Tiny Ladies in Shiny Pants: Based on a True Story

This was pretty fun. It was written in 2002, before Jill Soloway became a fairly big name in entertainment for heading up Amazon's Transparent, and I'd be interested to hear how much she's changed since there. This book also made me realize I have no idea what racism looks like anymore -- I just naturally assume every comment about a person's physical appearance is racist and then wonder why it's allowed to be published. That was distracting.

I really enjoyed this book of essays by Jill Soloway. I loved the glimpses into her life and how it has turned her into the feminist that she is today. I love that it's filled with humor and quirkiness and an ability to take feminist theory and mak...more I really enjoyed this book of essays by Jill Soloway. I loved the glimpses into her life and how it has turned her into the feminist that she is today. I love that it's filled with humor and quirkiness and an ability to take feminist theory and make it simple. The idea that all women shouldn't be afraid to be feminist and to care about sex and themselves without horrible labels and fears.

And okay, it's amusing. Written by someone who has a dark sense of humor that I tend to enjoy.(less)

Written by one of the writers of “Six Feet Under,” (my favourite show) I wanted to like this book. I didn’t. Jill Solloway makes many attempts to be funny and according to the back cover, a lot of people thinks she is, but not me.

I don’t know, maybe it’s because I’m not Jewish, so I don’t fully appreciate the Jewish jokes that grace every second sentence. Or, maybe it’s because I’m not a mother, so I don’t understand all the motherhood references. I don’t think it’s either though. I think the author had many interesting experiences to write about but failed to deliver. She talks about growing up as a non-practicing “Jewess,” her and her sister being the only white kids at school, her parents splitting up, her show more sister coming out, the birth of her son and meeting her husband, among others. Yet, not once in the telling of these stories did I ever feel empathy. I didn’t care. I was just wondering when the chapter was going to be over.

Her writing style resembled more of a blog entry than a personal essay. Maybe that was the point? I just thought it sounded very self-indulgent. Like she wrote it to herself, about herself.

I didn’t hate everything about the book though. It was a light easy read, which I was going for. I did find her life to be interesting, even though she sounded like a friend who wouldn’t stop talking about herself. I did like the chapter she wrote about dogs and the appendix was helpful for those who want to get into the business.

http://nearlycivilized.ca/?p=239 show less

Very funny. Some wonderful turns of phrase and perceptions. The book has a lot of energy. A little scattered, maybe, but good.

I liked this book it was funny in a sad sort of way.

Says what she thinks, mincing no words. Great read