This would be a good book to give to a fledgling feminist- someone just beginning to stretch their wings and explore the- for lack of a better word- movement. The book does not go in-depth into any of the fifty issues it raises, which left a sort of meh taste in my mouth. However, Valenti does reference several sources during the book that left opportunities for readers to do a little exploring on their own.

Barring the somewhat explicit language, this book would be a good primer for young women (and men!) who are in high school or college and just beginning to get into gender studies. It was funny and compelling at the same time. Another point in its favor is that it can be read in one sitting. ( )

This book was a quick read with Valenti's short essays and thoughts on modern feminism, stereotypes, and heightening one's awareness to pervasive myths about women. Toward the end, the writing became slightly repetitive, but ultimately very thoughtful, accessible, and frank. ( )

Rather disappointing. I didn’t expect it to be heavy going but this light and fluffy? Not a good thing. It does point out double standards in a readable and entertaining way but some of them just seem to be filler.

The ‘so what to do sections’ are superbly useless. Sometimes they can point you in the right direction by naming organisations but things like ‘speak out’ and ‘move’ easier said then done.

And I have to take issue with the idea that ‘Boobs are not for boys’ …‘boobs are future baby food’. The idea that women have to do something with their bodies takes ownership away from them. The person the boobs are attached to.

But despite all that I wouldn’t be against passing this one down the line. Having my younger cousin read it or a friend. As a interesting, fast paced, introductory piece on feminism it isn’t bad.

If you have given a lot of thought to the subject though you are probably going to be board. ( )

You know those half page blurbs that pass for articles in Seventeen other teen mags? This book is essentially a bunch of them smashed together. It makes some interesting points, but reads as though it's aimed at teens. It's not a bad book, I just wasn't its intended audience. ( )

This book isn't going to break any new ground for anyone who's put much thought into their feminism... but I think that it's one of the first I've read that's in the running for a really good first book on feminism. The themes she's writing about are only obvious once you notice them, and she does an excellent job of lining up this whole string of inequities, and saying, "ok, now, seriously?"

It's not a handbook for changing the world, but it might be the wake-up call or catalyst to looking for one. It's a light-weight, fun read. ( )