Strong Female Character by Hanna Flint is an interesting exploration of the representation of women in media. The audiobook format adds a personal touch, with Flint's narration bringing her insights to life. However, while the content is thought-provoking, some sections feel repetitive, which can detract from the overall impact. The anecdotes and examples are engaging, but a bit more depth in analysis would have elevated the experience. Overall, it's a solid listen that sparks important conversations, but it doesn't fully hit the mark.

I really enjoyed the fact that Hanna Flint narrated her own book! I often find that when authors narrate their own books, sometimes the narration isn't there and it really pulls from the work but Hanna did a great job and you could really feel the emotion behind her words. While Hanna spends time discussing the impacts of the strong female character, she also spends a bit of time discussing the challenges of the strong female character archetype. She made some excellent points especially when arguing that the strong female character is empowering but they also push harmful stereotypes and limit how diverse female characters and females actually are. There is a lot of strong female characters in cinema and literature currently but sometimes we are missing the more flawed aspects of a female character.

I definitely recommend this book to everyone (not just women)!

I loved this book. Hanna was an excellent narrator, and I loved how she related her personal history to female fictional characters. It was a great way to fill my car rides to work. The writing was well done as well. I recommend it.

I really enjoyed this one. Thank you, NetGalley for sharing this with me. I'll definitely be looking forward to reading more.

I was truly thankful to have gotten to read this before most people! I would like to purchase this one for my physical library!

Strong Female Character is a book by Hanna Flint that delves into the concept of strong female characters in literature and popular culture. The author explores the history of female representation in media and the evolution of the strong female character archetype. Flint's comprehensive analysis covers various genres, from classic literature to contemporary films and television shows. She discusses the impact of strong female characters on society and their role in shaping societal expectations and norms. The book's intersectional approach highlights the importance of intersectionality in creating authentic female characters. Flint also discusses the challenges and limitations of the strong female character archetype, arguing that while they can be empowering, they can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and limit the complexity of female characters. Strong Female Character is a valuable resource for anyone interested in feminism, media studies, or cultural criticism, and is a must-read for anyone interested in the representation of women in media.

This was an easy listen and humourous at times. The story was pretty good, and the narrator was alright. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to listen to and review this audiobook.

Thank you for the Advanced Listening Copy. The concept was intriguing, and the material was eye-opening (especially the chapter on Disney movies!). The memoir pieces of the book weren't cohesive, and I was often confused by her timeline and descriptions. I might have appreciated it more as an eye-read vs. ear-read, though the author's accent and delivery were entertaining.

Strong Female Character: What Movies Teach Us by Hanna Flint is a great book that offers a fresh and feminist perspective on the movies we've grown up watching. From Disney princesses to beloved classics like "Ten Things I Hate About You," Flint delves into the portrayal of women in cinema and provides insightful analysis. I particularly enjoyed the author's diverse taste and how she seamlessly weaves together film, family, and personal growth into a beautiful and cohesive narrative.

Flint celebrates the strong female characters who have challenged stereotypes and become icons in the industry. She encourages readers to critically analyze the messages conveyed by films and highlights the importance of diverse and empowering portrayals. The book offers a compelling exploration of feminism in film, examining various genres and discussing the impact of strong female characters on viewers.

Flint's writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book an enjoyable read for both film enthusiasts and casual readers. Her personal anecdotes and reflections add depth and authenticity to the discussions, creating a strong connection with the audience.

While the book overall is a great exploration of feminism in film, there were moments when I wished for deeper analysis and more in-depth examinations. Some topics felt slightly rushed, leaving me wanting more. Additionally, certain movies and perspectives could have been further explored to provide a more comprehensive view.

Overall, Strong Female Character is a compelling book that offers a feminist and diverse perspective on the movies that have shaped our cultural landscape. Through her analysis, Flint highlights the importance of strong female characters and the impact they have on viewers. The book's cohesive narrative, personal reflections, and engaging writing style make it an enjoyable read. While there were moments when I desired more depth, the overall message and exploration of diverse and accurate BIPOC representation in film make it a valuable addition to the discussion.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

Prior to this I had never heard of Hanna Flint and I had never really taken into account all the topics she discusses in movies causing an issue in so many ways. I enjoyed her relating the topics of sex, discrimination, gender roles, hierarchy, race, rape culture, eating disorders to movies and from a film critics point of view. It was an interesting listen to recall a majority of the movies and make me pause and be like “hmm she has a point.” Not to mention the insight she brought to scenes and movies and actors I had no idea about.

The topics Flint elaborates on are discussions that need to be continued. Conversations need to be had about these things. Unfortunately, I think that the people that need to have the conversations are not the ones that are going to be picking up this book and reading it—but I hope that they are because so much needs to change.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This book started of strong but lost me personally around the middle when we started getting a lot more details of the author's sex life than I am comfortable with. The writing is excellent and I very much enjoy this style of memoir where the author ties moments or themes in their own lives to those they've experienced through film. It reminded me in some ways of Alicia Malone's Girls on Film which I loved. I will be interested to read Hanna's interviews and reviews in the future and will certainly search her out now.

I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir by film critic Hanna Flint. While I’m not an avid audiobook listener, there’s something to be said for listening to an author read their writing as it was intended to be read—and feels all the more special if that book is a memoir. I highly recommend this book, and the audiobook version of it!

Divided “chronological” parts, this book is a fantastic combination of memoir, essay collection, and name that film. As a millennial reader, Flint’s pop culture references hit home, but I really appreciated the depth that she was able to reach despite numerous laugh-out-loud moments. I greatly appreciated the author’s ability to balance discussing her experience growing up as a mixed race child in a predominantly white community, her relationship with her career-driven mother, and how she bonded with her stepfather over a love of sports, against the backdrop of a varied cinematic landscape. And these topics just scratch the surface of what is covered in this feminist memoir. You could consider this book as the author’s list of “the films that made me,” but she manages to infuse so much personality into her storytelling that this the result is the farthest thing from a watch list—although there’s quite a few titles that I’ll be adding to mine!

Ok so I enjoyed this book, but I could see how some people might not. Have you ever been talking with people about movies and you say something about how one scene was a great portrayal of whatever, and your friend goes, yeah have you seen this movie it does that even better. If you enjoy that kind of conversation, then this book is definitely for you. If you don't like talking about movies but want some interesting perspectives on the portrayal of various topics in cinema, then this book is probably for you. If you don't like movies, well, then it's your call. I love when authors narrate their own works and Hanna Flint does a great job. There are definitely some serious critical review moments that make some excellent points mixed with some very personal and often funny narrative moments. This book was thoughtful and insightful and I'd highly recommend it to anyone. Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. The writer had an interesting way of weaving together personal anecdotes with pop-culture references, and I generally enjoyed her direct style of storytelling. While the focus of the book was definitely on movies and their treatment of female characters, I appreciated that discussions of major television shows/series were also included. This was an entertaining and engrossing read.

This is not what I expected based on the title when I started the book. That’s on me for judging a book by its cover. I expected more analysis of powerful women in movies and how that has shaped culture. Not critique and occasionally praise for movies that personally align with this author’s life story. That is on me. But I feel like some of the examples chosen are obscure and not really explained in a way that makes the reader want to engage with the film? And I’m not sure I agree with the analysis of some of the films. I get the impression that the author likes movies and wanted to tie in some of their favorites or biggest disappointments to help talk about their influences and decisions in life—which can be engaging. The influences of pop culture on our decision making and the lens through which we see the world are undeniable. I think the concept and the moral lessons of the book are worthwhile.

In "Strong Female Character," Hanna Flint takes readers on a journey through her personal experiences as a feminist of mixed-race heritage in the film industry, while also offering insightful commentary on the representation of women and ethnic minorities in cinema. The book is divided into five sections, each providing a different lens through which to view the importance of diverse representation in film.

Flint's writing style is witty and engaging, and her essays are filled with personal anecdotes that make her points resonate with the reader. While some may find the essays to be lengthy, they provide a unique perspective on the film industry and its impact on society. I appreciated how Flint provided film recommendations from around the world and challenged readers to broaden their horizons beyond the Western perspective.

Overall, "Strong Female Character" is an important read for those interested in feminist literature and the movie industry's disparities. It offers a critical eye on the representation of women in cinema, and how it shapes our perception of strong female characters. If you're looking for a thought-provoking discussion on the impact of cinema on our lives, body image, and ambitions, this book is definitely worth a read.

Hannah intertwines her life events with many movies to match each topic. She is not shy about being blunt, this memoir has all the juicy details. I liked the way she presented each relevant and difficult topics.
Recommended For: Memoir and movie fans, but trigger warnings of rape, eating disorders, racism, are covered. But the overall message is that it’s hard to be a woman, change is needed, but we are strong and will continue to fight for a better world.

Certainly, here's a more detailed review of the audiobook version of "Strong Female Character" by Hanna Flint:

"Strong Female Character" by Hanna Flint is an essential analysis of the representation of women in media, now available as an audiobook. Flint's thorough research and insightful arguments are brought to life in the audiobook format, making it an engaging and thought-provoking listen for anyone interested in this important topic.

One of the standout features of the audiobook is Flint's narration. Her clear and eloquent delivery makes it easy for listeners to follow along with her discussions of female representation in film and television over the years. Her passion for the subject matter is evident in her narration, and her delivery is both engaging and persuasive.

The audiobook also allows for a more immersive experience, as Flint brings various case studies to life with vivid examples of strong and complex female characters. Her analysis of iconic female characters such as Ripley from "Alien" and Buffy from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" is particularly impactful, as she explores their lasting impact on popular culture.

Flint's intersectional analysis is another standout feature of the audiobook. She acknowledges the ways in which factors such as race, sexuality, and disability intersect with gender to shape representations of women in media. Her discussion of how these intersections impact female representation is both insightful and necessary, and her nuanced analysis encourages listeners to think more critically about the media they consume.

While the audiobook version may lack the visual aids that are present in the print edition, such as illustrations or charts, Flint's clear and concise narration more than makes up for it. Her arguments are well-structured and easy to follow, and her analysis is both thorough and nuanced.

Overall, "Strong Female Character" is a must-listen for anyone interested in the representation of women in media. Flint's engaging narration and insightful analysis make the audiobook version a worthy addition to any audiobook library.

I really enjoyed Hanna Flint and her book/audiobook Strong Female Character because it blends two of my favorite genres: Memoirs and Film Criticism. Flint allows readers/listeners to see through the eyes of women and her own eyes as she looks back on her life and the many films that have influenced her and helped her through experiences throughout from the Disney Princesses that she adored as a child to the movies of her teenage and college years such as Bend It Like Beckham and She's The Man. What I love about Flint is that she also shows how some movies can be beneficial in a time but can be looked at differently as we grow and change and I feel that this book is a must read for anyone who is a film fan or loves hearing perspectives on film and how people see what is on screen!

I’d never heard of Hanna Flint before requesting this advance audiobook copy. I was intrigued by the blurb and interested in hearing her thoughts on the depictions of women in film. She struck a perfect balance between discussing her life & experiences, and relating them to characters in film. At the end of each chapter, I’d think that was my favorite, only to feel the same about the next. From a discussion of race and femininity in Disney films to the exploration of first periods in film, the whole book was 🤌 for women who enjoy watching movies (which is likely almost all women! 😂).
*Thanks to Dreamscape Media & NetGalley for the advance audio listener copy for review