Today, there is no jewelry brand more iconic than Tiffany & Co. In 1837, budding entrepreneurs Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young set up their luxury goods retailer, specializing in stationery. Some years later, the retailer's focus shifted to jewelry, resulting in the release of Tiffany's mail-order catalog - the 'Blue Book'. Renowned for his passion for precious jewels, in 1878, Charles Lewis Tiffany buys a 287-carat yellow diamond; now known as the 'Tiffany Diamond', the incredible jewel takes pride of place in the brand's flagship Fifth Avenue store in New York and was worn by Audrey Hepburn to promote the 1960's film, Breakfast at Tiffany's. As well as being a firm favorite amongst celebrities and royalty, Tiffany's has been the go-to for engagement rings for almost 150 years, offering elegant and afforable designs. Since the 1950s, Tiffany & Co has worked with a number of celebrated artists and designers, including Andy Warhol, Elsa Peretti and Paloma Picasso.
Tiffany & Co. Toomey & Co.
Harry S. Whitbeck (1880-1947) Toomey & Co.


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The Walking Dead Game Comes To iOS in Fine Form [Update]
Kirk Hamilton
Filed to: the walking deadFiled to: the walking dead
Watch this play this
Play This
Many of us here at Kotaku are fans of Telltale's episodic Walking Dead game. It's been one of the most welcome surprises of the year—a zombie game that's less about killing zombies and more about dealing with living in a world without laws or hope.
Though the game was announced for Apple devices as well as consoles and PC, it only launched on the App store today. The iOS version is called Walking Dead: The Game, presumably to distinguish it from the app that lets you read the original Walking Dead comic series. But for this article, I'll just call it The Walking Dead. Hope that's not confusing.
I downloaded it and fired up the first episode, "A New Day." The (excellent) second episode, "Starved For Help," will be available soon. The game costs $4.99, which gets you the first episode and the option to buy the next four episodes for $14.99. That means you'll get all five chapters for $19.98, which is actually cheaper than the price on consoles and PC.
The game is mostly unchanged from its TV-based counterparts. That makes sense, given that The Walking Dead has very simple controls. You'll move the protagonist Lee around my dragging your finger, tap to interact with things, and engage in the occasional frantic quicktime swipe, tap or swoop.
Update: Stephen has now spent a lot of time with the iPhone version of the game, and he does not recommend it over other platforms. If you've got the option, best to go with a gaming console or PC.
On Second Thought, Play The Walking Dead On Anything But an iPhone
Happy new year. I'd like to start the year by helping you avoid a mistake I made in 2012. But…
The game looked sharp on my iPad 2—sharp enough that it requires an iPad 2, iPhone 4, or a new iPad to run. (It won't run on older iOS devices). What cinematic qualities it loses running on a smaller screen it makes up for in portability and "readability," if that makes sense. This is a great game to play in bed at night, playing it as you'd read a book. It won't give you great dreams, but it's a heck of a yarn so far.
Past that, it's the same great game we've been talking about so much for the last couple of months. The third episode of the game will be coming to PC and consoles in August, and one hopes that it will be released around a similar time on the app store. Regardless, iOS gamers can rejoice—one of the year's most pleasant surprises has made the leap to mobile devices unscathed.
Walking Dead: The Game [$4.99, App Store]
Recent from Kirk Hamilton
Kirk Hamilton's Top 10 Games Of 2018

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Luxury adventure in Budapest - Rolls Royce Cullinan
While cruising through the nature of the Hungarian capital, we felt the pinnacle of luxury in the SUV segment. Cullinan, named after the world's largest diamond, has justified its name in our hands...
When the vision of perfection turns into reality
Rolls-Royce Cullinan, currently the best SUV in the world, has a fascinating and extraordinary story behind it. From the golden African and Middle Eastern deserts, the frozen Arctic Circle, the Scottish Highlands, to the steep canyons of North America, Rolls-Royce designers, engineers, craftsmen and artists designed, tested and refined this unique machine to eliminate any flaws and make it perfect.
Created by the Rolls Royce design team, including Pavle Trpinac, originally from Belgrade, in response to growing demand for SUVs, Cullinan is the first of its kind in the Rolls-Royce fleet. With a structure that contains the so-called "architecture of luxury" that is also featured in the fantastic Phantom, Cullinan is versatile, impeccably designed, fantastically envisioned and brought to perfection, which is something we have had the opportunity to see recently.
The hilly surroundings of Budapest evoked and enriched the Cullinan ride. Impressed by this experience, in which we tried to get the most out of a unique and sophisticated SUV, we can confirm that Cullinan definitely belongs to the ultra-luxury part of the spectrum of today's automotive industry, which in its utilitarian edition seems quite natural. Rolls Royce cars are designed for the owners to enjoy in the backseat while their personal chauffeur transports them from point A to point B, but Cullinan is the opposite - you simply want to drive and feel all the power the 563 horsepower engine with 850 Nm of torque. It was difficult to decide on a position while driving, but we found a compromise and enjoyed the shift behind the wheel and in the back. At its core, Cullinan binds all the attributes that make crossover models the most popular in the world, with a top speed of 250 kilometers per hour, and acceleration from zero to 100 in just 5.2 seconds.
The car's design itself follows the classic Rolls line, which is irresistibly reminiscent of the Phantom. The long hood symbolizes strength and durability, but clearly states that there is something underneath that will make you love this vehicle even more.
A pinnacle of luxury in every terrain
As the first 4x4 Rolls Royce model, the Cullinan is very easy to operate and with its 518 centimeters in length, it seemed to us that this car could conquer every terrain. The imperfections of the road, the bulges and all the obstacles that are part of the off-road variant were overcome without much pain, in peace and comfort. In these conditions, we had the opportunity to truly see the exact power of Cullinan, because it was created to explore the world around us. With twenty-two-inch wheels and numerous driver assistance systems, such as cruise control, parking assistance, pedestrian recognition, night vision and other interesting configurations, Cullinan has picked up all the points in its base variant when it comes to the luxury it offers.
Cullinan is a "brushed diamond" for all those who enjoy a limitless life and "know everything is possible"!
Interior - Zen for body and soul
Unlike other companies whose focus is on stimulating adrenaline, both in the interior and in the sound of the engine, Rolls-Royce strives to appease drivers with its interior design and give them the opportunity to fully enjoy the scenery and quietness of the engine. Riding in Cullinan is truly unmatched, but imagine that it is like flying on a magic carpet...
We felt the magic of this unique SUV as soon as we stepped into the interior, designed and refined with prestigious materials, such as quality leather and teak. One of the models had an exterior of a perfectly executed blue paint called the Midnight Sapphire, while the interior of the cabin was trimmed with Arctic White elements, which were accentuated with navy blue. For the other model, the pictures speak more than words.
Made to measure comfort for all passengers
Spaciousness has been brought to the highest level and passengers can very comfortably and relaxingly enjoy Cullinan. The driver and front passenger are seated in extremely comfortable and spacious seats where they can easily "endure" hours of travel with massagers that relax them while driving, which is a "dead race" compared to enjoying the rear seats, which are synonymous with true hedonism.
The rear seats gave us an extra touch of luxury and the atmosphere that makes the Rolls-Royce brand famous - with a mini fridge where chilled champagne and two elegant crystal glasses await you, as you watch your favorite movie on pop-out screens, you'll feel like you're flying in your private jet or sailing on a yacht, waiting to arrive at your favorite destination.
"Bespoke" - for people with refined taste
A diamond would not be a diamond if it were not perfectly adaptable to all desires and requirements. Cullinan can become an extension of your personality with the help of personalization services that make Rolls Royce famous, giving you a luxury "bespoke" SUV, in the true sense of the word.
Just like any Rolls-Royce, the Cullinan is much more than an ordinary car - it is a statement that clearly reveals your mindset, attitude and lifestyle to other people. Cullinan is aimed at individuals with style, who do not compromise on their own enjoyment, those who hold all the threads in their hands and who are brave enough to try at least one new thing every day.
When it was time to summarize our impressions at the end of our Rolls Royce adventure, we were not sure if it was more exciting for us to get behind the wheel of the magnificent Cullinan or in its backseat.
Sleek, comfortable, equipped with all the details that may come to mind; we were assured that Cullinan would swipe you off your feet. It is love at first sight - when you are awakened by the desire to keep it to yourself and to continue to conquer the world together...
Rolls Royce |
Cullinan |
be spoke |
luxury cars |
luxury adventure |
budapest |
Rolls Royce SUV
Travelling - Luxury Experience
Lošinj Hotels & Villas - A place where gastronomic stars shine
Gastronomy lovers are often ready to embark on adventures that take them to distant destinations, in order to enjoy wonderful culinary specialties...
LUXURY EXPERIENCE A WEEKEND ESCAPE
When you yearn for a complete enjoyment for all your senses, relaxing in a luxurious ambience and relishing a cruise between two medieval cities, do it elegantly and with style!
LUXURY ESCAPE TO FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BUDAPEST
Finding its place on the old side of the Danube, the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest, with its magnificent Art Nouveau-inspired appearance, reminded us of a fairy-tale c...
TRAVEL IN STYLE EPIC DRIVE WITH ROLLS-ROYCE
Our luxury vacation took us from the Danube metropolis, Budapest, to the Bohemian capital, Prague, providing us with an unforgettable adventure and enjoyment of a unique mix of mag...
LUXURY ESCAPE TO FOUR SEASONS HOTEL PRAGUE
We were 600 kilometres away from point A to point B, but nothing is far away when you choose an elegant Rolls Royce for such an adventure and driving experience, and when you are a...
Ready for new adventures and exploring the charming island of Lošinj, we jump into the new BMW 440i, and embark on an extravagant journey!
Dark and fearless vision of luxury
Rolls Royce is recognized throughout the world for its impressive style ... but what lies beyond that limit of luxury that our minds perceive?
HOTEL YAS VICEROY ABU DHABI
If you wish to feel the glamour in a modern oasis, the thrill of top sports events or soothing moments in the relaxing lounge, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi is the right place for you…


text:
Q: Multiplicative function $h$ and its convergence exercise. There is an exercise in the book on page $106$ that given a multiplicative function $h$ satisfying the conditions ($p$ denotes a prime)
$$|h(p)|\le 1 \text{ if } (p|N), |h(p)|\le p^{-\delta} \text{ if } (p\nmid N), |h(p^\nu)|\ll 1 \text{ if } (\nu\ge 2),$$
where $\delta$ is a positive constant. Show that, for $0\le \alpha\le 1/\log\log N$, we have
$$\sum_{d\ge 1}|h(d)|d^{\alpha-1}\ll \log\log N.$$
I wonder that shouldn't the right part of the problem be just $1$ instead of $\log\log N$? Why is it needed to have a condition that $\alpha\le 1/\log\log N$?
Here are what I'm trying to show that the right part is $1$ but I'm confused (both the usefulness of the above problem to the other problem that the book tried to guide and it is much comprehensible if it is $1$ as it click with the help of the following problem, and the proof of it.)
\begin{align*}
\sum_{d\le P}\dfrac{|h(d)|}{d^{1-\alpha}}&\le \prod_{p\le P}\left(1+\dfrac{|h(p)|}{p^{1-\alpha}}+\dfrac{|h(p^2)|}{p^{2(1-\alpha)}}+\cdots\right)\\
&\le \prod_{\substack{p\le P\\ p\nmid N}}\left(1+\dfrac{1}{p^\delta(p^{1-\alpha})}+\left\{\dfrac{C}{p^{2(1-\alpha)}}+\dfrac{C}{p^{3(1-\alpha)}}+\cdots\right\}\right)\prod_{\substack{p\le P\\ p|N}}\left(1+\dfrac{1}{p^{1-\alpha}}+\dfrac{C'}{p^{2(1-\alpha)}}+\cdots\right),
\end{align*}
as we have the theorem that $\prod (1+a_n)<\infty\Longleftrightarrow \sum a_n<\infty$, we have that the above converges as for large $N$, $\alpha\le 1/\log\log N$ will eventually $<\delta$ and thus
$$C\sum_{p}\sum_{k\ge 2}\dfrac{1}{p^{k(1-\alpha)}}+\sum_{p}\dfrac{1}{p^{1+\delta-\alpha}}<\infty.$$
Therefore, the first product converges and the second has only finite terms so $$\sum_{d\ge 1}\dfrac{|h(d)|}{d^{1-\alpha}}\ll 1.$$

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Cody and I were doing some shopping in Hayes Valley the other day. It was sunny. It was warm. We saw Smitten. It was perfect.
Cody mentioned to me that he liked Smitten's ice cream when he had it for the first time a couple weeks ago. And come to find out, it's number 10 in this year's 7x7 Big Eat list.
So basically"kelvin-made ice cream" is just that... Ice cream made on the spot by some nitrogen in that contraction I took a picture of up above. There's about 3-4 of these machines at Smitten, so every order is made on the spot. I opted for the honey nectarine ice cream.
Ah. Maz. Ing. The cone was awesome as well, not sure if they make it on the spot as well. But the texture and taste of the ice cream was incredible. Best $4 I've spent this summer.
*DEAD* @ the Mya reference! Let's go. We need a day together.


I've decided to join the Top 10 Tuesday Weekly fun on my blog because why the hell not? Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. If you want to join in the fun, hop on over to their blog to see what it's all about!
This weeks topic is the Top 10 Hyped Books I've Never Read. I had a teeny bit of trouble gathering ten books for this list because I am always reading the hyped up books when they come out. I just can't help it. I mean what's the point of all the hype if the book isn't any good? So the books I put on this list are the hyped books I have yet to read, because lets face it, I'm going to read them sooner or later!
I've seen the movie and I've been slacking on picking up this book. Maybe 2015 will be the year I do it!
This has been recommended to me from several different people. It has won awards. The plot sounds like a book I would love. All this awesomeness and I have yet to read it.
I am slowly but surely getting through The Mortal Instruments series so I can finally start the prequel to it all. I'm only several years behind the hype.
Naturally after reading Eleanor and Park I wanted to immediately start Fangirl… but…but…yeah. I still haven't read it.
Booktube exploded with this book and has literally hyped this book up so much that I want to go as far as to purchase the UK covers. Come on, just look at the beauty of them!
Yes this book is huge and wordy. And yes I will eventually read it. I just have to grow some balls first.
I am finally going to cave and read this book. I purchased it and it's close up on the TBR list. Look out for it soon!
Same goes for this glory! After seeing the hype for Six of Crows, a story held in the same world as this one, I will naturally have to read this one first!
This freaking book has been taunting me on my TBR list for so goddamn long. I've already started it but have since put it down. Not because its not interesting or good, I'm just weird like that.
Ok, this book. Do I even have to say anything? It was so good that it went from being a standalone book to a freaking series. It's so hyped I don't even know what to do with it! Duh, I will read it.
Well there you have it. The Top Ten Hyped Books I've Never Read. Let me know what you guys think of my list and share with me what are some of your hyped books you have yet to read.
This entry was posted in Top 10 Tuesday and tagged Brandon Sanderson, Cassandra Clare, George R.R. Martin, James Dashner, Jandy Nelson, July, Leigh Bardugo, Maggie Stiefvater, Pierce Brown, Rainbow Rowell, Sabaa Tahir, Top 10 Tuesday, Young Adult. Bookmark the permalink.
← July 2015 TBR List!
I want to read Red Rising too and do something similar where I put a book down (even if I like it) and then forget I was reading it. That's not weird!
I really want to finish it though. I can't move on if I don't!
Ah… such a toughie because I really love The Raven Boys and Fangirl. I'd highly recommend those two. The Maze Runner was a first in a series of pure frustration. I really have not liked any of James Dashner's books. However, I really liked the movie. Go figure?
An Ember in the Ashes was the first book in 2015 that I reread right away because I feel I missed so much on the first reading. It was good, I thought.
A few of your choices could've been on My TTT List if I had thought about them.
Such great information! All these books will eventually get read as soon as possible!
I hope you find the time to read these books that you do want to continue with! 🙂 Thank you for stopping by my blog!
Oh I definitely will! It's only a matter of time.
The first Maze Runner book is easily the best of the series. Personally, I enjoyed The Infernal Devices more than The Mortal Instruments – the real fun is finding all the connections.
Yeah I want to take my time with The Mortal Instruments so I can gather all the information I can to connect the dots in future books.
Welcome to this weekly meme! You say "join the fun" now…but these lists will ruin your life in the best way possible haha. In hindsight, I should have joined yearlong Sanderson Year Of Cosmere thing happening as I've yet to read Mistborn, but you're right, the UK covers are so much nicer!
I am ready for the life ruining!
I definitely recommend The Raven Boys. Though the beginning is rather slow it does get better.
I've been hearing so much good things about The Raven Boys! It will definitely get read soon! As for the Maze Runner… no rush.
These are definitely on my list. My hyped up book that I haven't read is Fault in the Stars. I just.. Idk. I don't want to read it. lol. Not sure why.
I get that a lot from people! It is a good book, but it won't be for everyone though.
Thanks for all the recommendations! I will definitely read these eventually.


Want to find out what does the word gotten mean? We gathered all the possible definitions of the word gotten on our website. Our definition dictionary is updated all the time with new definitions and is ready to help you.
But it forceth not much, in regard a sooner medicine may be gotten for this than for any other thing.	- "The Golden Asse", Lucius Apuleius.
If I could have gotten rid of my thoughts as easily I should have been happier, but that I could not do.	- "Kent Knowles: Quahaug", Joseph C. Lincoln.
This was as far as the doctor had gotten, at the time that I met him; and as I have lost touch with him since, I don't know how things were afterward.	- "This Simian World", Clarence Day Jr..


LA 2011: Bentley Continental GTC Debuts in the U.S.A.
The Bentley Continental GTC has arrived in LA for its American debut.
The American public has finally gotten a taste of the new Bentley Continental GTC. The British automaker has picked the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show to debut their luxury convertible on these shores and it arrived to great acclaim. The Continental GTC is coming off a year in which it saw a 33 percent sales growth, and its biggest market is the U.S. The GTC that showed up in LA was finished in the company's 'Breeze' color and features aluminum superformed front wings and borrows the Mulsanne's double-horseshoe design in the rear.
The convertible features one of the stiffest chassis in the world and that is fitting, as it runs on a W12 engine capable of putting out 567hp and 516lb-ft of torque. Those numbers are good for a performance of 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of almost 200mph. It is quite amazing to see all that performance packed into a car with a luxury interior consisting of a touchscreen infotainment system, neckwarmers in the headrests, wood trim and leather. The new Bentley Continental GTC will make you "pay the cost to be the boss," as it prices at a hefty $212,800 in the U.S. market.


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Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.


On a gloomy day, even relatively sunny information can seem a tad bleak.
That was the case Wednesday at the Craft Brewers Conference when officials with industry trade group and conference organizer the Brewers Association delivered a state of the industry address. That state, based on 2018 numbers, is still growing but slowing down significantly compared to years past even as thousands of new brewers get into the market or prepare to.
"Craft and imports continue to be the things that are driving the beer market forward even in a very challenging market for overall beer," Bart Watson, the Boulder-based Brewers Association's chief economist told the crowd in the Colorado Convention Center's Bellco Theater.
Providing data that is sure to have executives from Golden to St. Louis wringing their hands, Watson said total U.S. beer sales were down by almost 1 percent in 2018. It's a trend tied to declining alcohol consumption by younger consumers in general.
Craft and independent brewers meanwhile, saw their retail sales rise 7 percent over 2017, to hit $27.6 billion. Total brewing volume, the main statistic the Brewers Association uses to track its constituency, rose 4 percent last year to more than 25.9 million barrels.
"There is growth in the beer industry. Where it's occurring is in this room," Watson's co-presenter, Brewers Association's senior vice president of professional brewing, Paul Gatza said.
The clouds begin to roll in when looking at the 4 percent growth in volume compared to a few years ago. In 2014, craft brewing production grew by 18 percent. The year before that it was 17 percent after growing 15 percent in 2012.
The slowing growth comes amid record brewery openings last year and record closings. At least 1,049 new craft and independent brewers launched their operations in 2018, according to Watson. Meanwhile, the Brewers Association tracked 219 closings in the U.S. last year, a closure rate of 3 percent.
The flood of new players into the market isn't letting up. Comparing U.S. Tax and Trade Bureau statistics on the number of active brewers' licenses to data on recent closing and breweries already operating today, the association estimates at least 2,500 new businesses are in planning in the U.S.
"Companies need to think about how they can still be relevant in a market where we are going to see thousands of new breweries open," Watson said. "This is a trend. It isn't going away."
After his presentation, Watson attributed some of the closures to just being part of a bigger industry. More breweries will inevitably lead to more closures. A ratio of three openings to every closing isn't bad in context, nor is an industry-wide growth rate of 4 percent.
"I think the number of closings is still amazingly low," he said. "Try to track all the restaurant closings in Colorado last year."
While on stage, Watson and Gatza provided reasons for their audience to be optimistic as well. Watson cited data collected by market research firm Nielsen CGA that found that the association's certified independent craft brewer seal, first introduced in 2017 as an identifying mark members could put on their packaging, is resonating.
And there is room to hook more drinkers. Craft made up about 13.2 percent of all beer produced in 2018, leaving almost 87 percent of the U.S. beer market out there to capture.
"One of the challenges is to bring more new drinkers to the craft party," he said. "If we can get 1 million new craft drinkers to drink one pint a week that's 200,000 incremental barrels."
Gatza threw in two final reasons for brewers to look on the sunny side.
"Beer is delicious and beer is fun," he said.


text:
Start by marking "The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls" as Want to Read:
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Preview — The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls by Mona Eltahawy
The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls
4.17 · Rating details · 360 ratings · 78 reviews
A bold and uncompromising feminist manifesto that shows women and girls how to defy, disrupt, and destroy the patriarchy by embracing the qualities they've been trained to avoid.
Seizing upon the energy of the #MeToo movement, feminist activist Mona Eltahawy advocates a muscular, out-loud approach to teaching women and girls to harness their power through what she calls the A bold and uncompromising feminist manifesto that shows women and girls how to defy, disrupt, and destroy the patriarchy by embracing the qualities they've been trained to avoid.
Seizing upon the energy of the #MeToo movement, feminist activist Mona Eltahawy advocates a muscular, out-loud approach to teaching women and girls to harness their power through what she calls the "seven necessary sins" that women and girls are not supposed to commit: to be angry, ambitious, profane, violent, attention-seeking, lustful, and powerful. All the necessary "sins" that women and girls require to erupt.
Eltahawy knows that the patriarchy is alive and well, and she is fed up: Sexually assaulted during hajj at the age of fifteen. Groped on the dance floor of a night club in Montreal at fifty. Countless other injustices in the years between. Illuminating her call to action are stories of activists and ordinary women around the world—from South Africa to China, Nigeria to India, Bosnia to Egypt—who are tapping into their inner fury and crossing the lines of race, class, faith, and gender that make it so hard for marginalized women to be heard. Rather than teaching women and girls to survive the poisonous system they have found themselves in, Eltahawy arms them to dismantle it.
Brilliant, bold, and energetic, The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls is a manifesto for all feminists in the fight against patriarchy. ...more
Kindle Store $15.99
Published September 17th 2019 by Beacon Press
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Jul 26, 2019 Alexis marked it as to-read
If the petulant one-star reviews from men who couldn't possibly have even seen this book yet are any indication, I can't wait to read this. :)
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Jul 24, 2019 Nenia ⚡ Aspiring Evil Overlord ⚡ Campbell rated it liked it
Shelves: nonfiction, les-arcs-de-triomphes, feminism
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I realized I'd fallen into the trap of only reading feminist books written by feminists who were white, and since realizing that oversight, I've really tried to expand my views and read books of feminism written by women of color. This is my second feminist book written by a woman who is Muslim (Sohaila Abdulali was the first), although it is the first I've read from an Egyptian author, and I think the way she talks about her culture and
I realized I'd fallen into the trap of only reading feminist books written by feminists who were white, and since realizing that oversight, I've really tried to expand my views and read books of feminism written by women of color. This is my second feminist book written by a woman who is Muslim (Sohaila Abdulali was the first), although it is the first I've read from an Egyptian author, and I think the way she talks about her culture and religion bring a unique and much-needed view to feminism.
Mona Eltahawy was sexually assaulted at Mecca during hajj. She asked herself, if she couldn't be safe here, where could she be? The problem, she realized, was not with her-- it was with men. Yes, I know, not all men. But enough men. Enough to be emblematic of a deep inequality rooted not just in the Middle East or even in the U.S., but globally. Inequality is an epidemic.
In THE SEVEN NECESSARY SINS FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS, you can feel the author's anger vibrating from the pages. The focus of the book is of course feminism, but feminism specifically from the perspective of a Muslim woman of color. She talks a lot about racist sexism, and privilege within privilege, which is something I think a lot of white women don't really think about. She also talks about abusers, institutional sexism, and what it means to be a powerful woman. Some will likely be put off by her anger, but I think injustice should make people angry; if we feel nothing and allow ourselves to become numb or complacent, we won't do anything about it.
I liked the stories of Eltahawy's activism, and how she flipped the bird-- literally and figuratively in some cases-- to people in Egypt making careers out of oppressing women. I liked the many examples of institutional sexism in multiple countries, including the United States, and how she cautioned against making sexism the poster problem for a specific set of countries, which so many are afflicted with it. I liked how much she seems to like and respect herself, and how she made an active effort to include the LGBT+ (including trans women) in the dialogue, when so many authors don't.
I'm giving THE SEVEN NECESSARY SINS FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS a three-star review because I think it's an important read and it was good, but it wasn't fun and it was also very dry. This is more of a women's studies/gender studies textbook than something someone would read for pleasure (although I did enjoy learning about her life and her viewpoints). If you are looking to broaden your viewpoints as well and get new perspectives on feminism, you should read this book.
Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
3 to 3.5 stars ...more
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Sep 28, 2019 Jenny (Reading Envy) rated it it was amazing
Shelves: reviewcopy, read2019, ebooks
Mona Eltahawy was born to an Egyptian Muslim family, and previously tackled misogyny in the Muslim world in Headscarves and Hymens: Why the Middle East Needs a Sexual Revolution. In this book, she takes more of a global view, and writes a manifesto for all women and girls (including trans women and nonbinary people) for taking down the patriarchy. She identifies seven "sins" that need to be committed to dismantle power structures - anger, attention, profanity, ambition, power, violence, and Mona Eltahawy was born to an Egyptian Muslim family, and previously tackled misogyny in the Muslim world in Headscarves and Hymens: Why the Middle East Needs a Sexual Revolution. In this book, she takes more of a global view, and writes a manifesto for all women and girls (including trans women and nonbinary people) for taking down the patriarchy. She identifies seven "sins" that need to be committed to dismantle power structures - anger, attention, profanity, ambition, power, violence, and lust. She includes her own stories of violence and protest and arrest and the stories of other women, tying them to data and historical contexts that serve to explain the situations in specific places but also how there is not a place where women can escape structural oppression. It's very readable while being well documented. Her arguments are international and intersectional and do not exclude the United States (since sometimes people in the United States seem to only think women are oppressed "over there.") She explains how sexual violence is used as a war tactic, how double oppression is used in countries controlled by dictators or religion, and how powerful men try to silence teenagers like Greta Thunberg (I was surprised to find her mentioned since I only knew about her in the past week or so.)
I would say if you want to understand why women are always wearing those dang Handmaids Tale costumes and protesting as abortion bans are passed, this book puts it in a clear perspective. What does bodily autonomy mean? (She says, "At what age does my body belong just to me?") What if women and girls used the power they have been taught to bury? (She says, "What if girls were taught they were volcanoes, whose eruptions were a thing of beauty...?) What if women and girls refused to yield space to be dominated by others desires or ideas? (She says, "The most subversive thing a woman can do is talk about her life as if it really matters.")
I had a copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss and it came out September 17, 2019. ...more
Jul 19, 2019 Hristina rated it it was amazing
Shelves: feminism, first-read-arcs, reviewed, e-books, from-edelweiss, non-fiction, adult-lit, not-what-i-thought
Best summarized in the excerpt "This book is not the place where you will hear the reasonable argument that patriarchy is bad for men and boys too. It is indeed. There are plenty of other books that make that argument and urge men that it is in their own interest to join forces with women to dismantle patriarchy. I refuse to focus on and will not plead with those who benefit from my oppression to join a fight against a centuries-long systemic oppression that not only hurts women and girls and Best summarized in the excerpt "This book is not the place where you will hear the reasonable argument that patriarchy is bad for men and boys too. It is indeed. There are plenty of other books that make that argument and urge men that it is in their own interest to join forces with women to dismantle patriarchy. I refuse to focus on and will not plead with those who benefit from my oppression to join a fight against a centuries-long systemic oppression that not only hurts women and girls and all who deviate from the template of heterosexual, conservative, and, mostly, rich men, but kills them." The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls is a difficult but important book.
Each of the essays is crowded with statistics and facts that elaborate on Eltahawy's opinions. It reads like both a TED talk and a conversation with a close friend about the stereotypical roles that are assigned to women all around the world and the "necessary sins" to disrupt them.
Every paragraph feels like a storm rolling through your body. It's powerful and unabashed.
It's everything feminism is.
*Copy received through Edelweiss in exchange for a fair review
*Rating: 5/5 stars ...more
Oct 06, 2019 Rebecca McNutt rated it it was ok
Shelves: non-fiction, political, women-s
I think any decent man would agree that sexual harassment and inequality towards women and girls is wrong. This book is a slap in the face to equality, and it's so caustic, spiteful and reaching for a fight that I'm not even sure I would personally consider it "feminism" in any true sense of the word. This book does make some good points which need to be talked about and addressed, especially regarding the way we view modern feminism and women in the world, and that's very important. I think any decent man would agree that sexual harassment and inequality towards women and girls is wrong. This book is a slap in the face to equality, and it's so caustic, spiteful and reaching for a fight that I'm not even sure I would personally consider it "feminism" in any true sense of the word. This book does make some good points which need to be talked about and addressed, especially regarding the way we view modern feminism and women in the world, and that's very important. Unfortunately, its message gets quickly clouded by this kind of attitude which I often see nowadays in most neo-feminist literature - which is, basically, that women should be as vulgar and badly-behaved and immature as possible, so long as it gets them attention. Basically, "we feel oppressed, so let's roll in the mud with the pigs". What does this attitude do to hurt the feminist movement?
The sad thing is, The Seven Necessary Sins isn't altogether bad, and had potential to be a huge inspiration to women, especially in that it addresses the issue of inequality and the concept of privilege from a Muslim and a person of colour. I think these kinds of sexual attacks on the basis of not only gender, but also race and religion, happen more often than is talked about. Still, I don't like the attitudes presented in this book regarding behaviour. No matter what gender a person is, stooping to bad behaviour on purpose out of frustration and trying to pass it off as empowerment does not help anybody. Am I being naive to think that civility and maturity should not be considered dated concepts? Is it silly and "patriarchal" for a woman to still see value in good manners and breaking down barriers in a more adult, respectful fashion? I mean, I think if we have the power to be the bigger person and not stoop as low as the people oppressing women, we should not take that power for granted, but instead find more resourceful and long-lasting ways to fight oppression. Then again, everybody's perspective is different, especially considering personal life experiences. ...more
Oct 25, 2019 Kira-Richelle rated it really liked it
Wow, you really do just get angrier and angrier with each page that you read. And angry in a good way, mind you. I felt such a resonance with Eltahawy's messages that at times I found my hands shaking as I held the book. It's a call to action for every woman and girl (and GNC and non-binary individuals) to claim herself for herself and to fight back.
The seven necessary sins, as Eltahawy outlines are: Anger, Attention, Profanity, Ambition, Power, Violence, and Lust. Each chapter recounts Wow, you really do just get angrier and angrier with each page that you read. And angry in a good way, mind you. I felt such a resonance with Eltahawy's messages that at times I found my hands shaking as I held the book. It's a call to action for every woman and girl (and GNC and non-binary individuals) to claim herself for herself and to fight back.
The seven necessary sins, as Eltahawy outlines are: Anger, Attention, Profanity, Ambition, Power, Violence, and Lust. Each chapter recounts Eltahawy's own experiences with each of these "sins" as well as stories from other women, girls, and movements around the world. Most importantly, Eltahawy focuses heavily on the middle East and non-Western countries where many of these struggles go unnoticed purely because they are non-Western. It is beautiful—and enraging—to read about the courage and the horror that exists in this patriarchal world.
At times, I found myself taking a step back and thinking, "Well, perhaps there might be a better way to compromise..." but Eltahawy won't take that for an answer. She says that we should not be subservient, we should not try to make patriarchy "comfortable," we should act out and take what is ours, what is rightfully ours and what has been systemically taken away from us for years and years. Eltahawy inspired an inner rage (a "pilot light of anger," as she calls it) that readily forced me to challenge my own ideas of feminism and activism.
I highly recommend reading this book to set that anger aflame, or to (in some cases,) reignite it. Challenge your ideas of Western (and non-Western) patriarchy and the many forms that it takes on. Reevaluate your own relationship with feminism and what it means to you and the women in your life. More than anything give this book to the men in your life. It will make them uncomfortable, it will challenge their own notions of "traditional" masculinity and force them to confront the ways in which they benefit from global patriarchy. There is nothing to be lost, for whomever reads this, there is only so much to be gained. ...more
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Oct 02, 2019 Mary Anne rated it it was amazing
This book recommendation is not for everyone. This is for the women who, as Erin Keane tweeted last year, has the feeling that ""Every woman I know has been storing anger for years in her body and it's starting to feel like bees are going to pour out of all of our mouths at the same time."" I'm not yet done with the book Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls by Mona Elthaway, but I feel like some of you also need this book. If your skin is quietly buzzing with righteous anger, Mona is This book recommendation is not for everyone. This is for the women who, as Erin Keane tweeted last year, has the feeling that ""Every woman I know has been storing anger for years in her body and it's starting to feel like bees are going to pour out of all of our mouths at the same time."" I'm not yet done with the book Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls by Mona Elthaway, but I feel like some of you also need this book. If your skin is quietly buzzing with righteous anger, Mona is speaking your language, not in quiet, polite language, but with rage and judicious swearing, and the power that comes from shedding the voices telling you to be quiet, to be nice, to smooth things over. Mona is an Egyptian-born writer and is very clear that her brand of feminism requires standing against white supremacy too. Her angry fire leaps off the paper and takes no prisoners. This book is not for everyone but it is for some of you. ...more
Nov 09, 2019 Wendy rated it it was amazing
"Anger is that bridge that carries feminism from idea to being, from the thought 'How the fuck is this happening?' to 'This must fucking stop.' "
Yes, Yup, Hear Hear, Hallelujah to each of Mona Eltahawy's 7 Necessary Sins: Anger, Attention, Profanity, Ambition, Power, Violence, Lust.
I started reading this book after my husband taped an interview of Eltahawy on morning television here in Australia and I recognized the voice, the anger, the "up with this I will no longer put," attitude that so many "Anger is that bridge that carries feminism from idea to being, from the thought 'How the fuck is this happening?' to 'This must fucking stop.' "
I started reading this book after my husband taped an interview of Eltahawy on morning television here in Australia and I recognized the voice, the anger, the "up with this I will no longer put," attitude that so many of us have, living in the patriarchy. As familiar as my own breathing. So I started reading and how wonderful to meet this uncompromising, indefatigable, courageous woman.
The book takes us through her own journey as an Egyptian Muslim woman who now lives in the US, her experiences of oppression and sexual assault. But importantly she introduces us to those brave women in many countries taking on institutionalized patriarchy, its leaders and followers.
Her arguments for each of the necessary sins are indisputable and sound, backed by copious evidence and statistics. But they, of course, cause controversy because Ms. Eltahawy champions fighting back, "by any means possible" to coin a phrase used by Malcolm X about the fight of African Americans for their freedom. Malcolm X was no feminist, but his point about the ethics of encouraging African-Americans to be "peaceful" whilst living in the face of violent racism is not lost on any of us.
Ms. Eltahawy's chapters (each of them) will ruffle feathers because the patriarchy mandates that women be docile-not angry, unassuming-not attention-seeking, civil and polite-not profane, satisfied with less-not ambitious, weak and dependent- not powerful, patient and long-suffering- not violent, and chaste-not lustful.
And no greater proof of that than Ms. Eltahawy's visit to Australia.
Whilst in Australia, Ms. Eltahawy was on a feminist panel talk show on the national broadcaster. That show has now been pulled from its catch-up platform because of the complaints of some of the audience that has the broadcaster conducting an investigation about the show. Haha. Jeez, Louise. We have a US President who swindles charities, calls white supremacists good people and grabs women by the pussy, we have an Australian Prime Minister who was fired from his job in Tourism Australia for malfeasance and refuses to tackle Climate change, but what gets investigated is a feminist panel discussion. That same broadcaster aired an interview of Trump's chief strategist, Steve Bannon, a full-on racist, with hardly a peep. It wouldn't pull that interview from its catch up option.
I was not surprised. Of course, the foot soldiers of status quo politics need to silence the voices of women. Exactly as Malcolm X would have to respond to his white interviewers with their outraged questions about him advocating African Americans fight back, I saw the attempts by the female moderator to "control" the women's speech on that panel discussion. The backlash is predictable.
This book asks the question Richard Pryor so hilariously intoned in one of his albums, "How long? How long? How long will this bullshit go on?" Well, Mona Eltahawy argues that waiting for those who benefit from patriarchy to give up controlling women, their speech and their bodies is a fool's errand. It is time to fight back. Have patriarchy be afraid of feminism.
"And when will we revolt against our marginalized, pseudo-maverick status and assert our majority, our indispensable-to-the-species power-and I do mean power: our verifiable ability to change things inside our own lives and in the lives of other folks as well?"
And rather than conforming to the rules set out by the patriarchy, to be free to create our own rules, to be profane as a weapon in the war.
"Racism and bigotry are not polite, and I refuse to be polite in my fight against them."
"Who does civility serve? ...I refuse to be civil to someone who refuses to acknowledge my humanity fully."
Tim Minchin has written a song about the Pope, where he says "Fuck the mother-fucking Pope" at least a hundred times and in the song he says, and I am paraphrasing here, that if you are more offended by my language than by centuries of pedophilia, then you are morally corrupt. Well, people who tell women to stop saying fuck rather than listen to their stories of sexual assault, economic assault, degradation, and humiliation, then those people are NOT worthy of air time.
"Patriarchy also insists that it and it alone determines when something is offensive."
Yes, it does. And that doesn't include the slaughter and torture of women on a daily basis. But women being free, to say and do as they wish, that is offensive.
"What would the world look like if the energy spent policing language, especially female language, was invested instead into policing the very real harm of patriarchal-and often racist-violence?"
A great read. A necessary read. I think all women and girls need to understand it is okay to be angry about the confinement of their lives and learn to fight back. ...more
Nov 24, 2019 Nashwa S rated it liked it
Shelves: nonfiction
I think we need people like Mona Eltahawy in the world. She talks about the hard truths without sugarcoating it for anyone. Being a journalist for many years, the author has been arrested and intimidated and now talks about seven ways women need to destroy the patriarchy. Not work with it but to scare the patriarchy and giving women the space they deserve.
I think this book should be required reading especially for men who seem to think that women don't have it that bad or men's rights are I think we need people like Mona Eltahawy in the world. She talks about the hard truths without sugarcoating it for anyone. Being a journalist for many years, the author has been arrested and intimidated and now talks about seven ways women need to destroy the patriarchy. Not work with it but to scare the patriarchy and giving women the space they deserve.
I think this book should be required reading especially for men who seem to think that women don't have it that bad or men's rights are violated too. Eltahawy discusses this in detail, using global examples from many different countries to support her arguments. She uses interesting examples like "gender apartheid" in countries like Saudi Arabia where men basically make all the decisions for women - even sending them to jail and then releasing them from there.
One of the key arguments that I found interesting was the fact that #MeToo movements highlighted the victims in the West, specifically white ladies. This was note-worthy to me because she contextualised it and linked it with global efforts.
I don't agree with all the ideas that Mona presents but it was an enlightening book nonetheless! ...more
Sep 26, 2019 Tonstant Weader rated it it was amazing
The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls is an exciting manifesto to advance women's freedom worldwide. Mona Eltahawy enumerates seven qualities necessary to their liberation, qualities considered the provenance of men and discouraged in women. That's why she calls them sins. Women who exhibit these qualities are attacked and defamed. Not she says they are for women, not of women. Her argument is these qualities are required to free ourselves from patriarchy.
The sins are anger, attention, The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls is an exciting manifesto to advance women's freedom worldwide. Mona Eltahawy enumerates seven qualities necessary to their liberation, qualities considered the provenance of men and discouraged in women. That's why she calls them sins. Women who exhibit these qualities are attacked and defamed. Not she says they are for women, not of women. Her argument is these qualities are required to free ourselves from patriarchy.
The sins are anger, attention, profanity, ambition, power, violence, and lust. Each chapter explains why that particular "sin" is necessary, giving examples of organizers around the world who have used those values to work to emancipate women and girls. The campaign to advocate for menstrual products for girls employed profanity, for example. The campaign for women's access to Hindu temples during the years they menstruate used power. The book is full of feminist heroes I have never heard of and fabulous women's organizing around the world.
The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls is a fabulous manifesto that encourages women to free themselves from patriarchy. Eltawahy is ambitious. She does not limit feminism to women being like men, but women being free. She points out to the power of leveraging LGBTIQ organizing and civil rights organizing by POC with feminist organizing. She shows the power of intersectional alliances and intersectional organizing. You cannot read this book and not feel fired up for freedom.
I received an ARC of The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls from the publisher through Shelf Awareness.
The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls at Beacon Press
Mona Eltahawy author site
https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpre... ...more
Oct 04, 2019 elif rated it really liked it
An actual must read. The feminismprint.
Is what I wrote at the start, but I cannot stop thinking of the violence chapter... or wherever the war thing got mentioned? I think it's just... too simplistic to brush off war as a "guy" thing. I hate war as much as the next person, but given the situations that surrounds Turkey these days? I cannot stop thinking about how it isn't really a partiarchy thing. War is a deeply imperialist, capitalist thing. So... eh. But the rest is quite good. It's like An actual must read. The feminismprint.
Is what I wrote at the start, but I cannot stop thinking of the violence chapter... or wherever the war thing got mentioned? I think it's just... too simplistic to brush off war as a "guy" thing. I hate war as much as the next person, but given the situations that surrounds Turkey these days? I cannot stop thinking about how it isn't really a partiarchy thing. War is a deeply imperialist, capitalist thing. So... eh. But the rest is quite good. It's like self-help that actually matters. ...more
Jul 01, 2019 Dexter Lawson rated it did not like it
Hateful, divisive trash.
Oct 17, 2019 Mosh rated it it was amazing
This in an intense, intimidating, important, and inspiring work. Eltahawy's breakdown of how the patriarchy has oppressed people across various demographics (sex, gender, race, religion, class) is enlightening and frightening. Her attempt to globalize the issue forces the reader to think beyond their own lives and think of this on a larger scale. Much of Eltahawy's rhetoric can be viewed as militant, but that's intentional and - I think - a compliment to her.
Reading this also makes me wonder This in an intense, intimidating, important, and inspiring work. Eltahawy's breakdown of how the patriarchy has oppressed people across various demographics (sex, gender, race, religion, class) is enlightening and frightening. Her attempt to globalize the issue forces the reader to think beyond their own lives and think of this on a larger scale. Much of Eltahawy's rhetoric can be viewed as militant, but that's intentional and - I think - a compliment to her.
Reading this also makes me wonder what role - if any - I can have in this fight. I am, for the most part, everything feminism is fighting against: white, straight, and male (just add Christian and I'd be the quadruple threat). Eltahawy argues that women (cis and trans, of color and not, of every religion) need to stand up to everything the patriarchy has done and then tear it down, an effort I fully support, but wish I could do more to assist with. In addition, I have to wonder about her "no compromise" attitude. I recently saw a clip of Ellen DeGeneres explaining and justifying her friendship with George W. Bush, a man whose political view would have deprived Ellen of her right to marry the woman she loves. Degeneres defends her friendship with him by saying her mantra is to be kind to everyone, not just those with whom she agrees. But how do you open the conversation? How do you address the issues with those whose views are polar opposite? Can we agree to disagree? Not on these issues. Will Eltahawy's mentality drive a deeper wedge within our societies? I honestly don't know what the correct answer is.
The only issues I have with this book are stylistic ones. Eltahawy, on occasion, turns the text to be more about her and less about the circumstances (where *she* spoke, what hashtag *she* started, places *she* went). I understand that much of this book is infused by her experiences, but I find her tone occasionally pulls focus from the issues she's writing about.
I wish I had annotated this book as I read it, because many of the specifics that stood out to me at the time are escaping me. I'm left with generalities of how I feel about this book without specifics to support them. ...more
Aug 05, 2019 Rachel rated it it was amazing
Shelves: advance-reviews-not-yet-published
TRIGGER WARNING: This book contains content relating to sexual violence.
To be honest, when I first received this book from a goodreads giveaway, I was unsure of whether I would like it at all or bother to finish it. Upon finishing the introduction, I was sold on the necessity to complete the book. This is a must read for all people.
The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls is a powerful manifesto and call to action. Eltahawy, an Egyptian-American woman who was sexually assaulted on her holy TRIGGER WARNING: This book contains content relating to sexual violence.
The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls is a powerful manifesto and call to action. Eltahawy, an Egyptian-American woman who was sexually assaulted on her holy pilgrimage as a teenager continues to speak against the disadvantage the standing patriarchy imposes upon women and others around the world. Her seven well-cited essays will make you continuously stop to process what you have read. She lays out who is responsible for women coming to true freedom in the world and how exactly she proposes it will become possible. ...more
Oct 01, 2019 Lili Kim rated it it was amazing
So much truth, I shared it with my class! Because this is what we need to be teaching.
Notable lines:
"…I own my body. Nobody else owns it: not the state, the street, or the home, not the church, mosque, or temple."
"What if we nurtured and encouraged the expression of anger in girls the same way we encourage reading skills: as necessary for their navigation of the world? What if we believed that, just as reading and writing help a girl to understand the world around her and to express herself So much truth, I shared it with my class! Because this is what we need to be teaching.
"What if we nurtured and encouraged the expression of anger in girls the same way we encourage reading skills: as necessary for their navigation of the world? What if we believed that, just as reading and writing help a girl to understand the world around her and to express herself within it, expressing her anger was also a necessary tool for a girl making her way through life."
Aug 12, 2019 Annarella rated it it was amazing
Shelves: edelweiss, feminism
A powerful book, full of food for thought and a call to action.
I think it's a must read for contemporary women.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Nov 12, 2019 Cynthia F Davidson rated it it was amazing
"The most subversive thing a woman can do is to talk about her life as if it really matters." Mona Eltahawy
This quote was my introduction to the author several years ago and I've followed her work ever since. Hers is the first quote cited in my memoir, The Importance of Paris, because like Mona I once lived in Saudi Arabia, the Muslim Holy Land. And I needed this Arab Muslim woman's help to sort through the influences of the eleven years I spent there, and the later ones, in the 'Paris of the "The most subversive thing a woman can do is to talk about her life as if it really matters." Mona Eltahawy
This quote was my introduction to the author several years ago and I've followed her work ever since. Hers is the first quote cited in my memoir, The Importance of Paris, because like Mona I once lived in Saudi Arabia, the Muslim Holy Land. And I needed this Arab Muslim woman's help to sort through the influences of the eleven years I spent there, and the later ones, in the 'Paris of the Middle East' Beirut, Lebanon before my move to Paris, France.
I include all this background because my appreciation for Mona's gutsy advice comes from a degree of shared experience that may be uncommon amongst my peers, other white, Anglo Saxon Protestant women in my age (65) bracket.
This review is a written reminder, to anyone who hasn't faced what Mona has, to be careful about judging her or her conclusions. Without a lived experience within the context she had to overcome, it may be difficult to imagine what she was, and still is, up against. Even to risk publishing her hard won wisdom is remarkable after she was beaten and briefly imprisoned in her home country of Egypt.
Would you continue to be an activist after having your arms broken?
My hope is that we women become better allies wherever we are. So much is at stake in the global fight against what threatens our lives, educational and economic opportunities. Reading this book can put you on the road towards doing some concrete things about it.
Nov 17, 2019 Danielle rated it really liked it
Extremely powerful and very detailed
" There are several studies that show that people use profanity are more intelligent than those who are "polite." But I don't swear because I want extra gold stars for my IQ. I swear because I insist that my language be as free as I want to be. I say "fuck" because I will own thatbwors when I want. I own my own body, and I own my own language. Patriarchy insists it controls our mouths...Fuck the patriarchy. "
" for too long, men have called us names designed Extremely powerful and very detailed
" for too long, men have called us names designed to insult, but also designed to imply we are too angry to be taken seriously: feminazi. ballbreaker. Crazy feminist. Bitch. Witch. Yes, I am those things, we must say. Yes, i am an angry woman. And angry women are free women."
"Girls grow up consumed with self-hatred and trauma, with little energy left to terrify anyone, let alone patriarchy. Sadness, not anger, becomes the currency of girls." ...more
Nov 15, 2019 Yonit rated it it was amazing
I loved this book. Eltahawy structures her compelling argument in an interesting way by looking at the qualities usually discouraged in girls and women such as anger and ambition. She goes through them one by one and implores us to reject the patriarchy or as she puts it "Fuck the patriarchy". She wants to be outrageous and shock us with her profanity and her advocacy of violence but her message is well argued and makes for a fascinating read.
Oct 27, 2019 Sara Wilson rated it it was amazing
An important work! I loved it and I am so glad I listened to Eltahawy read it!
Oct 24, 2019 Jennifer Stoy rated it it was amazing
Shelves: 2019-list, essays, poc-author, feminist-books, woc-author, non-fiction, woman-author
Wonderful. A loud, profane and angry manifesto against the global patriarchy in all its forms.
Oct 12, 2019 Lydia rated it it was amazing
Articulated a thought I've had about violence and who is sanctioned to use it.
Oct 28, 2019 Sarah Olson rated it liked it
I really enjoyed certain aspects of this book - Mona Eltahawy's perspective and experiences, and especially her chapter on violence - but at times, it felt as though she wasn't saying something new. Reading this book, it was difficult to immerse myself in the text when I felt as though I were reading the same ideas I see on Twitter every day. It just didn't feel significant enough to fill a book - as if a piece were missing, or the argument that these sins are necessary didn't quite hit a note I really enjoyed certain aspects of this book - Mona Eltahawy's perspective and experiences, and especially her chapter on violence - but at times, it felt as though she wasn't saying something new. Reading this book, it was difficult to immerse myself in the text when I felt as though I were reading the same ideas I see on Twitter every day. It just didn't feel significant enough to fill a book - as if a piece were missing, or the argument that these sins are necessary didn't quite hit a note that resonated. Yes, women are angry. Yes, they are ambitious, and they lust and cuss and lash out. So what? Men may not know this or give us enough credit for it, but women know it, and women seem to be the target audience of the book. I really loved the chapter on violence because Eltahawy's writing is persuasive and impactful and resonates with the reader. But I felt she could have said more, or shed some light on the issues she discusses that made us see them in a new way. I wouldn't read it again, but I also wouldn't shrug it off as unimportant, but Eltahawy is certainly addressing important issues for women around the world today. I did appreciate her global approach. ...more
Oct 06, 2019 Anna rated it it was amazing
Just read it.
Oct 15, 2019 Sarah rated it it was ok
Shelves: essay, didnt-finish
This book may be a good introduction to feminist arguments for a young teen, but will leave adult women saying "Duh" over and over again. Her points are presented in a strange and non-linear order, with a lot of repetition. She asks the reader to be surprised at common misogynistic actions. As a reader, I am sympathetic but not surprised and her insistence that I be surprised is confusing and off-putting.
Dec 22, 2019 Natalia rated it it was amazing
6 out of 5 stars!!!!!!!
THIS IS MY FAVORITE, AND THE MOST IMPORTANT, BOOK I'VE READ THIS YEAR.
EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS. EVERY SINGLE ONE.
I honestly can't believe how there aren't many people talking about this book (just 221 ratings and 52 reviews???? What the heck??????) since it talks about such an important topic. This book isn't just about feminism, it's about the brutal consequences of patriarchy for us all, it doesn't really matter how you identify yourself as.
I honestly can't explain 6 out of 5 stars!!!!!!!
I honestly can't explain how amazing this read is and how much you should pick this book as soon as possible, so I decided I would share a part of the book where the author explains her "fight" and the whole point of this book so you guys can have an idea of what this whole things is about:
"I don't want to be protected. I just want patriarchy to stop protecting and enabling men. I don't want to be protected. I want to be free. [...] I want patriarchy to know that feminism is rage unleashed against its centuries of crimes against women and girls around the world, crimes that are justified by "culture" and "tradition" and "it's just the way things are", all of which are euphemisms for "this world is run by men for the benefit of men". We must declare a feminism that is robust [...] and unapologetic. It is the only way to combat a patriarchy that is systemic. I also want feminism to be led by the nonwhite and the queer, who don't have the luxury of fighting only misogyny. We must fight the multiple systems of oppressions that patriarchy often intertwines itself with: racism, bigotry, homophobia, transphobia, classism, ableism"
I'm in love with this piece of art, that's all I can say. I wish I could meet Mona and give her a big hug, because this book REALLY spoke to me and I don't only want, but I need to see a change. I need to see a world where we can just live our lives and respect each other. No "phobias", no "isms", a world where we can be whoever we want and not be raped, murdered, threatened or bullied because of who we are. Enough is enough. This book is for everyone who demands a change, who demands a world where WE ALL could be free.
Trigger warning though: all sorts of sexual abuse and physical violence ...more
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Jan 08, 2020 Venessa ✨ rated it it was amazing
Shelves: 2020, authors-poc, nonfiction-feminism, authors-female
There have been books about women's anger being used as a catalyst to fuel a movement (Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women's Anger and Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women's Anger immediately come to mind), but nothing in this genre comes close to The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls in terms of practicing what you preach. I listened to the audiobook, read by Mona Eltahawy herself, and I could hear the anger in her voice as she talks about the injustices women face, and it 4.5
There have been books about women's anger being used as a catalyst to fuel a movement (Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women's Anger and Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women's Anger immediately come to mind), but nothing in this genre comes close to The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls in terms of practicing what you preach. I listened to the audiobook, read by Mona Eltahawy herself, and I could hear the anger in her voice as she talks about the injustices women face, and it was honestly so damn refreshing. I too have felt so unbelievably angry about this topic, and listening to someone who is just as angry as me, if not more, felt so validating for once. Usually if you express anger about feminist topics, you're met with a chorus of voices trying to tone-police you or explain that you can't make change in this world unless you address the other side with kindness and "rational discussion." Eltahway's book is basically just a giant fuck you to that attitude, and I support that! We have a right to be angry and we have a right to express that anger. As Eltahway so eloquently states, the patriarchy should fear feminism.
Another thing I loved about this book was that it highlights a perspective outside of what we're used to reading about in the western world. I consider myself to be an intersectional feminist and often read from marginalized voices within the feminist movement, but I recognize that my reading has not been as global as it could be. If you're like me, I think this book is a great starting point to learn about feminism from activists outside of North America and Europe.
One thing that may turn some readers off is slight calls for violence present in this book. Eltahawy is known for starting the hashtag #IBeatMyAbuser, in which she detailed her experience attacking a man who sexually assaulted her. In the book, she explains her position on why she supports this type of violence. I personally recognize her right and the right of all women to defend themselves, but I'm mentioning it here in case anyone is uncomfortable with the idea of "non-peaceful protest." ...more
Yvette Might be pushing more buttons, but have you read this article? https://chacruna.net/how-white-femini...
Venessa ✨ Yvette wrote: "Might be pushing more buttons, but have you read this article? https://chacruna.net/how-white-femini......"
I'll check it out!
Sep 29, 2019 SJ rated it really liked it
Shelves: non-fiction
some chapters fit their titles thematically better than others, while others seemed to cram a lot of not-quite-related topics together (such as "Lust" being both about claiming sexual bodily autonomy and also queer or gender non-conforming identities which are not necessarily related to sex at all) but I don't know how much of that was just wanting to stick with the 'seven necessary sins' framing of the whole book versus the writing being a little sloppy. i do think that Eltahaway's writing has some chapters fit their titles thematically better than others, while others seemed to cram a lot of not-quite-related topics together (such as "Lust" being both about claiming sexual bodily autonomy and also queer or gender non-conforming identities which are not necessarily related to sex at all) but I don't know how much of that was just wanting to stick with the 'seven necessary sins' framing of the whole book versus the writing being a little sloppy. i do think that Eltahaway's writing has noticeably improved from her first book, Headscarves & Hymens: Why the Middle East Needs a Sexual Revolution. Her style though, as with that first book, is still mainly centered on her own experiences or those of people she has interacted with. she does cite other studies and statistics but mostly to support the points she is already drawing from experience, not so much to form a researched-based thesis on its own. which is fine! we need all sorts of tactics to analyze and defeat the patriarchy. i think i just notice it more when i read Eltahaway because i am accustomed to reading academic papers. but there are other books that tackle feminism from a theoretical perspective; this one gives lots of real-world, very recent examples, case studies, rage-fuel, and inspiration. definitely worth reading as part of ones overall education/training to destroy the global patriarchy that is so unavoidably presented and condemned in these pages. ...more
Dec 26, 2019 Christine Kayser rated it liked it
I got this as my first book in the Feminist Book Club subscription. It was a difficult read at times, as you might expect, but it felt like an important read. I was disappointed in the chapter on the first sin as it revolved around how to raise our girls that way. As a childless woman, I couldn't connect and it was a struggle to get through to the next chapter.
I enjoyed it overall and agree with her premise that there are some things women aren't supposed to do, according to society, but I had I got this as my first book in the Feminist Book Club subscription. It was a difficult read at times, as you might expect, but it felt like an important read. I was disappointed in the chapter on the first sin as it revolved around how to raise our girls that way. As a childless woman, I couldn't connect and it was a struggle to get through to the next chapter.
I enjoyed it overall and agree with her premise that there are some things women aren't supposed to do, according to society, but I had wanted more on the actions I can take. A lot of the book is supporting evidence for the way we're held down around the world, with too little on how we can take action to change things (though she does say repeatedly that we do need to change things).
It definitely makes you think and is worth reading. ...more
Jan 09, 2020 Esther King rated it really liked it
The perfect book if you're looking to break free of the chains of the endless streams of white feminism, this covers the seven deadly sins in relation to feminism and the movement beyond America. The election of demagogues around the world is discussed, and the potential of women to overthrow those who have been long-term persecutors through patriarchy is a fascinating concept. There's a lot to be learned from this book, not least of which is simply allowing oneself as a woman to feel the The perfect book if you're looking to break free of the chains of the endless streams of white feminism, this covers the seven deadly sins in relation to feminism and the movement beyond America. The election of demagogues around the world is discussed, and the potential of women to overthrow those who have been long-term persecutors through patriarchy is a fascinating concept. There's a lot to be learned from this book, not least of which is simply allowing oneself as a woman to feel the intensity of the rage that merely living in a world so opposed to you causes. I found a lot of comfort in the idea also that women can assert themselves through reclamation of language and positions irrespective of how the patriarchy chooses to frame matters. A vital read with some very salient points. ...more
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About Mona Eltahawy
Mona Eltahawy is an Egyptian-American journalist based in New York. She is a feminist.
Books by Mona Eltahawy
Trivia About The Seven Necessa...
Quotes from The Seven Necessa...
"What would the world look like if girls were taught they were volcanoes, whose erruptions were a thing of beauty, a power to behold, a force not to be trifled with?" — 5 likes
"...it is imperative to understand how civility, decorum, manners and the like are used to uphold authority...and that we are urged to acqquiesce as a form of maintaining that authority. Whether we are urged to be civil to racists or polite to patriarchy, the goal is the same: to maintain the power of the racist, to maintain the power of the patriarchy." — 1 likes