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Be Awesome: Modern Life for Modern Ladies
Hadley Freeman, Guardian features writer and author of the popular 'Ask Hadley' column, presents the modern lady with twenty-three essays that remind us to 'Be Awesome'.
286 pages, Paperback
First published April 25, 2013
33 people are currently reading
795 people want to read
About the author
Hadley Freeman
9 books201 followersHadley Freeman (born 1978) is a columnist and writer for The Guardian, who also contributes to the UK version of Vogue. She was born in New York to Jewish parents, and attended Oxford University. Her first book, The Meaning of Sunglasses, was published in 2008.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
March 5, 2014
A book which was clearly written in the hopes of inspiring women through anger, but instead, leaves the reader angry through Freeman's self-absorbed woes and examples of her exaggerated reactions to being victimised by men, women, the film industry, men, shop assistants, her pregnant friends, men, her next-door neighbour's cat, men, and most of all, The Daily Mail.
One wouldn't at all be disappointed to read such self-indulgent blathering if the book was not described as "to show you just how awesome life as a modern lady can be." Really, Hadley? Because this entire book is filled with personal anecdotes that would bore my grandmother's knitting society. Word to the wise? Don't call a book "Be Awesome" when it offers no actual advice and simply indulges your need to moan about anything and everything you could possibly describe as offensive to someone, somewhere.
One wouldn't at all be disappointed to read such self-indulgent blathering if the book was not described as "to show you just how awesome life as a modern lady can be." Really, Hadley? Because this entire book is filled with personal anecdotes that would bore my grandmother's knitting society. Word to the wise? Don't call a book "Be Awesome" when it offers no actual advice and simply indulges your need to moan about anything and everything you could possibly describe as offensive to someone, somewhere.
July 31, 2013
Gave up. Don't need anyone else to tell me how to be awesome.
August 19, 2013
A little disappointing. Made me laugh in some places (I really liked the Dos and Donts for talking to a single friend) but I disagreed with some of her sentiments (like if you're vegetarian and you go to a dinner party with no veggie option you should just be totally cool with not eating???). Also in general I'd have liked it to be more positive and proactive - if you do this you'll be happier living as a woman in the patriarchy - rather than sort of pointing out shitty things and telling us why they suck. Shitty things do need pointing out and they do suck. But most of the time I was like, I know. I'm not really learning anything. I've learnt more and been more entertained by The Hairpin, The Rumpus, The Toast, various tumblrs, etc. Oh, and, a beacon of intersectionality it is not. If you're a white, straight, guardian-reading feminist (which I admittedly am) you'll probably find a lot of things to apply to your life. Otherwise, I'm not so sure. I'd probably give this 2.5 stars if I could. But 2 seems too low as I did enjoy reading it enough to be fairly entertained on my commute so I'll give it that.
June 13, 2013
Into the new (and not exactly wonderful) genre of “essays that feel like blog posts” comes Be Awesome, Guardian columnist Hadley Freeman’s free-wheeling compilation of personal musings about life, sex, work and feminism. The resulting book is frequently funny, occasionally insightful, and only sometimes does it betray the need for a better structure and more editorial input.
I loved Freeman’s unbridled take-down of faux-feminism and ‘self-deprecating tourette’s’. Her analysis of society’s bonkers slant on women and sexuality is well-taken. And I came away with a whole bunch of book recs (plus, Hadley loves Curtis Sittenfeld’s Prep as much as I do! Let’s be BFF, Hadley!).
Things do get a little weird when Freeman blames Winona Ryder for the misery of her young life, and the final few pages (consisting mainly of ‘SOME THINGS I LIKE AND SOME THINGS I DON’T LIKE’) felt thrown together to meet a deadline.
On balance, however, Be Awesome is more awesome than not. It’s still a book of blog posts more than a book of essays, but you know what? Good blog posts are undervalued.
I loved Freeman’s unbridled take-down of faux-feminism and ‘self-deprecating tourette’s’. Her analysis of society’s bonkers slant on women and sexuality is well-taken. And I came away with a whole bunch of book recs (plus, Hadley loves Curtis Sittenfeld’s Prep as much as I do! Let’s be BFF, Hadley!).
Things do get a little weird when Freeman blames Winona Ryder for the misery of her young life, and the final few pages (consisting mainly of ‘SOME THINGS I LIKE AND SOME THINGS I DON’T LIKE’) felt thrown together to meet a deadline.
On balance, however, Be Awesome is more awesome than not. It’s still a book of blog posts more than a book of essays, but you know what? Good blog posts are undervalued.
February 9, 2015
Good lord this book was preachy. It had such a promising title but in no way did it make me feel awesome, just irritated and annoyed. I feel like it was aimed at women who don't know much about feminism, not women who already know they're feminists. I want to smack Hadley Freeman quite honestly. We all hate the Daily Mail love, you don't have to mention it a thousand times. We get it.
March 6, 2017
As an ex-avid-Daily-Mail-reader I found this book refreshing and honest on the topic of feminism. The message that feminism means having the opportunity to live your life in the way you want without judgment or criticism is commendable and empowering.
Many of the topics dealt with were amusing, although I identified with some more than others. In places it was a little fast paced and ranty, but definitely worth reading.
Many of the topics dealt with were amusing, although I identified with some more than others. In places it was a little fast paced and ranty, but definitely worth reading.
January 1, 2019
The first few chapters of this book come across as a little aggressive and prescriptive. Considering that Freeman later describes the abhorrent nature of generalisations, she isn't afraid of throwing a few out there in the early pages of this book.
However, a few chapters in the tone of the book becomes friendlier and a little less heavy handed, and results in an overall enjoyable read.
However, a few chapters in the tone of the book becomes friendlier and a little less heavy handed, and results in an overall enjoyable read.
January 15, 2015
Decided to give up on this because I'm already plenty awesome and Hadley Freeman's writing is fucking annoying. Personally, telling other women what to do with their bodies and snarkily bitching about teenage girls she considers to have been "slutty" is not my idea of feminism.
May 11, 2015
Inconsistent, not funny, or life affirming
September 8, 2017
My Rating: 3 Stars
Genre: Feminism, Humour
I've finished this book and I still cant make up my mind whether I would like to recommend this book to my friends or not, hence the 3 stars.
What I liked about the book was that I learnt about a lot of new things- the issues women face in America and UK, about new books and movies and inspiring women that I should look up or follow, or things I should avoid, if I'm a feminist. But what I didn't like about the book was the overall tone of the book. I understand that this was a funny and sarcastic take on the comments and issues women have to face, but even then, too much sarcasm makes me annoyed sometimes:)
Also, as a reader, I like books that are well written. One doesn't need to use complex sentences or words, but I really get put off by the use of new age words or phrases- such as 'amirite' for 'Am I right', for example. Or books that are written as if someone was speaking with you. I know I myself am guilty of writing in a similar manner, if you read some of my blogs, but that is the difference between me (an amateur) and an accomplished writer who has published a book- shouldn't it be? I don't need the book to be complex and poetic like Tolkien's Lord of the Rings (that would be the levels of experts in the language I would assume), but I do like books written with good simple English and grammar- such as the last book I read- Still Life by Louise Penny or even JK Rowling's Harry Potter series :)
That said, this wouldn't be my first choice of recommendation if I had to suggest a book on feminism to my friends. But if you have time on your hands and want an easy laughable read, then this is a book you could pick up.
My favourite lines from the book, for a few laughs:
There are many more that I have highlighted, but I'll read the rest to you to read, if you pick up the book:) Has anyone else read this book? What are your thoughts on it?
Genre: Feminism, Humour
I've finished this book and I still cant make up my mind whether I would like to recommend this book to my friends or not, hence the 3 stars.
What I liked about the book was that I learnt about a lot of new things- the issues women face in America and UK, about new books and movies and inspiring women that I should look up or follow, or things I should avoid, if I'm a feminist. But what I didn't like about the book was the overall tone of the book. I understand that this was a funny and sarcastic take on the comments and issues women have to face, but even then, too much sarcasm makes me annoyed sometimes:)
Also, as a reader, I like books that are well written. One doesn't need to use complex sentences or words, but I really get put off by the use of new age words or phrases- such as 'amirite' for 'Am I right', for example. Or books that are written as if someone was speaking with you. I know I myself am guilty of writing in a similar manner, if you read some of my blogs, but that is the difference between me (an amateur) and an accomplished writer who has published a book- shouldn't it be? I don't need the book to be complex and poetic like Tolkien's Lord of the Rings (that would be the levels of experts in the language I would assume), but I do like books written with good simple English and grammar- such as the last book I read- Still Life by Louise Penny or even JK Rowling's Harry Potter series :)
That said, this wouldn't be my first choice of recommendation if I had to suggest a book on feminism to my friends. But if you have time on your hands and want an easy laughable read, then this is a book you could pick up.
My favourite lines from the book, for a few laughs:
My general attitude to sex is similar to the one I have to exotic travel: happy to experience it as an activity, somewhat less interested in reading about it.
Talking about exercise burns exactly the same amount of calories as doing exercise.
It’s the coward’s way, in other words, the approach that is boring and safe, in which the reliability of the outcome is in no way worth the monotony of the process
Maybe THAT’S the secret: it’s not that women have to be boring and not funny to attract men, they just have to talk on the heavy exhale.- My gosh, I laughed for 5 minutes at this one!
Nothing – not meth, not sunbeds, not even the passage of time – is more ageing than you saying you’re too old for something.- Amen, thought for the day, and the week and the month and the year
Never cast judgement on another woman’s weight, parenting skills, marriage or general lifestyle, unless you do it to men too. But really, don’t do it to either gender. It’s just ugly.- Bang on!
Similarly, when so few movies feature genuinely platonic friendships, this sends the message that the only point of the sexes interacting is to have sex. Anything else is boring and/or impossible.- This is a topic that me and my male friends discuss a lot. It really is annoying, the culture that has been created by films globally, that opposite genders cannot have a fun filled platonic relationship. It is exasperating.
There are many more that I have highlighted, but I'll read the rest to you to read, if you pick up the book:) Has anyone else read this book? What are your thoughts on it?
May 30, 2021
Reflections and lessons learned:
I AM STEVE GUTENBERG!!
Quite a random mix of topics but very enjoyable for any pop kid born in the late 70s with a penchant for trying to work it all out through the medium of 80s films, 90s magazines and noughties websites, all feeding reflections and applications to our own lives. And we definitely all deserve a moment of late night drunk, post date top shop shopping...?
Definitely looking forward to the other Freeman books on my list after this one
I AM STEVE GUTENBERG!!
Quite a random mix of topics but very enjoyable for any pop kid born in the late 70s with a penchant for trying to work it all out through the medium of 80s films, 90s magazines and noughties websites, all feeding reflections and applications to our own lives. And we definitely all deserve a moment of late night drunk, post date top shop shopping...?
Definitely looking forward to the other Freeman books on my list after this one
April 14, 2020
Tbh this book was the kindling to the feminist rage inside me and despite her transphobic transgressions of recent years, I have a lot to thank Hadley for.
January 30, 2015
Most people who know me are aware that I adore the Guardian. Despite my notoriously skinflintish ways (as a student I collected all my stationery as free gifts from society fairs and whenever I had a cold, I stockpiled napkins from the cafeteria rather than springing for a box of tissues), I willingly pay out to have access to the Guardian on my phone. Although I do wish it would stop sending me push notifications just because some film or other has been nominated for an award. Just the serious stuff please, Guardian, thank you my darling. Anyway, there are so many fantastic columnists who write for that wonderful newspaper and one of my favourites is Hadley Freeman. For those who have not had the pleasure, Freeman does the fashion and celebrity chat and she is brilliant at it - as a fashion illiterate, her acerbic commentary on fashion trends and celebrity culture as a whole have been very helpful over the years. I have mused more than once that if I were ever to have a daughter, I might very well name her Hadley. And now, I get a whole book full of Ms Freeman's wise words to ponder over.
It has been quite a little while since Caitlin Moran wrote How To Be A Woman (one of my very first reviews for Girl with her Head in a Book), this was rather the book that launched a thousand copy-cat survival guides on how to survive your gender. Tina Fey has confessed to be a Bossypants, Bridget Christie has instructed us to Mind the Gap and also lectured on the importance of using the right kind of pen, Rachel Held Evans discussed how to fit in with the Biblical view of womanhood - basically, a whole raft of funny women have been called upon to hasten to the keyboard and write something similar. This is not to sound cynical - I read The Vagenda in the middle of last year and I don't think I've looked at an advert in quite the same way since, it was fantastic. The battle cry of fourth wave feminism is being shouted out in the bestseller charts and although some may claim that what is being said is repetitive, I think we should just celebrate that the words are being expressed. It struck me that the recent trend for uplifting memoirs by funny feminist writers constrasts sharply with previous best-sellers such as the fashion for misery memoirs - there have been a lot less of these recently. Of course, on the other side of the coin, there have also been a fair old flood of black and grey covered erotica which seem to feature insipid women putting up with rather a lot of rubbish from some very silly men. So I guess it swings in roundabouts.
It is hard to object to a book that calls on women to Be Awesome and Freeman reveals herself once more not only as a talented writer but also as a sensitive and friendly one - this is a book written by a woman who genuinely likes other women and wants us to be our best. Not in the saccharine faux-caring tones of the glossy magazine industry but rather as someone who understands the perils and pitfalls of life in the social media age and who is calling upon us all to stand against, stand together and stand tall. Indeed, to stand awesome. This book was a joy.
Be Awesome does have its own distinct feel - Caitlin Moran's book is an unapologetic battle cry for women everywhere and with more than a little tinge of anger, Be Awesome feels slightly more low-key. Rather than a call to arms, Be Awesome is more like having a conversation with an incredibly valuable friend who is gently nudging you towards a few bits of advice she thinks you might benefit from. This is the kind of feminism that wears a woolly jumper and drinks lots of tea (eg. my kind of feminism). Hadley Freeman is speaking for every woman who has ever checked the Daily Fail website and then loathed herself for so doing. This is not didactic, Freeman never moralises or talks down to her audience - a lot of her advice may even seem obvious enough but it was just so wonderful to hear someone else vocalising those things that you wonder about but never do quite getting round to saying oneself. Be Awesome is a book filled with warmth and kindness and acceptance for others but more than anything, the constant refrain is to 'be confident, be good to yourself. Be awesome.'
For my full review: http://girlwithherheadinabook.blogspo...
It has been quite a little while since Caitlin Moran wrote How To Be A Woman (one of my very first reviews for Girl with her Head in a Book), this was rather the book that launched a thousand copy-cat survival guides on how to survive your gender. Tina Fey has confessed to be a Bossypants, Bridget Christie has instructed us to Mind the Gap and also lectured on the importance of using the right kind of pen, Rachel Held Evans discussed how to fit in with the Biblical view of womanhood - basically, a whole raft of funny women have been called upon to hasten to the keyboard and write something similar. This is not to sound cynical - I read The Vagenda in the middle of last year and I don't think I've looked at an advert in quite the same way since, it was fantastic. The battle cry of fourth wave feminism is being shouted out in the bestseller charts and although some may claim that what is being said is repetitive, I think we should just celebrate that the words are being expressed. It struck me that the recent trend for uplifting memoirs by funny feminist writers constrasts sharply with previous best-sellers such as the fashion for misery memoirs - there have been a lot less of these recently. Of course, on the other side of the coin, there have also been a fair old flood of black and grey covered erotica which seem to feature insipid women putting up with rather a lot of rubbish from some very silly men. So I guess it swings in roundabouts.
It is hard to object to a book that calls on women to Be Awesome and Freeman reveals herself once more not only as a talented writer but also as a sensitive and friendly one - this is a book written by a woman who genuinely likes other women and wants us to be our best. Not in the saccharine faux-caring tones of the glossy magazine industry but rather as someone who understands the perils and pitfalls of life in the social media age and who is calling upon us all to stand against, stand together and stand tall. Indeed, to stand awesome. This book was a joy.
Be Awesome does have its own distinct feel - Caitlin Moran's book is an unapologetic battle cry for women everywhere and with more than a little tinge of anger, Be Awesome feels slightly more low-key. Rather than a call to arms, Be Awesome is more like having a conversation with an incredibly valuable friend who is gently nudging you towards a few bits of advice she thinks you might benefit from. This is the kind of feminism that wears a woolly jumper and drinks lots of tea (eg. my kind of feminism). Hadley Freeman is speaking for every woman who has ever checked the Daily Fail website and then loathed herself for so doing. This is not didactic, Freeman never moralises or talks down to her audience - a lot of her advice may even seem obvious enough but it was just so wonderful to hear someone else vocalising those things that you wonder about but never do quite getting round to saying oneself. Be Awesome is a book filled with warmth and kindness and acceptance for others but more than anything, the constant refrain is to 'be confident, be good to yourself. Be awesome.'
For my full review: http://girlwithherheadinabook.blogspo...
April 28, 2016
Originally posted on Once Upon a Bookcase.
When I reached out on Twitter last year, asking for recommendations of feminist non-fiction, Be Awesome by Hadley Freeman was one of the books recommended. It sounded as awesome as it was telling us ladies to be, and so I bought it, excited to be educated while laughing. Unfortunately, I really didn't like this book.
The major problem I had with Be Awesome is the offensive language and jokes Freeman makes. She uses the word "lame" several times (p3 for example), she makes a joke about how little people who sit at their computers all day move, describing them as "'paraplegic'" (p10), she makes a joke involving depression (p54), and jokes about women's magazines making women want to get sex changes (p171). None of this sat right with me at all; it's out of order, and I think it's appalling that these jokes got past editing. It was first published four years ago, but I don't think that excuses it.
The whole book is written with sarcasm, snark, and with Freeman's sense of humour, but I just didn't find it funny at all. I started off rolling my eyes at some of the jokes, but the more I read the more it grated on me. I started getting really annoyed, wishing she would just be serious, please! The book is written with the intent of being humourous, but in my opinion, it just isn't funny. You know how on TV they show show comedians tellings jokes, and the audience simply doesn't laugh? That was my relationship with this book. That's likely down to my sense of humour and what I find funny rather than an unfunny author, considering all the praise printed in the book, but Freeman's voice just didn't work for me. Which led to me leaving it at home when I didn't have far to go; I knew I would finish it before my work day was over and would have nothing else to read, so I took another book with me. Over a week went by before I picked it up again, and even then I only picked it up so I could write this review.
Despite how much I didn't enjoy Freeman's voice or humour, she does make a lot of sense in various chapters - to the point that I know I would have enjoyed this book if it was written seriously, and wasn't so bloody offensive. I loved what she had to say in the chapters 'Talking about eating disorders without using a single photo of Kate Moss', 'You're never too old for Topshop', 'How to cheer up your friend who is depressed about being single without lying to them, patronising them or making them feel even worse', 'There will always be something wrong with your body, which means nothing is wrong with your body', and 'Beyond the armpit: a ten-point (plus three addenda and some posh little footnotes) guide to being a modern-day feminist'. I was educated, I was made to think and alter my viewpoint, so I guess Be Awesome did what I wanted to. I just wish it wasn't so difficult to read.
Even though I was educated and Freeman made some good points, I really didn't like this book. I wouldn't recommend it, because I'm sure similar ideas are discussed by other writers who aren't so offensive and who can write seriously. I won't be reading anything by Freeman again.
When I reached out on Twitter last year, asking for recommendations of feminist non-fiction, Be Awesome by Hadley Freeman was one of the books recommended. It sounded as awesome as it was telling us ladies to be, and so I bought it, excited to be educated while laughing. Unfortunately, I really didn't like this book.
The major problem I had with Be Awesome is the offensive language and jokes Freeman makes. She uses the word "lame" several times (p3 for example), she makes a joke about how little people who sit at their computers all day move, describing them as "'paraplegic'" (p10), she makes a joke involving depression (p54), and jokes about women's magazines making women want to get sex changes (p171). None of this sat right with me at all; it's out of order, and I think it's appalling that these jokes got past editing. It was first published four years ago, but I don't think that excuses it.
The whole book is written with sarcasm, snark, and with Freeman's sense of humour, but I just didn't find it funny at all. I started off rolling my eyes at some of the jokes, but the more I read the more it grated on me. I started getting really annoyed, wishing she would just be serious, please! The book is written with the intent of being humourous, but in my opinion, it just isn't funny. You know how on TV they show show comedians tellings jokes, and the audience simply doesn't laugh? That was my relationship with this book. That's likely down to my sense of humour and what I find funny rather than an unfunny author, considering all the praise printed in the book, but Freeman's voice just didn't work for me. Which led to me leaving it at home when I didn't have far to go; I knew I would finish it before my work day was over and would have nothing else to read, so I took another book with me. Over a week went by before I picked it up again, and even then I only picked it up so I could write this review.
Despite how much I didn't enjoy Freeman's voice or humour, she does make a lot of sense in various chapters - to the point that I know I would have enjoyed this book if it was written seriously, and wasn't so bloody offensive. I loved what she had to say in the chapters 'Talking about eating disorders without using a single photo of Kate Moss', 'You're never too old for Topshop', 'How to cheer up your friend who is depressed about being single without lying to them, patronising them or making them feel even worse', 'There will always be something wrong with your body, which means nothing is wrong with your body', and 'Beyond the armpit: a ten-point (plus three addenda and some posh little footnotes) guide to being a modern-day feminist'. I was educated, I was made to think and alter my viewpoint, so I guess Be Awesome did what I wanted to. I just wish it wasn't so difficult to read.
Even though I was educated and Freeman made some good points, I really didn't like this book. I wouldn't recommend it, because I'm sure similar ideas are discussed by other writers who aren't so offensive and who can write seriously. I won't be reading anything by Freeman again.
July 31, 2013
This is one of those rare books I was both racing to finish (because it's so good) and trying to savour (ditto). I also totally interrupted the most serious five minutes of an episode of The Returned (also awesome, by the bye) that my housemate was watching by cackling like a loon at Hadley's particularly excellent parody of all the dating advice you'll ever receive as a woman, ever. OH LOOK, YOU'RE TURNING INTO A CRONE. MARRY NOW, MARRY NOW, MARRY NOW.
Be Awesome is a mixture of chapters on various different topics - some serious (eating disorders and the way the media 'reports' them), some thought-provoking (women's bodies and the way there's pretty much always something 'wrong' with them - particularly if they're not pregnant!!), and some, for me, particularly ripe with feelings of vindication, not least the chapter on what to do when you're friends start having kids and (adopt patronising tone now) "growing up". There are lots of nuggets of awesomeness in here, but I am a big fan of this one: don't ever define yourself by your age, and don't ever listen to your friends if they utter those dastardly words: "we're getting too old for this". (And why would you spend your money on camping in some mud for a weekend, not being able to shower, along with a load of other people who haven't had a shower, when you could have a mortgage?)
So if you couldn't tell, part of the reason I loved this book so much was that it made me want to read it out to people and go "YES! THIS!" a lot, even though when people write "THIS" on Twitter it aggravates me unnecessarily. There are lists of awesome films (all of which pass the Bechdel Test) and awesome books, chapters that examine the beauty industry and stupid dating advice and media expectations of women, numerous references to The Princess Bride and almost as many recommendations of Curtis Sittenfeld's books as I myself force upon people in an average month. The whole thing was kind of like having a chat with your favourite, most brilliant friend, and I can't recommend it enough.
Originally posted here: http://bibliotekit.blogspot.co.uk/201...
Be Awesome is a mixture of chapters on various different topics - some serious (eating disorders and the way the media 'reports' them), some thought-provoking (women's bodies and the way there's pretty much always something 'wrong' with them - particularly if they're not pregnant!!), and some, for me, particularly ripe with feelings of vindication, not least the chapter on what to do when you're friends start having kids and (adopt patronising tone now) "growing up". There are lots of nuggets of awesomeness in here, but I am a big fan of this one: don't ever define yourself by your age, and don't ever listen to your friends if they utter those dastardly words: "we're getting too old for this". (And why would you spend your money on camping in some mud for a weekend, not being able to shower, along with a load of other people who haven't had a shower, when you could have a mortgage?)
So if you couldn't tell, part of the reason I loved this book so much was that it made me want to read it out to people and go "YES! THIS!" a lot, even though when people write "THIS" on Twitter it aggravates me unnecessarily. There are lists of awesome films (all of which pass the Bechdel Test) and awesome books, chapters that examine the beauty industry and stupid dating advice and media expectations of women, numerous references to The Princess Bride and almost as many recommendations of Curtis Sittenfeld's books as I myself force upon people in an average month. The whole thing was kind of like having a chat with your favourite, most brilliant friend, and I can't recommend it enough.
Originally posted here: http://bibliotekit.blogspot.co.uk/201...
August 20, 2013
This is more a 3.5 star book I think - there are some very funny parts, some less so. I really like Hadley's columns and this is essentially a collection of those; some funny, some insightful, and one or two that left me cold. I think after reading funny feminist books along the lines of 'How to Be A Woman' and 'Let's Pretend This Never Happened' I was perhaps expecting a similar narrative hook, but whilst Hadley gives some insight into her life growing up, this book is not presented in the heart-on-sleeve personal way of the aforementioned. Perhaps as a result it doesn't have the same belly laughs or desperately sad moments - it's just a collection of eminently sensible, practical advice. Which is actually quite refreshing.
I suppose in some ways she is preaching to the converted (ie me, long time reader, first time reviewer), and that might be the reason why I was underwhelmed by some sections. Essentially I was going 'come on, I knew that, tell me something we don't both already know!' - but of course the fact I think she's stating the obvious doesn't mean everyone else will. In fact I have several friends who do not think the same way and very much need to read this, particularly some of the points around body image.
Some of the content is brilliant and it is consistently interesting - it's given me reading recommendations and inspiring female role models to find out about, which is always interesting for a history graduate. I could have done with more surprising things, for instance the piece about how we have internal, fictionalised versions of ourselves was a highlight - but overall this is worth a look, because it's life affirming and in parts very funny. Worth buying for the awkward teenage girl in your life, who probably needs a no-nonsense reminder to be awesome.
I suppose in some ways she is preaching to the converted (ie me, long time reader, first time reviewer), and that might be the reason why I was underwhelmed by some sections. Essentially I was going 'come on, I knew that, tell me something we don't both already know!' - but of course the fact I think she's stating the obvious doesn't mean everyone else will. In fact I have several friends who do not think the same way and very much need to read this, particularly some of the points around body image.
Some of the content is brilliant and it is consistently interesting - it's given me reading recommendations and inspiring female role models to find out about, which is always interesting for a history graduate. I could have done with more surprising things, for instance the piece about how we have internal, fictionalised versions of ourselves was a highlight - but overall this is worth a look, because it's life affirming and in parts very funny. Worth buying for the awkward teenage girl in your life, who probably needs a no-nonsense reminder to be awesome.
February 6, 2017
First DNF of the year.
I wanted to love this so much but Freeman's writing often went off into nonsensical rambles and there was no actual constructive & empowering advice on how to 'be awesome'.
I thought this would be an inspiring read to start the year but it just came off as a series of messy blog posts.
It was also clear that if Freeman really was setting out to empower women with her words, she only had one type of woman in mind:
In a chapter entitled 'ten awesome books', she lists books by 9 white women and a white man.
In a chapter entitled 'ten awesome women', she lists 8 white women, Miss Piggy, and Nina Simone.
In a chapter about '5 awesome films and 5 very un-awesome films', she has a Woody Allen film in the 'awesome' list.
I'd recommend this book for women who brand themselves feminists but have no idea what intersectionality is and are unwilling to break out of their white feminist bubble. I'd also recommend it to people who don't mind reading pages after pages of narrative that has clearly never been touched by an editor.
What a disappointment.
I wanted to love this so much but Freeman's writing often went off into nonsensical rambles and there was no actual constructive & empowering advice on how to 'be awesome'.
I thought this would be an inspiring read to start the year but it just came off as a series of messy blog posts.
It was also clear that if Freeman really was setting out to empower women with her words, she only had one type of woman in mind:
In a chapter entitled 'ten awesome books', she lists books by 9 white women and a white man.
In a chapter entitled 'ten awesome women', she lists 8 white women, Miss Piggy, and Nina Simone.
In a chapter about '5 awesome films and 5 very un-awesome films', she has a Woody Allen film in the 'awesome' list.
I'd recommend this book for women who brand themselves feminists but have no idea what intersectionality is and are unwilling to break out of their white feminist bubble. I'd also recommend it to people who don't mind reading pages after pages of narrative that has clearly never been touched by an editor.
What a disappointment.
May 13, 2015
Any book that has a reference to 'The Princess Bride' on the first page is going to win my heart immediately. In ‘Be Awesome’, Freeman takes on various societal expectations about women in her usual smart and funny style. I particularly enjoyed ‘What to Expect when your Friends are Expecting’ as well as the very cleverly-written ‘A Day in your Life in Daily Mail Headlines’ and ‘How to Read Women’s Magazines Without Wanting to Grow a Penis’. If you like Hadley Freeman’s Guardian columns, you’ll enjoy this book.
March 12, 2023
Why do Modern Ladies have to be monstrous hormone wielding feminists?! I can shave my lady garden if I want to (even the whole hedge if I feel like it!) and it doesn't make me feel like a child. I do it for me and myself and it makes me feel like a fabulous woman. Freeman's aggressive points of view aren't liberating their condescending. This was so inclusive, I felt like I was being talked down to and I don't appreciate or need that thankyouverymuch.
December 16, 2019
This book was just ok. It had interesting parts and it had rubbish parts. I read it in one sitting, as the chapters are short and there are lots of lists, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I will.
May 13, 2017
I only know Hadley Freeman from a few of her articles (not even her column) at the Guardian, so I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. It was mostly hilarious, clear-eyed feminism, with a few slower chapters that didn't quite hit the mark. If you liked Caitlin Moran's How to be a Woman, you'll enjoy this.
July 19, 2017
I love Hadley Freeman's writing, she has an effortless conversational quality, reading this feels like speaking to your smart, awesome (obvs) friend, who will put the world to rights for you. Lots of thought-provoking comment and generally excellent advice for women, I wish I had read this book in 2012/2013...! Ah well, read now, loved now.
January 5, 2019
The first few chapters felt manic, and rushed, and I did not feel I processed anything. However, by the end of the book I was thoroughly enjoying it, there are chapters I will need to visit again multiple times as the information and advice were so good, and so many good book (and film) recommendations!
March 5, 2017
3.5 stars, rounded down because I think parts of this I liked because they came at an appropriate time for me in my life and I needed to read something of this ilk.
March 13, 2020
Funny, honest and straight talking this book is uplifting and and affirming. Beneath the sharp wit is sage advice and a sweet thought process which made me look at things differently.
March 20, 2020
Enjoyable easy read! Nice to feel validated in my hatred for love actually. Nice easy to read chapters with funny advice.
July 3, 2021
The ‘terfy vibes’ of Hadley Freeman, as coined by my housemate, didn’t come through in this book, but it was very much modern pop white feminism and I just wouldn’t recommend this to a friend.
July 2, 2013
"Sometimes a snappy title indicates an author’s talent. Often, however, it obscures a mediocre effort by piquing interest with a promise that will never be delivered." - M. Well that was certainly true of this book. This book has less to do with genuine women's issues and more to do with whining about trivial 1st world tripe. Contradicting herself Hadley tells us women we have a right to our own choices but then fudges it by saying those choices are not valid when they aren't "the right choice" as defined by the subjective views of only one feminist in particular (namely the author).
It isn't well written, and I'm not using that as a justification to put it down just because I don't like the content either. Reading it is like reading a teenagers diary, the pace is bizarre and it sounds like it is written with tones of sarcasm even though I'm sure it's meant to be taken (if it even can be at all) seriously.
The whole thing stinks of a persecution complex, the author clearly gets off on using any old bit of illogical nonsense as "evidence" of sexism where none actually exists, all the while ignoring and otherwise overlooking any genuine women's issue (like women being discouraged to drive in Egypt JUST because they are women, or erasure of women's right to express their sexuality, the latter of which Hadley herself is guilty of) anti-porn = anti-sexual liberation.
And what about the assumption that if you find something sexual funny you MUST be a misogynist?
Apparently it's sexist now to embrace your sexuality AND have a sense of humour.
I feel reading this book as though the sisterhood of feminism has become more like the sisterhood of nuns, they say they don't want to take us back to the 1950's so then why are they trying to take us back to the 1850's?
As someone who actively cares about women's rights, body autonomy, equal pay, freedom of choice (inc' lifestyle, no matter how unconventional[be that in the eyes of traditionalists OR feminists]/individual), and female votership I can honestly say:
Thanks BE AWESOME for being as un-awesome as possible.
Thanks Hadley for making it clear that the 3rd wave of feminism is working against everything the 1st and 2nd waves worked for. You are an embarrassment to what real feminism is about!
"I hope you're proud of yourself."
It isn't well written, and I'm not using that as a justification to put it down just because I don't like the content either. Reading it is like reading a teenagers diary, the pace is bizarre and it sounds like it is written with tones of sarcasm even though I'm sure it's meant to be taken (if it even can be at all) seriously.
The whole thing stinks of a persecution complex, the author clearly gets off on using any old bit of illogical nonsense as "evidence" of sexism where none actually exists, all the while ignoring and otherwise overlooking any genuine women's issue (like women being discouraged to drive in Egypt JUST because they are women, or erasure of women's right to express their sexuality, the latter of which Hadley herself is guilty of) anti-porn = anti-sexual liberation.
And what about the assumption that if you find something sexual funny you MUST be a misogynist?
Apparently it's sexist now to embrace your sexuality AND have a sense of humour.
I feel reading this book as though the sisterhood of feminism has become more like the sisterhood of nuns, they say they don't want to take us back to the 1950's so then why are they trying to take us back to the 1850's?
As someone who actively cares about women's rights, body autonomy, equal pay, freedom of choice (inc' lifestyle, no matter how unconventional[be that in the eyes of traditionalists OR feminists]/individual), and female votership I can honestly say:
Thanks BE AWESOME for being as un-awesome as possible.
Thanks Hadley for making it clear that the 3rd wave of feminism is working against everything the 1st and 2nd waves worked for. You are an embarrassment to what real feminism is about!
"I hope you're proud of yourself."
September 13, 2013
First things first, if you have given this book a low rating because it deals with 'first world problems' then you are an A-hole.
Second things second, I wanted so badly to like this more than I did... writing this review I'm wiping back a few tears of disappointment.
Third things third, the cover. What the hellingtons? Was everyone on holiday the week this was dealt with or was it done by a clueless intern? Appalling, I can't even begin. And the blurb is just, well, PAP, although perhaps given the state of the book they were just doing what they could.
Oh Hadley. You write well and have some great things to say but so much of this is just... uneventful. The old complaint that it has simply not been edited or focused comes up again, I'm afraid, as Hadley is let free to waffle on, and on, and on and sometimes even on still... making one simple point for over 3 pages. She credits readers with intelligence on some levels but then talks down to us by over-explaining. And her penchant for commas and asides and talking around the edges of things before geting to her point irritated me beyond belief. It's okay in a column about fashion where you can spend 450 words pre-ambling the 50 words of advice. But in a book it is intolerable.
The ordering of the 'chapters' appears random and done without expertise. We have a few short, pithy 'top 10' type pieces followed by longer, more serious pieces, and then back to some of the silly stuff. I just don't get what she really wants to write about; a better structure would have helped no end.
She is good on film and I welcome her material on feminism even if it is often contradictory. I like that she is often dogmatic and opinionated although she will then go and back track, and offer something feeble and weak such as her rules for feminism which I found infuriating. Her defense of the fashion industry is really interesting but could have done with more clarity.
I can only assume or hope this was a rush job. Hadley is getting out there on tv and radio, which delights me as I think she has a lot to offer. But this book... not so much. I blame the publisher, mostly. But, Oh Hadley.
Second things second, I wanted so badly to like this more than I did... writing this review I'm wiping back a few tears of disappointment.
Third things third, the cover. What the hellingtons? Was everyone on holiday the week this was dealt with or was it done by a clueless intern? Appalling, I can't even begin. And the blurb is just, well, PAP, although perhaps given the state of the book they were just doing what they could.
Oh Hadley. You write well and have some great things to say but so much of this is just... uneventful. The old complaint that it has simply not been edited or focused comes up again, I'm afraid, as Hadley is let free to waffle on, and on, and on and sometimes even on still... making one simple point for over 3 pages. She credits readers with intelligence on some levels but then talks down to us by over-explaining. And her penchant for commas and asides and talking around the edges of things before geting to her point irritated me beyond belief. It's okay in a column about fashion where you can spend 450 words pre-ambling the 50 words of advice. But in a book it is intolerable.
The ordering of the 'chapters' appears random and done without expertise. We have a few short, pithy 'top 10' type pieces followed by longer, more serious pieces, and then back to some of the silly stuff. I just don't get what she really wants to write about; a better structure would have helped no end.
She is good on film and I welcome her material on feminism even if it is often contradictory. I like that she is often dogmatic and opinionated although she will then go and back track, and offer something feeble and weak such as her rules for feminism which I found infuriating. Her defense of the fashion industry is really interesting but could have done with more clarity.
I can only assume or hope this was a rush job. Hadley is getting out there on tv and radio, which delights me as I think she has a lot to offer. But this book... not so much. I blame the publisher, mostly. But, Oh Hadley.
May 28, 2016
'Be Awesome: Modern Life for Modern Ladies' is a funny one. On One hand, Hadley seems confidant and experienced enough to justify a book that could technically slot into the self-help genre. On the other hand, there is such a heavy subjectivity and lack of depth to the author’s advice that I would be wary to recommend it.
That isn't to say that there is little value to Hadley's stance on feminism. Her final ten-point guide to being a modern day feminist isn't deranged. What it is, however, is...slightly smug? That's unfair; perhaps a more appropriate word would be bossy.
There is a wealth of complex and loaded attitudes surrounding feminism, as Hadley herself mentions. Yes, women’s and men’s behaviour towards gender equality is often strained; as Hadley also points out, it is also ingrained, so telling the reader how to act accordingly in ten-point form isn’t going to wildly transform the gender landscape overnight. Neither is the list of Hadley’s favourite films at the end of the book (by which point I was screaming internally: come on, put some bloody effort into this!)
The book is entertaining - an all-too-brief chapter constructed of mock Daily Mail headlines was one highlight that had me chuckling. But don’t expect the equivalent jocular tone of Moran’s ‘How to Be A Woman,’ a book to which ‘Be Awesome’ will always be compared (and never quite live up) to, despite the differences between the two ('Be Awesome' isn't a memoir). It’s frustrating, because I agree with Hadley on almost every point. It’s just that every point seems brief and vaguely researched. So to sum up: what Freeman has written, I like - I just think more of it is needed to really make a point.
That isn't to say that there is little value to Hadley's stance on feminism. Her final ten-point guide to being a modern day feminist isn't deranged. What it is, however, is...slightly smug? That's unfair; perhaps a more appropriate word would be bossy.
There is a wealth of complex and loaded attitudes surrounding feminism, as Hadley herself mentions. Yes, women’s and men’s behaviour towards gender equality is often strained; as Hadley also points out, it is also ingrained, so telling the reader how to act accordingly in ten-point form isn’t going to wildly transform the gender landscape overnight. Neither is the list of Hadley’s favourite films at the end of the book (by which point I was screaming internally: come on, put some bloody effort into this!)
The book is entertaining - an all-too-brief chapter constructed of mock Daily Mail headlines was one highlight that had me chuckling. But don’t expect the equivalent jocular tone of Moran’s ‘How to Be A Woman,’ a book to which ‘Be Awesome’ will always be compared (and never quite live up) to, despite the differences between the two ('Be Awesome' isn't a memoir). It’s frustrating, because I agree with Hadley on almost every point. It’s just that every point seems brief and vaguely researched. So to sum up: what Freeman has written, I like - I just think more of it is needed to really make a point.
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