What's a Girl Gotta Do? (28 page)
Read What's a Girl Gotta Do? Online
Authors: Holly Bourne
Holly's SPINSTER CLUB book list
One of my favourite things about writing the Spinster Club trilogy is that I've been on my own feminist learning journey through writing the books. Here are my favourite books I've come across while doing my research.
1) HOW TO BE A WOMAN by Caitlin Moran
This half autobiography, half feminist manifesto literally changed my life. It was like my gateway drug into feminism.
2) MEN EXPLAIN THINGS TO ME by Rebecca Solnit
This collection of feminist essays will make you angry, very angry. But in a good way. A way that makes you want to turn all this new-found anger into ACTION.
3) EVERYDAY SEXISM by Laura Bates
This book, based on the game-changing blog of the same name, shoots dead any argument that feminism is no longer needed. A collection of the ridiculous/heartbreaking/head-bashing NONSENSE of the everyday sexism that girls and women face, every day.
4) I CALL MYSELF A FEMINIST: THE VIEW FROM TWENTY-FIVE WOMEN UNDER THIRTY
Something will appeal to everyone in this inspiring collection of young feminist essays. It's essentially a look at real-life Lotties, Evies and Ambers around the UK and all the kick-ass stuff they're doing. It also shines a light on some of the lesser-discussed parts of feminism, like experiences of trans women, Muslim women and loads of other brilliant voices. Perfect for dipping into.
5) WE SHOULD ALL BE FEMINISTS by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Based on her incredible TEDx talk, this manifesto is incredibly short and yet incredibly powerful. It's a bit like doing a shot of hardcore feminismâ¦in a good way.
SPINSTER CLUB
discussion points
So you've bought the cheesy snacks and got the girls on board. Here are some topics to get your feminist fires burning, inspired by Evie, Amber and Lottie's own Spinster Club discussions.
Name a film that passes the Bechdel test
To pass, a film has to have at least two women in it and they've got to have at least one conversation about something other than men.
Do you recognize any cognitive dissonances in yourself?
It's not always easy to uphold feminist ideals in the face of social norms. Where do you struggle the most?
Why have “spinster” and “feminist” become seen as offensive words?
The Spinster Club began because the girls wanted to reclaim the word spinster and make it mean something positive. But why was that even necessary?
The web can be seen as a negative place where feminists are open to attack. But can it be beneficial too?
Lottie discovers that when you fight for something you believe in, “people are going to swipe at you”. But do the positives of online feminist communities outweigh the negative comments?
Why does feminist behaviour in relationships make people feel uncomfortable?
How can we get people to move past traditional gender roles, like guys being expected to pay the bill on a date, or girls feeling uncomfortable about asking guys out?
How can your class, race, religion, sexuality, gender-identity and disability impact your experience as a woman?
Lottie wants everyone to add to her feminist “duvet” of different female experiences. How can feminist campaigns include more diverse voices?
What made you realize you were a feminist?
For some people, a particular experience, book, or person awakens them to feminist issues, just like Lottie's experience with the van men prompted her campaign.
And finally, who can make the biggest food baby?!
Bring on the cheese!
SPINSTER CLUB
We'd love to hear about YOUR SPINSTER CLUBS, and your favourite moments from the SPINSTER CLUB trilogy. Join the conversation online and start sharing!
#SPINSTERCLUB
(Virtual cheesy snacks welcomeâ¦)
SPINSTER CLUB TRILOGY
If you've enjoyed What's a Girl Gotta Do? check out the other books in the Spinster Club trilogyâ¦
Don't miss Evie's story:
All Evie wants is to be normal. And now that she's almost off her meds and at a new college where no one knows her as the-girl-who-went-nuts, there's only one thing left to tick off her listâ¦
But relationships can mess with anyone's head â something Evie's new friends Amber and Lottie know only too well. The trouble is, if Evie won't tell them her secrets, how can they stop her making a huge mistake?
“If I could, I'd make this book obligatory reading for everyone. It's that good.” Beth Reekles
And follow Amber to America in:
All Amber wants is a little bit of love. Her mum has never been the caring type, even before she moved to America. But Amber's hoping that spending the summer with her can change all that.
And then there's Prom King Kyle, the serial heartbreaker. Can Amber really be falling for him? Even with best friends Evie and Lottie's advice, there's no escaping the fact: love is hard.
“Finally, an author who GETS it.” Emma Blackery, YouTuber
Find out what happens to Evie, Amber and Lottie beyond college, beyond the Spinster Club, as they reunite for an epic party filled with New Year's revelationsâ¦
Coming November 2016
ALSO BY HOLLY BOURNE
If you've fallen in love with the SPINSTER CLUB, don't miss
The Manifesto on How to Be Interesting
Read on for a sneak preview