Feminasty: The Complicated Woman's Guide to Surviving the Patriarchy Without Drinking Herself to Death

by Erin Gibson

From the wickedly funny and feminist creator and host of the "Throwing Shade" podcast, a collection of hilarious personal essays and political commentary perfect for fans of Lindy West and Roxane Gay.

Since women earned the right to vote a little under one hundred years ago, our progress hasn't been the Olympic sprint toward gender equality first wave feminists hoped for, but more of a slow, elderly mall walk (with frequent stops to Cinnabon) over the four hundred million hurdles we still face. Some of these obstacles are obvious-unequal pay, under-representation in government, reproductive restrictions, lack of floor-length mirrors in hotel rooms. But a lot of them are harder to identify. They're the white noise of oppression that we've accepted as lady business as usual, and the patriarchy wants to keep it that way.

Erin Gibson has a singular goal-to create a utopian future where women are recognized as humans. In FEMINASTY-titled after her nickname on the hit podcast "Throwing Shade"-she has written a collection of make-you-laugh-until-you-cry essays that expose the hidden rules that make life as a woman unnecessarily hard and deconstructs them in a way that's bold, provocative and hilarious.

Whether it's shaming women for having their periods, allowing them into STEM fields but never treating them like they truly belong, or dictating strict rules for how they should dress in every situation, Erin breaks down the organized chaos of old fashioned sexism, intentional and otherwise, that systemically keeps women down.

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, Humor, Essays, Memoir, Audiobook, Comedy

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 4, 2018

Reviews

[Kylie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The perfect audiobook to listen to while walking around in Whole Foods eating cotton candy grapes

[Johann (jobis89) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Too bad I don't give a fuck about what the patriarchy wants."

I've been listening to the Throwing Shade podcast since I began even listening to podcasts - it was one of my first discoveries and I still listen religiously every week. Erin Gibson co-hosts the show with the just as amazing Bryan Safi, and together they tackle all LGBTQ+ issues, as well as feminist ones too. So when I heard Erin was releasing a book I knew I needed it yesterday. And let me tell you, it was every bit as honest, scathing, bold, provocative and hilarious as I expected it to be. I do have a huge girl crush on Erin <3

Gibson tackles a plethora of different feminist issues in this book of essays - from how we are told we should dress to how we are encouraged to join the STEM fields but we are never actually treated like we truly belong. Each self-contained essay had me almost crying with laughter, whilst also simultaneously filling me with a deep rage in a way that only Erin knows how to do.

But hey, don't just take my word for it. If feminist literature floats your boat, and you don't mind blunt and graphic depictions of body fluids (don't worry, it's incredibly relevant), then pick up Feminasty. Or at least listen to Throwing Shade and look absolutely insane laughing your head off while stuck in traffic.

Gibson sets the tone with her dedication, and that's how I'll end my review:

"To women. You are not my competition."

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading a lot of feminist essays lately (I wonder why?), and I was super excited to read Erin Gibson's book. I finished it in two days and loved it - I deal with bad situations using humor, so I loved her writing style, but I also learned quite a bit. Highly recommend for anyone who needs to laugh while being angry (my default state).

[Nikki · Rating 1 out of 5]

i'm in a special kind of hell where other women think they're giving worthwhile commentary on feminism by talking about giving blowjobs while wearing their invisalign retainers.

[✨Bean's Books✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I read this book for my book club and I know it's supposed to be both informative and funny but I found it to be neither really. I think the book was written for a specific target audience that would already agree with most of the material but I feel that it lacks the information for someone who just picked up the book.
The book is well put together but I found the footnotes to be a little monotonous. I also just can't get into her brand of humor which I think ultimately killed the book for me. Sadness.
I did laugh at a couple of spots though and I liked the tidbits on buying cosmetics from women. So all-in-all I didn't love the book but I didn't hate it either really. Perhaps this book just wasn't for me but it definitely could be for other people.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

One day read. I started crying at the dedication ("To women. You are not my competition."), and the rest of my day has been a rage/delight sandwich. Loved it to bits.

[disco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never will you ever "meet" another human like Erin Gibson. She will shock you into giving a fuck. Let her tell you the million different ways she describes vaginas in a more graphic sense than you could ever imagine. I want her to narrate my life and I want to be her when I grow up (now).

[Laura Noggle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn’t call myself a prude by a long shot, but Gibson doesn’t hold back on the nasty.

Raucous, unapologetic, and broad sweeping.

My first introduction to @Gibblertron, I’m still open to giving her podcast, Throwing Shade, a chance.

Feminasty takes on life in the patriarchy with humor from a woman living, out loud.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have already dubbed Erin Gibson my inner nasty feminist icon. I usually try to be level headed and polite when it comes to debates about women's issues, so Erin's way of vocalizing the anger and frustration is like the devil on my shoulder being handed a megaphone. The creativity and lengths she goes to spotlight the ridiculous hypocrisy, irony and absurdity of our current political and social environment never ceased to amaze me. She can get a bit heavy-handed sometimes, but her arguments are founded in REAL evidence and REAL experiences/events (and she cites her sources in the back of the book!!!) and on top of that she does it in a hilarious and sarcastic way. There was so much in the book that I had never realized or heard of concerning women's history and other seedy dealing concerning legislation and politics. Beyond talking about more political topics she also shares some of her own personal anecdotes. So much of what she talks about is instantly relatable to any woman during these modern times. I had the honor of seeing her during her book tour, only a week after the Brett Kavanaugh hearing, and let me tell you, I have never felt so safe and supported with a group of women than during that event. This book came at the perfect time in my life and was such a great way to feel less alone during times of exhaustion and defeat. Every woman (and men!) should go out and read this book. It may not be the most refined feminist text out there, but it definitely opens a window into the angry exasperation of being a woman. Her comedic approach was perfect for a topic that hits so close to home. If you dont laugh about it, you would cry about how fucked up it is.

[aly]

"Expected publication: September 4th 2018" NOPE, TOO FAR, I NEED IT NOW

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could gift this book to every woman or at least every woman in the western world, I would. This is something special. This book will make you cry with laughter, this book will make you proud to be a woman, it will also make you angry af about how women are still treated in society today. This book will inspire you to become a better woman and open your eyes to how things are really being run. This book will also give you hope because there is a change in the air. It may not be in one fell swoop, but it's happening and the more women who are more aware and educated as to what is happening to other women in society, politics, religion, and the world, will only spur on this change for the better.

Read it and laugh, get angry, think, educate, and be the best woman that you are capable of being and inspire change in others.

[Christy · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I struggled to figure out who this book was written for, as it seemed like Gibson was trying to educate readers on feminist issues but wrote in a style that would only appeal to women like me who would already agree with her on most topics. I didn’t find the author’s brand of humor funny (and the constant footnotes were sooooo annoying). When I got to the chapter on how much periods sucks, I had to stop. This is supposed to be about surviving the patriarchy but is trying to educate me on how painful periods are? Really? I understand it’s supposed to be humorous, but it felt unnecessary, and the people who might need to be educated on that topic aren’t reading this book.

This book seems to fit a very narrow brand of straight white feminism that I’m just not interested in, and it doesn’t add anything new to the conversation. Not for me. Maybe it will be for someone else.

[JH]

I love Erin Gibson but I couldn’t get through this book without feeling supremely depressed. At this point in history I don’t need to be reminded about how shitty things are. I’ve listened to her podcast and watched her show and get her whole vibe, and I like it. But this book is long extended metaphors designed for shock value and gross-out factor.

[Bon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sitting here deciding which brilliant quotes to point out when I realized: I want to quote the whole book. Verbally, eagerly, at EVERYONE I MEET. This book was perfection, a quick read or listen, as in my case. And I cannot recommend the audiobook highly enough; Gibson herself narrates, basically yelling the whole book at you like it's a crazy story from her trip to the grocery store and I adore it. Also, Mike Pence's words are read in a pirate accent, and Gibson uses an accent eerily reminiscent of Sarah Palin to voice his wife, Betsy Devos, and other garbage conservative figureheads and I enjoyed it sooo much. It helps I agree with, well, everything herein. She covers everything from periods, to gynos and STDs, to sexism and male profiteering in the makeup industry, to abortion law fine print. Perfect for every Nasty Woman out there today. Also, this isn't simply some raging feminist soapbox for Gibson - her research is apparent, and not to mention respectable; can't say I'd be able to delve into lines of pro-life law and stay calm.

[Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both funny and deadly serious. And honest and angry. I recommend this to every woman out there who thinks she can't go another day in this dumpster fire world.

I wish I knew Erin in real life. I also love Drag Race, pizza, and crotch kicking. And we we born only 4 days apart. #vaaaaaaaanjie

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolute loved this ballsy, umm vaginasy, book! She pulls no punches and takes no prisoners as she eviscerates with sass, class, humor, and a liberal dose of cursing this crazy upside-down surreal time we find ourselves living in.

Lady Power!

[Brandon Ulman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vital reading in 2018. Brutal and brutally honest, told with pitch-perfect, hilarious vulgarity. And in this day and age, you have to laugh to keep from crying.

[Anna lost in stories *A* · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for a book that touches upon many important and interesting topics… because these are essays each of these topics is not talked about in many details, but it definitely makes you curious to educate yourself more… the writing style is not gonna be for everybody, so try to get your hands on a sample if you can before picking it up :) I didn’t mind :) also, I listened to the audiobook, and it’s narrated by the author, so that’s always a plus :) if you decide to also go that route, be prepared to laugh as well as shake your head from time to time… also, you will be yelled at, but sometimes it’s the only way to get your point of view heard, so… be prepared for anything ;)

XOXO

A

[Jeremy Hurd-McKenney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feminasty is more of a bellow than a call to arms--Gibson's style of humor is very unapologetically blunt and her prose is peppered liberally with stomach-churning visuals, graphically descriptive metaphors, and swear words you've probably never even heard before (all accentuated by the awesome PowerPoint presentation she did at her reading in Seattle). Even at her grossest, though, she stays on message, and discusses feminism in a way that doesn't make you feel stupid or excluded. I love all things Erin Gibson and I hope this book makes her rich.

Minus 1 star for footnotes

[Mackie Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. I..... have thoughts. Did I learn anything? Not really. Did I laugh? A few times. I found this to be a little crass...which is saying something because I in no way talk or joke conservatively. But...I dunno it was a bit much. Especially about other women...in a book about feminism. I dunno, it wasn't entirely my cup of tea. But I also didn't hate it. I really enjoyed the tips on buying products from female-run cosmetic companies.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge Throwing Shade fan, so an Erin Gibson book promised a real treat. And it is more than that: it is a tour de force of rage, humor, and absurdity over feminist issues that do not receive enough attention. I laughed and raged at the same time, and I left a little more educated. I hope there is a sequel, as well as companion books by Bryan and Sam, named Homosensual and Heterosensitive, respectively. Long live Lady Attorney!

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is exactly as mediocre as I expected it to be. The audiobook experience was grating, and that's coming from a huge Throwing Shade fan.

[Kelly Hager · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is literally laugh out loud funny. This is a good thing because, to quote Carrie Fisher, "If it weren't funny, it would just be true and that is unacceptable."

So yes, this is really required reading for women. It's all things you already know, but phrased in a way that will make you feel much better about how needlessly hard things can be. 

In a perfect world, Erin Gibson would be my friend. Unfortunately, as this book proves, we aren't in that world. But we are in a world where she called Donald Trump a "self-contained human centipede" and so it's still a good one.

Highly recommended.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Hilarious. Fantastic. Frightening. Fucking laugh-out-loud funny. Feminasty was sent to me by a very good and perceptive friend, and I started reading it the week I needed it most. Gibson dismantles topics like anti-abortion crusaders and abstinence-only education and Mike Pence with a perfect blend of rage, humour, and information. Like Sex Object, but so funny that I wept real laugh-tears on the subway more than once. Highly recommend for any woman who's pissed off at the state of the world right now.

[Rebecca Jonas · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you deal with the gross misogyny making up much of the shitscape of 2018 Trump Nation? Knowledge. And humor. Read this book. Learn you’re not alone in your rage. Find solace, power, empathy, and a lot of laughs, and walk away inspired and with some practical knowledge to make small every day changes. (The essay on makeup will change who you buy from). Seriously. Read this.

[Ofilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gloria Steinem said "the truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off" and that is exactly what this book is plus lots of laughs. Gibson does a great job of infusing humor into topics you would never have thought could be funny. She does not hold back and that's what makes this book so enjoyable.

[Skyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erin Gibson is incredible and so is this book. It is hilarious and has a great perspective. Having listened to hundreds of hours of Throwing Shade, I couldn't escape Erin's voice in my head while reading -- many times I wished I had gotten the audiobook just to be delighted by her delivery.

[Nils · Rating 5 out of 5]

This. Book. Is. Amazing.
It is educational, infuriating, hilarious and so important. So many topics are covered here and everyone can learn something. Read this book NOW!

[John August · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin Gibson's Feminasty is a pedal-to-the-floor demolition derby of the people and systems that keep women down. It's compulsively funny even as it's excoriating idiots.

[Melissa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome . I love her . Erin Gibson says things I wish i could say . Every women needs to read her . Five stars .