Rating: 
Summary: A+ reading.
Review: This book was my introduction to Gloria Steinem and the beginning of some serious hero-worship. Several of the articles in the book were published before I was even born, and even the ones that weren't are over a decade old now. Amazing--disturbing, too--that so many of the problems and issues she writes about are still realities. However, Steinem has a way of analysing these things with such intelligence and articulating what seems inexpressible, that you finish each essay thinking, at the very least, "Well, thank god." This book is half-history and half-inspiration. She's a great journalist and an awesome activist.
Rating:
Summary: Written with wit and knowledge
Review: This collection of Gloria Steinem essays spanning 20 years (from 1962-1982)is entertaining, expertly written, and socially important. I don't know too much about feminism and social issues, but this pioneer of feminism writes in a language accessible to regular people, but with such a strong grasp of issues and knowledge base that it satisfies intellectuals as well. Some standout essays include the famous "I Was A Playboy Bunny" which examines the seedy side of the overglamorized playboy bunny job in the 1960's with a lot of wryness and criticism, but compassion and respect for those unfortunate women who made a living out of humiliation and discomfort. I also found Steinem's thoughts about "Transexualism" intriguing. To her, it's completely unwarranted. Whether or not you believe that, her opinion is interesting nonetheless. "Marilyn Monroe: The Women Who Died Too Soon" recounts Steinem's brief encounter with the late sex symbol, and offers a quick character sketch of a more complicated, intelligent woman than one might expect. "Erotica vs. Pornography" "If Men Could Menstruate" and "Why Young Women Are More Conservative" are all excellent essays with eye catching titles and even more introspective content. My absolute favorite essay though is "If Hitler were Alive, What Side Would He Be On" referring to the abortion debate. It is a well researched, well devised essay that examines the propaganda of the right wing and comes up with a convincing conclusion, which states, predictably, that Hitler would be on the pro-life side. All in all, this is an excellent book. Although it's rather old, it's not dated in the least, a telling sign that perhaps feminism hasn't come as far as we'd like to think. Still, let's hope that Steinem's efforts, as exemplified in this collection, have made some progress in ourselves and our society.
Rating:
Summary: Written with wit and knowledge
Review: This collection of Gloria Steinem essays spanning 20 years (from 1962-1982)is entertaining, expertly written, and socially important. I don't know too much about feminism and social issues, but this pioneer of feminism writes in a language accessible to regular people, but with such a strong grasp of issues and knowledge base that it satisfies intellectuals as well. Some standout essays include the famous "I Was A Playboy Bunny" which examines the seedy side of the overglamorized playboy bunny job in the 1960's with a lot of wryness and criticism, but compassion and respect for those unfortunate women who made a living out of humiliation and discomfort. I also found Steinem's thoughts about "Transexualism" intriguing. To her, it's completely unwarranted. Whether or not you believe that, her opinion is interesting nonetheless. "Marilyn Monroe: The Women Who Died Too Soon" recounts Steinem's brief encounter with the late sex symbol, and offers a quick character sketch of a more complicated, intelligent woman than one might expect. "Erotica vs. Pornography" "If Men Could Menstruate" and "Why Young Women Are More Conservative" are all excellent essays with eye catching titles and even more introspective content. My absolute favorite essay though is "If Hitler were Alive, What Side Would He Be On" referring to the abortion debate. It is a well researched, well devised essay that examines the propaganda of the right wing and comes up with a convincing conclusion, which states, predictably, that Hitler would be on the pro-life side. All in all, this is an excellent book. Although it's rather old, it's not dated in the least, a telling sign that perhaps feminism hasn't come as far as we'd like to think. Still, let's hope that Steinem's efforts, as exemplified in this collection, have made some progress in ourselves and our society.
Rating:
Summary: a useful intro to feminist thought
Review: This was one of the first "feminist" books I read, so for me, even though a lot of the material had appeared elsewhere previously, it was a topical collection. I liked just about every piece in the book and often use copies of "If Men Could Menstruate" in the men's groups I facilitate. I hope a day comes when the entire book is outdated, but that day seems far away.
Rating:
Summary: I'm a Steinem fan, and this book is why!
Review: This was the first book I read by Gloria Steinem (but not the last!), and I loved it!! I took it on vacation and found it to be the perfect book for a trip. You can read one essay at a time or a few of them in one sitting. They range in tone and style from the more humorous to the dead serious. And reading about Steinem's experience as a playboy bunny, and then Hugh Hefner's response to her expose on Playboy was worth the price of the book. This book is for anyone and everyone, it's awesome!
Rating:
Summary: Hot Air
Review: Working at a gas company I know when something is full of hot air.This book is one such piece, therefore instead I recommend the enlighten words of the last true philosopher of the 20th century Howard Stern. True his mind is dirty, but his thoughts are free and he does not talk in double messages.
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