Book 84 - Ladies Ladies Everywhere!

Title: Cunt: A Declaration of Independence

Author: Inga Muscio

Genre: self-help feminist handbook

I loved a lot about this book and there was also a lot I didn't like even a little bit.

The Good

Muscio makes me want to embrace every aspect of my womanhood, including but not limited to the wonder of periods, the magic of cunts, and my power as a consumer. I love the idea of letting myself be whimsical and mysterious and creative in some of my beliefs, especially if they don't affect anyone except little ol' me. For example, why not believe my "time of the month" is a magical time, where I lean into my heightened senses and marvel at the magnificence of my own body? Why not let in a little magic, a little fiction, a little fairy dust into this everyday universe?

The power of women as consumers of female-governed goods and services also resonates with me. It's nearly impossible to only use and consume things solely made by women. BUT, why not try, at least once in a while? Especially when it comes to health. I currently have a male doctor and have been meaning to find a female one - this book has given me the push to make the change. Nothing against men, but women just know women - especially women's bodies.

The Bad

The last third of the book is an absolute drag. It feels way less cohesive than the rest of the novel, jumping from one issue to the next in a flurry of depressing stats and rah-rah how-to preaching. I didn't feel like I was learning anything, nor benefiting from the author's research/point of view in the same way that I did during the rest of the book. Muscio sort of falls apart for me in the end.

Overall...

Muscio addresses some very interesting information and is a captivating writer. I think I discussed this book with at least 1 million people over the two weeks in which I read it, which means it got me thinking - and in my books, that over anything is a win.

Rating: 💃💃💃