Material Girls - anyone reading it?

[seethesuninwintertime]

Am on train near end of book.

My main “takes” so far are that
-it’s very straightforward&easy to read after a long day wrestling work/kids etc
-it’s very moderate/middle ground in its position - she’s pretty critical of lots of the ideas on this board

Learning the history in succinct form is very helpful.

I really like the chapter about being “Immersed in a fiction” - like being at the theatre. The idea that being immersed is neither good nor bad in itself but that it’s a shock if someone stands up and says “but that isn’t real!” (Like someone interrupting a theatrical performance to shout “it’s just an actor!”)

Pic from train

Now further on (return journey)

The 'immersive fiction' explanation is the most memorable takeaway from the book and the one that I think about most often.

Yes, it really rings true about the teenagers around me.

I am reading it, and the immersive fiction section was really interesting and absolutely spot on from my experience.
I was also quite surprised how compassionate and moderate she was in her approach - having seen her treatment at university I was expecting her book to be more blunt, or even angry, given the response it got. It’s left me a little perplexed at why so many people got so worked up about it.

I read it earlier this year and need to re-read it. Started it in July but didn't finish it until November, after I'd read Helen Joyce's 'Trans' (which I enjoyed more and got through a lot faster).

I remember a lot of "I'll just bracket that point there" and never working out if she revisited the individual point later in the book.

I'm halfway through and need to finish it! I've loved the book and it's information is well researched and accessible to read.

The only way to argue against it is if you haven't read it at all!

See the sun - hope you read it nice and visibly on the train so others might get the idea and get hold of a copy to read.

I have it on audiobook but have only heard the intro so far. I’ve read Trans though (which I thought was brilliant- it got criticised for being ‘angry’ but it all sounded incredibly measured to me) weirdly I don’t know how I feel about reading something more moderate after that

I’ll get round to it.

Prudence I did.
First without thinking about it.
Then got a bit more aware & so took pics with you lot in mind

'Trans' is easier to read and much more about fighting back against what has happened so far. Just defend women's and children's rights, trying to accommodate the T won't work as we have already seen.

I read 'Material Girls' when it first came out and found KS's position very moderate and considered, ultimately respectful of all parties.
I have seen Kathleen Stock interviewed since she resigned from Sussex University and have nothing but 100% admiration for her dignity. She comes across a lovely human being. She will now be able to be less moderate I hope.

Point taken re trying out & coercion.

Those are both hall marks of youth movements since at least the 1950s.