Bad feminist : essays / Roxane Gay
What it is: Everything
Did I like it: Yes
This category was suggested by Mtckc9df6533c2 and involved some homework for me in order to find a filler. But, success! Because I found that Roxane Gay gave a TEDtalk based on her book Bad Feminist. That title was enough for me to run to the store to get my hands on a copy.
I have been talking about this book everywhere: in the waiting room at the doctor’s office, during lunch, over drinks, and on my way to the airport.
This book is Everything and I cannot believe it had escaped my attention until now. It was first published in 2014 and although you can tell that from the pop cultural references (sadly there would be space for more recent examples), it is still fresh, and unfortunately very relevant.
The book is about privilege more than it is about feminism, and it covers racism and sexuality as well. So yes, if you are a woman, a person of color, or queer, there will be some or a lot in this book that you can relate to, but the often funny, sometimes painful, anecdotes and examples are there to create privilege awareness more than anything.
And although it’s very American, it still translates well to other western cultures.
The book covers just about every topic, from education, pop culture, rape, to scrabble tournaments. Some essays have anger coming off the pages and others are heartbreaking. The book did what it was made out to do, and made me think and consider my own thoughts and behavior at some points. At others I just laughed because it was so funny or recognizable.
I watched the TED talk first, then read the book. And then re-watched the talk.
If you’re not into the book, at least watch the talk. It’s only 11 minutes-and-a-bit and is a perfect summary of the book.
Thank you to Mtckc9df6533c2 (is it okay if I refer to you as friend M from now on?) for providing me with this category for the reading challenge; I’ve enjoyed it very much!
Bookworm in the City 