Last week, Harper Collins released “How to Win at Feminism: The Definitive Guide to Having it All – And Then Some!” a book presented by Reductress, the satirical women’s magazine.
Writers Beth Newell, Sarah, Pappalardo, and Anna Drezen take readers on a satirical journey through the trials and tribulations of being a feminist in today’s society. Starting with Beyonce vs Taylor Swift feminism and ending with overcoming your womansecurities with crystals, “How to Win at Feminism” covers it all.
The book, aimed at twenty-something women, reads like a series of Reductress articles and so if you are anything like me, it will very closely mimic your Facebook newsfeed. The writing is sharp and witty and clearly well thought out. The artwork and layout is catchy and fun to look at. It’s an easy read filled with ridiculous texting advice, celebrity gossip (is Shailene Woodley a feminist???), and how to make the perfect “no-self selfie” for Instagram (the key is to hashtag everything). Above all else, this book is funny. As a woman in a male dominated field, I laugh-cried my way through the “Women at Work!” section, identifying a little too strongly with the advice to set an alarm to apologize every hour on the hour to whoever is nearby.
While the book does a great job of poking fun at the daily struggle of being a woman, I have my gripes. While intersectional at points (it even explains what being an intersectional feminist means!!) it is admittedly aimed at straight, white, cis women. The entire dating section was about dating men and the single lesbian article, “How To Do Your Lesbian Phase Right,” was a little tired. I also wish there had been more on the experience of being a women of color. Finally, similar to the online magazine, the book is very topical. This is great because I love a good comparison of Lena Dunham and Oprah, but this book unfortunately won’t stand the test of the time.
“How to Win at Feminism” is a worthwhile read, although I would skip it if you’re not a feminist millennial woman. You can learn more and buy the book here.
Image courtesy of Getty Images.
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