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Feministic Literature
I am speechless. This is by far the most beautiful book of poetry I’ve ever read.
I would try to purchase a physical copy when it’s out.
Thank you, NetGalley for providing this copy! I had heard of the book on the Guilty Feminist podcast and was eager to explore the ideas presented in “Feminist Theatre – Then and Now.” While the content proved engaging and thought-provoking, the reading experience was hindered by the harsh white background in the Adobe digital edition. This design choice made it difficult for me to fully enjoy and appreciate the book’s insights. Despite this setback, the strong and diverse perspectives showcased throughout the book contribute significantly to contemporary feminist discourse and holds great potential to enrich and enhance academic research within its respective field.
However, neither Adobe Digital Editions nor the NetGalley app was offered adjustable view options, such as text size, background color, or dark mode, which affected my reading experience. The absence of a Kindle edition further highlights the need for broader digital compatibility. I hope the publisher will consider providing more accessible digital formats and take all feedback into account to enhance the reading experience and foster trust within the literary community.
Mean Girl Feminism offered an intriguing perspective on the performativity of white feminism. The book highlights the pitfalls of white feminism, such as the gaslighting and gatekeeping behavior, I found that it lacked a truly intersectional viewpoint. Nguyen critiques feminism as it operates within neoliberalism and pop culture but doesn’t always extend this critique to the structural, everyday oppressions faced by people who don’t fit the “mean girl” archetype.
It’s a solid critique of corporate feminism, but it leans into a kind of hyper-aware, performative critique that ends up replicating some of the problems it’s criticizing.
Children’s Books
While the overarching theme is happiness, the poems also touch on themes of friendship, The rhythmic cadence of the verses in whimsically designed fonts was my favourite part.
Happy Stories for Animal Lovers is a gem of a book that will appeal to readers of all ages!
Covering important knowledge from environmental science to colonialism, this graphic novel would do well in a school curriculum.
Mental Health
I find it overall helpful, but as a frequent user of Linehan’s original workbook I’m turned off by the extra fluff and pop psych info, such as the many mentioning of Bessel van der Kolk…
I found the stream of consciousness writing style in ‘The Bipolar Therapist’ to be quite engaging. The narrative’s immersive first-person view during Marcia’s manic episode brought about a steep change of pace that took me on an emotional rollercoaster, heart pounding and mind racing.
One aspect I particularly appreciated was the opportunity to delve into Marcia’s mind and emotions. However, I couldn’t help but wonder if readers unfamiliar with neuroatypical experiences might struggle to fully grasp the narrative’s depth. While the book succeeded in allowing me inside her head, I felt that more descriptive passages could have provided additional context and understanding, especially for those seeking education rather than just immersion.
I was initially drawn to Untangling because of its praise from Tara Brach, known for her work in the self-acceptance project. With a focus on compassion and acceptance, the book provides practical steps to untangle emotional challenges, which I found refreshing. The metaphors the authors used resonate well, offering gentle yet clear guidance for self-reflection and healing.
However, despite these strengths, there are a few shortcomings. While the book promises compassion, it falls short when it comes to addressing more pressing issues—like when the very people responsible for one’s emotional “tangles” continue to cause harm. The absence of research to substantiate the theories also left me wanting more, particularly in terms of psychological grounding.
There’s also a certain static quality to the writing that, at times, made it hard to engage fully. Still, the book shines in its approach to resolving cognitive dissonance. If you’re looking for concrete steps toward self-compassion, this book has value, but it may leave you searching for deeper support when faced with unresolved external conflicts.
I find reading “Getting Over Your Parents” a truly enlightening experience. The authors tackle a sensitive subject with a blend of empathy and practical advice, using innovative approaches to help readers navigate the complexities of parental relationships. The warm and engaging language used throughout the book makes it feel like a conversation with a trusted friend.
What I appreciated most about the book was its ability to break down complex emotional issues into manageable, easy-to-understand concepts. It also encouraged self-reflection and offered actionable steps to heal and improve our connections with our parents. As a fan of The School of Life’s YouTube channel, I could hear their distinct, compassionate voice resonating throughout the pages, which added an extra layer of connection to the text.
In conclusion, “Getting Over Your Parents” is a valuable resource for anyone looking to better understand and improve their relationship with their parents. Its combination of psychological insights and practical guidance, with humor, makes it a powerful tool for personal growth and healing.
Life Lessons of All Sorts
It was a wild, head tumbling, disturbing yet heartwarming journey reading this book!
As a mental health advocate with a special interest in personality disorders, I waited and got the book first chance I got, engulf the memoir within 2 days. Excited to learn about sociopathy and what makes individuals who suffers from it the way they are from a psychologist who’s been there and done that, I’ve gained much insight and found it aligning with some of the studies.
However, I am left with a bitter aftertaste being inside the mind of Patric, some of the contradictions in her world view still may be reflected the nature of sociopathy. Some facts don’t match with that of her article on the NYT. Why take people who suffers from another personality disorder down a notch just because one is having limited access to emotions and the other exceedingly high amount?
Is there a constructed therapy model in place to assist people experiencing sociopathy?
Where is the data?
I found Kriz’s exploration of self-loathing and its psychological roots both challenging and eye-opening, making me reflect deeply on my own experiences and coping mechanisms as a woman of Chinese heritage.
This was not an easy book to get into; however, rewarding once I did. As someone who’s developed a deep interest in complex systems science, I find it fascinating how one can extrapolate the topic of parasitology.
Janovy blends hardboiled research with philosophical musings on what might seem like an obscure subject – parasites – and turns it into something profoundly human. He shows a kind of elegance in the way parasites live, adapt, and survive – a kind of elegance that mirrors the challenges we face in our own lives. It’s a book that makes you see the world just a little differently, with a bit more curiosity and respect for the complexities of life.
I would not just categorize Life Lessons from Parasites under social science and entomology; it is also a book about complex systems.
