Friday, November 1, 2013

The Book of Jezebel: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Lady Things

I received this book as an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Fun, funny, and informative. I found myself really interested in finding out more about the men, and women I had never heard of, and seeing different perspectives on people I thought I knew. I liked how unflinching some of the articles on some of the different people were, and they didn't avoid looking at the more negative attitudes, and judgments of many of them. Pretty sad how many older feminist leaders seem to be deeply transphobic. I did like the breadth of women and men included. They seemed to do a good job including important, and less well known figures from all groups without having anyone feel included just to be included.

They tried very hard to keep an open mind, but there were places that I felt were a bit disappointing. I didn't like some of the dismissive, and almost patronizing attitude they seemed to have towards Pagans and Wiccans. They are not all flaky Goddess worshippers or Hippies (that really shouldn't be a pejorative term), and it's pretty sad to see a book like this falling for those outdated stereotypes. I also didn't like the generalizations of "white women". Making blanket statements about any race should be unacceptable, and white women are no more a homogeneous group than any other race of women. I wouldn't make such a statement about another race of women, and it would be nice to receive the same courtesy in return. I did like the refusal to fat shame, and the respect shown to women of all sexualities, and gender expressions, and the attention focused on racism (except for that one small issues), and classism.

Overall a well researched, interesting book on a diverse range of people, and ideas. Both funny, and thought provoking. An enjoyable read that was really an immersive experience. Thanks to this book I found some really interesting art, some great music, and expanded my knowledge of the people who have and are shaping our world.
 
Em

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