Cover Image: The Feminist Handbook

The Feminist Handbook

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Member Reviews

*I am PoC but white-passing (sometimes) so definitely value the ratings of people who are not white-passing above mine*

When I realised that this book was by a white (or white-passing) woman I got a little concerned as white women have a nasty habit of not being intersectional. I am pleased that Bagshaw discusses how institutionalised racism starts when kids are young. I wish Bagshaw had used the term misogynoir (coined by Moya Bailey) as I think it is important to discuss how Black women face particular types of oppression. I haven't finished it as it is quite the intense read, but it does touch on the topics I think most important in feminism: intersectionality, racism, sexism, queer rights, ableism, & fatphobia.

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This book is a real feminist book.
Overall I really liked it and it was very inspiring, but I thought there was quite a lot of repetition and I didn't like that.
I really recommend this book if you are searching for a feminist positive book.

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The Feminist Handbook is not particularly groundbreaking, but it is a good basic "Feminism 101" book that shares the ideas important in 21st century feminism. The Feminist Handbook would be a great introductory book. The best part is that it teaches how patriarchal beliefs affect daily life, and how feminism can improve it. The discussions of privilege and intersectionality were clear and helpful.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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From the title was clear that the main subject was going to be feminism, but I thought it was something like a collection of stories from women that fought for women rights and against discrimination. The book on the contrary is created as a self-help handbook. It doesn’t talk only about feminism but also about other discriminatory topics, such as race discrimination.
The title might confuse the reader, on the contrary, I think this book is not only for women but to everyone who wants to know more about this subject, and what feminism means.

What I didn’t not like about this book is the way the authors decided to explain the subject. I was aware of the patriarchy society we live in, but we can’t generalize and point the finger at all men on earth. The society is dated, and we need a change, also regarding cultural traditions, but this is not a female revolution. The change must come from everyone, that is why I suggest reading this book also to men to better understand the feminism. I know a lot of men that consider themselves feminist, because they want equality in their life. Discrimination is not only against women but also against men. How many Nations in the World do not allow paternity leave? That’s also inequality, and it is only one of many others. What I want to say is just that inequality is a World problem not only a female problem, and we should fight for equality all together.

To conclude, I suggest this book to everyone that wants to know more about feminism, inequality, and discrimination. This book helps to think and better understand the topic and if you also want to do something every day to ensure that sooner or later you no longer have to talk about inequality because all beings will be put on the same level.

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This book really makes the reader think about their role in the current social environment. Are patriarchal power structures impacting your life? The author has tips on how to recognize this and how to work towards resolving it. This book should be required reading for all young women, as we have come so far, but have so far to go to truly be considered equal to men in the workplace and society.

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This was an excellent primer into feminism, what it is, who it's for, and why it's important. Bagshaw breaks down feminism into not just its component parts but also its waves and how and why feminism has had to change over time. Each chapter focuses on a particular topic, from intersectionality to reproductive justice and everything in between.

I was extremely pleased at the inclusion of so-called "benevolent" sexism in the discussion; ideas like, "Women deserve to be protected," and "Women's bodies are made to give birth;" ideas which seem kind on the face of them but have insidious undertones - "Women are too weak to protect themselves," and "Women are nothing more than vessels for babies." It made me glad that these things were included in light of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris' comments to the latter sentiments effect at the most recent debate. As a person with a uterus who has no desire or intention to have children, her comments about what my, and what people like me's - bodies are for was nothing short of insulting, so its good to see things like that as a form of sexism all of their own.

I also enjoyed the inclusion of activities and thought exercises around every important idea in the book. I think for someone who is new to feminism, alliship, or social justice would really benefit from taking some time to think about how these aggressions and microaggressions affect their own life.

Finally, I was happy to see it spelled out that the feminist movement also focuses on the inequalities faced by by gender nonconforming people, since they, along with cis women, are the people most likely to face the brunt of all the things sexism has wrought, sometimes even more so.

Overall, a very informational and accessible text. Clear, concise, and inclusive.

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Perfect for those who are new to feminism. Inside were filled with explanation on the term itself, related subjects, brief history and important people, and even some 'check points' on reader's personal journey on feminism. It isn't a book for everyone who already familiar with feminism, but I guess we all could always learn something out of it.

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I support the premise of this book and think that it is a necessary publication, but it felt like I was reading stuff I already knew. This is not so much about a poor book, but a poor match of book and reader.

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It started off great but as it progressed further there was a lot of repetition. Also, I wasn't expecting this book to be a workbook, but it turned out to be one so that was unexpected as well as a bit of a disappointment for me as I was expecting something entirely different from it. As with most of the text on the subject, at many places, I found the preachings and claims of this book a bit irrelevant and somewhat blown out of the proportion. Though I do realize that not everyone is subjected to similar kind of circumstances, I am not of the mind to appreciate highlighting only the worst-case scenarios.

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This one has been written concisely and with no words wasted. I appreciate the authors for making this read so easy and simple to follow. I loved how the book was not overly dramatic and for providing easy to visualise diagrams and figures. Actually it made the reading fun and faster. Regarding the main issues discussed, it was well done and the chapters were written well with no beating around the bush with relevant day today examples. Great work. Thanks #netgalley for the book #thefeministhandbook. We all need to read this.

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3 out of 5

**OMG! I cannot believe that these reviews haven't been done! I am so sorry they are so late!!!**

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars

A comprehensive and thoroughly entertaining book about intersectional feminism illustrated by interesting scenarios that force the reader to question their level of privilege in this current sociopolitical climate. The activities never take the reader out of the reading experience and only serve to emphasise the importance of activism. It teaches you how to question patriarchal power structures and gives you the tools you'll need to play your part in dismantling them.

If you read this book in conjunction with Seeing Gender: An Illustrated Guide to Identity and Expression and some other feminist nonfiction books then you'll develop an excellent understanding of what it means to be an intersectional feminist.

This book couldn't come soon enough.

Preorder this book to receive it on November 1st 2019 by following the link below:
https://www.newharbinger.com/feminist-handbook

I received this book as an ARC via NetGalley📚 in exchange for an honest review.

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Thank you so much Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this collection!
This was such a useful book, and I am so glad it exists.
This book is aptly named- a handbook for feminists.
This is not too complicated, it is perfect for your first foray in feminism.
My only problem was the first 40% was very slow for me and too dense with statistics and information. I was even considering DNF'ing at some points but I am glad I pushed through. The last 60% was amazing though!
I LOVED that it wasn't just about white feminism, it made sure to include a ton of diversity, intersectionality and it talked a lot about privilege.

Overall, I am so glad that this book is available for people to read and I would recommend it if you are wanting to learn more about feminism!

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I have to admit that I was this close to abandon the book without finishing it because I found the first 40% very flat, with lots of data, but no fluidity. But then something happened and it all starts to make more sense. I truly started enjoying the book and that lasted until the end. The Feminist Handbook does a great job of covering A LOT of field in a simple, easy-to-understand way, and it even includes activities you can do at home.

I'm very glad I read this and I would even recommend it for a book club, or as a "start here" guide to learn about feminism. 3.5 stars!

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'Feminism isn't about women becoming equal to men. Feminism means liberation from patriarchal values and structures that are oppressive to all of us.'
This handbook is something that you'll want to keep referring to and referencing to support your own decisions and back your arguments in life. It is concise, non judgemental and reflects on the shortfallings of feminism in history and how the waves of feminism have developed to overcome them. As well as being a source of information, it presents questions and problems in a way that is accessible to someone with little knowledge of feminism, but still relavent to a more experienced feminist.
It is up to date and puts intersectionality at the forefront of examples and explanations. These examples show relevance and the oppression that women regularly face.

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I wanted to read this book because a friend once asked me if I was a feminist and it took me longer than five minutes to respond. I'm female and growing up there have been so many things, what you'd call a code of conduct that has been expected of me, and this confusion in saying, 'this is weighing me down' to the same people who have lived this lifestyle is what I struggle with every day.
This handbook explores many things from sexism, oppression, these sexist exploitation instilled by a patriarchal society and how best to identify them, call them out for what they are, and how to shake off these shackles. I love how it explores many themes including violence, abuse and most of all emotional abuse that often goes unnoticed.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC. I wonder, does this book come with a journal? It'd make a great companion for any book club, or an after school program for both boys and girls.

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