book reviews
Must-read books for and about women, including thought-provoking novels, business books, memoirs and feminist histories.
Why I Wish I Wrote 'Whisper Network'
"If only you'd listened to us, none of this would have happened." So begins Whisper Network, the debut novel by Chandler Baker, chosen as the July Book Selection for Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine Book Club.
Amy ImpellizzeriPublished 5 years ago in Viva5 Books All Women Should Read by Their 20s
1. 'The Handmaid’s Tale' This dystopian novel written by Margret Atwood has not only been adapted into a gripping TV series, it is also one of the most reflective novels about feminism and womanhood that a girl could read. Without explaining the whole plot, the book follows the story of Offred: a woman whose sole purpose in society is to provide a fertile reproductive system for a male called Fred. This novel highlights the height of 1970s/80s feminism and captures the cruel truth about how women are perceived in society. 10/10; a book ALL women should read.
Leigh HooperPublished 5 years ago in Viva'The Handmaid's Tale' Analysis: Chapters 9-11
Chapter Nine Offred acknowledges the room as hers, which is a possible sign that her indoctrination is winning over her desire to rebel. She characterizes the room as different parts of a house based off the function the room is currently serving. For example, when she is waiting, it is a waiting room. When she’s sleeping, it’s a bedroom. She suspects that someone has lived in the room before her, due to the empty facet in the ceiling where a light fixture would hang.
10 Books About Feminism Every Guy Should Read
There seems to be a toxic mindset about gender roles in our society today—one that makes a lot of men full of rage, disdain, and hatred towards women. It's an attitude that makes men think that they understand the entirety of the problems that women face.
Mackenzie Z. KennedyPublished 5 years ago in VivaBook Review: 'Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race'
Welcome, Book Readers!! My name is Michael Reynoso and this is “Writer’s Harmony.” Today, I will be doing a book review, which is called Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly with Winifred Conkling.
Michael ReynosoPublished 5 years ago in VivaText Analysis of a Play by Henrik Ibsen
The play explores a young mother’s realization that her life has been spent in a paternalistic environment, passed on to her like a doll from her father’s house to her husband’s. That is, being encouraged to be helpless rather than to think for herself.
Rose SoursPublished 5 years ago in VivaHave You Read This Yet? 'Milk and Honey' by Rupi Kaur (Pt. 3)
"i alwaysget myself into this messi always let himtell me i am beautifuland half believe it . . .that will be theend of me" (Kaur, 2015, p. 81)
Delise FantomePublished 5 years ago in Viva'The Handmaid's Tale' Analysis: Chapters 6-8
Chapter 6 Offred often describes Ofglen as pious and deliberates on whether it’s sincere or for show. In her inner monologue, she talks of her wings which she calls “blinkers.” Handmaids wear the wings to “keep them from seeing, and also from being seen.” This is Gilead’s approach to eliminating sexual harassment of Handmaids while they do their chores. The wings are also symbolic of the tightly defined space the Handmaids are allowed to roam. Their vision is limited, as is their understanding of the outside world.
'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.
Hayley DodwellPublished 5 years ago in VivaThe 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.
Morgan E. WestlingPublished 5 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.
'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.
Ayanna ColonPublished 5 years ago in Viva