helendipietro's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
An informative and affirmative read about bisexuality. I learnt a lot with this one and its written very accessibly so I think it will help educate a lot of people and make others feel less alone!
ericawrites's review against another edition
4.0
This is a good primer on the current state of bisexuality, mainly in Western countries. Published last year, the studies Shaw used were all relatively recent and provide fresh information, especially since science is finally starting to break apart the LGBTQ+ group into our unique identities and related needs.
Shaw didn't tread much new ground or go as in-depth as she could've. Her informal Millennial chat-style writing was grating at times. I wanted more about culture, history, and science. For instance, when she discussed Brenda Howard (bisexual activist and "Mother of Pride"), we never got a real sense of who Brenda Howard was or what it was like for her to advocate for bisexual people at that time.
With over 50% of trans people identifying as bisexual, there was a missed opportunity to talk further about trans and bisexual overlap. While I get that Shaw, a cis woman, might've been out of her identity depth there, this deserved more discussion.
There are nuggets of great information here, and if you're newly out/accepting yourself as bisexual or new to bisexual advocacy and studies, this is a good starting point. It is certainly better quality than several other bisexual books that popped onto the market over the last few years.
Bi: Notes for a Bisexual Revolution by Shiri Eisner still remains my to-go recommendation for a deeper understanding of bisexuality, the roots of how our identity challenges white supremacist heteronormativity, and how we can push it even further.
Shaw didn't tread much new ground or go as in-depth as she could've. Her informal Millennial chat-style writing was grating at times. I wanted more about culture, history, and science. For instance, when she discussed Brenda Howard (bisexual activist and "Mother of Pride"), we never got a real sense of who Brenda Howard was or what it was like for her to advocate for bisexual people at that time.
With over 50% of trans people identifying as bisexual, there was a missed opportunity to talk further about trans and bisexual overlap. While I get that Shaw, a cis woman, might've been out of her identity depth there, this deserved more discussion.
There are nuggets of great information here, and if you're newly out/accepting yourself as bisexual or new to bisexual advocacy and studies, this is a good starting point. It is certainly better quality than several other bisexual books that popped onto the market over the last few years.
Bi: Notes for a Bisexual Revolution by Shiri Eisner still remains my to-go recommendation for a deeper understanding of bisexuality, the roots of how our identity challenges white supremacist heteronormativity, and how we can push it even further.
cosmosbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Für mich als bisexuelle Frau war dieses Buch sehr spannend und ich kann es jedem ans Herz legen, es zu lesen. Ich habe mir nur stellenweise wünscht, dass bei gewissen Themen noch mehr in die Tiefe gegangen wäre
maikioderso's review against another edition
3.0
Even though is not my preferred genre I enjoyed reading it. It showed her way of thinking and the history & complexity of the bi-spectrum nicely. I personally would phrase some stuff differently ; or see it a bit different - but it's obv. from personal experience.
lunxchloe's review against another edition
informative
fast-paced
5.0
Probably my quickest non-fiction read ever. Shaw covers bi history and culture, talks about how science tried and tries to assess sexuality somewhat objectively and sprinkles in her own experiences as a bisexual woman.
I found this to be a very affirming read, considering how often I personally stumbled upon bi erasure. This book is one I'll probably never stop recommending to friends, no matter their sexuality, gender or relationship status.
I found this to be a very affirming read, considering how often I personally stumbled upon bi erasure. This book is one I'll probably never stop recommending to friends, no matter their sexuality, gender or relationship status.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Biphobia, Hate crime, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, and Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying