Women Don't Owe You Pretty

Pros: The cover of this book and its title grabbed my attention immediately, and I'm so glad I read this book. The amount of information in this book is a bit overwhelming, but the author does a fantastic job using pull quotes, section headings, lists, and graphics to make this very readable. I appreciated the author's use of trigger warnings throughout. This book covers so many big ideas that I can see myself reading it multiple times and each time something different standing out to me. During my first read of this book, I especially connected to the chapters about micro aggressions (the lists here were so very helpful--I learned new things to be mindful of), accountability, and privilege. I also appreciated the author's inclusion of a glossary at the end of the book and her way of defining things in a new-to-me way that reframed how I think of things (e.g., her definition of "capitalism" was a lightbulb moment for me).

Cons: This is not con of the book, but more a note to potential readers. There are some (many?) people out there who will see the title and automatically pass on reading this book because they do not like the title and what it suggests. Others might look past the title and then feel uncomfortable with what the book discusses. I think both groups of people are the ones who need to read this book the most. There are so many learning and growth opportunities in this book, and it is a "con" that so many who need this book will not give it a chance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity to read this book!

I actually read this one with my sister and we both adored it. Its so empowering, the illustrations and page designs are beautiful- everyone should read this for a lil inspiration and pick me up

In Women Don't Owe You Pretty, Florence Given talks about the out-dated narratives supplied to us by the patriarchy. I really enjoyed it. I learnt a lot about where my own boundaries are and that in the past people have not always respected them. I read this book at a great time in my life where I could really reflect on some of my past experiences and learn how to be better to myself.

I think this is a perfect book if you are new(ish) to feminism and learning about some of the narratives the patriarchy, racism and capitalism are trying to sell to us.

I flew through this book in just a day! If you're looking for peer-reviewed research on feminism, this is not that. If you're looking for a succinct, fun, at times heartbreaking (and don't forget aesthetically beautiful) book about how feminism is going to ruin your life in the best way possible, this is for you. I loved how conversational this book was and found myself pausing to take pictures or write down quotes that really resonated with me throughout each chapter. Plus, the artwork is stunning! I thoroughly enjoyed this and may even read it again.

Florence Given is a breath of fresh air and a promise that a new generation of female voices are coming - and they aren't taking any misogynistic BS. This should be mandatory reading for all women (and men) alike.

This was such a powerful, inspirational, impactful, and important read. If you haven’t already read this book I would recommend doing so. There are definitely going to be some changes in my life due to this book, and I deeply appreciate that.

I found this book a really interesting stepping stone into an array of social and political issues that I am familiar with but have done little research. Some parts of this book were quite eye opening for me due to the fact that I am uneducated in the intricacies of sex, gender and queer topics. It was very interesting to read this book.

A book that will give women a pep in their step and a boost of confidence, while paying homage in its own way to how far we’ve come.

An interesting and informative guide to embracing and incorporating feminism into our daily lives. I really liked how this encourages young people to communicate clearly and understand their worth. It's a little preachy at times, but pretty eye-opening and covers a huge variety of areas. I didn't love the format, but I'm a little older than the target demographic. I would have really enjoyed this guide as a high school/college student.

Thank you Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for providing this ARC.

This book was very empowering and a overall good read. Florence Given talks about lots of things I needed more information on and was very helpful.

The cover design of this book is a great way to pull in potential readers--I loved the font style combined with the modern layout and bright colors! That design made me want to check out this book to see what it's all about. It is filled with more brightly designed pages with modern designs and type as well as inspirational quotes on finding your power. This is a book for any woman who wants to tap into their definition of feminism. What does it mean to be feminist? How could your life change if you shifted your preconceived notions of yourself and what it means to be a powerful woman? With chapters such as 'How to Break Up with Yourself' & "Stop Scrolling in the Mornings,' Florence Given is giving a lot of us the wake-up call we need! It brings up some things that we may not have realized we needed to be focusing on and learning more about. I found the book to be really empowering and fiery. She doesn't mince words for us, and the illustrations are gritty to go along with that sentiment!

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an electronic ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

In this colorful and illustration-filled book that will appeal to the Instagram generation and those who love when an author gets to the point, Florence Given reminds the reader about what being feminist actually means. Through topic-specific chapters, she explores various aspects of feminism, including living your truth, checking your biases, and as suggested by the title, remembering that you do not owe anyone anything - especially not their perception of physical beauty.

While I didn't feel like the author was really saying anything new, I still enjoyed what she was saying. I can appreciate the information she shared and the reminders on how to be a better person, not just to others but for myself. On top of that, the illustrations were stunning! The style was unique, and I think it really added to the overall experience of reading this book in a great way.

An amazing, beautiful, stunning visual primer on feminism! This book is easy to read, fun, but also thought-provoking.

Publish Date: April 6, 2021

This is an informative and fun feminist book. The illustrations are excellent and I love the aesthetic of the whole thing. Given covers a number of topics in an inclusive way from the super serious to the mundane. She has a lively voice, one that's empowering and fresh. I look forward to following her work in the years to come.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy.

From the moment I read the introduction to this book, I knew I was going to love it. It's such an eye-opening book, even for someone like myself, who considers themself to be a feminist.

Firstly, because it's what attracted me to this book in the first place, the cover is STUNNING. As is the rest of the artwork within the book. I couldn't help but think how much I wanted all of the artwork and quotes to be downloadable and used a phone backgrounds or printables. The perfect tie in to make this book very enjoyable.

The writing is easy to understand and gripping. There was so much that I could relate to and understand but also many things that I hadn't considered like the idea of pretty privilege and how society has raised girls to believe in the narrative so strongly that not wanting kids or to get married, or to even be in a relationship, is deemed weird.

I loved that this book had a glossary of terms, so even those not as engrained in feminism or 'woke' culture can read, understand and learn.

I enjoyed this book so much and I highly recommend it. I'm planning on gifting this to my 16 year old sister because all I could think while reading this was "I wish I knew this when I was younger."

Women Don't Owe You Pretty provides an introduction to feminist perspectives on beauty and life as a woman navigating life in general. There wasn't a lot of originality, but important issues were covered nonetheless.

This felt a bit like self-help, but it was a kind of compilation of ideas and concepts I'd seen around for years. Maybe helpful for beginners.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love a self-help book that can teach a thing or two. This book was super eye-opening about gender inequality and feminism. My favorite aspect of the book was the section titled "Check Your Privilege." This contained checklists that you could look at to see if you experience privilege. It was really enlightening and gave me a new perspective on how lucky I am in so many ways.

Given's humor and honesty makes this a quick, fun read (even though she touches on a lot of really important issues, such as homophobia and sexual assault). I was shocked to learn she was only 21-years-old; I don't want to be ageist, but a lot of young people don't have this much insight and empathy. I also loved her artwork, which was edgy and fun. I'd definitely be interested to see what Givens writes next.

So inspiring. So much real talk here. Especially great for younger women who may need this wisdom. Even at 35, I needed to hear a lot of this. So good.

I very much enjoyed the writing style throughout this book! However, this book hit me so hard but I struggled getting through the middle of it as I just felt the same things were said over and over again which ultimately made me lose interest halfway through and then again, the last part really got me and now I’m so glad I finished it!
Thanks to NetGalley for supplying this read.

This novel is more of a guide to being a feminist. I was expecting a collection of feminist essays since that is what I am personally interested in nonetheless, this was still a pleasant change to what I usually read. The art, the colour and the quote pages are an eye-catching and lovely edition to the novel. There are some great information and some important points were made.

Overall, however, this seems to be more for people who are still being introduced to feminism and are still learning about the topic. It's very easy to understand and basic, but there is not a lot of in-depth analysis and discussions. This isn't for me, but it's still a good introductory novel for people who are just starting to learn about feminism.

<i>"There is enough room for all women to be whole without tearing each other down."</i>

This book was a good reminder of many of the things I tend to forget. Although I knew a lot of it or it didn't apply, I think this book would be good for some that are younger (like the author's age). The fun cover and interesting storytelling style, I think it would work well for many that don't like "self help" or nonfiction books as much.

And I love the above line. I think we forget, often as people (but also as women), that we aren't in competition. My happy family doesn't reflect on you, your happy one doesn't reflect on me. It's something I'm constantly trying to remind myself and others. We live in weird times right now.

<i>Stop breaking yourself down into bite-sized pieces. Stay whole and let them choke."</i>

And we have to stop making ourselves small, to fit whatever space we're given. Be big, make them choke.

<i>Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me with an Ebook via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.</i>

This book is fantastic! the art style is so cool! it reminds me of illustrations from the seventies. the advice is really solid as well! i would buy it for any woman or femme in my life.

I loved this book!! First of all despite the title this book is SO PRETTY! I love how it's laid out and the illustrations throughout are just beautiful. It is full of great quotes. I think every young woman should read this book. It is very important. I think it should be taught in schools honestly. Because it looks Instagram-worthy I think that young people would be more inclined to read it and pay it full attention.

OMG such a good book. I feel everyone needs to read this. Sure, it’s mostly about feminism, but there’s so much more. It talks about taking care of yourself, being a better person, not letting anyone hold you back/down. I’m willing to say this will be my favorite book of the year and I’m definitely going to be rereading frequently. Plus the art is amazing

A great book. Read through it very quickly. Something everyone should read at some point as it highlights things women face every day such as self-esteem issues and body image.

This book is a real eye-opener. Before reading this book I considered myself a feminist but more often than not, I was taking the side of men. I felt that men are suppressed and need a voice. Now I realise the struggles women deal with every day, they are just more subtle. So subtle that as a female, I didn't even notice. This book really points out the societal differences and raises some really important questions that we need to deal with internally before we can even think about trying to make a difference.

The one thing I liked most about this book is that there's no pressure to conform to anything. I've read feminist books in the past and felt as though I was trying to be recruited for some kind of cult. This book, however, didn't pressure me into feeling any type of way. I wanted to read this book for the self-love aspect. I wanted to know any useful tips to love myself and know my own worth. Instead, I received those tips and some food for thought that I never thought I would take away with me.

I would definitely recommend this book to any female and even any males who can't understand why women still feel as though we haven't met equality yet. It doesn't matter if your a feminist activist or just wanting to gather more information. This book is for everyone!

This book was a (good) slap in the face. It's a journey to self-respect through feminism with absolutely stunning illustrations throughout. It's succinct yet personal and has wonderful tidbits of advice that feel like gold. The book has sections on desirability politics, privilege, abusive relationships, queerness, self-care and so much more. Given teachers the readers how to own their lives and free themselves from the patriarchy like a big sister; it's not overly academic but still teaches so much. I recommend it to all women and women adjacent people.

This book is like the advice I needed when I was much younger. I'm so glad there are books like this out there for young women and girls in today's day and age. I found myself nodding along and saying "yes" to so many passages, bookmarking them to go back to read later. It's like Florence Given is able to articulate the thoughts in my head that I can't quite put to paper or voice. It's truly inspiring that at the age of 21 she was able to write such a great and inspiring text. I look forward to reading more of her work. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title in exchange for an honest review.

This book was amazing, it felt really empowering especially for someone like me who hasn't read a lot of feminist books. Because of that, I can only speak from my perspective and experience reading this book which may be completely different from someone who understands/has studied more the topic of feminism.
Women don't owe you pretty was very eye-wakening not only in terms of what being a woman means but also in terms of privileged within society even as a woman. I highly recommend this book, especially if you're just like me and has just started reading about feminism.

A gorgeous book filled with lovely illustrations and artwork with he most amazing amount of affirmations!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review!

This is an easy to approach, excellent beginner guide on what feminism actually looks like from a lived-in human body. I particularly appreciate both the nods that even wanting to "feel pretty" is a cultural construct as well as the reminder that, due to prejudices, many women *need* to perform femininity for their own safety. The reminders that not only are we all on different feminist paths but that people who are at the same place as us may have different needs is great. This book would be particularly well suited for individuals who are still finding themselves, as there is a sizeable amount of dating advice that can be boiled down to "take care of yourself first, figure out yourself first".

i feel like every single person needs to read this at least once in their lives. this was such a powerful and important read. i highly highly recommend reading this xx

I really like this book. It’s honest, raw, and has bold illustrations throughout that break up the text. I like that the author includes her own experiences too. There are also quotes throughout that are fun to read. I only wish the pictures were a little more inclusive of other ethnicities and abilities. Otherwise this book is an easy and refreshing read on what it’s like to be a woman, and grow into who you are rather than who the world expects you to be.

Women Don't Owe You Pretty took me through an uncomfortable but much needed emotional rollercoaster. Some chapters even had me tearing up. I was able to reflect on my life and change behaviours that I didn't even realize were affecting me so negatively and even recognize behaviours I didn't even know I had. I loved how this book also talked lots about homophobia, racism, fatphobia, and ageism as components of feminism (most books I've read about feminism solely focus on sexism). I noticed a few things were repeated throughout the book (I personally don't mind this but I know for some readers it can become annoying). This book offers a lot of information and I found myself almost getting lost at times but the author's writing styles and techniques were able to get my attention back on track. The illustrations were also a beautiful touch to the book and the colourful pages added a great touch. This book if perfect for anyone who needs a lil inspo or self help :)

I loved this book. The whole book is beautiful, from the illustrations to every single word.
I feel like this made perfect sense for me because of my age and the time in my life I'm going through. It was exactly what I needed and I'm sure a lot of women needs this in their life.
The book is full of amazing chapters with things that although they might seem basic are important to read because sometimes we all need a reminder that we are incredible.

I have been a Florence Given fan for at least a year when I discovered her Instagram (I even own one of her art prints). Obviously, I was thrilled to be able read and review an advance copy. It did not disappoint - for women in their twenties/thirties so many topics to reflect on. My new dating mantra is going to be “crumbs are only tempting when you’re hungry so you must always be sure you’re full on your own.” If you’re looking for a self-help book to begin to think about concepts such as the male gaze and diver deeper into your definition of feminism this is a great place to go. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

I have gotten so much from this book and absolutely love the layout of it. It is visually stunning and I plan to pick up a physical copy to keep on the coffee table. This really helped me expand my views and helped me unpack some internalized misogyny that I am still working through. Definitely plan to read again and pass this along to friends and family.

‘I swear to God, you cut men and they bleed audacity’.

I absolutely loved this book. I found it really thought provoking and inspiring. After reading some reviews, I wasn’t sure what to expect but I think it’s definitely worth a read. As a generation that wasn’t explicitly taught about many of the topics or ideologies in the book, I found it really good to read about them. I love the author and her style of writing is pretty much no-nonsense and this really appeals to me.

I had seen and heard that so many people have read this book, and are truly amazed by it! Indeed, this book is about crucial topics that need to be addressed and talked about more in society. It also includes beautiful and colourful illustrations.

Some of the drawbacks are that this book was not as ground-breaking as I might have expected, as well as I would have expected the topics to go in perhaps more logical sequence. Overall, highly recommend this book.

Honestly, this should be mandatory reading. I don’t even know where to begin….but this book was amazing. It covered so many aspects of feminism, while also touching on other minority communities as well. It said some very important things about body image, queer women, and self-love as a few examples. I found myself screenshotting almost every other page, because of the thought-provoking quotes that I wanted to remember or share with someone.

I thought I was a feminist before I read this, but oh boyyyy was there room to grow. I learnt a ton from this novel and it seriously changed my outlook on life. I highly recommend this to every single teenager or adult who likes to read!! It’s out now in both the US and the UK!