daniellebeverly's review
4.0
I underlined so many quotes from this book! Kate Bolick writes like a true journalist, using words I constantly had to look up –but I love that. I felt like I learned so much from reading this book…about the history of marriage and singleness, and it really opened my mind to think differently about what it would mean to choose a life of solitude. And how that’s a valid option –one that should not be frowned upon. A must-read for any single woman out there, trying to live out her "spinster wish."
kitkat2500's review
3.0
This is not the book I expected it to be, and judging by the reviews posted by other readers, I'm not alone!
Once I got over my disappointment, I found the book to be a curious mixture: part memoir, part feminist history (through her chapters about the lives of 5 historical feminists who inspired her, living unconventional lives that were sometimes as spinsters), and part sociology (interesting examination of society's expectations of women, and also the status of single women over the past 100 years).
I liked parts of the book, but overall it was too long. The 5 historical figures are mainly artists, and although parts of their stories were interesting, I found the narrative sometimes hard to follow. The author's own life is depicted as a series of relationships, between which she dates almost constantly. So although she self identifies as a spinster, it's hard to line up the definition with her love life. She seems to be more of a commitment phobe than a spinster. And the book ends as she starts another long-term relationship, and muses about whether or not she will have a baby...
The part I found interesting was about the history of women entering the labour force in the US, and how this movement allowed for women to achieve financial independence from men (thereby allowing a woman to live without the financial support of a father / husband).
It's also fun to read about someone pushing back at the societal tugs of conventionality and conformity.
Once I got over my disappointment, I found the book to be a curious mixture: part memoir, part feminist history (through her chapters about the lives of 5 historical feminists who inspired her, living unconventional lives that were sometimes as spinsters), and part sociology (interesting examination of society's expectations of women, and also the status of single women over the past 100 years).
I liked parts of the book, but overall it was too long. The 5 historical figures are mainly artists, and although parts of their stories were interesting, I found the narrative sometimes hard to follow. The author's own life is depicted as a series of relationships, between which she dates almost constantly. So although she self identifies as a spinster, it's hard to line up the definition with her love life. She seems to be more of a commitment phobe than a spinster. And the book ends as she starts another long-term relationship, and muses about whether or not she will have a baby...
The part I found interesting was about the history of women entering the labour force in the US, and how this movement allowed for women to achieve financial independence from men (thereby allowing a woman to live without the financial support of a father / husband).
It's also fun to read about someone pushing back at the societal tugs of conventionality and conformity.
dixiet's review
3.0
This book is full of interesting information about the author's "awakeners," five writers spanning a period from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s, not all technically spinsters, but all feminists unimpressed with the institution of marriage. I enjoyed their biographical information but was less enchanted with the author's own story. Though technically a spinster herself, far too much of the book was given over to many tales of lovers, boyfriends, and would-be husbands. I was put off increasingly as the book went on and the author made numerous references to her addiction to dating, including the implication that a potential date waited virtually everywhere she went. I actually flipped to the back cover to see what the woman looked like who turned heads so constantly -- no photo available. In all honesty it felt a bit forced and put on -- and truly unnecessary to the story I thought she was trying to tell. I also thought it was interesting that all of her "awakeners" were sought-after by men, sometimes by women as well, and portrayed as fascinating women or beautiful women or both.
In the end, I really have no idea what she thinks about being a spinster. The story seemed frayed by the end and trailed off without ever making the grand point that I thought was surely coming, after all these stories of spinsters through the ages and the self-examination (such as it was) of her own life. I'm not sorry I read this book but I ended up disappointed, and with no greater insight into myself (a 57-year-old "spinster") than when I began.
In the end, I really have no idea what she thinks about being a spinster. The story seemed frayed by the end and trailed off without ever making the grand point that I thought was surely coming, after all these stories of spinsters through the ages and the self-examination (such as it was) of her own life. I'm not sorry I read this book but I ended up disappointed, and with no greater insight into myself (a 57-year-old "spinster") than when I began.
teri's review
DNF
I really wanted this to be something else, and it was just kinda boring. I was looking more for a critique on how the world views single women and holds marriage up as the ideal.
I really wanted this to be something else, and it was just kinda boring. I was looking more for a critique on how the world views single women and holds marriage up as the ideal.
iamericat22's review
2.0
Spinster's Beautiful Cover Design Draws More Interest Than Content
a book review by
Erica Tuggle
If we were judging Spinster by its book cover, this one would be a home run. The attractive, young looking woman on the front, proclaiming spinster-hood seems like a battle cry feminists can rally behind. Not to mention that this design is coupled with the well-written book blurb within the inside flap of the book, promising us insight into why over 100 million women (and growing) are electing to forgo marriage in favor of more freedom; ignoring the choice set before all females from the earliest playtime imaginings, who to marry and when?
With such a high bar to clear, a bar of such intrigue, it was highly disappointing to find that this book missed the mark. Spinster promised to include Kate Bolick's story of electing to remain single and embrace all the opportunities it affords, but in actuality, the book leans heavily on the memoir aspect and lightly on pertinent interesting information.
Bolick, 45, (pictured on the cover, and looking all of about 28) details her life thus far through her relationships with men referred to in an alphabet soup of single letters, and also through her "awakeners": Neith Boyce, Maeve Brennan, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Edna St. Vincent Millay, and Edith Wharton. The factoids about the women who influenced Bolick's decision to remain unattached are interesting, but not penetrating. Bolick's own story of relationship interactions reads like a polished and fussy journal entry of hindsight revelations. I was desperately seeking interesting reasons why women would choose to buck tradition and go their own way, but Bolick's window is small and extends no further than Victorian era ladies and her own privileged upbringing and opportunities.
Bolick failed to get an emotional or intellectual response from me with Spinster. The only moment I found myself wanting to hear her story was when she related her last days with her mother with the reader. Perhaps, like Bolick opines of other literary works, Spinster is akin to some books find you when you need them, and I'm not the demographic she was searching for. At least I can offer kudos to her for her choice in "spinsterhood" and for sharing her story.
I received a copy of "Spinster: Making a Life of One's Own" through the site Blogging for Books.
a book review by
Erica Tuggle
If we were judging Spinster by its book cover, this one would be a home run. The attractive, young looking woman on the front, proclaiming spinster-hood seems like a battle cry feminists can rally behind. Not to mention that this design is coupled with the well-written book blurb within the inside flap of the book, promising us insight into why over 100 million women (and growing) are electing to forgo marriage in favor of more freedom; ignoring the choice set before all females from the earliest playtime imaginings, who to marry and when?
With such a high bar to clear, a bar of such intrigue, it was highly disappointing to find that this book missed the mark. Spinster promised to include Kate Bolick's story of electing to remain single and embrace all the opportunities it affords, but in actuality, the book leans heavily on the memoir aspect and lightly on pertinent interesting information.
Bolick, 45, (pictured on the cover, and looking all of about 28) details her life thus far through her relationships with men referred to in an alphabet soup of single letters, and also through her "awakeners": Neith Boyce, Maeve Brennan, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Edna St. Vincent Millay, and Edith Wharton. The factoids about the women who influenced Bolick's decision to remain unattached are interesting, but not penetrating. Bolick's own story of relationship interactions reads like a polished and fussy journal entry of hindsight revelations. I was desperately seeking interesting reasons why women would choose to buck tradition and go their own way, but Bolick's window is small and extends no further than Victorian era ladies and her own privileged upbringing and opportunities.
Bolick failed to get an emotional or intellectual response from me with Spinster. The only moment I found myself wanting to hear her story was when she related her last days with her mother with the reader. Perhaps, like Bolick opines of other literary works, Spinster is akin to some books find you when you need them, and I'm not the demographic she was searching for. At least I can offer kudos to her for her choice in "spinsterhood" and for sharing her story.
I received a copy of "Spinster: Making a Life of One's Own" through the site Blogging for Books.
marianakebaso's review
5.0
Did this book take me almost a month to finish?
Yes.
Was it worth it?
A thousand times, yes.
Kate Bolick knows how to write a STORY. I was especially interested in this book because I like to expose myself to different perspectives and the perspective of a single woman is one that is not often portrayed in media well or at all! Bolick takes us through her life and the lives of her five “muses”. The stories weave together with grace and fluidity. I loved most parts of this book. But I will say towards page 150-170 it was really hard for me to stay into. I probably spent a whole week just for that portion of the book. I like the narrative but I did find myself skimming over some parts to see what Kate herself would say in response. But overall like a 4.9/5 stars.
I will definitely read again in a couple of years.
Yes.
Was it worth it?
A thousand times, yes.
Kate Bolick knows how to write a STORY. I was especially interested in this book because I like to expose myself to different perspectives and the perspective of a single woman is one that is not often portrayed in media well or at all! Bolick takes us through her life and the lives of her five “muses”. The stories weave together with grace and fluidity. I loved most parts of this book. But I will say towards page 150-170 it was really hard for me to stay into. I probably spent a whole week just for that portion of the book. I like the narrative but I did find myself skimming over some parts to see what Kate herself would say in response. But overall like a 4.9/5 stars.
I will definitely read again in a couple of years.
alexandriarosee_'s review
4.0
Not for everyone, but not just for independent women (or spinsters). There's absolutely nothing wrong with being a spinster, or a crazy cat lady, or just a woman who doesn't need to be attached to someone to be happy. I think it's important to be happy with and without the support of another person, but referring to every single girl as a "spinster" or "crazy cat lady" who simply "couldn't find love" needs to stop. Not everyone wants that prince charming to sweep them off their feet, and I think we should be celebrating women and their freedom to be independent.
slightly_devious's review
2.0
I thought I was going to fall in love with this book but I could barely get through it. Huge disappointment.