Book Review: Fuckless: A Guide to Wild, Unencumbered Freedom by Gianna Biscontini

Fuckless: A Guide to Wild, Unencumbered Freedom by Gianna Biscontini is intended to guide women through the process of liberating themselves from the ten archaic, stifling expectations (a.k.a. Fucks) society has placed on them for over a century, so they can finally live life on their own terms. It uses  humor, storytelling, and a healthy dash of behavioral science, to teach readers how to leave it all behind, dropping the beliefs that no longer fit, and creating a new narrative about what it means to be female—and what, exactly, life looks like from here. Full of thoughtful questions, gut-check exercises, and interview content from both men and women, Fuckless is a book with a mission—to give women the applicable tools they need to change the way they show up in the world, and to pour gasoline on the fire of the women's movement.

Fuckless is a guide to letting go of the preconceived notions we have about who we are supposed to be, and how we should live our lives. To let go of all the little bits of societal norms that have shaped us over the years and made so many of us afraid to step out of line.  This does not mean stopping doing thing that honestly give us joy, even if they do fit the narrative, it is more about being more authentically ourselves and caring less about how other people see us. Its also about taking ownership of our own choices, not blaming them for expecting us to conform, but in the little (and not so little) things we do, think, and say to avoid conflict or uncomfortable feelings for everyone. I like that the author admits her place of privilege- and stresses that every one and their situation is different so that nothing is one size fits all. I also like that while the book is definitely about empowering women to be their most authentic self, and to break out of the boxes we feel confined in, she stresses self awareness, accountability, and taking stock of our own choices rather than just blindly blaming others and society. I really like that the author includes access to the references and resources used in the book on her website. Sometimes you see a study referenced in an article or book and want to see more about how the study was done, and perhaps some raw data to see if the interpretation is skewed by unconscious bias, and this access allows us more curious folks to follow up on those questions. However, for those that do not like to seek out extra information it does not clog up the read, and for those curious but not enough to go hunting there is a good deal of related information in the endpages. A little something for all kinds of readers, which I appreciate. 

Fuckless is an honest and open book about figuring out what you want, what could be holding you back, and taking control of your life and choices in order to be the most authentic self you can. I think it will resonate and help those that pick up the book. 

Early Book Review: Broken (in the best possible way) by Jenny Lawson

Broken (in the best possible way) is the third book by Jenny Lawson and is currently scheduled for release on April 6 2021. I have been a fan of Jenny Lawson since a coworker showed me her blog, and I was introduced to the joys of The Bloggess and tales of a giant metal chicken, taxidermied animals in interesting clothing and poses, and the stories she shared. If you have never had the chance to enjoy all that, I highly suggest giving the blog a look. I'll even point you in the right direction, go here: https://thebloggess.com/.

As Jenny Lawson’s hundreds of thousands of fans know, she suffers from depression. In Broken, Jenny brings readers along on her mental and physical health journey, offering heartbreaking and hilarious anecdotes along the way. With people experiencing anxiety and depression now more than ever, Jenny humanizes what we all face in an all-too-real way, reassuring us that we’re not alone and making us laugh while doing it. From the business ideas that she wants to pitch to Shark Tank to the reason why Jenny can never go back to the post office, Broken leaves nothing to the imagination in the most satisfying way. And of course, Jenny’s long-suffering husband Victor—the Ricky to Jenny’s Lucille Ball—is present throughout. A treat for Jenny Lawson’s already existing fans, and destined to convert new ones, Broken is a beacon of hope and a wellspring of laughter when we all need it most.

I do not know what I can say to describe and recommend this book more than its own blurb. Jenny has shared her struggles, her stories, and herself with readers for years. I think now that so many more people are feeling shattered and broken in their own ways, that people are admitting to themselves and others that they could use some help, that this kind of honesty and humor is needed and appreciated. If you are looking for a linear memoir or nonfiction offering with perfect answers and a solid conclusion then this is not for you. However, if you want a book that offers an honest look at how hard it is to live with autoimmune disorders, depression, anxiety, and more with humor and a deep sense of understanding and camaraderie then this IS the book for you. Some of the stories I remember because I follow Jenny on social media, but none of it felt rehashed or recycled. I found myself laugh/crying in bed one night while I was reading this- which my cats did not appreciate. I really frond joy in some of the stories, secondary embarrassment in others, and a sense of 'that is something that would happen to me' in far too many. More than anything, the book offered a connection and hope, that no matter what none of us are the only one to being feeling a certain way, or fighting our own demons, even if we have somehow convinced ourselves and others that we are just fine. It also reminded me, that those people around me that I think have it all together, are dealing with something too- so lets all just be kind and help each other through life.

Book Review: Slothilda: Living the Sloth Life by Dante Fabiero

Slothilda: Living the Sloth Life is a collection of comics by Dante Fabiero. Are you a fan of carbs, the internet, and naps? Slothilda is your spirit animal! From former Simpsons animator Dante Fabiero comes this all-too-real comic series about an adorable little sloth who's driven by her desire for self-improvement. Slothilda explores an inner conflict we can all relate to―the desire to succeed and grow, while paradoxically dealing with the ever present temptation to sloth. With themes related to work, fitness, food, shopping, and pets―this book shows that you're not the only sloth at heart.

Living the Sloth Life is a cute, fun read. I had not seen the comics from the blog previously, so it was all new to me. I related to some of the images and thoughts, but not all, which  is usually the case with collections. However, I really like the artwork, I thought Slothilda was very cute. I liked the inherent honest the author has in sharing the desire we all have to eat and rest as often as we want, and the over exaggeration of the lack of motivation made it funny while making the reader feel better about the things they do and their choices. I am feeling much more accomplished with the amount of work, cleaning, and reasonably healthy eating I do after seeing the sloth version of such activities.

Book Review: What it Seems by Sydney Blackburn

What it Seems by Sydney Blackburn is a LGBT romance, that is very much about people getting to understand themselves. Michael’s straight and infatuated with a woman he worked with one day, over a year ago. But when he finally sees her again, he’s astounded that the woman of his dreams is a man in drag. Darcy is ace and not interested in dating anyone, so he and Michael just hang out. A lot. When he needs to do an on-screen kissing scene, Michael is the best person to ask for help. Michael soon discovers he isn’t as straight as he thought he was, and Darcy likes kissing him a little too much for someone certain he never would. Those are a lot of changes to accept, but they just might be worth it.

What it Seems is a slow burn romance, that is as much about Michael and Darcy becoming friends, and getting to know their own selves better. Michael keeps proclaiming himself straight, but has shown bisexual tendencies in the past. He is a little shocked that the person he has crushed on for a year is not who he expects, but not so close minded. He wants to get to know Darcy better, and the more time they spend together the more they click, and the more he questions his own sexuality. Meanwhile Darcy is ace, and typically not physically attracted to anyone. The developing friendship leads to both Michael and Darcy to think hard about what they want, and I enjoyed their exploration. I loved the open and frank discussions, and how even the people firmly holding onto one label or another are willing to research and explore more, and willing to adjust their thinking as their world, and those around them, change. My only complaint is that I was left wanting more. I want to see where they go from here. I want to see their friends follow their paths and see what the future has in store for all of them. 

What it Seems is a wonderful read, and I think it could be an important read for young and new adults questioning who they are attracted to (or aren't attracted to) and those wanting to better understand how other people feel. Beyond that, it was just a pleasure to read and I would love to read more about these characters in the future.