I’ve always enjoyed Roxane Gay’s writing, but this was the first time I’d read the essay collection that was a big deal a few years ago. I absolutely loved this book, she is so funny and smart and insightful. ( )

I picked up a roommate's copy and flipped through it a year or so ago, but didn't find anything particularly engaging. I feel like I may not be the audience for this one---I've heard all these hot takes before, they're now lukewarm takes at best.

I wanted to love this book and at times I did. But at other times, I really didn't. It's always going to be awkward to write anything of substance around this subject and keep everyone happy. That being said, I felt irked a lot more than I would have liked. ( )

I’ve noticed that on several books lately that I’ve read on Goodreads that Roxane Gay has posted her thoughts. I respect her opinions as they are always well thought out, never reactive. But they show emotion, as well as clear critique and review of the topic.

Gay writes from the perspective of a Black woman in America and the book explores the issues around that, centring around the idea of being a ‘bad feminist’ as women as expected to be perfect at all times. Gay uses many excellent examples of this, from her own experiences to the notion that a female character in a book is meant to be likeable but it’s okay for male characters not to be. Why can’t we have unlikeable female characters as a positive trait rather than a negative one? There is also the most in depth essay I’ve seen about Fifty Shades of Grey which explores the themes in a light hearted way but totally gets the point across. Why is it not OK for women to like this sort of book? Or Twilight? Some of the texts I wasn’t familiar with, like Green Girl, and I found the review of the themes interesting but not engrossing.

This book was written nearly 10 years ago, but the themes are still just as relevant a decade on. Black Lives Matter, the right to an abortion, sexual violence and gender – it could all be taken from today’s headlines. (Except for the positive vibes of Twitter). Gay challenges the reader to take stock of their own reactions, emotions and prejudices by presenting clear, well researched arguments. But the writing is not dry like you might think based on the topics – it’s like a good friend who Knows Stuff chatting with her. Her style is engaging and acknowledges her faults and strengths. Plus, there are lots of pop culture references and Gay is unapologetic with that, which I love. Pop culture is part of our lives, why ignore it? (And bonus points for in depth Sweet Valley High analysis).

Roxane Gay is a brilliant writer who draws you in. After finishing this book, I immediately went and bought her new essay collection for more fun and smart essays.

http://samstillreading.wordpress.com ( )

I read Hunger first, this is my second book by the author. I loved both but for some reason it felt like they were written by different people? Maybe it's the tone, this one is a bit more lighthearted dealing with a lot of pop culture. I really enjoyed the easy way she writes intersectional feminism into every aspect of this. I think I read this just in time though, as many of the references are due to become quite dated. Some already are (Cosby). This didn't feel very convicting in any way, as something like Hood Feminism does. Maybe that's because she's trying to explain why she's a "bad feminist" instead of telling us we are. ( )