In the last 2 weeks I have been a bit sick, and spent some time under a duvet reading. Remember reading? Like books with pages? Apparently Gen Z are getting into both reading and libraries, which is cool. The idea of discovering libraries as an adult is strange to me, but that is probably because I am old, and had a pre-internet childhood, which required going to the library every Saturday to take out free books and CDs that would be taped or copied onto minidisc (RIP).
It makes sense that Gen Z would need to discover libraries as adults; given that they grew up with all the world’s entertainment instantly available for free. I am glad they are though, because libraries are clearly brilliant.
Here are a few things I read in the last couple of weeks.
Helen Lewis: Difficult Women : A History of Feminism in 11 Fights
This book tells 11 stories of feminist progress by placing them in the context of disagreements/full on fights between problematic, messy women. It is a refreshing read, full of detail, nuance and wit. I am into anything that grapples with the complexity of progress, and delves into all the shades of grey and inevitable mess that arises when human beings try to challenge the status quo. Bonus points for being a feminist book that could be enjoyed equally by someone new to the topic, and someone who, say, did women’s history at University and then spent 5 years working for a feminist charity (cough cough).
Malcolm Gladwell: Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know
I enjoyed this and read it very quickly, the stories are compelling particularly the chapter on Amanda Knox, that may be because I can so clearly remember the intense press interest in that case. The central thesis around our inability to understand others is interesting. That said, I don’t remember much about it now, but that is probably a me problem.
Sofie Hagen: Will I Ever Have Sex Again?
I wanted to enjoy this book, but, I really didn’t. It is a personal story marketed as part memoir, part self help/revelatory quest. Being single and around Sofie’s age (ok I *am* older, but not much) I hoped to find something of myself in their narrative, but came aware feeling more sad and alienated than anything else . At the start Sofie states categorically that they are open to all views with the exception of Gender Critical Feminism, which is of course, their prerogative - but what that means is the rest of the text sorely lacks feminist analysis of any kind. Obviously, it is up to Sofie whether or not they situate their experiences of sexual assault in a feminist framework, however it did make for a frustrating read for me.
It’s a shame that people are so quick to throw the baby out with the bathwater when it comes to the second wave, but, that is part of the legacy of the ‘Sex and Gender wars of the 2010s and 20s’ (which is what I expect they will eventually be called).
Speaking of the 1970s and discovering old things
Jake Thackray is my new problematic fave. I found him by putting ‘Castleford’ into Spotify, and immediately fell for his rich baritone French style singing, and witty character driven songs. I watched this documentary, listened to this radio programme, read this article and bought a record for £3 (mainly to frame so I could put his beautiful face on my wall.)
Some of his songs are so misogynist that they are difficult to listen to. I tell myself, it was Yorkshire in the 1970s, of course he has the same sense of humour as my grandad*. I don’t really think that this is an excuse, though.
One of the things I like most about getting older, is realising you can just like whatever you want, and it doesn’t really matter if it’s weird, or they were an alcoholic sleazebag. You are allowed to be complicated. So is everyone else.
And Finally
I was in 4 (yes 4!) Improv Shows in the last 2 weeks. Highlights were ‘Oops I forgot my Lines’ where I learned a bit of script from Harold and Maude, and my scene partner had to improvise around it.
Another highlight was travelling to Edinbugh to perform at Monkey Barrel with my team Ghost Fish. The stage was small, but the crowd was large and the vibes were ‘immaculate’. The improv scene in Scotland in general, and Glasgow in particular, is on fire at the moment, with new nights popping up everywhere. It’s nice.
*Good and bad. My Grandparents were totally hilarious, and to be fair, my Grandad wasn’t as bad as Jake in terms of sexism.