book reviews
Must-read books for and about women, including thought-provoking novels, business books, memoirs and feminist histories.
'A Lotus Grows in the Mud' - A Book You Must Read!
I recently reread A Lotus Grows in the Mud, the 2005 book by Hollywood legend Goldie Hawn. I enjoyed it as much as I did the first time I read it, and it's a book truly worthy of recommendation. So I want to tell you about this incredible read, and why it is a must to read.
By Hayley Dodwell7 years ago in Viva
The 10 Best Books for Feminist Friends
In the words of Queen Bey, "Who run the world? Girls!" There are so many excellent books for feminist friends on the market today because feminism is taking the world by storm. Young women everywhere (as well as men) are realizing that women are powerful and deserve to be treated as equals in society. It’s important when reading about feminism to take in perspectives from a wide range of authors, both modern and classic. Some of the greatest feminist writers of all time came from decades past, such as Margaret Atwood and Virginia Woolf, however, 21st century women have written amazing feminist books with plenty to say. Their words will surely inspire you and your feminist friends.
By Morgan E. Westling7 years ago in Viva
'The Handmaid's Tale' Analysis: Chapters 3-5
Link to 1st part. Chapter 3 One motif you’ll see recurring throughout the novel is Offred’s descriptive prose about Serena Joy’s garden, specifically her flowers. The Commander’s Wife dutifully dotes on her garden, which symbolizes her desperate want for a child. The flowers are her children, the only life she can fertilize and raise to adulthood. Note also of Serena Joy’s introduction, that she is the Commander’s Wife, not her own identity. This represents that even elite women of Gilead are oppressed and owned by men. Offred is reminded of how she also had a garden in the past, a way to pass time, something she isn’t permitted now.
By CT Idlehouse7 years ago in Viva
'We're Going to Need More Wine' - Gabrielle Union
Before I begin the book review, I would like to say a couple of things: I listened to the audiobook on Audible narrated by Gabrielle Union. I still plan on buying the hard cover copy. I hope more than anything, I properly write this review giving it all the justice and glory it deserves.
By Ayanna Colon7 years ago in Viva
"The Handmaid's Tale" Analysis: Intro, Pt. I, Chapters 1 & 2
Is it healthy to have an obsession with such a depressing dystopian novel? I guess it’s no more depressing than the political news of today. What is this morbid fascination with disturbing alternate futures that attracts us? Well, in the case of The Handmaid’s Tale, it is definitely the succinct, intricate weaving of narrative and subtle reflections of the real world’s problems. Too many dystopian works these days are written as polemics and agendas, or are cliché and uninspired. But The Handmaid’s Tale is a classic work of literature that builds its plot around one singular character, knowing only what she’s told of the world she lives in, whether it’s word-of-mouth, propaganda, or both. Because if you did live a life like Offred’s, in which the act of reading anything is a crime, you would only have your wits and memories at hand.
By CT Idlehouse7 years ago in Viva
10 Classic Feminist Books You Should Read. Top Story - September 2018.
In the 20th and 21st century, women writers have begun to speak up and truly make their voices heard. Classic feminist books have won the Pulitzer Prize and become bestsellers across the United States as both men and women have embraced the women’s movement and sexual politics as a whole. Young women, women of color, and women writers of all races and backgrounds are taking the stage and letting their creativity flow. Some of the most notable feminist literary authors such as Mary Wollstonecraft, Alice Walker, Kate Millett, and Simone de Beauvoir paved the way for more recent generations of feminist writers. There is an endless list of excellent literary works out there, but here are some of our favorite classic feminist books we think you should read!
By Morgan E. Westling7 years ago in Viva
10 Books to Raise Stronger Girls
Unfortunately, in society today, young girls can be mean. Middle school has become one of the most important times in the girl world, because this is when girls are turning into young women and defining who they will become in the eyes of their peers. Body image starts to become important, girls move into different social circles, and daughters start to pull away from their mothers. In these difficult years, mothers may need guidance in how to deal with their young daughters, and keep their little girls from going down the wrong path. Here are the best books to raise stronger girls with good character.
By Morgan E. Westling7 years ago in Viva
Feminist Children's Books Every Child Must Read
My childhood was filled with princess stories. Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, you name it. When I was a little girl, I wanted nothing more than to find a handsome prince and live happily ever after. I know I’m not the only one who had a steady diet of these stories. But if I ever have kids, whether they’re girls or boys, I don’t want them to grow up solely on stories where the princess needs to be rescued by someone else. I’d rather introduce them to feminist kid's books—ones with characters who are amazing role models. If you feel the same, read on, and check out these feminist children’s books that every child must read.
By Kioko Leonia7 years ago in Viva
Plain Jane: A Classic Revisited
We all have that one book. The one we covet. Hold to our chests like a protective shield. Usually, it is the one filled with highlighted passages, dog-eared pages, or post-it notes stuck in what looks to others as random placement. But you know the truth. Those singled out pages contain words of wisdom and quotes you can probably recite from memory. They speak to you in your hour of need. You recite them to friends and family who need a boost of confidence, a reminder that life is messy, but will always offer some shine to those who seek it. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë is that book of choice for me. A personal favorite, it continues to touch me with its language and themes of independence as well as Jane's search for family and love.
By Jessica Leibe7 years ago in Viva
This ‘Doll House’ is Not My Home
Nora Helmer lives in the time period where women had no rights in the world. For a while, that concept that women are powerless is seen in the beginning of Henrik Ibsen’s play “A Doll House”, until Nora stamps her mark as a “human being just like Torvald” (Ibsen, 840) with the same rights as anybody else. The play opens up with Nora being stuck between her husband’s favors and a blackmailing conspiracy. In the beginning of the play, Ibsen portrays Nora as this submissive, gold-digging wife who is always after Torvald Helmer’s, her husband, money. As the action moves more towards the climax of the play, antagonist Nils Krogstad visits Nora about her payment issues. At the end, during the resolution of the play when the truth comes out, Nora finally gets her courage to stand up and speak her mind against Torvald. A desperate Nora searches for a way out to try and justify her previous criminal actions against her late father; therefore, putting her family name in jeopardy.
By Robyn Welborne7 years ago in Viva
10 Empowering Feminist Novels Every Woman Must Read
As a feminist, we want to possess the strength and mind to take on a world that continues to be dominated by men. There are moments when we encounter situations that make us feel small and helpless in this massive world. However, we should never feel this way! I've personally felt this so many times, and it's really hard to get back up without the motivation. I wanted to start feeling empowered to get out there and be my best.
By Jennifer Violet8 years ago in Viva
'Beauty Restored': Life After Rape (Must Read)
After I had been raped I told all that needed to know. When my mom told the pastor that worked at her job, I was far from thrilled. I didn’t think that she needed to know. I wasn’t even sure I still believed in God. What would it help? Probably nothing because my heart had been aching for far too long to heal.
By The Darkest Sunrise8 years ago in Viva
