Now, to be fair, most of the books I read in 2018 were textbooks as I was finishing A Levels.
However, after I had a break from reading textbooks…I did finally pick up a book that didn’t contain chemical equations, biological diagrams or anything to do with sports science. Although they are all extremely interesting subjects – I needed a break.
So, what did I read? A light hearted comedic novel? A romance story? A crime thriller? No no no, I read a non-fiction collection of writings from some very inspiring women – a book called ‘Feminists Don’t Wear Pink…And Other Lies’.
I started it on a Sunday night, took it with me on a trip to London and finished it two days after I got home again, the Wednesday after I started it. Cover to cover in about three days. Fair to say I enjoyed it.
The book is a collection of stories from women, about when they first realised they ‘were a feminist’, or at times when they have felt particularly empowered, or times when they have noticed the inequalities that still exist in today’s society.
Some of them write about other women who inspire them. Some of them write poems. Some of them give a ‘girl power playlist’. Some of them write about history. Some of them simply write about what it’s like to be a women.
An absolutely amazing piece of work which is really important, sure for girls to read, but also, for boys. I feel like this should be on a reading list for schools everywhere for teenagers, both girls and boys. To have a little bit of an insight into the everyday, under the radar, unnoticed sexism that occurs everywhere, as well as the glaringly obvious inequality which somehow still goes on in this day and age.
I actually don’t want to tell you too much about it, because I really want people to read this book for themselves as it contains such an important message. So I thought I would just give a couple, just a couple of my favourite quotes from the book.
“Strive to say more than ‘You look pretty’. Remind the women in your life that the space they take up in your life and the world is not dependent on physical attributes.”
“Whether you are quietly active or loudly roaring, You are an ally.”
“Carry lipstick, pain relief and tampons always. Save a sister, make a new friend.”
“We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.”
And oh so so much more.
This book is so incredibly empowering, inspiring, insightful and really hilarious at times. At times it makes you angry that these things are still going on, at times you laugh, at times you just sit there and think ‘I’ve never read anything more true or relatable in my life.’
Seriously, girls you will relate. Boys, maybe you’ll learn something or think about the girls in your life slightly differently.
(P.S – Boys can/should be feminists as well, just FYI)
So if you only read one book in 2019, make it this one. Because it is madness that people should be treated any differently based off their gender. It is bizarre that women are still discriminated against simply because they are a woman. It is not okay that females all over the world do not have the same opportunities that their male counterparts have.
But what is amazing, is that times ARE changing. Slowly, but surely CHANGING!
And guess what else? You can help the process. Be part of the change that the whole world NEEDS to see and feel.
Women’s rights are human rights. Simple.
Also, feminists definitely can wear pink…if they want to.
Lucia X