Who has read Living Dolls?

[foureleven]

Im about a quarter way through and am finding it fascinating, I don't think I will be ready to debate until I finish but am keen to find people to do this with?!

I read it recently and thought it was good. First feminist book I have read for years but helped to sum up my feelings about some instincts I have about lapdancing, porn, "belle de jour" etc

I'm 2/3 of the way through. It's ok, not the most compelling though as IMO she doesn't really discuss issues, rather she provides evidence to support her point (preaching to the converted, we know lads mags/strip clubs etc exploit/demean/objectify etc women) and then drops it and moves on too quickly. Anyone know what I mean? It just feels lacking somehow.

Thanks, I was hoping that the discussions would come in the second half once she had tackled the basics. For me (have hardly read any feminist literature) this is a great start point to confirm what I have felt in my heart about these things for a long time. The book made me feel validated where most often women i meet are 'cool' with strip clubs and lads mags etc..

I like that it is very current.

The beauty myth is next on my list which is somewhat older.

i wish htere were mor hours in the day to get this reading done!

I've read it. Someone made a great comment on the Ariel Levy book study thread last night that the Natasha Walter's bringing together the essentialist male/female brain stuff and the porn stuff works really well - I agree.
OP have you read The Equality Illusion? I read it before Living Dolls and it covers much of the same ground but Walter's interviews are quite insightful, I thought.

Its on my amazon wishlist sethsmum. Thanks, Have about a quarter of living dolls to read now.

The pornography chapter was of particular interest. My ex partner used to watch a lot of porn and also read nuts/ zoo etc. I used to hate it and he always thought it was because I was insecure about him looking at other women. I knew that wasnt the reason but couldnt really put my finger on what it was when I was younger.

The statistics about young boys looking at porn are alarming as well. It saddens me that when me girls lose their virginity it will most likely with boys who think that sex is ramming your togger in to some wailing waxed womans bottom...

I thought it was a good read but definitely v lightweight compared to The Beauty Myth and I think it will date a lot quicker. Liked the emphasis on how the "new" evdence on nature rather than nurture is actually the same old BS. Definitely worth buying.

I loved it, read it in a couple of days(I am a slow reader)

I think its a bit basic for people who have read books etc like this before, but for younger girls who have never read anything like this before it is amazing!

Like foureleven said the books are reassuring and make you feel validated as younger girls are supposed to be "cool" with all that culture and young girls are scared of calling themselves a feminist.

I dont know which to read next, either The Equality Illusion or The Beauty Myth, i like the look of ariel levys book as well

Anyone with a preference?