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A review by readclever
Women Don't Owe You Pretty by Florence Given
2.0
I received a copy of Women Don't Owe You Pretty by Florence Given from NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an honest review.
Women Don't Owe You Pretty snagged my attention because Thalia, a German retailer, had recently highlighted the print book in my search the other other. Luckily, NetGalley had an audiobook for me to listen to. Unfortunately, I can't rate it too highly. It's not a bad introduction into feminism, but many of the points are available on Instagram and online in very similar packaging.
What I did appreciate was the references to Given's personal life and how it helped her find a feminist view. It's not easy to discuss sexual trauma, yet the author openly offers a view. The assault didn't define her. But it did change her. Building upon this, Given lets young readers know that survival is okay. That to be angry, to not be happy, to push and scream to get yourself out of bed, is part of healing.
Add in the queer discussions and there's a certain ring of truthfulness to the book. It felt real. Just not complete. Some sketching out was necessary since listeners can't see the visual cues from the physical copy. I also appreciated that Florence Given narrated the book. I don't know if anyone else can convey such personal tales easily.
Had the book been tighter, less like Instagram quick posts, and with a bit more discussion into the books or sources that helped shape the author, I would have rated the book higher. As it stands, the surface level writing keeps the book at a mid 2 stars.
Women Don't Owe You Pretty snagged my attention because Thalia, a German retailer, had recently highlighted the print book in my search the other other. Luckily, NetGalley had an audiobook for me to listen to. Unfortunately, I can't rate it too highly. It's not a bad introduction into feminism, but many of the points are available on Instagram and online in very similar packaging.
What I did appreciate was the references to Given's personal life and how it helped her find a feminist view. It's not easy to discuss sexual trauma, yet the author openly offers a view. The assault didn't define her. But it did change her. Building upon this, Given lets young readers know that survival is okay. That to be angry, to not be happy, to push and scream to get yourself out of bed, is part of healing.
Add in the queer discussions and there's a certain ring of truthfulness to the book. It felt real. Just not complete. Some sketching out was necessary since listeners can't see the visual cues from the physical copy. I also appreciated that Florence Given narrated the book. I don't know if anyone else can convey such personal tales easily.
Had the book been tighter, less like Instagram quick posts, and with a bit more discussion into the books or sources that helped shape the author, I would have rated the book higher. As it stands, the surface level writing keeps the book at a mid 2 stars.