bluelemons's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
3.5
I don't think this was Febo's intention, but reading it left me both deflated and agitated. The beautiful writing made it easier to read but it didn't provide anything new if you're familiar with feminism and the patriarchy.
As with all short story collections, some essays were more powerful than others
As with all short story collections, some essays were more powerful than others
rhiannonjq's review against another edition
4.0
Individually, the essays are phenomenal. But I think as a book, the timeline is quite confusing (but this is because it’s a series of essays). Think it would’ve worked better if it were explicitly an anthology. I’m definitely going to read her other books though, a very good read.
niicoleanne's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
I had the honor of attending a reading by Melissa Febos where she read a few passages of the essays. Such a talented writer!! These essays will bring you to the verge of tears in one paragraph and then have you giggling on the next. I just know that so much heart went into these essays.
ellagrim's review against another edition
5.0
This one took me almost 6 months to get through, but I’m glad I persisted. “Wild America” and “Thank You for Taking Care of Yourself” healed parts of me I didn’t know needed healing. So many relevant critical analyses of misogyny and girlhood in America. Very worth the read.
novelsandbottles's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5
tteeaall's review against another edition
5.0
very good book, also, at points, very difficult to read. read the first half and it unsettled me so much that i had this chalky terror knowing i had to pick it up again, even though i also knew i wanted to finish it. the latter half of the book soothed me more, probably because it is less about the actual traumatic events of girlhood and more about how to synthesize them when you grow. the mother/daughter chapter was so good. the conversation around “empty consent” and ambivalence was so good
laurenbmarshall's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
2.75
julsmarshall's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
4.0
This book surprised me with how open, feminist, and raw it was. Debo’s writing is amazing, every word it necessary and perfect. I listened on #audio and she reads it herself, I think that added to her authenticity. Be sure to check out the CW on this one, there are quite a few painful elements.