With so many feminist magazines and sites vanishing in the last few years, it’s nice to see popular feminist blog Weird Sister standing the test of time, even when the term “feminism” itself seems to have fallen out of vogue. The new Weird Sister Collection does a great job encapsulating the tone of the blog and the wide range of topics it covers, tackling both the high and lowbrow. One of the earlier essays identifies the problematic depictions within Fifty Shades of Grey but ultimately defends the women who enjoy it. Another piece ponders the place of feminist theorist Hélène Cixous’ ideas within contemporary views on gender. Marisa Crawford (who edited the book) analyzes the connection between Sylvia Plath’s little-known verse play, Three Women, and the current political climate regarding reproductive rights. Later in the collection, Sam Cohen shares the deep connection she feels toward The L Word’s most despised character, Jenny Schecter, and decides that the hatred is a result of the character’s “inscrutability.” Overall, the great variety of voices, topics, and approaches within this collection make it immensely appealing and important reading.
Top Image Via The Feminist Press at CUNY
