Why I’m Only Reading Books by Women
I’m trying to remember the last time I read a book by a man. Or, for that matter, the last time I watched something that didn’t have a female character … Continue reading Why I’m Only Reading Books by Women
I’m trying to remember the last time I read a book by a man. Or, for that matter, the last time I watched something that didn’t have a female character … Continue reading Why I’m Only Reading Books by Women
It was bought for Harry’s christening. Sharp darts in the waist and a slippery blue lining. Mum kept it at the back of the wardrobe, shielded in a cover. Black … Continue reading Fragment #1 The Jacket
This month I started teaching AS Media Studies. What a treat. I’d forgotten the delights of delving into the signs and representations that we are bombarded with in daily life, … Continue reading We Are All Disordered
In the book I’ve just finished reading, several rather unpleasant things happen. Arguably the first most significant even is when, about 200 pages in, a mother throws her six-year-old son … Continue reading We Need to Keep Talking About Kevin
Today I had the joy of experiencing a running buddy while out on the streets. As I ran past him, he came into step beside me, waving his arms and … Continue reading Why I’m Not an Angry Feminist
I first heard about ‘Empress Cixi’ through a BBC documentary called ‘The Ascent of Woman.’ An impressive summary of a huge swathe of human history, the programme asked questions about … Continue reading Empress Orchid – The Mistrusted Empress
There’s something immensely satisfying in a novel that appears to start out one way, and then takes you somewhere you weren’t expecting. Initially, A Little Life appears to be a … Continue reading A Little Life
Personally, I’m not a fan of the word ‘genius.’ It’s derived from ‘genie.’ The idea that a little imp comes and sits on your shoulder and gives you an idea, … Continue reading A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing
Genderspecs – unpicking gender stereotypes, one blog at a time There’s an awful lot that can empower you these days. Shower gel, pants and even socks are being held up … Continue reading Wearing Makeup Isn’t Empowering
Yes I’m a little late, but I have just devoured Emma Donoghue’s wonderful book, Room. Not since Christmas have I found a book that made me pause at every moment … Continue reading The Dark Rooms Writers Have to Enter
Genderspecs – unpicking gender stereotypes, one blog at a time. The Gendered Gaze Come on, you’ve done it too, haven’t you? Described your mate Terry as a ‘man’s man’ or … Continue reading Genderspecs – The Gendered Gaze
I’m far more tolerant in fiction than in the real world. Hours of page-turning will be spent on characters I thoroughly despise, who wouldn’t last more than a few minutes … Continue reading Characters we Love to Hate