Coming as a shock to nobody, I loved SHREWED: A WRY AND CLOSELY OBSERVED LOOK AT THE LIVES OF WOMEN AND GIRLS. Non-fiction
can be tricky to keep interesting (read: not get bogged down in statistics and
sources) and my brain is often in danger of taking a wander, but in this case,
I remained glued to the page and can’t wait to share my thoughts on this
marvelous collection.
The back jacket, from Goodreads:
Why are there so few women in politics? Why is public space, whether it’s the street or social media, still so inhospitable to women? What does Carrie Fisher have to do with Mary Wollstonecraft? And why is a wedding ceremony Satan’s playground?
These are some of the questions that bestselling author and acclaimed journalist Elizabeth Renzetti examines in her new collection of essays. Drawing upon Renzetti’s decades of reporting on feminist issues, Shrewed is a book about feminism’s crossroads. From Hillary Clinton’s failed campaign to the quest for equal pay, from the lessons we can learn from old ladies to the future of feminism in a turbulent world, Renzetti takes a pointed, witty look at how far we’ve come — and how far we have to go.
If Nellie McClung and Erma Bombeck had an IVF baby, this book would be the result. If they’d lived at the same time. And in the same country. And if IVF had been invented. Well, you get the point.
These are some of the questions that bestselling author and acclaimed journalist Elizabeth Renzetti examines in her new collection of essays. Drawing upon Renzetti’s decades of reporting on feminist issues, Shrewed is a book about feminism’s crossroads. From Hillary Clinton’s failed campaign to the quest for equal pay, from the lessons we can learn from old ladies to the future of feminism in a turbulent world, Renzetti takes a pointed, witty look at how far we’ve come — and how far we have to go.
If Nellie McClung and Erma Bombeck had an IVF baby, this book would be the result. If they’d lived at the same time. And in the same country. And if IVF had been invented. Well, you get the point.
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Elizabeth Renzetti’s writing is that of a seasoned vet, seemingly
effortless prose cuts to the heart of the matter, no fluffy fillers to be
seen. There’s also a storytelling quality to Renzetti’s voice, which I imagine comes from her career in journalism, and I appreciated the approachable manner
in which she discussed complex issues. At times, it felt like we were having
a relaxed chitchat over coffee. A one-sided chitchat, naturally, but you get
what I’m trying to say. Err...hopefully, anyway, haha!
Book
design by Alysia Shewchuk
Covering topics like politics, work/life balance, and snippets of interviews with prominent women, I thoroughly enjoyed each chapter. SHREWED made
one point in particular that I’d like to highlight, as it resonated in my core. Namely, that white women need to get out of the way. To this, I say a resounding yes we do.
The feminism I know and love has remained in a box, blinders firmly attached. But we need to stop. I say we, because I am a white feminist.
Naturally, I don’t speak for everyone (although I legit should because I’m way smart)
but if you’re feeling like you want to argue that position, I enthusiastically invite
you to check yourself.
When Renzetti broached the topic in a letter to her younger self by writing "you'll have to pass over the grievance microphone," it felt like a high-five to my brain. The idea isn’t spoken about as much as it should be, because the
ultimate result means white feminists must step aside, no longer solely entitled to the labour’s fruits. Yeah, at first glance this stance may feel “unfair,” but if you’re sensing that sort of emotion bubbling in
your stomach, please recognize it for what it is: the dawning awareness of your
privilege. (See how I used the word “entitled” above?) It’s a little like
catching your reflection the morning after a wild night out, or after
childbirth, or after getting hit by a bus in the face—not pretty in the slightest—but you
still need to look. We're the ones who need to change. Our voices have been at the forefront and
now we need to shut up and listen. And elevate other voices. And listen some more. And while
continuing to elevate and listen, we can collectively get down to business. Because for
real, if we can bring all women
together and create a movement that includes voices from every person who
identifies as female, we’d form one giant row of Red Rover, cocking our heads
at the other side and daring them to come at us, bro.
Oh, did I get lost on a tangent, there? Well I guess that’s what
happens after reading something inspirational because I’m charged up, friends! Elizabeth
Renzetti’s combination of wisdom and humour stoked a fire by reminding me that there
can be light in the dark, and a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.
Nobody wants to be on the receiving end of a preach-fest and SHREWED is just
what the doctor ordered, as Renzetti’s delivery methods included witty quips
alongside undeniable facts. I’ve already told those in my inner circle that
SHREWED is a must-read and now I’m saying the same to you: omg read this book. When you’re finished, pass it along and then pick up Roxane Gay’s BAD
FEMINIST because it's mentioned in SHREWED and also because it's amazing. If you need me, I'll be reading BLACK FEMINIST THOUGHT: KNOWLEDGE, CONSCIOUSNESS, AND THE POLITICS OF EMPOWERMENT by Patricia Hill Collins. Better late than never.
Big
thanks to House of Anansi Press for an ARC!
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China Glaze – Bodysuit Yourself?
OPI – My Twin Mimmy, Dulce de Leche, Red My Fortune
Cookie, You Don’t Know Jacques, A Good Man-Darin Is Hard To Find, matte topcoat
FingerPaints – Black Expressionism and Paper Mâché
So Nailicious – needle and slayer brushes
loving your sock.
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