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merengotWhat the title says. Again, I got two weeks of school left so my mind is mostly preoccupied with that. I'll try to be short but clear xD
Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity by Julia Serano
In this book, biologist and transsexual woman Julia Serano shares her experiences pre and post transition and explores how society's attitude towards femininity is very dismissive and how this in turn affects trans women, as well towards gender and sexuality in general. From personal experiences to analyzing how society view transsexuality in general, and how dismissing femininity in turn only reinenforces that maleness and masculinity is much better, this was a very good read.
As said, this certainly one of the books that is gender studies related that I do think everyone should read at least once. Trans misogyny is certainly most talked about throughout the book, and how it certainly exists, through the media to even some feminist spaces (the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival exclusion policy or if you have been following recent news, the exclusion of trans women at the RadFem 2012 conference). Serano also talks about how dismissing femininity altogether only reinforces the idea that masculinity and maleness is better. I also liked her personal experiences of her pre- and post- transition, I felt that it was insightful. The only nitpick that I have is that she doesn't seem to go much into race and class. I know that trans women of color have also needed to unfortunately deal with racism, along with trans misogyny. Same to the lower class. Apart from that, the book is a good primer if you want to know more about these issues.
4.5 stars out of 5.
Publisher: Seal Press, 384 pages, published 2007
Another book I needed to read for a history class:
Here's To You Jesusa! by Elena Poniatowska
"Here's To You Jesusa!" is actually an account of Jesusa Palancares, a working class woman from Mexico. Jesusa did not learn to read or write, hence Poniatowska writing on her behalf. She lived through the days of the Mexican Revolution, going through a abusive husband to working many jobs so she can go through her life. As such, the abandonment of her father and abuse of her stepmother left Jesusa distrustful of people in general. Despite such difficulties, she manages to survive.
It was quite interesting to read the introduction, as Jesusa did not give Poniatowska her personal life account that easily. As such, it took quite a while for Poniatowska to gain her confidence. As for Jesusa's account, for readers, she may come across as not very likable. Perhaps her views on certain things may not sit well with readers. Certainly, I didn't agree with all of her viewpoints. But perhaps not all people are going to be likable. And so, I did appreciate her life account, especially during the Mexican Revolution. For anyone who is interested in Mexcian history, they may like this novel.
4 out of 5 stars
Publisher: Penguin Books, 303 pages, 2002
I'm not the most professional reviewer out there, nevertheless I appreciate any advice on how to improve on my reviews. And I always welcome book recommendations ;)
Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity by Julia Serano
In this book, biologist and transsexual woman Julia Serano shares her experiences pre and post transition and explores how society's attitude towards femininity is very dismissive and how this in turn affects trans women, as well towards gender and sexuality in general. From personal experiences to analyzing how society view transsexuality in general, and how dismissing femininity in turn only reinenforces that maleness and masculinity is much better, this was a very good read.
As said, this certainly one of the books that is gender studies related that I do think everyone should read at least once. Trans misogyny is certainly most talked about throughout the book, and how it certainly exists, through the media to even some feminist spaces (the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival exclusion policy or if you have been following recent news, the exclusion of trans women at the RadFem 2012 conference). Serano also talks about how dismissing femininity altogether only reinforces the idea that masculinity and maleness is better. I also liked her personal experiences of her pre- and post- transition, I felt that it was insightful. The only nitpick that I have is that she doesn't seem to go much into race and class. I know that trans women of color have also needed to unfortunately deal with racism, along with trans misogyny. Same to the lower class. Apart from that, the book is a good primer if you want to know more about these issues.
4.5 stars out of 5.
Publisher: Seal Press, 384 pages, published 2007
Another book I needed to read for a history class:
Here's To You Jesusa! by Elena Poniatowska
"Here's To You Jesusa!" is actually an account of Jesusa Palancares, a working class woman from Mexico. Jesusa did not learn to read or write, hence Poniatowska writing on her behalf. She lived through the days of the Mexican Revolution, going through a abusive husband to working many jobs so she can go through her life. As such, the abandonment of her father and abuse of her stepmother left Jesusa distrustful of people in general. Despite such difficulties, she manages to survive.
It was quite interesting to read the introduction, as Jesusa did not give Poniatowska her personal life account that easily. As such, it took quite a while for Poniatowska to gain her confidence. As for Jesusa's account, for readers, she may come across as not very likable. Perhaps her views on certain things may not sit well with readers. Certainly, I didn't agree with all of her viewpoints. But perhaps not all people are going to be likable. And so, I did appreciate her life account, especially during the Mexican Revolution. For anyone who is interested in Mexcian history, they may like this novel.
4 out of 5 stars
Publisher: Penguin Books, 303 pages, 2002
I'm not the most professional reviewer out there, nevertheless I appreciate any advice on how to improve on my reviews. And I always welcome book recommendations ;)
