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saraperezalv's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a fresh breath of nostalgia and, in a way, vindication. All at once. I found this new look at what the Spice Girls meant in the 90s very interesting and how, despite the prejudices and comments they had to go through, this group of women knew how to bring to the fore a new way of understanding Girl Power and showing the thousands of young fans in the world, that there are different types of women and that, whatever you are, that's fine. It is certainly a mime to the heart and memory of all those people who (like me and like Lauren Bravo) love the music of the Spice Girls.
Undoubtedly, these women did not create feminism, but it does have much to thank them for the values that, consciously or unconsciously, showed their audience, given the social impact that Spice Girls had in the 90 (and even today): they didn't seek to be perfect because, like every woman, none is perfect. And that's fine, the important thing is to be aware that female diversity exists and is out there.
Without a doubt, I buy the Spice Girls + feminism combination, Spice up your life!
Undoubtedly, these women did not create feminism, but it does have much to thank them for the values that, consciously or unconsciously, showed their audience, given the social impact that Spice Girls had in the 90 (and even today): they didn't seek to be perfect because, like every woman, none is perfect. And that's fine, the important thing is to be aware that female diversity exists and is out there.
Without a doubt, I buy the Spice Girls + feminism combination, Spice up your life!
narwhalsandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting and quick read. For anyone who grew up with the spice girls, definitely a good trip down memory lane. There were no real aha moments though.
bookstorian's review against another edition
4.0
This read found it's way into my Street Library late last year and then my TBR shelf. I enjoy listening to non-fiction so I thought the Chapters For Change Readathon would be the perfect time to indulge in this audio book.
I really enjoyed the journey this book took me on as it comprehensively explored a range of topics from identity, to relationships, concept of girl power and all that merchandise. I liked the little the glimpses into other peoples experiences of The Spice Girls through quotes and the other little tid bits along the way, such as 'If The Spice Girls had a group chat'.
It was funny, different and a great look into a pop culture moment (one that I was too young to understand) that has had an impact on women today. Highly recommend the audio version, read by the author herself - she attempts the voices of each spice.
I really enjoyed the journey this book took me on as it comprehensively explored a range of topics from identity, to relationships, concept of girl power and all that merchandise. I liked the little the glimpses into other peoples experiences of The Spice Girls through quotes and the other little tid bits along the way, such as 'If The Spice Girls had a group chat'.
It was funny, different and a great look into a pop culture moment (one that I was too young to understand) that has had an impact on women today. Highly recommend the audio version, read by the author herself - she attempts the voices of each spice.
amymariedoug's review
4.0
‘We’re riddled with doubts, habitual second-guessers, confused about what society tells us we should want, and what we actually want. What we really, really want.’
Wandering through my local bookshop, my eyes were instantly drawn to a vibrantly pink and red novel asking What Would the Spice Girls Do? As a (what Bravo describes as) ‘graduate of the girl power generation,’ I was excited to read about the impact of the legendary girl group!
Bravo does not disappoint. Whilst her book is filled with information about the Spice Girls’ impact, it does not become boring. Bravo’s humorous tone is relevant and relatable for any person who grew up infatuated with the group. She emphasises the Spice Girl’s importance in giving young girls a voice of their own in a time yet to be ‘liberated’ by modern ideologies. At the risk of romanticising the late nineties, Bravo recognises the problematic issues with the group’s branding (Scary Spice, anyone?) and notes that the Spice Girls were very much a product of their day. She does this without diminishing their importance for girls who were previously only allowed one type of role model – now they had five.
Despite this, the book could have benefited from being about fifty pages shorter, becoming repetitive in parts. It is also unclear by Bravo’s own recognition how the band are relevant in today’s world if they are a ‘hand-me-down revolution.’ However, Bravo’s novel is still an interesting and nostalgic read for those who grew up surrounded by the Spice Girls influence.
Wandering through my local bookshop, my eyes were instantly drawn to a vibrantly pink and red novel asking What Would the Spice Girls Do? As a (what Bravo describes as) ‘graduate of the girl power generation,’ I was excited to read about the impact of the legendary girl group!
Bravo does not disappoint. Whilst her book is filled with information about the Spice Girls’ impact, it does not become boring. Bravo’s humorous tone is relevant and relatable for any person who grew up infatuated with the group. She emphasises the Spice Girl’s importance in giving young girls a voice of their own in a time yet to be ‘liberated’ by modern ideologies. At the risk of romanticising the late nineties, Bravo recognises the problematic issues with the group’s branding (Scary Spice, anyone?) and notes that the Spice Girls were very much a product of their day. She does this without diminishing their importance for girls who were previously only allowed one type of role model – now they had five.
Despite this, the book could have benefited from being about fifty pages shorter, becoming repetitive in parts. It is also unclear by Bravo’s own recognition how the band are relevant in today’s world if they are a ‘hand-me-down revolution.’ However, Bravo’s novel is still an interesting and nostalgic read for those who grew up surrounded by the Spice Girls influence.
libbysbooks_'s review against another edition
3.0
This book was a really interesting analysis of the impact the Spice Girls have had on girl power, feminism and what it means to be a woman. I did feel it lacked a lot of critique and was a very biased view, but it was still interesting nonetheless. I have never really been a fan of the Spice Girls, in the way that I love their most famous hits but I don’t really know anything about them, so this was an interesting insight into just how influential they were and I learnt quite a few facts about them. I definitely think the book could have gone further, and delved deeper into the world of feminism but I understand the focus was on the Spice Girls. Overall a good book, but not one I would read again.
livres_de_bloss's review against another edition
3.0
When I first started this, I really enjoyed the nostalgia and memories - it was like a time capsule! Although I enjoyed SpiceMania from the other side of the world, I could still relate to a lot of the childhood stories in this book.
But as it went on, my interest waned. It was a lot of naval gazing and pontification that should be taken with a grain of salt. Although I’m only a year or two younger than the author, I felt the writing try-hard and irritating. I had no idea what she was talking about towards the end of the book with all the popular culture references.
I don’t tend to read books like this because the tone irritates me. As much as I love the Spice Girls, I felt like this book just solidified my decision to steer clear.
But as it went on, my interest waned. It was a lot of naval gazing and pontification that should be taken with a grain of salt. Although I’m only a year or two younger than the author, I felt the writing try-hard and irritating. I had no idea what she was talking about towards the end of the book with all the popular culture references.
I don’t tend to read books like this because the tone irritates me. As much as I love the Spice Girls, I felt like this book just solidified my decision to steer clear.