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Fuckless: A Guide to Wild, Unencumbered Freedom
Sick of giving a fuck? Break free.
In A Guide to Wild, Unencumbered Freedom , behavior scientist and lifestyle design coach Gianna Biscontini guides women through the process of liberating themselves from the ten archaic, stifling expectations (a.k.a. Fucks) society has placed on them for over a century so they can finally live life on their own terms.
Through humor, storytelling, and a healthy dash of behavioral science, you’ll learn step by step how to leave it all behind, dropping the beliefs that no longer fit and creating a new narrative about what it means to be female—and what exactly life looks like from here.
Full of thoughtful questions, gut-check exercises, and interview content from both men and women, Fuckless stands out as a book with a to give women the applicable tools they need to change the way they show up in the world and to pour gasoline on the fire of the women's movement.
In A Guide to Wild, Unencumbered Freedom , behavior scientist and lifestyle design coach Gianna Biscontini guides women through the process of liberating themselves from the ten archaic, stifling expectations (a.k.a. Fucks) society has placed on them for over a century so they can finally live life on their own terms.
Through humor, storytelling, and a healthy dash of behavioral science, you’ll learn step by step how to leave it all behind, dropping the beliefs that no longer fit and creating a new narrative about what it means to be female—and what exactly life looks like from here.
Full of thoughtful questions, gut-check exercises, and interview content from both men and women, Fuckless stands out as a book with a to give women the applicable tools they need to change the way they show up in the world and to pour gasoline on the fire of the women's movement.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
304 pages, Paperback
Published May 13, 2022
21 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 18, 2022
2.5 stars. It was ok.
When I saw this book, I picked it up immediately because it has such an amazing premise. I didn't know anything about the author, but her bio sounds incredible, so I thought that the book would be too. I wanted to love this book so much.
Honestly, it COULD have been an indispensable book and the outline is fantastic. What I expected was a whole lot more depth and inclusivity. When a book comes out in the world of 2022, with the primary function of calling attention to the ways in which systematic, cultural norms are deeply hurting so many millions of people, I expect it to come from a voice of inclusiveness. At the level of depth that this book maintains, it honestly could have just been a blog post!
Instead, this book is from the point of view of an incredibly privileged woman who only questions aspects of harmful societal norms primarily from her own point of view. It falls very short of describing the experience of people from all walks of life. In fact, as a disabled woman, there were several passages that were so incredibly ableist that I was outraged. Further, the author's idea of physical health is "maintaining a certain clothing size and/or a certain weight" (which is such an incredibly outdated and ridiculous idea of health though uses uses this description repeatedly). She describes her friends as Peleton riders who also manage to maintain their roles and wives and mothers. Ugh! I mean, good for them, but what about the other 93% of us that face myriad extra struggles and marginalization, in addition to the systematic norms of the incredibly well-off and privileged women who go from private boarding schools to ivy league universities? How many of us can take four full days off of work because we realize just how systemic the patriarchy is? I am very happy for the author that (in her late 30's) she finally came upon the realization that she was contributing to, and living by, societal "rules" that keep so many women down in the patriarchal culture that we continue to live in.
I mean, all women deserve to live according to their own values. But, what about INTERSECTIONAL feminism? How much harder is it for those from marginalized groups (or several of them) to go against the grain? Absolutely NOTHING was mentioned of this in the entire book.
There are many other aspects of the book that I disliked, but they were more superficial/personal so I will leave those out of this review because I simply want to highlight this book's biggest flaws: being from such a perspective of incredible privilege that it is inaccessible for so many, being extremely exclusive, and in intermingling the systematic machine of patriarchy and individual men (who also suffer, albeit less and in a different way). I would have much preferred that the author wrote from the point of view of many different individuals from all walks of life and identifying in many different ways. I would have liked to see the author disclose the colonial origins of the gender binary and how it adversely affects all of us. I would have liked a discussion on how the patriarchy affects gender-non-conforming and trans individuals. I would have loved a much deeper analysis on how female politicians in the arena are being scrutinized. Honestly, I found this book incredibly shallow - but perhaps I am simply the wrong audience.
What I did like about the book (because I am giving it 2 stars, after all), is the clear outline. I like the distinct separation of each fuck in part one, and the ways to help you affect real change in part two. I like that the end of each chapter in part one comes with journaling questions to help the reader see more clearly how the institutionalized norms affect their own lives directly and what they might be able to change. I love the cover and the illustrations inside the book that accompany each fuck. I do agree with the distinct fucks that the author calls out, and believe that they are incredibly harmful to abide. I just expected more depth and nuance throughout.
So much gratitude to Dynamite Lady Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for my (obviously very) honest review.
When I saw this book, I picked it up immediately because it has such an amazing premise. I didn't know anything about the author, but her bio sounds incredible, so I thought that the book would be too. I wanted to love this book so much.
Honestly, it COULD have been an indispensable book and the outline is fantastic. What I expected was a whole lot more depth and inclusivity. When a book comes out in the world of 2022, with the primary function of calling attention to the ways in which systematic, cultural norms are deeply hurting so many millions of people, I expect it to come from a voice of inclusiveness. At the level of depth that this book maintains, it honestly could have just been a blog post!
Instead, this book is from the point of view of an incredibly privileged woman who only questions aspects of harmful societal norms primarily from her own point of view. It falls very short of describing the experience of people from all walks of life. In fact, as a disabled woman, there were several passages that were so incredibly ableist that I was outraged. Further, the author's idea of physical health is "maintaining a certain clothing size and/or a certain weight" (which is such an incredibly outdated and ridiculous idea of health though uses uses this description repeatedly). She describes her friends as Peleton riders who also manage to maintain their roles and wives and mothers. Ugh! I mean, good for them, but what about the other 93% of us that face myriad extra struggles and marginalization, in addition to the systematic norms of the incredibly well-off and privileged women who go from private boarding schools to ivy league universities? How many of us can take four full days off of work because we realize just how systemic the patriarchy is? I am very happy for the author that (in her late 30's) she finally came upon the realization that she was contributing to, and living by, societal "rules" that keep so many women down in the patriarchal culture that we continue to live in.
I mean, all women deserve to live according to their own values. But, what about INTERSECTIONAL feminism? How much harder is it for those from marginalized groups (or several of them) to go against the grain? Absolutely NOTHING was mentioned of this in the entire book.
There are many other aspects of the book that I disliked, but they were more superficial/personal so I will leave those out of this review because I simply want to highlight this book's biggest flaws: being from such a perspective of incredible privilege that it is inaccessible for so many, being extremely exclusive, and in intermingling the systematic machine of patriarchy and individual men (who also suffer, albeit less and in a different way). I would have much preferred that the author wrote from the point of view of many different individuals from all walks of life and identifying in many different ways. I would have liked to see the author disclose the colonial origins of the gender binary and how it adversely affects all of us. I would have liked a discussion on how the patriarchy affects gender-non-conforming and trans individuals. I would have loved a much deeper analysis on how female politicians in the arena are being scrutinized. Honestly, I found this book incredibly shallow - but perhaps I am simply the wrong audience.
What I did like about the book (because I am giving it 2 stars, after all), is the clear outline. I like the distinct separation of each fuck in part one, and the ways to help you affect real change in part two. I like that the end of each chapter in part one comes with journaling questions to help the reader see more clearly how the institutionalized norms affect their own lives directly and what they might be able to change. I love the cover and the illustrations inside the book that accompany each fuck. I do agree with the distinct fucks that the author calls out, and believe that they are incredibly harmful to abide. I just expected more depth and nuance throughout.
So much gratitude to Dynamite Lady Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for my (obviously very) honest review.
October 16, 2022
This is the book I am gifting my eighteen year old black Kenyan brilliant self. And in this book Gianna takes you through 10 fucks that she learned not to give and through her life experiences, examples on real occurrences- you cannot help but ask yourself why you've been weighing yourself down over the years holding onto people's expectations and control over your life. That's what this felt like for me.
Forget being chosen.
Forget being soft.
Forget being small.
Forget being liked.
Forget being fixed.
Forget being everything.
And it's all exhausting yet in one way or the other, I have done it. I have sat at the corner, waited to be asked my opinion, waxed, dieted, bought skinny jeans, a little black dress, lipstick, heels- tried to look a certain way that I was told was appealing, and tried to have this checklist ticked as the years went by....and it's never been enough!
What this book also has is a section at the end of each chapter that explores the new beliefs, new actions you are going to take and I loved those- because I made my own and for once, it felt like I was listening to a voice so powerful and loud that I couldn't help but wonder why everyone else's sounded louder than mine.
I would recommend this to any woman, at any stage in their life- to listen and choose themselves. I would also recommend this to any man- especially one who feels assured that he's done the best and never stifled a woman in his life, I bet your eyes could use more opening.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
Forget being chosen.
Forget being soft.
Forget being small.
Forget being liked.
Forget being fixed.
Forget being everything.
And it's all exhausting yet in one way or the other, I have done it. I have sat at the corner, waited to be asked my opinion, waxed, dieted, bought skinny jeans, a little black dress, lipstick, heels- tried to look a certain way that I was told was appealing, and tried to have this checklist ticked as the years went by....and it's never been enough!
What this book also has is a section at the end of each chapter that explores the new beliefs, new actions you are going to take and I loved those- because I made my own and for once, it felt like I was listening to a voice so powerful and loud that I couldn't help but wonder why everyone else's sounded louder than mine.
I would recommend this to any woman, at any stage in their life- to listen and choose themselves. I would also recommend this to any man- especially one who feels assured that he's done the best and never stifled a woman in his life, I bet your eyes could use more opening.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
July 20, 2022
Fuckless: A Guide to Wild, Unencumbered Freedom by Gianna Biscontini is intended to guide women through the process of liberating themselves from the ten archaic, stifling expectations (a.k.a. Fucks) society has placed on them for over a century, so they can finally live life on their own terms. It uses humor, storytelling, and a healthy dash of behavioral science, to teach readers how to leave it all behind, dropping the beliefs that no longer fit, and creating a new narrative about what it means to be female—and what, exactly, life looks like from here. Full of thoughtful questions, gut-check exercises, and interview content from both men and women, Fuckless is a book with a mission—to give women the applicable tools they need to change the way they show up in the world, and to pour gasoline on the fire of the women's movement.
Fuckless is a guide to letting go of the preconceived notions we have about who we are supposed to be, and how we should live our lives. To let go of all the little bits of societal norms that have shaped us over the years and made so many of us afraid to step out of line. This does not mean stopping doing thing that honestly give us joy, even if they do fit the narrative, it is more about being more authentically ourselves and caring less about how other people see us. Its also about taking ownership of our own choices, not blaming them for expecting us to conform, but in the little (and not so little) things we do, think, and say to avoid conflict or uncomfortable feelings for everyone. I like that the author admits her place of privilege- and stresses that every one and their situation is different so that nothing is one size fits all. I also like that while the book is definitely about empowering women to be their most authentic self, and to break out of the boxes we feel confined in, she stresses self awareness, accountability, and taking stock of our own choices rather than just blindly blaming others and society. I really like that the author includes access to the references and resources used in the book on her website. Sometimes you see a study referenced in an article or book and want to see more about how the study was done, and perhaps some raw data to see if the interpretation is skewed by unconscious bias, and this access allows us more curious folks to follow up on those questions. However, for those that do not like to seek out extra information it does not clog up the read, and for those curious but not enough to go hunting there is a good deal of related information in the endpages. A little something for all kinds of readers, which I appreciate.
Fuckless is an honest and open book about figuring out what you want, what could be holding you back, and taking control of your life and choices in order to be the most authentic self you can. I think it will resonate and help those that pick up the book.
Fuckless is a guide to letting go of the preconceived notions we have about who we are supposed to be, and how we should live our lives. To let go of all the little bits of societal norms that have shaped us over the years and made so many of us afraid to step out of line. This does not mean stopping doing thing that honestly give us joy, even if they do fit the narrative, it is more about being more authentically ourselves and caring less about how other people see us. Its also about taking ownership of our own choices, not blaming them for expecting us to conform, but in the little (and not so little) things we do, think, and say to avoid conflict or uncomfortable feelings for everyone. I like that the author admits her place of privilege- and stresses that every one and their situation is different so that nothing is one size fits all. I also like that while the book is definitely about empowering women to be their most authentic self, and to break out of the boxes we feel confined in, she stresses self awareness, accountability, and taking stock of our own choices rather than just blindly blaming others and society. I really like that the author includes access to the references and resources used in the book on her website. Sometimes you see a study referenced in an article or book and want to see more about how the study was done, and perhaps some raw data to see if the interpretation is skewed by unconscious bias, and this access allows us more curious folks to follow up on those questions. However, for those that do not like to seek out extra information it does not clog up the read, and for those curious but not enough to go hunting there is a good deal of related information in the endpages. A little something for all kinds of readers, which I appreciate.
Fuckless is an honest and open book about figuring out what you want, what could be holding you back, and taking control of your life and choices in order to be the most authentic self you can. I think it will resonate and help those that pick up the book.
June 8, 2022
A Game-Changer
WARNING: Language
Every time I find myself filled with purpose and needing direction or lost and ambling in my own life- I turn to self-help books. But here's the thing: the moment I find myself looking through titles like 'The Art of Asking' by Amanda Palmer, or 'Girl stop Apologizing' by Rachel Hollis the self-doubt begins to return in waves. Tenfold.
Why do I need help? Will this ONE book truly be able to help me through whatever rut I'm stuck in; or is it just another feel-good distraction? What would others think if they knew I was reaching for another workbook?
Then, the panic starts to sink in. I need to get in and out of self-help STAT. Pick a book and run. Bonus points if I can call it a 'leadership' book for when I inevitably begin to discuss the key principles that stuck with me.
All-in-all, asking for help, even in a literary sense, feels like a 'guilty-pleasure' deep down.
But why should that be?
Fuck #8 - Being Dependent.
Fuckless is the guide to unapologetic living that everyone who identifies as female needs to read.
Hell, anyone who feels like they want to be more empathetic toward the feminine psyche should really give Fuckless a read.
From page #1 Gianna Biscontini regales us with the story of how she had to push back against publishers to keep the swearwords as they were. They were empowering, they sent a message. and at the heart of it all, isn't the idea to unfuck our lives?
The author strips away the veneer of the life she'd built and takes us through the 10 key revelations that helped her to rebuild her life as she knew it. Ultimately, Fuckless is a deep dive into who we are in society and how we are inhibiting ourselves from reaching our potential. It's not anyone else's fault, there's no patriarchy to point the blame at. WE, as self-identified women are choosing to accept 'the way things are' and therefore restricting ourselves and degrading our own-self-worth for fear of creating discomfort for ourselves or others.
This book is not comfortable, it is not designed to be. If you want to be the best you can, unencumbered, you will need to put in effort and take your journey in stride.
Fuckless is a book that I am going to revisit time and time again, because I've learned that in doing the best I can- I have nothing to apologize for.
[Thank you NetGalley and Dynamite Lady Publishing for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
WARNING: Language
Every time I find myself filled with purpose and needing direction or lost and ambling in my own life- I turn to self-help books. But here's the thing: the moment I find myself looking through titles like 'The Art of Asking' by Amanda Palmer, or 'Girl stop Apologizing' by Rachel Hollis the self-doubt begins to return in waves. Tenfold.
Why do I need help? Will this ONE book truly be able to help me through whatever rut I'm stuck in; or is it just another feel-good distraction? What would others think if they knew I was reaching for another workbook?
Then, the panic starts to sink in. I need to get in and out of self-help STAT. Pick a book and run. Bonus points if I can call it a 'leadership' book for when I inevitably begin to discuss the key principles that stuck with me.
All-in-all, asking for help, even in a literary sense, feels like a 'guilty-pleasure' deep down.
But why should that be?
Fuck #8 - Being Dependent.
Fuckless is the guide to unapologetic living that everyone who identifies as female needs to read.
Hell, anyone who feels like they want to be more empathetic toward the feminine psyche should really give Fuckless a read.
From page #1 Gianna Biscontini regales us with the story of how she had to push back against publishers to keep the swearwords as they were. They were empowering, they sent a message. and at the heart of it all, isn't the idea to unfuck our lives?
The author strips away the veneer of the life she'd built and takes us through the 10 key revelations that helped her to rebuild her life as she knew it. Ultimately, Fuckless is a deep dive into who we are in society and how we are inhibiting ourselves from reaching our potential. It's not anyone else's fault, there's no patriarchy to point the blame at. WE, as self-identified women are choosing to accept 'the way things are' and therefore restricting ourselves and degrading our own-self-worth for fear of creating discomfort for ourselves or others.
This book is not comfortable, it is not designed to be. If you want to be the best you can, unencumbered, you will need to put in effort and take your journey in stride.
Fuckless is a book that I am going to revisit time and time again, because I've learned that in doing the best I can- I have nothing to apologize for.
[Thank you NetGalley and Dynamite Lady Publishing for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
July 11, 2022
A Game-Changer
WARNING: Language
Every time I find myself filled with purpose and needing direction or lost and ambling in my own life- I turn to self-help books. But here's the thing: the moment I find myself looking through titles like 'The Art of Asking' by Amanda Palmer, or 'Girl stop Apologizing' by Rachel Hollis the self-doubt begins to return in waves. Tenfold.
Why do I need help? Will this ONE book truly be able to help me through whatever rut I'm stuck in; or is it just another feel-good distraction? What would others think if they knew I was reaching for another workbook?
Then, the panic starts to sink in. I need to get in and out of self-help STAT. Pick a book and run. Bonus points if I can call it a 'leadership' book for when I inevitably begin to discuss the key principles that stuck with me.
All-in-all, asking for help, even in a literary sense, feels like a 'guilty-pleasure' deep down.
But why should that be?
Fuck #8 - Being Dependent.
Fuckless is the guide to unapologetic living that everyone who identifies as female needs to read.
Hell, anyone who feels like they want to be more empathetic toward the feminine psyche should really give Fuckless a read.
From page #1 Gianna Biscontini regales us with the story of how she had to push back against publishers to keep the swearwords as they were. They were empowering, they sent a message. and at the heart of it all, isn't the idea to unfuck our lives?
The author strips away the veneer of the life she'd built and takes us through the 10 key revelations that helped her to rebuild her life as she knew it. Ultimately, Fuckless is a deep dive into who we are in society and how we are inhibiting ourselves from reaching our potential. It's not anyone else's fault, there's no patriarchy to point the blame at. WE, as self-identified women are choosing to accept 'the way things are' and therefore restricting ourselves and degrading our own-self-worth for fear of creating discomfort for ourselves or others.
This book is not comfortable, it is not designed to be. If you want to be the best you can, unencumbered, you will need to put in effort and take your journey in stride.
Fuckless is a book that I am going to revisit time and time again, because I've learned that in doing the best I can- I have nothing to apologize for.
[Thank you NetGalley and Dynamite Lady Publishing for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
WARNING: Language
Every time I find myself filled with purpose and needing direction or lost and ambling in my own life- I turn to self-help books. But here's the thing: the moment I find myself looking through titles like 'The Art of Asking' by Amanda Palmer, or 'Girl stop Apologizing' by Rachel Hollis the self-doubt begins to return in waves. Tenfold.
Why do I need help? Will this ONE book truly be able to help me through whatever rut I'm stuck in; or is it just another feel-good distraction? What would others think if they knew I was reaching for another workbook?
Then, the panic starts to sink in. I need to get in and out of self-help STAT. Pick a book and run. Bonus points if I can call it a 'leadership' book for when I inevitably begin to discuss the key principles that stuck with me.
All-in-all, asking for help, even in a literary sense, feels like a 'guilty-pleasure' deep down.
But why should that be?
Fuck #8 - Being Dependent.
Fuckless is the guide to unapologetic living that everyone who identifies as female needs to read.
Hell, anyone who feels like they want to be more empathetic toward the feminine psyche should really give Fuckless a read.
From page #1 Gianna Biscontini regales us with the story of how she had to push back against publishers to keep the swearwords as they were. They were empowering, they sent a message. and at the heart of it all, isn't the idea to unfuck our lives?
The author strips away the veneer of the life she'd built and takes us through the 10 key revelations that helped her to rebuild her life as she knew it. Ultimately, Fuckless is a deep dive into who we are in society and how we are inhibiting ourselves from reaching our potential. It's not anyone else's fault, there's no patriarchy to point the blame at. WE, as self-identified women are choosing to accept 'the way things are' and therefore restricting ourselves and degrading our own-self-worth for fear of creating discomfort for ourselves or others.
This book is not comfortable, it is not designed to be. If you want to be the best you can, unencumbered, you will need to put in effort and take your journey in stride.
Fuckless is a book that I am going to revisit time and time again, because I've learned that in doing the best I can- I have nothing to apologize for.
[Thank you NetGalley and Dynamite Lady Publishing for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
November 4, 2023
"Fuckless: A Guide to Wild, Unencumbered Freedom" by Gianna Biscontini is a candid and thought-provoking guide that encourages readers to embrace a life free from societal expectations and constraints. Biscontini's raw and unfiltered approach to self-discovery and personal growth is both refreshing and empowering. She challenges readers to question and redefine their beliefs, offering a path towards a more liberated existence.
One of the book's strengths lies in Biscontini's willingness to address uncomfortable truths and challenge conventional norms. Her candid anecdotes and reflections on her own experiences provide a relatable and authentic backdrop to her message of empowerment. The book's conversational tone creates a sense of intimacy, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys towards self-acceptance and freedom.
While the book offers valuable insights into the process of shedding societal expectations, some readers may find that Biscontini's approach is not for everyone. Her unapologetic and explicit language may be polarizing, potentially resonating more strongly with some readers while alienating others. Additionally, a more structured format or additional practical exercises could have added further depth to the content.
In conclusion, "Fuckless" is a daring and impassioned call to embrace personal freedom and authenticity. Gianna Biscontini's willingness to tackle uncomfortable topics and her unwavering commitment to self-liberation make this book a noteworthy addition to the realm of personal development literature. While not for everyone, those seeking a candid and unapologetic approach to personal growth may find valuable insights within its pages.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
One of the book's strengths lies in Biscontini's willingness to address uncomfortable truths and challenge conventional norms. Her candid anecdotes and reflections on her own experiences provide a relatable and authentic backdrop to her message of empowerment. The book's conversational tone creates a sense of intimacy, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys towards self-acceptance and freedom.
While the book offers valuable insights into the process of shedding societal expectations, some readers may find that Biscontini's approach is not for everyone. Her unapologetic and explicit language may be polarizing, potentially resonating more strongly with some readers while alienating others. Additionally, a more structured format or additional practical exercises could have added further depth to the content.
In conclusion, "Fuckless" is a daring and impassioned call to embrace personal freedom and authenticity. Gianna Biscontini's willingness to tackle uncomfortable topics and her unwavering commitment to self-liberation make this book a noteworthy addition to the realm of personal development literature. While not for everyone, those seeking a candid and unapologetic approach to personal growth may find valuable insights within its pages.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2022
The blurb drew me in, and the title had me itching to read it if only the substance lived up to it. The author writes from an incredibly privileged point of view. She has clearly not had to experience real hardship. Her thoughts on female body weight and appearance are archaic and patronising the very things she reports to want to overcome.
Give this book a wide berth. It's not worth the time and energy.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 22, 2022
I was introduced to Gianna by my writing coach and it was the best gift. I immediately purchased this book when it was launched and it was the best beach read on my summer vacation. Not only did it inspire me, but I also just felt that Gianna was such a relatable voice and writer. I’m going to get her audiobook now as I love her voice! She is a wealth of knowledge and isn’t afraid to share what’s important and what we all need to hear. This is a great gift for a friend that needs that courage to live her best life.
March 22, 2023
I really wanted to give a f*ck about this book... but as I read, I didn't feel like I had the same level of "oppression" the author assumed her readers have. Maybe I already figured out how to be f*ckless about the specific things she addressed in the book. Maybe I have other, unique-to-me things that I am giving too many f*cks about in life... but I didn't feel the author's solutions gave me the tools to be f*ckless about those things. I begrudgingly finished the book... I was hopeful... but it just didn't live up to the sensational title for me.
May 29, 2023
I ran across this book serendipitously. The title made me curious, and so I dove in. I’m so glad I did! Before reading the book, I had some awareness of my privileges as a man, but the book gave me a much deeper, more concrete grasp of some of the experiences of women. It has equipped me to better understand loved ones, friends, colleagues, and strangers, and to cultivate workplaces and social circles in which everyone can thrive. Even though I am a man, I also identified with some of the challenges women face. I found the strategies included to be helpful not just for women, but also for me—for overcoming some social dynamics and my own psychological limiting beliefs—so that I can better chart my own path. It was a very worthwhile read. Thank you, Gianna Biscontini, for your important work!
September 14, 2022
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Yeah… I was hopeful with this one. The blurb was good, but that title and cover?! Hello! But it was just, no. The author writes from a place of privilege which was difficult to relate to and at times annoying to read. There are some insightful bits sprinkled throughout, but at the end of the day this was not for me.
Yeah… I was hopeful with this one. The blurb was good, but that title and cover?! Hello! But it was just, no. The author writes from a place of privilege which was difficult to relate to and at times annoying to read. There are some insightful bits sprinkled throughout, but at the end of the day this was not for me.
June 7, 2022
This book is a must read! I so appreciated the author's candor and vulnerability that clearly came through on every page. This is just the best list of "Things to Drop" that I have ever come across, written with such heart and soul. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
June 12, 2022
This strikes me same way Eat Pray Love did.
The author is highly privileged and while it’s superficially acknowledged it makes the material difficult to relate to.
That’s not to say there aren’t some insightful bits included in the book, it’s just not all that realistic.
The author is highly privileged and while it’s superficially acknowledged it makes the material difficult to relate to.
That’s not to say there aren’t some insightful bits included in the book, it’s just not all that realistic.
July 26, 2024
I was reading this book at the same time as How to Be the Love Seek. This book was much more engaging. I still missed out on the exercises because I listened to it but the advice seemed more practical. It was also more specifically tailored to women.
March 6, 2024
Super cute read that most women should read. It was well done and had several really good parts. I really enjoyed this one.
May 12, 2023
This is a self help book mainly aimed at women. It guides women on how to break free of societies expectations of them and how to be their more authentic selves. The first part of the book is ten different things/ideas that may be holding women back and how to identify if those things/ideas are affecting you so you can break free of them. The second half is how to identify things, ideas, and values that are important to you and how to implement them in your lives. All of this is peppered with life experiences of the author and people that have been interviewed to better explain and highlight the point being made at the moment.
I loved this book much more than I thought I would. The points that the author makes are very clear and concise. The life stories sprinkled throughout the book add a read gut punch to some of the stories. There is a wit and humor all through the book that had me laughing out loud multiple times while reading. I loved the discussion questions and worksheets that come at the ends of each chapter. It gives you time to sit and really think about and digest what you just read instead of immediately running to the next chapter. My one complaint is that everything is seen through a very Westernized eye. It would have been nice to hear from women from other cultures as well. Overall I highly recommend this book and May end up buying a copy of my own.
I loved this book much more than I thought I would. The points that the author makes are very clear and concise. The life stories sprinkled throughout the book add a read gut punch to some of the stories. There is a wit and humor all through the book that had me laughing out loud multiple times while reading. I loved the discussion questions and worksheets that come at the ends of each chapter. It gives you time to sit and really think about and digest what you just read instead of immediately running to the next chapter. My one complaint is that everything is seen through a very Westernized eye. It would have been nice to hear from women from other cultures as well. Overall I highly recommend this book and May end up buying a copy of my own.
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