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THE LIST OF SHIT THAT MADE ME A FEMINIST
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 20, 2022
To overcome
the fear
of standing up to your opressor-
your desire for freedom
has to be bigger
than the fear.
It is as simple
and as hard
as that, my dear.
This should be a required read in schools.
I tried the free sample and couldn't stop there. It evoked every kind of emotions in me and I also learned a lot from it, since the author is an Arab gender researcher.
To anyone who reads this review: give it a chance, please.
Want to Read
October 31, 2026mirror, mirror, on the wall...
how did you judge me, after all?
how did you find a benchmark to compare,
when i'm the only one in the world
with this face and body that i wear?
how?
misogyny mirror, on the wall...
will you stop fucking, with us all?
-poem 5
February 19, 2022
I actually really liked the beginning of this book but as it went on, it felt as if the author was really trying to push her opinion on the reader which I didn’t appreciate at all. Obviously, going into this book and topic I knew what I was signing up for but as far as I see it, the book really fell off after the first 70 pages.
It definitely doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy the book at all though.
There were a few quotes and passages that I highlighted because they were just perfectly said and beautifully written. I especially loved this quote right here:
“Mirror, mirror, on the wall... How did you judge me, after all? How did you find a benchmark to compare, when I'm the only one in the world with this face and body that I wear? How? Misogyny mirror, on the wall... Will you stop fucking, with us all?”
Then later on, the author was suddenly talking about not ever wanting to shave again, and yes of course that is her choice, but it was just unnecessary to tell (I stopped reading after that). Here is an example when we she was talking about it:
“I know he wants me to shave, like the other girls he’s been with. But I don’t want to cave, for a man. Each hair on my groin, raves to teach him, ‘I am not a girl, I am a woman’”.
Okayyy??? So according to the author every female person (who shaves) no matter the age is a giRL and every person who decides against it (since it’s obviously just bowing to the oppression *please remark the irony here*) is a wOmEn. This is just wrong. Nobody cares if you’re shaved or not (well, at least it should be like this in theory) but to say that those who do it are not considered as women?? Congratulations, you just said something incredibly stupid. How can someone be furious with men for “wanting us to shave”, yet can’t accept or finds it foolish and repulsive if others do it of their own volition? Who is blaming whom now?
If women want men to change, we ourselves need to change too. We can’t be shaming one another and then expect men to treat us with more respect if we can’t even grant it to one another. Please don’t ever shame someone just because he or she is shaving or not shaving. This is just pointless and it will get us nowhere. Maybe I was reading too much into it but specifically that quote above really irritated me.
Like, feminism is certainly not about not wanting to shave (anymore) or shaving one’s head or anything like that. Surely these weren’t the only things she was talking about but after that the whole thing just went downhill for me. I don’t like the misperception of feminism as an act of “rebelling against men” or “women against men” (and it kind of felt like this vibe was going on right here). It should be about women and men, both being equally treated, having the same opportunities, rights and power.
I hope I didn’t offend anyone (if so, this wasn’t my intention I’m sorry). It is certainly a sensitive topic to talk about one must say, so it is hard to really write an honest review without unintentionally offending someone. I think it can be an uncomfortable topic sometimes but it should be, for men and women. We just can’t ignore the inequality between the sexes and both parties have to talk about it.
But sadly, this book just wasn’t for me. There is one book that I would really recommend though to those who are interested in feminist literature, it’s called “We should all be feminists” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I loved it and it really was an eye opener.
It definitely doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy the book at all though.
There were a few quotes and passages that I highlighted because they were just perfectly said and beautifully written. I especially loved this quote right here:
“Mirror, mirror, on the wall... How did you judge me, after all? How did you find a benchmark to compare, when I'm the only one in the world with this face and body that I wear? How? Misogyny mirror, on the wall... Will you stop fucking, with us all?”
Then later on, the author was suddenly talking about not ever wanting to shave again, and yes of course that is her choice, but it was just unnecessary to tell (I stopped reading after that). Here is an example when we she was talking about it:
“I know he wants me to shave, like the other girls he’s been with. But I don’t want to cave, for a man. Each hair on my groin, raves to teach him, ‘I am not a girl, I am a woman’”.
Okayyy??? So according to the author every female person (who shaves) no matter the age is a giRL and every person who decides against it (since it’s obviously just bowing to the oppression *please remark the irony here*) is a wOmEn. This is just wrong. Nobody cares if you’re shaved or not (well, at least it should be like this in theory) but to say that those who do it are not considered as women?? Congratulations, you just said something incredibly stupid. How can someone be furious with men for “wanting us to shave”, yet can’t accept or finds it foolish and repulsive if others do it of their own volition? Who is blaming whom now?
If women want men to change, we ourselves need to change too. We can’t be shaming one another and then expect men to treat us with more respect if we can’t even grant it to one another. Please don’t ever shame someone just because he or she is shaving or not shaving. This is just pointless and it will get us nowhere. Maybe I was reading too much into it but specifically that quote above really irritated me.
Like, feminism is certainly not about not wanting to shave (anymore) or shaving one’s head or anything like that. Surely these weren’t the only things she was talking about but after that the whole thing just went downhill for me. I don’t like the misperception of feminism as an act of “rebelling against men” or “women against men” (and it kind of felt like this vibe was going on right here). It should be about women and men, both being equally treated, having the same opportunities, rights and power.
I hope I didn’t offend anyone (if so, this wasn’t my intention I’m sorry). It is certainly a sensitive topic to talk about one must say, so it is hard to really write an honest review without unintentionally offending someone. I think it can be an uncomfortable topic sometimes but it should be, for men and women. We just can’t ignore the inequality between the sexes and both parties have to talk about it.
But sadly, this book just wasn’t for me. There is one book that I would really recommend though to those who are interested in feminist literature, it’s called “We should all be feminists” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I loved it and it really was an eye opener.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2022
Eye opening. A must read for everyone.
November 19, 2019
I was immediately blown away by the intensity and intent of her powerful words.
The List of Shit that Made Me a Feminist is every feminist's deepest feelings about real problems in today's world. Women everywhere can relate to the issues dealt in these blazing poems on the themes of love, sex, marriage, desire, society, choice, heartbreak, freedom, employment, individuality, sexual orientation, body rights, capitalism, consumerism and much more- its reach is holistic and all encompassing. It also includes problems faced by women in developing countries in particular, which is overlooked in most feminist texts- such as honour killings, rigid codes of gender behaviour, arranged marriage and domestic abuse.
This work highlights that misogynistic, sexist and hateful concoction brewed by patriarchy. To each woman who is awakening and who needs to unlearn, this is the litany to get fired up. Articulating the most entrenched narratives rolling on since patriarchy's advent and by questioning them with unapologetic words, scathing sarcasms, revolutionary chants- this book will make you feel hot with rage and motivation to live with equality and practice the right to choose.
The author helps fuel her cause by inclusion of various reports by organisations involved in social work, it sheds light on contemporary movements like #MeToo and how patriarchy affects men as well and leads them to resort to violence and oppression. Incidents from countries developed and developing are given to show the deeply ingrained patriarchy.
It's a reclamation of women's bodies and minds and choices they make. The poems are deeply thought provoking and written with a force which makes an impact.
Definitely Recommended! More power to you Farida!
Read it if- •You are a Feminist •You wish to gift this to budding feminists •You wish to read Farida's work •You relish fiery and meaningful poetry •You wish to experience the intersections.
The List of Shit that Made Me a Feminist is every feminist's deepest feelings about real problems in today's world. Women everywhere can relate to the issues dealt in these blazing poems on the themes of love, sex, marriage, desire, society, choice, heartbreak, freedom, employment, individuality, sexual orientation, body rights, capitalism, consumerism and much more- its reach is holistic and all encompassing. It also includes problems faced by women in developing countries in particular, which is overlooked in most feminist texts- such as honour killings, rigid codes of gender behaviour, arranged marriage and domestic abuse.
This work highlights that misogynistic, sexist and hateful concoction brewed by patriarchy. To each woman who is awakening and who needs to unlearn, this is the litany to get fired up. Articulating the most entrenched narratives rolling on since patriarchy's advent and by questioning them with unapologetic words, scathing sarcasms, revolutionary chants- this book will make you feel hot with rage and motivation to live with equality and practice the right to choose.
The author helps fuel her cause by inclusion of various reports by organisations involved in social work, it sheds light on contemporary movements like #MeToo and how patriarchy affects men as well and leads them to resort to violence and oppression. Incidents from countries developed and developing are given to show the deeply ingrained patriarchy.
It's a reclamation of women's bodies and minds and choices they make. The poems are deeply thought provoking and written with a force which makes an impact.
Definitely Recommended! More power to you Farida!
Read it if- •You are a Feminist •You wish to gift this to budding feminists •You wish to read Farida's work •You relish fiery and meaningful poetry •You wish to experience the intersections.
August 1, 2020
Badass poet!
If you are fed up with misogyny or just curious about the world of feminism, then this is the poetry book to go to!
The poet reaches every spectrum of feminism and writes in in a beautiful way. This is a book that is hard to put down.
She shows the world that being female is powerful and that we are all truly goddesses. Her words are strong and will stick with you.
She speaks about not only her experience but other’s experiences as well.
You will not regret buying this book. It’s a true masterpiece!
If you are fed up with misogyny or just curious about the world of feminism, then this is the poetry book to go to!
The poet reaches every spectrum of feminism and writes in in a beautiful way. This is a book that is hard to put down.
She shows the world that being female is powerful and that we are all truly goddesses. Her words are strong and will stick with you.
She speaks about not only her experience but other’s experiences as well.
You will not regret buying this book. It’s a true masterpiece!
March 10, 2021
Amazing.
I’m not one for poetry collections, but this was expanding, entertaining, validating, justifying, enlightening, centering and so much more.
I particularly liked how it brought intersectionality through waves of themes (religion, sexual experience, age, race, etc) trickling in and out of sections.
I’m not one for poetry collections, but this was expanding, entertaining, validating, justifying, enlightening, centering and so much more.
I particularly liked how it brought intersectionality through waves of themes (religion, sexual experience, age, race, etc) trickling in and out of sections.
June 6, 2022
Everyone needs to read this book. On the surface, the poetry simply addresses patriarchal beliefs and issues, but as you dig deeper you can find so much more within these words. I will say that some topics discussed require more nuance and explanation but overall really enjoyed and a very important read
June 5, 2022
This book was such a refreshing read!!! I savored every page and took my time in getting through it. The topic transitions were astounding, especially in how they corresponded to different stages of life and culture. I cannot recommend Farida’s writing enough. Read this book!
May 3, 2020
This book was so inspiring! I would talk about it constantly and annoyed my facebook friends and husband with the entries within. 100% recommend! So much truth. Thank you
June 16, 2020
This book is honest, brave, intense and beautiful. Each poem bares the writer a little more. I think some of the longer pieces with rhyming would make good feminist rap songs.
March 10, 2021
Poignant and real. I relate to all of it!
April 14, 2021
Farida's words are incredibly powerful, at times uncomfortable, and were capable to bring me to tears.
January 6, 2022
Extremely powerful and thought provoking.
May 30, 2026
4 ⭐️
"When I can't find the man I want -
I become the man I want"
I am a feminist!
I found myself thinking "this is a bit extreme" a few times - and I absolutely hate that. I get to think that way because it's not something that I have experienced, and that's so privileged of me, but I hate that this is the reality for some women in the world. I know some of this i directed towards arab women, but a lot of it is also a very universel female experience I think - And there's a lot of it that I recognize personally. But's also really cool to get other perspectives on this feeling and experience.
This book shows so many great points. I love how the poems continue into each other and are almost written in themes.
I didn't know it was going to be poetry, so that was definitely a new reading experience for me - Very interesting.
"When I can't find the man I want -
I become the man I want"
I am a feminist!
I found myself thinking "this is a bit extreme" a few times - and I absolutely hate that. I get to think that way because it's not something that I have experienced, and that's so privileged of me, but I hate that this is the reality for some women in the world. I know some of this i directed towards arab women, but a lot of it is also a very universel female experience I think - And there's a lot of it that I recognize personally. But's also really cool to get other perspectives on this feeling and experience.
This book shows so many great points. I love how the poems continue into each other and are almost written in themes.
I didn't know it was going to be poetry, so that was definitely a new reading experience for me - Very interesting.
August 19, 2020
This book is incredible, some poems I connected with instantly, some poems were truly eye opening. Farida D is amazing at telling her story, speaking up for women, and shouting her truth and the truth of many Arab women. In order to understand people who are not raised in similar cultures or communities to our own, we have to listen to their stories. This is one story that I really encourage you to open yourself up to. I wish I could convince everyone to read this book with an open mind, because that will absolutely make whomever reads it a better person.
April 13, 2021
Farida D. writes with a bite and a honesty you can't take from her. Her words are sharp, heartbreaking and healing. She told the truth with nothing to make the landing soft. It was incredible!
My only vexation was that in some of the poems even though the message was good the delivery felt flat especially compared to the poems that had rhymed so beautifully and had such rhythm.
I like when an author makes different pomes have different styles but the rift felt a little too big in this book.
My only vexation was that in some of the poems even though the message was good the delivery felt flat especially compared to the poems that had rhymed so beautifully and had such rhythm.
I like when an author makes different pomes have different styles but the rift felt a little too big in this book.
September 23, 2024
This is a cool concept for a book of poetry. Unfortunately, the rhyming lines made some of the pieces kind of corny. Also, some of the poems read like 2012 tumblr posts.
I’m giving this book 4 stars due to its originality and the good intentions the author had when writing it.
I’m giving this book 4 stars due to its originality and the good intentions the author had when writing it.
August 15, 2019
I thought the writing was strongest when it wasn't trying to rhyme, but I did really enjoy this. Many things were highlighted and I will definitely reference it in the future.
August 17, 2019
Absolutely amazing book... this changed my life in ways I didn’t think it could. Really great job 👍🏾
December 25, 2022
Read it.
June 15, 2024
Wanted to read this for months and when I finally did…OMG…every word captures the female experience beautifully and perfectly.
July 8, 2025
Lättillgänglig feminism OCH poesi. Sorgliga sanningar och reflektioner paketerade i vacker förpackning.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews