The Feminine Revolution: 21 Ways to Ignite the Power of Your Femininity for a Brighter Life and a Better World

by Amy Stanton, Catherine Connors

Feminine traits that were once disparaged as weaknesses -- such as sensitivity, intuition, and feeling emotional -- are reclaimed as powerful strengths that can be embraced as the keys to a happier life for everyone

Challenging old and outdated perceptions that feminine traits are weaknesses, The Feminine Revolution revisits those characteristics to show how they are powerful assets that should be embraced rather than maligned. It argues that feminine traits have been mischaracterized as weak, fragile, diminutive, and embittered for too long, and offers a call to arms to redeem them as the superpowers and gifts that they are.

The authors, Amy Stanton and Catherine Connors, begin with a brief history of when-and-why these traits were defined as weaknesses, sharing opinions from iconic females including Marianne Williamson and Cindy Crawford. Then they offer a set of feminine principles that challenge current perceptions of feminine traits, while providing women new mindsets to reclaim those traits with confidence. The principles include counterintuitive messages,

Take things hard. Women feel things deeply, especially the hard stuff -- and that's a good thing.

Enjoy glamour. Peacocks' bright coloring and garish feathers are part of their survival strategy -- similar tactics are part of our happiness strategy.

Chit-chat. Women have been derogated for "gossip" for centuries. But what others call gossip, we call social connection.

Emote. Never let anyone tell you to not be emotional. Express your enthusiasm, love, affection and warmth.

Embrace your domestic side. Don't be ashamed to cultivate the beauty of your home and wrap your arms around friends and family.

With an upbeat blend of self-help and fresh analysis, The Feminine Revolution reboots femininity for the modern woman and provides her with the tools to accept and embrace her own authentic nature.

Genres: Nonfiction, Womens, Feminism

240 pages, Paperback

Published November 6, 2018

Reviews

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came into this book very skeptical—anything that explores the way to BE anything is always going to make me wary of oversimplification or exclusivity. I was pleased to find that with every chapter, which explored the strengths of stereotypically feminine traits, there was always the disclaimer that femininity isn’t one-size-fits-all. It was short and sweet, at times uncomfortable, and at times felt like it was speaking words right from my heart. Did I agree with everything? No! But everything made me think, and that’s the point of reading books anyway!

[Nurul Suhadah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book revisits the characteristics of feminine qualities and challenges old and outdated perceptions that femininity is a weakness.

I love this book for the different angles the writers took and how to overcome something that is always being perceived as a weakness to be a strength.

The most important thing is the new feminine understands that you can be for women without being against men. Basic.

And also a lot of quotes from famous and outstanding persons.

[Britt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Skimmed through this quickly as it was disappointing out of the gate. Reads like extensive click bait and produces several opposing messages. Gives social media influencer vibes without providing substantial or important outcomes.

[Rhiley Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars!
Absolutely adored this one. I tabbed many, many influential quotes and paragraphs. A very important feminist read.

[Emily Shipley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Feminine, yes. Revolutionary? No.

[Cikin R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helps me to look at certain "feminine" traits in a new light and it definitely helps to redefine the word "femininity" for me. The authors are right, there are no concrete list or characteristics to what femininity is - femininity is...you. Own and embrace it.

Some of the advice given are not new and can be easily found in random magazines column and some are beautifully written. I personally thought those quotes on the page margin shouldn't be there. I'd love those space to write some notes. Consider creating a "quotes" chapter.

[Kelly Funk · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s beautiful. It’s inspiring. It’s like sitting down with two of your best friends for a lazy afternoon chat. This book makes you want to be a better person and provides you with the roadmap to do so by taking the traits society normally views as feminine and weak and recasting them as neither feminine nor masculine but as inherently powerful. Each trait is dissected: imparting the history of its association with weakness; discussing the approach for reclaiming it as strength; and providing suggestions for implementing this quality into your life on whatever level you deem appropriate.
I feel, especially recently, that the words feminist and feminism have come to carry negative connotations for a lot of people. In fact, when I began reading The Feminine Revolution, I had no idea what to expect. However, I honestly believe that every person could benefit from reading this book: male or female, married or single, CEO or stay at home parent. Whether you want to be a better boss, a better parent, a better spouse, or a better friend. Even if you believe there is no place for the feminist movement in your life. Read. This. Book. Because the qualities and traits discussed are things every person can incorporate into their lives to simply become a better listener, a better communicator, a more thoughtful and empathetic human being. And when it’s all said and done, isn’t that really all we need to make this world a better place for everyone?

[Sarah Boselovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was the first one in a while where I really felt like the authors weren’t preaching to me about all the things they did right and here is what I can do to be better. Instead, it made me feel how female relationships should be: a sisterhood. We are all in this together.

This isn’t just a book for women, though. Men need to read it too. This book could spark a thousand conversations that could lead to improvements in the world. As the ending says, “Let’s keep opening this up. Let’s keep talking about the bigger issues around how men and women can thrive together. Let’s keep opening up space for men to find balance between their masculine and feminine qualities and ways of being.”

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one sparked some new ways of approaching and thinking about femininity for me. As a tomboy most of my life, I’ve probably run from this word, let alone embraced it or even sought to understand what it could be or mean for me. But, the 21 ways that Amy and Catherine address are certainly approached through the lens of owning what femininity means for me, and every other woman as individuals. Although easier said then done at times, we are getting closer as a society to a time that women can truly use, what have historically been negative traits, as superpowers... inspiring and moving our evolution forward.

[Charlotte · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt that this book had a really shallow definition of femininity and repeatedly contradicted itself. It added nothing to the conversation and instead just gave seemingly obvious advice.

The format of this book made it really hard to read the book. The margins had random quotes, this could have been interesting if the quotes were from psychologists or people to a similar effect, but no, instead the quotes were mostly from random D-list celebrities. The quotes added nothing to the book, and often took away from the overall message. The random blocked off personal anecdotes from the author' lives were also annoying and didn't add anything to the book.

[Stormy · Rating 4 out of 5]

love the book - dont like some of the ideas that are mentioned and or taught. I feel like theres opportunity for more intersectionality within this book.

and its not there because of who it was written by it feels very much like it is catering to the cis white women of today. and while I appreciated the quotes on the sides throughout, wasn't my favorite read this year 🤷🏼‍♂️

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book reframes female qualities that are often perceived as negative into positives. Great personal stories and quotes. Good advice for any woman (or man) to embrace the feminine qualities. Well worth the read.

[Chandler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good points about the power that comes from feminine traits, however, I found the text lacking and instead of more self-help than I was wanting for my study.

[Larisa]

I felt like this book didn't teach me any new ideas

[Kim Groen · Rating 2 out of 5]

An introductory book to feminism but lacking in intersectionality.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new perspective. Not a one size fits all approach. Creates space for flexibility and authenticity and growth. Loved the stories and the anecdotes. Good food for thought!

[Sharon Summerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! The authors challenge outdated perceptions of feminine qualities and revisit these to show they are truly powerful assets. This book is filled with thoughts and quotes from many different women. My favorite is the quote from Sela Ward

I'm not conscious of my femininity, because my femininity is already part of who I am. What I am conscious of, every minute, is the kind of person I want to be. I am conscious of acting in kindness, being empathetic, remaining grateful - the things the strain and stress of everyday life can sometimes let us forget. My focus - what lives in my consciousness when I raise my head off the pillow - is on how I want to show up in the world.

I discovered this book at the Vancouver Library and enjoyed it so much I purchased my own copy for my home library.