Reviews (11)

Ranting instead of argument
I began this book expecting to agree with much of it but was very disappointed.The author is ranting instead of calmly stating a realistic argument.If I understood correctly, she believes that the Wedding Industrial Complex (with some vague notions of society and government) CAUSES women to desire marriage, view themselves as princesses and then spend as much money as possible on the wedding.
A vitally important work...
In writing this book Chrys takes great risk in exposing "Weddings", especially "White Weddings" as an unneccessary rite of passage -- She brings to light in vivid raw detail why our society 'views' them as normal.
Read this before the walk down the altar
This book blows the lid off of marriage. What is suppose to be the most important day in couples life has turn into a frenzy of consumer glutteny. I was astonshed at how diamonds an american symbol of love is a an oppresive force for the people who mine them. This book will make you cry. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Customs & Traditions    2. Heterosexuality    3. Marriage    4. Popular Culture - General    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. Sociology - Marriage & Family    8. United States    9. Weddings    10. Weddings in popular culture    11. Women's Studies - General    12. Popular culture    13. Social Science / Sociology / General    14. USA   

Reviews (6)

Calling all women!
In a culture that worships youthful beauty, this book reminds us all that our esoteric standards are stifled, immature and limited. The wonderful Bolen leads women (and real men) on a revealing and empowering exploration of the many rich, strong, wise, diverse and beautiful identities that both shape and define the gifts of "older" women.
Goddesses in Older Women
thoughtful and provoking -- an academic description that gets a little detailed for the casual reader.Still, highly recommend to those who are studying Dr. Bolen's messages re. spiritual quests and journeys.

Inspiration for the older woman, and those who will be...
Feeling a little under the weather as you arrive at that 50th or 60th milestone?Read Jean Bolen's GODDESSES IN OLDER WOMEN to give yourself a lift.Older women can "get a life" if they only pause to reflect on the inner self.Some think of aspects of the female self as archetypes or personality quirks, Bolen says they are "Goddesses within." Although we may fail to listen, and thus not hear them, inner voices occur throughout life. Different needs as well as life-long experience evokes different voices in the older woman. Her name may be wisdom, although she is more than wisdom, she is healing, compassion, and/or mirth. You may notice her voice which called to you when you were younger now has a new tone. We worship her, whether or not we think of her as a Goddess. She has been with you since girlhood as Mary or Kuan Yin or the Shekinah. First appearing as a maiden, then when we became mothers appearing as a mother.Now, she comes to us as a crone, the third phase of the moon-waxing-or the last aspect of the triple goddess.Known since ancient times, although appropriated by patriarchal faiths, still known if you listen to the small still voice in your heart.
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Subjects:  1. New Thought    2. Social Science    3. Sociology    4. Spirituality - General    5. Women's Studies - General    6. Social Science / Women's Studies    7. Women's studies   

Subjects:  1. General    2. Life cycle, Human    3. Psychology    4. Sex differences (Psychology)    5. Sex role    6. Women    7. Women's Studies - General    8. Child & developmental psychology    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (33)

Unforgettable
The last century was so fast-moving, so eventful -so strange and dense in colossal, nightmarish events -that it will be very difficult for future generations to get an accurate feel for it.Indeed, even for someone like me, who lived through half of it, I know that my knowledge and memories are too patchwork and too personal to allow for a deep understanding of the 20th Century, unless I keep working at expanding my knowledge of it.That is why records such as A Woman In Berlin are so important.Here is a rare, direct, honest account of momentous events from the heart of the greatest human conflagration of all time.
True enough, but something's fishy
Any diary written by a German adult that begins on April 20th and does not immediately note that that was the Fuhrer's birthday is immediately suspect. But if it is fraudulent, fraudulent in what regard? Certainly the author's experience rings true as any surviving Berlinerin of the spring of 1945 can attest. What makes the book so interesting--captivating, even--is the spunk of the author. She keeps her spirits up in spite of having to sleep for food; indeed, in order to lessen the crudeness of her attackers' rapes, she maneuvers her overnight guest list from Russian recruits to Russian officers.
Excellent
This book provides excellent insight into the dangers that women face in the midst of a war zone. Though it lacks a broad overview of the issue, this book offers perhaps the frankest account of mass rape during war. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography And Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. General    6. Historical - General    7. History - General History    8. Military - World War II    9. Modern - 20th Century    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Women    12. Women's Studies - General    13. World War II    14. History / Modern / 20th Century   

Reviews (6)

Sole Sisters
I read this book in one sitting! I purchased the book for two running friends of mine and they passed it on to other fellow runners. This book helped me to think less about the physical act of running, but more about why I run and the friendships I have established while running. Those relationships have been a wonderful source of support and inspiration, very much like the wonderful stories told in the book.

Gold coins
The vignettes within this book are poignant, touching, and downright real. One of my running friends handed this to me after a 12-mile Sunday morning trek, one (which like many others) allowed us to vent, analyze, and think about our lives. Reading this compilation truly drew me in, both as a runner and a woman. But don't let the chick peg fool you. My husband, who's been a runner for more than 25 years, picked it up and agreed: This is some solid, effective writing that rewards its readers with gold coins throughout.

Running is life.
The stories in "Sole Sisters" demonstrated a hidden dimension of life that is revealed through running- unshakable relationships formed with running buddies, self confidence discovered through training and kicking that 5K in the butt, and dissolving problems with each step along the trails.We can all learn from these stories. Everyone, not only runners, should read this gem of abook. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Exercise    4. Motivational & Inspirational    5. Running    6. Running & Jogging    7. Running for women    8. Sociology Of Women    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Women runners    12. Women's Health - General    13. Women's Studies - General    14. Sports & Recreation / Running & Jogging   

Reviews (4)

profound
Highly motivational and inspiring. It forces you to create worlds inside your head. Profound!Hi Lea.

Fire circle chants
Through a series of dazzling prose poems, Wittig tells the tale of a tribe of women warriors overthrowing patriarchy, and she challenges gender constructs through her language. It's a powerful and inspirational book about sex warfare, rather like "The Handmaid's Tale" or some songs by Tori Amos. A definite radical feminist classic worth reading and re-reading.

warfare
This book is interesting, and perhaps groundbreaking. Unlike the previous reviewer, however, I'm not sure I'd want to call this original feminist text "seminal." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fantasy fiction    2. Feminist fiction    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - General    5. Lesbian    6. Women's Studies - General    7. Modern fiction   

Reviews (5)

Great food for thought.
Gotta hand it to Bitch:
No Home Should be Without This Book!
"No home should be without this book.It can save relationships, provide direction for those who want it and offer humor for those who need it."

Good, at times
This collection of articles from Bitch magazine is a necessity to women.I enjoyed quoting it on my blogs and reading sections to my friends while we sat on my patio.
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Subjects:  1. Feminism    2. Feminism & Feminist Theory    3. Media Studies - Print Media    4. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    5. Popular Culture    6. Popular Culture - General    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Sociology Of Women    10. United States    11. Women's Studies - General    12. Social Science / Popular Culture   

Editorial Review

Amazing things happen when Woman taps her inner Girl Scout. In Read more

Reviews (35)

Disappointing - lots of ideas, but doesn't follow through!
I love to do things.I love doing new things!From arts & crafts (etching glass, and blacksmithing), to unusual sports (like sailing or bungee jumping), I am passionate about learning new things.
A Jumping-In Point
I ordered several copies of this book for my mothers' group to use during our summer session.The book has been great to get us talking about both what we need to do and what we want to do for ourselves. Some members are working on more practical badges, like organization, while others are working on beading, knitting etc.--and all of us are giving ourselves credit for hard things we've already accomplished but not thoroughly acknowledged, like childbirth and potty training kids!
DO IT!
Imagine This... There was a woman who was always interested in learning new things. She regularly hiked, biked, kayaked, took classes in cooking, gardening, SCUBA diving, and wine appreciation. According to her friends, she "made things happen." As if that wasn't enough, she decided to write a book that would boost women's self-esteem by helping them reach their own goals and realize their own dreams. A grown-up Girl Scout herself who proudly displayed her badge-laden sashes in her office, she based her book on the concept of learn a new skill, get a badge. I was never a girl scout myself, but as I get older the more I appreciate that concept. I imagine that Lauren Catuzzi Grancolas was the kind of woman who made life fun for the people she knew. She was tragically aboard the doomed Flight 93 on 9/11. Adopting her spirit,her two sisters, one an at-home Mom of three, finished compiling this book in her honor.
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Experiential learning    3. General    4. Home economics    5. Life skills guides    6. Motivational & Inspirational    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. New Age / Parapsychology    9. Personal Growth - General    10. Psychology    11. Self-Help    12. Self-realization in women    13. Women    14. Popular psychology    15. Self-Help & Practical Interests    16. Self-Help / Motivational    17. Women's studies   

Reviews (10)

Ambition and Motivation
An excellent book, an engaging look at ambition in women's lives. Fels also provides significant insight into what motivates people in general. Highly recommended reading.

Every woman should read this
I am not the author's friend, nor do I know the author.This is a true and unbiased opinion on this book.
Necessary Dreams, Ambition in Women's Changing Lives
It's time for another book response. (I do not like the term "review" - sounds too much like a school assignment.) I just finished reading "Necessary Dreams, Ambition in Women's Changing Lives" written by Anna Fels, published by Pantheon Books, New York. The author writes about how women perceive and cope with ambition and accomplishment. She works carefully first to establish a definition of ambition and then takes a good, hard look at the popular supposition that it "goes against the very nature of women". Then she does what for many will sound her credibility's death knell. She challenges current theories about the mind-set and needs of men.All 14 chapters seem to be a rewording of the same message; the message that she endlessly pounds home; the message that she relentlessly hammers into the reader's brain. Unless a woman is willing to risk the opprobrium society will heap on her should she dare to go against the prescribed norms, at some point in her life, she will be expected, for the sake of some other, to put her plans and dreams on hold, and thereby risk losing them entirely. Why should such a thing be expected of her? As a married couple's life progresses, for instance, there are several scenarios that could play themselves out to this conclusion. If the husband is offered a job in another city, the usual expectation is that the couple will move, for him to follow up on this great opportunity.She is generally expected to defer to him, no matter what her current state of affairs might be. "It has been suggested, for example, that women have a greater capacity for empathy than men, making it more painful for them not to gratify (italics my own) the wishes of others..." Fels cites studies and quotes research to prove that women actually have less difficulty pursuing their own goals and gratification when "they believe that their actions will not be known by male peers." This, of course, makes it nearly impossible for many a female not to place herself and her needs second to her husband, and for that matter, to damn near every male they encounter through life. She talks about the upsurge in the "wedding industry" , in spite of how many unions end in divorce, and suggests that this is so especially because it is the one day when a woman is entitled to expect that she will come first. After that, it is a downhill slide.What to do about affecting change in this state of affairs? Says Fels, many of the gains made by women in the last century have entailed losses for men, and these "commodities have not been relinquished without a bitter fight." Women's roles cannot be changed without having impact on the lives of men, but changed they must be. We can not turn back the clock on the gains made already, nor ignore the further work that needs to be done. Fels makes the point that if this change is to come about, a society-wide shift in values must take place. The "mandates of femininity" assume that a woman will subordinate her needs to those of others, particularly her husband. Despite the increasingly necessary participation of women in the workforce, no-one from the government to those husbands has been willing to assume the various costs involved in providing the labour-intensive housework and child-care that women traditionally did for "free". "Most men (and our government is run largely by men) believe that the work women do in the home is one of men's entitlements." Men would like to believe, says Fels that such work is "neither their problem nor their responsibility." Obviously, therefore, if such work has to be done, it falls to the women. The question is how to climb the ladder of success with a baby on your hip? After spending 255 pages convincing you it is damn near hopeless, she gives all of tow paragraphs - that's all, just two - to suggesting there is any light at the end of the tunnel. She tells women to look to the example of "Grey Power" and how seniors organizing themselves into a political lobby group with some clout should be their model and their hope for change.This is not a book that can be read lightly, not if you are a woman, or a man who genuinely cares about any woman. Our mothers, our daughters, our sisters and aunts, all are struggling under a yoke that might even seem not to be there at first glance. Here in our rich country, why should we believe anyone struggles under such a burden? There are so many women's stories to hear. Where should you start to listen? Why not start with the successful looking woman, the one dressed in Wall Street attire, holding an ice pack to her head? She'll be holding it against the bruise she got from banging her head on the glass ceiling. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Social Science    2. Sociology    3. Women's Studies - General    4. Social Science / Women's Studies   

Reviews (3)

Rah!Rah!Rah!
As a longtime fan of Peril's -- from her absolutely excellent 'zine "Mystery Date" to her monthly "Museum of Femorabilia" column in BUST Magazine to her first book "Pink Think" -- I could not wait to get my hands on her latest book, "College Girls."In fact, I pre-ordered it on Amazon when I had first heard about it.And it did not disappoint.Full of facts, history, and yes -- a "we've come a long way, baby" feeling, but written in an engaging, accessible way that kept me going from the first page to the last, never feeling I was mired down in sermonizing.Peril's wit and superior knowledge (and what a reference library from which she culls!) takes us through history, with lots of fantastic anecdotes along the way.She tackles the serious (ie the first female scholars, racism, in loco parentis) and the fun (fashion, spreads, and time honored traditions). The well-chosen pictures that accompany the text are marvelous, too.It made me realize how lucky I was to be a college girl because of all the women who paved the way for me, and grateful because Peril wrote it all down.Every "sweet girl graduate" I know -- whether they are graduating from middle or high school, college, or did so long ago -- will be getting this book from me.Highly, highly rtecommended.

Super fun read
Funny! All the girls on my Christmas list will be getting this book. There are a ton of important, mind-boggling, and otherwise forgotten women's history stories in it, but without the grim voice we're all so used to in feminist writing.

A RIVETING ROMP
Lynn Peril has done it again! Just as she did with her first book, PINK THINK, she's wrangled tons of research, thousands of facts, and hundreds of personal anecdotes into aconcise and well-written whole. Tackling this immense topic- the history of women in college and popular culture'sreaction to it -Peril makes the varsity team and wins the pennant for a facinating and funny read! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attitudes    2. Education (Higher)    3. Higher    4. Identity    5. Popular Culture - General    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. United States    9. Women    10. Women In Higher Education    11. Women college students    12. Women's Studies - General    13. History    14. Miscellaneous Items    15. Social Science / Women's Studies   

Reviews (28)

A Reference Bookfor Women!
I found this book very honest and helpful. It's written in a conversational tone that's like talking to a respected friend. I feel that it's a MUST READ for women of all ages, single or in a relationship. I recommend this book to everyone, you may not agree with everything in the book, but there's a wealth of news you can use. I also highly recommend other books by this author!

Not just for teenagers
Do not let the smug reviews of those who are already so, so smart deter you from reading this book.I am a smart and successful woman and, for many years, had difficulty making good decisions about men.Call it a screwed-up childhood...whatever.The point is, don't buy the idea that you are an idiot if you find this book helpful.
if you are just out of a crappy relationship and/or under 18
do read this book. It will help set boundaries you might have lost or have not yet set. If you are over 18 and "together", OK in your head about who you are and what you want/or not, it might sound obvious, but some things are OK to be reminded of. In any case, its a tiny book, and time invested in it will not be wasted. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family/Marriage    3. General    4. Interpersonal Relations    5. Love    6. Love / Sex / Marriage    7. Man-woman relationships    8. Psychology    9. Women    10. Women's Studies - General    11. Family & Relationships / General    12. Marriage & relationships   

Editorial Review

Many mothers have long suspected that they're getting the short end of the deal--and finally, a highly respected economics journalist proves they're not just griping. Despite all the lip service given to the importance of motherhood, American mothers are not only not paid for all the work they do, but also penalized for it. "The gift of care can be both selfless and exploited," writes Ann Crittenden in this intrepid and groundbreaking work. Motherhood is dangerously undervalued--it's now the single biggest risk factor for poverty in old age. Mothers lose out in forgone income if they stay at home, an inflexible job market makes part-time work scarce or inadequately paid, and in the case of divorce, they're refused family assets by divorce laws that don't count their unpaid work. Read more

Reviews (56)

Raging Sense of Entitlement in the name of Motherhood
Believe it or not, I do agree with some points that she makes in this book.Motherhood is a very undervalued job, and we certainly still have a long way to go to acheive equality between men and women when it comes to childrearing.I also agree that mothers should have a decent maternity leave and that there should be better laws for deadbeat dads.
a lot she doesn't consider
This book raises interesting points about motherhood and its lack of value in society.I agree with some of her suggestions, such as giving Social Security credits to mothers and providing decent maternity leave to all mothers.
Three cheers for mothers
Motherhood is the most under-valued job in the Western world today, argues economics journalist Ann Crittenden. While everyone may give lip service to the values of motherhood, the truth is, it is an unappreciated and un-rewarded job. Governments especially may sing the praises of mothering, but they do very little to actually support mothers.
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Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Family/Marriage    4. Parenting - Motherhood    5. Women's Studies - General    6. Social Science / Women's Studies   

Editorial Review

Psychology rules the stock market, according to Hersh Shefrin. In Read more

Reviews (14)

Look to market experts for success
So long as market investors are human beings rather than machines, market participants will be governed by emotion.The efficient market theory, as Warren Buffett states, works most of the time.But when unusual or exceptional news comes into play, a stock (and/or markets) nearly always overreacts.
Selective Presentation of the Evidence
I am a behavioral economist with a deep belief in the notion that human decision-makers deviate in important ways from the scientific principles laid down in modern rational choice theory. There is no doubt but that very many investors hold erroneous notions of the dynamics of price movements, and having a correct understanding will, on average lead to better returns on one's portfolio. Sheffrin presents the evidence for this position in an interesting and accessible manner.
Packed with Knowledge !
If only you could bring yourself to ditch those losers from your portfolio, and hang onto your winners. If you can, you are unusual. Unprofitable habits afflict nearly all investors, beginners and pros alike, writes Hersh Shefrin in this intriguing study of the role of emotions in investing. Shefrin balances the jargon with plenty of real-world examples and wisely cautions you not to delude yourself into thinking that his tips will make you rich. Viewing investing through the prism of behavior finance, he analyzes emotionally-laden decisions made by private investors, money managers, bankers and other professionals handling stocks and various other forms of investments including options, foreign currency and futures. Shefrin offers juicy case histories, so his tour of behavioral finance is mostly enjoyable and useful. At times, though, the book bogs down in the author's attempts to legitimize behavior finance, a relatively new school of thought. For instance, he charges failed investors with committing "heuristic bias" or falling prey to "representativeness." That quibble aside, we recommend this intriguing tome to investment decision makers on any level. Whether you are running billions or managing a retirement account (which, as Shefrin notes, most people do badly), maybe this book will buffer you against emotional investing and pocketbook pain. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Business/Economics    3. Corporate Finance    4. Finance    5. Industrial & Organizational Psychology    6. Investments    7. Investments & Securities - General    8. Psychological aspects    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. Stock exchanges    12. Women's Studies - General    13. Business & Economics / Investments & Securities    14. Finance | Investments    15. Investment & securities    16. Occupational & industrial psychology