Books I've read in Jan + Feb 2010
Books I've read in Jan + Feb 2010
Originally uploaded by pfctdayelise.
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I am occasionally amazed to read people on my f-list reporting their progress on a "50 book challenge" for the year. It seems an enormous number. Then I realised it might not be that hard, especially if you cheat with some breezy non-fiction.
Here are the books I've read so far this year:
* (NF) "Yarn Bombing: The Art of Crochet and Knit Graffiti" by Mandy Moore and Leanne Prain
This is a pretty awesome little book, about a pretty awesome idea - knit graffiti, subversive knitting, craftivism - I love it all. Actually this book has inspired me to take up crochet (see latest). Anyway, it's a well put together book. A fitting tribute.
* (NF) "FAT!SO? : Because You Don't Have to Apologize for Your Size" by Marilyn Wann
After reading Kate Harding's "Lessons from the fat-o-sphere", I decided to do a bit more background reading. This book is super fluff, but maybe a nice pick me up when one is having a "fat day". Pretty 90s feel though (I never thought I would be able to tell when something was "90s", but apparently I can.)
* (NF) "Women Don't Ask: The High Cost of Avoiding Negotiation--and Positive Strategies for Change" by Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever
A classic! And deservedly so. Every assertion is backed up by studies. It manages to espouse feminist principles without taking a feminist world-view - which I wouldn't have a problem with, but I can imagine this would be easier for men to read. The tone reminds me a bit of Deborah Tannen, in that explains how gender differences can be explained without resorting to ?essentialism/biological differences arguments.
* (NF) "Bodyjamming" essays edited by Jenna Mead.
I picked this up randomly at a great second hand book store in Wellington. It's a bunch of essays from Australian writers in the 90s, and despite the broad name it has a very narrow focus - responses to Helen Garner's book "The First Stone", about a sexual harassment scandal in a Melbourne Uni college. Having read the responses, I'll be interested to read Garner's book at some point, but to be honest it's hard to believe some of the things that were put forward, and that are rebuffed in this book. I guess that debate has moved forward quite a bit in 15 years, which is something.
* (NF) "Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and A World Without Rape" essays edited by Jaclyn Friedman and Jessica Valenti
This was also a bit of a follow-on to the Kate Harding book, as she has an essay in this one. But this was really excellent in its own right. Better than her book, even. :) I think I was first introduced to the idea of intersectionality at Shapely Prose, but these essays really made me start to come to grips with it. I started writing some more personal reflections after reading this book, which I will probably publish here at some point.
* (NF) "The Bitch Rules" by Elizabeth Wurtzel
Also picked this one up at the Welly bookstore. It's also very 90s, and quite strange. Good advice like "be financially independent", but it's then followed by "plus, guys really dig it".
* (F) "Kushiel's Chosen" by Jacqueline Carey
A fantasy novel, the sequel to "Kushiel's Dart". The heroine is Phedre, a courtesan trained as "Namaah's Servant" (that would be, sex worker/escort) who has also been struck by "Kushiel's dart" - a red-flecked eye that indicates she's a bit of sadomasochist. But that description makes it sound way dirtier than it actually is. It's mostly court intrigue, a well dressed-up Mary-Sue tale. But hey, it's called "fantasy" for a reason, right? :)
* (F) "Of a Boy" by Sonya Hartnett
I picked this up in an airport bookstore. I've been a casual fan of Harnett for quite a few years now. This has a very touching, real portrayal of primary school. A little bit heartbreaking.
* (NF) "Unpolished Gem" by Alice Pung
Alice Pung's memoir of growing up in Footscray. I saw her once on a talk show, and I would never have guessed that this was her story. A good read.
To finish:
* (NF) "The art of community" by Jono Bacon
* (NF) "Code complete 2" by Steve McConnell
* plus about four others, which may stay in reading limbo forever
To start:
* (NF) "Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community" by Robert D. Putnam
* (NF) "Bringing the Food Economy Home: Local Alternatives to Global Agribusiness" by Helena Norberg-Hodge, Todd Merrifield, and Steven Gorelick (borrowed from my housemate)