Full Frontal Feminism: A Young Woman's Guide to Why Feminism Matters Paperback – July 22, 2014

I thought this was an awesome book that was part of three bits of media that swung me to being a supporter of feminism. Until a few months ago, I had had mixed feeling about feminism, supporting some bits, but mostly feeling like it was going too far, and had achieved most of its victories.A CBC documentary a few months ago sparked my interest in the topic, and made me think that I might be wrong. I went and read a Women's Studies book that made me more of supportive of feminism intellectually, but I found that material to be dry and too complex for me to be confident in my new opinions. A month later I got Full Frontal Feminism, which really solidified my new views. I love Valenti's style of slamming down sexist criticisms in just one sentence, and unveiling the true motivations of her opponents. Some of the contradictions she brought up were really powerful too. The one about conservatives not wanting to provide daycare for single mothers because a woman's place is in the home, but not giving her welfare because she should get a job, was probably the most influential moment in the book for me.I see that the more negative reviews here disliked her book for the very reasons that I loved it. They seemed to find her arguments to be too simplistic, but simplification is what I needed to really grasp the issues.I also saw the book criticized for its sweeping attacks on her opponents. I am usually a strong advocate for reasoning using sound logic backed up by evidence, but it is sometimes important to recognize when one's opponents are not being honest about their motivations, and when Valenti did this, I found it very helpful.When I finished reading this book, I searched for the Feministing blog, and I now follow it daily.

I got this as a Christmas present for my friend and decided I had to read it before giving it to her. This book really is more of a "guide," like an introduction to feminism and women's rights or lack thereof. It's well written if you don't mind a sassy, potty-mouthed author (which I love). She is educated and knows what she'd talking about. I think Valenti does a great job really outlining all major part about feminism, especially how she points out "white feminism" as well as intersectionality. She gives real-life events, laws, cases, and even names a multitude or organizations that are worth looking into. She points out the different phases of feminism, explains how the movement is by no means dead, and heavily inspires to make an effort and how to even do so. Overall, I found this book to be very informational and a necessary read for all, whether you identify as a feminist or not.

Full Frontal Feminism: A Young Woman's Guide to Why Feminism Matters I also read this book from cover to cover to learn what a young feminist opinions are on the state of the women's movement are and what young women expect in the next stage. It was very informative. The learning experience for me was her views on human sexuality and how women are not being taught the sex is not only for child bearing but can also be fun and fulfilling. It's okay for women/girls to enjoy their sexuality. What a new concept in this age of the war on women.

This book was a great read. It's almost like the beginners guide to being a feminist. When you get down to the real definition, we're all really a bit feminist. The word always comes with such a negative connotation, when really it just means you would like to be treated equally. And doesn't everyone want that? This book can give woman the confidence to stand up for their rights and know they're here to be more than just a housewife! Woman can make a real difference, they just need to realize it!

I read this for a graduate school class, and, having taken women's studies classes previously, was already familiar with pretty much everything that it introduced.This book is a great place to start to introduce the basics of feminism to young people. I think that the ideal age would be late teens. Curse words abound, which make it a compelling read to young adults, but a bit tiresome for those of us who are no longer excited by the use of "bad" words.I would however, recommend reading it as well, so that you can have conversations with your teen afterward. It does not dig deep into the details, but that makes it easily digestible for teens who have never encountered these concepts before.

I have been active in the Women's Movement since 1970, so I am familiar with the basic information in this book, and knew some of the people mentioned. Some things have changed a lot for women, unfortunately, some not. There is a lot of swearing in this book,and while I have heard all those words, and used them occasionally, it does not add to the credibility of the information, which is very well researched. The others in my bookclub were put off by it, and we are about divided 3 younger, 3 older. You probably would not want your young daughter, who this book was probably meant for, to read it, even though you would want her to know the information in it.