I am pretty open to all kinds of literature and Parade by Rachel Cusk was recently suggested by a book influencer I follow. Really interested to see if anyone else here read it. I was not a fan. I read some reviews to see if I missed anything, and several people seemed to have walked away with a similar position as I did. Really interested in seeing some other perspectives though.
On the other hand, Soldier Sailor which was also recommended by them was exceptional. It was an easy read, especially considering I had sandwiched it between two denser novels, but it was the most moving to me personally. I’d recommend it to anyone, even if they are not personally interested in having children.
I know we’re a small community, and it’s unlikely enough people have read either of the above since there’s so much out there, so please feel free to comment with your most recent reads that touch on feminism or women’s issues and what you thought about them. Or just comment with general book recommendations? If we can do female authors or female protagonists, or some kind of relationship to women that would be cool, but also open to whatever you wanna share.
I think I’ve already mentioned children of time here, but always happy to rerecommend it. It’s a book jam packed with commentary on sex, gender, and society.
ContraPoints just did an excellent Tangents video on Sexual Personae and has a similar take away as you - what a coincidence! Paglia is a seething reactionary and that sucks, but I agree that the whole rebel feminist style she has going on is appealing.
Yeah, I think Paglia is wrong on many very, very, very important things. But she’s wrong in ways that are a) interesting, and b) important. And she’s great practice for debunkers because she’s not easy to attack. She has actual academic rigour paired with her blind spots.
I had not seen any of her tangents videos, but my goodness that was really interesting. It’s the kind of video I wish she did more of publicly instead of her more highly produced content. I understand that the audience for those might be smaller, but it felt so much dense and materially grounded. I know at the end of the day it’s all infotainment, but still. Thanks for adding this to the discussion.
I love her Tangents, and it worked - now I support her on Patreon so I can watch them as soon as they come out.
The Daddy Politics video she did as the one before last was really insightful.
This month she is too depressed to work, so she doesn’t take any Patreon money, she pauses it until she’s working again. She is so sensitive and ethical, it’s honestly inspiring.
Yes! She referenced it in that video so it’s also on my to watch list. I’m going to have to find the time to go through the backlog.