meet your match
A: Full Frontal Feminism
By Jessica Valenti
Written by the Feministing goddess herself, Full Frontal Feminism is the book that I wish I'd had as a high school freshman, and that I'm glad has--as of yesterday--arrived. I think that every high school library from here to Alabama (perhaps especially there) should stock this book, and force every one of their students to at least read an excerpt? My school very much included. Why? Because there have been so many times--no, that's not enough emphasis, let me elaborate: SOSOSOSOSOSOSOSO many times-- when I have lamented, "Damn, I really wish this whole 'feminism' thing, or this whole 'Women's Studies Club' thing was, y'know, cooler. I wish that people didn't roll their eyes or think that we were crazy."
This book, while very entertaining (written with plentiful--at times gratutious, even, and it's ME saying that--cursing doesn't give a fucking shit if you don't think that's appropriate, it's fucking speaking to its modern-ass audience; I say that with love, by the way), isn't necessarily what I should read for myself. It gives the basic rundown of the feminist movement, 101-class summaries of feminist thought, and rudimentary principles. It doesn't really take me anywhere new. But, I would say it is perfect for my younger sister, my cousin who, after I explained that I was president of the Women's Studies Club, asked, "You're not going to change your name after you get married?!?", my classmates, the cast of Real World, you name it. (Not that I'm saying I'm somehow superior than the people whom I think this book would be ideal, just that I've read more intense feminist works that get my brain pumping faster.) Jessica's book does exactly what it set out to do: CONVERT THE MASSES TO FEMINISM! Hallejah, and Praise the Feministing! It's about fucking time, America.
(Also to note: its cover photo has prompted heated, even gruesome debate within the feminist 'blogosphere' on its catering to patriarchial values and white supremecy. I'm sort of mixed, but think that if it goes to its intended audience, few ripples will be felt.)
B: BITCHfest: Ten Years of Cultural Criticism from the Pages of Bitch Magazine
Edited by Andi Zeilser & Lisa Jervis
Bitch magazine rocks. Ergo, this anthology rocks even more. By taking the creamiest of the already-frothy crop, BITCHfest creates a harmonious blend of funny, snarky, snappy, sassy, intriguing, challenging and, at times, darnright angering pieces that leave the reader inspired and sharpened to the world around her. These essays are written in a style that, while not as explicative-heavy as Jessica Valenti's (above), is always kept blog-like and casual, and above all else, interesting. The women (and men) writing these pieces know. their. shit. Seriously. Info is referenced, stats are quoted, studies are cited, etc. Bitch is, in my opinion, the feminist pop-culture equivalent to... say, in medicine, a JAMA. Well, fine, not a JAMA, maybe a JAMA-lite. Meaning? It's well-done, impresive, and text-heavy. These essays are the best of the best, and great for anyone who wants something (a) feminist, (b) young and fresh, but (c) very thought-provoking and worthwhile. One of my favorite books.
C: Grassroots: A Field Guide for Feminist Activism
By Jennifer Baumgardner & Amy Richards
Haven't really done more than just thumb through this book (just got it from the library), but it seems to be inspiring (duh, it's point, sorry). If I read more of it, I'll update this. If not, it looks like a good book to browse through for suggestions on getting involved.
D: The Feminine Mystique
By Betty "Mother of Modern Feminism" Friedan
Yeah. This is some good shit. Here's the entry (scroll down) I did a while back about it.
E: The Beauty Myth
By Naomi Wolf
Pretty damn thought-provoking, fresh and insightful. I'm getting weary so I'm keeping this brief, but the "Censorship" chapter was so intriguing I was practically Post-It flagging every sentence. When you're in the mood for a good, long I-hate-society session, or if someone calls you fat, or if you don't think you're pretty enough, or if you can't stand all your dieting friends, read this book. You won't regret it.