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A review by kirstizoe
Full Frontal Feminism by Jessica Valenti
Did not finish book.
1.0
I was actually surprisingly disappointed in this book. I had just finished reading The Purity Myth and had loved it, and wanted to dive into some more of Valenti's work. I picked this one up from my local library, knowing that it was written for younger women who were much, much newer to the movement than I am. But I was curious as to what Valenti had to say to them.
Boy was I disappointed.
First of all. The cover. Don't get me started. While I realize that often authors get no say in the covers of their works, I'd read an article where Valenti talked about the cover of the Purity Myth and the specific imagery she wanted to portray there. Also she has worked with Seal Press on numerous occasions, as well as other members of Feminisnting.com so I'm guessing this was intentional. So, yeah. Way to use the barbie body to sell your book.
Second of all, I couldn't get past the swearing. While I'm no prude (I have references!) I didn't like the use of F*** at what seemed like EVERY OTHER SENTENCE. I understand the mentally of trying to be "cool" or whatever. But I work with high schoolers. They are gonna think you're a dork whether you swear or not. Its hardly the point. Make your argument solid to teenage logic and you have a fighting chance. Also, all the swearing is going to turn away any conservative girl who might pick up the book curious about what feminism really is about.
And that's the other thing. Valenti. Feminism isn't just about sex. I get that's your focus, and I like it. The Purity Myth was fascinating. I'm Devouring Yes Means Yes right now and adoring it. But if you're gonna write a feminism primer? Make it a feminism primer and not a sex primer. There is a lot more to it than being good in bed.
But what really made me put the book down where her strawman attacks on conservatives. I'm a liberal myself, but I believe, especially in these political times that we wont get anywhere by putting each other down. And no argument is won by simply saying "see look the other guys an idiot, and doesn't he have a stupid last name.. ha ha ha" What that sophomoric level of humor may be fine for some if the intent of the book is to introduce others to feminism, and THATS the model we're giving them? Oh boy are we in a world of hurt.
Overall, I can't say I'd recommend this book to my budding feminist niece.
Boy was I disappointed.
First of all. The cover. Don't get me started. While I realize that often authors get no say in the covers of their works, I'd read an article where Valenti talked about the cover of the Purity Myth and the specific imagery she wanted to portray there. Also she has worked with Seal Press on numerous occasions, as well as other members of Feminisnting.com so I'm guessing this was intentional. So, yeah. Way to use the barbie body to sell your book.
Second of all, I couldn't get past the swearing. While I'm no prude (I have references!) I didn't like the use of F*** at what seemed like EVERY OTHER SENTENCE. I understand the mentally of trying to be "cool" or whatever. But I work with high schoolers. They are gonna think you're a dork whether you swear or not. Its hardly the point. Make your argument solid to teenage logic and you have a fighting chance. Also, all the swearing is going to turn away any conservative girl who might pick up the book curious about what feminism really is about.
And that's the other thing. Valenti. Feminism isn't just about sex. I get that's your focus, and I like it. The Purity Myth was fascinating. I'm Devouring Yes Means Yes right now and adoring it. But if you're gonna write a feminism primer? Make it a feminism primer and not a sex primer. There is a lot more to it than being good in bed.
But what really made me put the book down where her strawman attacks on conservatives. I'm a liberal myself, but I believe, especially in these political times that we wont get anywhere by putting each other down. And no argument is won by simply saying "see look the other guys an idiot, and doesn't he have a stupid last name.. ha ha ha" What that sophomoric level of humor may be fine for some if the intent of the book is to introduce others to feminism, and THATS the model we're giving them? Oh boy are we in a world of hurt.
Overall, I can't say I'd recommend this book to my budding feminist niece.