Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity by Julia Serano Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity
Book Review: The Most Brilliant Feminist and Transsexual Analysis I've Ever Read
Summary: 5 Stars
"Whipping Girl" is not a light, airy autobiography, so if that's what you're looking for, go elsewhere- there are many wonderful ones. Rather, Julia Serano dives headfirst into some deep issues and instead of repeating the same old tired mantras, proposes new theories and different interpretations.
I found myself reading with my highlighter out because I was consistenly blown away by some of the arguments and insightful comments Serano made. Her very background makes her the perfect analyst: as a biologist, she has the foremost knowledge on scientific reasons for transsexuality and related subject matter, as a transsexual woman she has an intimate knowledge of the effects of both testosterone and estrogen, and of how society treats men and women. Feminists, students of gender, or just the average lay person could all benefit greatly from this book, in my opinion.
The reading can sometimes be a little dense- while much more readable than most, it still is primarily an academic text. And sometimes Serano can come off a bit cold and distant- not angry (or when she is, I believe it to be justified), but not exactly a warm and cozy narrator that draws teh reader in. Still, to me, that's a small price to pay.
All in all, it's something you have to read. But I thoroughly anticipate that this book will be revolutionary- a new, fresh perspective on feminism, transsexuality, and the queer movement.
Read it!
Book Review: Exellent Book
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is terrific. It blew me away. It gives voice and a name to my experiences as a trans' woman; I'll be forever grateful to Serrano for explaining cissexism. I'm glad a language is finally developing to describe our experiences. This book is a must for trans' feminists.Book Review: Blah, blah, blah
Summary: 1 Stars
Self hatred written large. Yet another example of a Male to Female TS unable to get to grips with there own past. Why is it that not only do over 80% of M to F TS's identify as 'lesbian', but also tend to be in relationships with other TS's? Having travelled this road myself I am sick and tired of hearing the same old lines recycled time and time again. The time is long over due for the so called 'T' community, to climb out of the ghetto of its only collective consciousness.
I am nobodies whipping girl and nobodies victim, unless I choose to be so. Which I do not!
Book Review: "Whipping Girl" stands alone
Summary: 5 Stars
and cannot be praised too highly. Julia Serano expertly debunks the sexist mis-information provided by psychiatric "professionals" and the media in their portrayal of transsexual and transgendered women. She provides an amazingly clear and moving description of her own perception of gender dissonance which will ring ever so true to anyone interested in or suffering from gender incongruity. She expertly defends feminism and the feminine as a woman who appreciates and understands that these are the qualities that she loves in herself.
"Whipping Girl" is a first person, non-conjecture work of a transsexual woman declaring her right to exist with dignity. I only wish that she would release her chapter "Love Rant" as an excerpt for the book's promotion. This book is not to be missed!
Book Review: Angry, indirectly
Summary: 3 Stars
Whipping Girl is a declaration of independence, a battle cry. Alas, Serano's love for jargon, primaraily inventing her own, attenuates the righteous anger she's feeling. There's also repetition of core premises throughout, and some old issues (Michigan, for example) are simply beat to death. Occasionally, though, Serano gets down to the matter, such as the riveting (and short) chapter "Love Rant." Next time, cut the fancy talk and just let 'er rip.