Shrill

Tried to get into the style of writing, read half the book, couldn't finish it.

Lindy West is a writer who covers feminism, social justice, and humor in print and on the Internet. She's been a staff writer for alternative newspapers and a contributing columnist or editor for venues ranging from MSNBC to the New York Times. Her first book details her often painful journey from an extremely shy child to a loud woman with big opinions who battles the media portrayal of women's bodies, the "rape joke" culture of male stand-up comedians, and Internet trolls. The climactic chapter, Slaying the Troll, details West's experience of confronting the troll who impersonated her dead father in person. Her humorous approach to life embodies the quote "Sometimes you gotta laugh through the tears, smile through the pain so you can live through the sorrow." A provocative read from a voice of the Millennial generation.

Lindy West is a highly talented writer. I've thought so since her Jezebel days, even if I didn't always agree with what she was saying. Shrill is generally well written, however most of the subject matter didn't resonate with me (internet trolls, body image) and most of the book came off as too rant-y.

On the topics of fat-shaming, women's rights and the anything goes world of the internet, West elucidates her points with humor. Her compassion for humankind, even the mean ones, is catching. Reading "Shrill" is an enjoyable exercise in walking in someone else's shoes.

Ah, the last frontier of socially acceptable isms - fat-shaming. More than anything I've ever read, Lindy West got through to me. She is funny and I'd like to meet her.

A must-read for anyone who has ever laughed on the outside, while crying on the inside. Even more so, it’s a must-read for anyone who has ever laughed on the outside while sitting next to someone who’s crying on the inside.

This was a wonderful book. Lindy West comes off as really smart, reasonable and pleasant. As a skinny white dude, I was really glad I read it.

“As a woman, my body is scrutinized, policed, and treated as a public commodity. As a fat woman, my body is also lampooned, openly reviled, and associated with moral and intellectual failure."
I'm not sure what wave of feminism we're in (fourth), but we are in the midst of a cornucopia of feminist books, including "We Were Feminists Once," "Bad Feminist," "Sex Object," and Gloria Steinem's memoir. Lindy West started off at Seattle's "Stranger" and her new book, like these others, is a mix of the political and the personal. Aside from feminist issues, she focuses on body issues and self-identifies as a large woman. In one of the most humorous essays, she identifies positive fat female role models from movies she watched as a kid, which mostly includes Disney cartoon characters and a Muppet. She has a unique perspective and a strong voice (Hence the title) that, while opinionated, is also funny and nuanced. She tackles rape jokes, body shaming, the masculine atmosphere of many comedy clubs, and, perhaps most famously, Internet trolls, of which there are legion.

Very good! West really gets into what it's like being a fat, nerdy, loud, feminist in today's culture. There's some really tender chapters too - especially the one about her dad. I always like Lindy West, but I can say I really admire her now. An important book, for men and women.

3.5 stars. I had never heard of Lindy West until I saw numerous posts on Litsy about this book. It sounded interesting so I thought I'd give it a try. And while it wasn't as funny as I expected it to be, I'm glad I picked it up. An empowering, honest, and funny book about some pretty serious topics (fat shaming, internet trolls, women's rights).