
jhains's review
challenging
emotional
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
3.75
Very informative reading as a man, parts are very eye opening. But she adds humour to parts to keep the mood light on a serious subject
readingthruthewards22's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0