Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Pop Sugar Reading Challenge #6

PopSugar 2016 book challenge #6. A book translated to English.

This book has been on my TBR list for a while. I just needed a kick in the pants to get started. Nothing like a little reading competition to get me motivated. 

So, on to the book.

BLURB: With humor, rage, and confessional detail, Virginie Despentes—in her own words, "more King Kong than Kate Moss"—delivers a highly charged account of women's lives today. She explodes common attitudes about sex and gender, and shows how modern beauty myths are ripe for rebelling against. Using her own experiences of rape, prostitution, and working in the porn industry as a jumping-off point, she creates a new space for all those who can't or won't obey the rules.

King Kong Theoryby Published April 1st 2010 by The Feminist Press at CUNY
ISBN: 1558616578
RATING: 2 stars

It was interesting but ultimately disappointing. This is more of a rant based on the author's own personal experiences. It could have used some broader insight.
If I got to talk to the author at a party I would walk away thinking, Wow! What a fascinating person but as a book, well, there’s just not enough there there. 

This is not a boring read and it’s certainly a quick read, being so short but I would have liked more substance. (I also recognize that I may have gotten more out of the book if I was better-versed in french feminism.)


Despite my two star rating, I wouldn’t discourage anyone from reading it. I think it could be a gateway to more substantial feminist works. But for those already through the gate, the book has no real revelations.


Rating: 2 stars
Where'd I Get It: Christmas present from my sister

Challenge Accepted!

I'm taking part in the Pop Sugar Reading Challenge 2016 with a few friends over at Goodreads. I thought it would be a good way to get myself out of my comfort zone and maybe class up my reading act. It's a pretty good list. One I think I'll have fun with. Because reading should be fun. Reading is fun. Everyone should read more.

1. A book based on a fairy tale

2. A National Book Award nominee
3. A YA bestseller
4. A book you haven’t read since high school 
5. A book set in your home state (or country)
6. A book translated to English King Kong Theory
7. A romance set in the future
8. A book set in Europe
9. A book that’s under 150 pages
10. A New York Times bestseller
11. A book that’s becoming a movie in 2016 (either shot or released)
12. A book recommended by any person, reviewer, or service, who doesn't know your taste in books or by someone you just met
13. A non-fiction book you learn something new from (include self-help)
14. A book you can finish in a day
15. A book written by a celebrity i.e. a person of eminence, distinction, or note. Interpret that however you desire.
16. A memoir
17. A book at least 100 years older than you
18. A book that’s more than 600 pages
19. A book from Oprah’s Book Club
20. A science fiction novel
21. A book recommended by a family member or friend 
22. A graphic novel
23. A book published in 2016
24. A book with a protagonist that has your occupation The Queen's Head
25. A book that takes place during summer
26. A book and its prequel
27. A murder mystery
28. A book written by a comedian
29. A dystopian novel
30. A book with a blue cover Lightning Bug
31. A book of poetry
32. The first book you see in a bookstore (can be a 2nd hand bookstore, or an online bookstore)
33. A classic from the 20th century
34. A borrowed book (from a library, a family member, a kindle loan etc)
35. A biography
36. A book about a road trip 
37. A book about a culture you’re unfamiliar with
38. A satirical book
39. A book that takes place on an island
40. A book that’s guaranteed to bring you joy.