bird answers “I need reviews of this book because the...”

Damini asked this question about The Girls:

I need reviews of this book because the plot seems amazing and I haven't read a good book in a long time now. Reviews, please?!

bird The people who dislike this seem to have been expecting some kind of action-packed violent cult story. This certainly isn't that. It's not plot driven…moreThe people who dislike this seem to have been expecting some kind of action-packed violent cult story. This certainly isn't that. It's not plot driven at all, really. The appeal of this book is her insight on what it's like to be a young girl. Think of it more as a psychological survey of female adolescence--and probably one of the most beautifully written, nuanced accounts anyone has ever managed. Her insight into human nature, as others have said, is STUNNING. I'm convinced that Greg and other reviewers just wanted something salacious or an easy read. This book definitely isn't meant for that demographic. This is challenging, and gritty, and extremely thought-provoking.

And for the men calling this book trash or "chicklitshit," as one particularly close-minded reviewer said, consider that maybe this book isn't FOR you. It's unsurprising that an account of the trauma of female adolescence isn't particularly moving to you. But I believe that 99% of the women who read this book would feel incredibly seen. The fact that a man would call this "chicklitshit" because it doesn't cater to male experiences or the male gaze--as the majority of literature does--ironically proves EXACTLY the point Emma Cline is making about gender power structures. (less)

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