The Big Feminist BUT: Comics about Women, Men, and the IFs, ANDs & BUTs of Feminism by Shannon O'Leary
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My main complaint lies in the fact that these comics were drawn only in black and white. I don't enjoy comics half as much when color has been abandoned. I remember three women: MariNaomi, Kristina Collantes, and Angie Wang, who seem to be the only Asians represented.

I did laugh at Beth Lisick's strip, a pleasant introduction to her work. I would have been doubly disappointed if Vanessa Davis and Gabrielle Bell had not been included. I am surprised at the fact so many older voices were not included. Could you imagine Mimi Pond and Lynda Barry sharing their perspectives on feminism? The fact that those two women lived during the second wave of feminism and have lived to see the third and fourth incarnations would have provided a richness. It would've been glorious.


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Ordinary Girls by Jaquira Díaz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am so grateful that Jaquira Diaz survived to tell her life story. So lethal and so engaging. The catharsis she undoubtedly experienced while writing this memoir could heal so many women who mute their voices or forcibly muted. Our sexuality... our expression may not be visible but the anger that erupts when we don't allow ourselves to release it. Jaquira loved women from childhood and instigated violence due to the homophobia. Her behavior resembled a caged animal, unsatisfied with its surroundings. Her mother's insanity added to her fear that she would succumb to mental deterioration. Jaquira suffers from insomnia and depression.

I related to her anger and love for the written word. Also, her lack of scholastic ambition. I want loyal, lifelong friends. That's a keen difference. Jaquira had sidekicks with whom to commit wild deeds. Trouble shared develops a bond.


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Hollywood's Eve: Eve Babitz and the Secret History of L.A. by Lili Anolik
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wasn't aware of Eve Babitz until I learned of this book. Another reviewer coined this book a work of "fan nonfiction." I agree. Anolik's devotion magnifies Eve. There will certainly be masses of women who relish Eve because of her defiant life and unbridled approach to love and sex. I love the ending of this book. It features photos of Eve from her wizened years, her prime, and her nubile phase. (Annie Leibovitz's photo proves alluring,fresh, and sensual.) I intend to read Eve's works because of this book.


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