Women Unbound: A New Challenge
The challenge runs from November 1, 2009-November 30, 2010, but you may join in the fun whenever you wish! Participants are encouraged to read nonfiction and fiction books related to the rather broad idea of ‘women’s studies.’
Interested in participating? Great! There are three levels you can choose as a reader (you can count books for other challenges as well):
- Philogynist: read at least two books, including at least one nonfiction one.
- Bluestocking: read at least five books, including at least two nonfiction ones.
- Suffragette: read at least eight books, including at least three nonfiction ones.
Maybe by joining this challenge I’ll get over my petty annoyance every time I drive by the moms waiting with their children at the bus stop in the morning, thinking, “All I want to be is a stay at home Mom when I grow up.”
Maybe we always want what we don’t have, because actually, I don’t think I’d give up my teaching career in a million years.
But, this challenge gives us a chance to look at other women and the choices they have made, both fictionally and from real life. That’s always a fascinating thing to do: learn from books about all the lives that we could have led.
My choices for the Philogynist (wait, do I see the letters “GYN” in there?) include:
- Good-Bye Madame Butterfly: Sex, Marriage and the Modern Japanese Woman by Sumie Kawakami and
- STiLL ALiCE by Lisa Genova
Unless I take the woman’s perogative and change my mind halfway through…
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)
I’m glad you’re participating, Bellezza! I agree with your comments above. I often think I’d like to be a stay-at-home mom. It’s not always on my way to work I feel that way, either. Just in general- I had a mom at home when I was growing up and I would want my kids to have the same, I think. If I ever have kids, anyway
This will be a great challenge. I’m looking forward to it, too.
Oh, nuts, you too?! I am going to have to participate now (have been trying to fight the urge, but it’s too delicious a topic not to). So glad you’re going for it!! Really interesting list!!
Oh yay. I’m excited you’re joining!
Great challenge! I think you’ll really enjoy Still Alice. It’s a heartbreaking novel that reads like nonfiction. I loved it in spite of the obvious sadness.
I’ll be joining this one, too – just need to finalize a list. Still Alice is one of my ‘possibles’.
The temptation! There are so many awesome challenges being launched right now. I will have no room for ones starting in January!!!!
I’ve been on both sides. Career mom making the bucks. Stay at home mom. Both have ups and downs, but I think I’d take the dirty toilets and yard work.
You’re so right – we always want what we don’t have, but I am thankful that we do have some choices in today’s world. Good luck with the challenge.
I’m also excited about this challenge. My blog focuses on women writers, so this challenge is perfect for me.
I’m pretty sure that philogynist means lover of women. Philo meaning love, and gyn meaning women. Oh, and ist meaning person who does stuff (ok, I just made that last part up, but it seems to make sense!)
Hi Bellezza
You come up with the best challenges…really very interesting ones. It is nice to visit your blog today. I don’t get around enough as I should.
I hope all is well in your world!
Love and Hugs to You, Bellezza
xo
Kelly
I’m thinking of joining this challenge, too, even though I’m horrible at challenges. Good luck!
I am looking forward to this challenge! Glad to see you are joining in.
“Unless I take the woman’s perogative and change my mind halfway through…”
That’s what always happens to me. My “books to be read shelf” just keeps filling and filling. Or my car automatically turns into the library. Could be worse things to spend my time on, I’m sure.
I am so looking forward to this challenge too! I decided on being a Philogynist too! Thanks to J.T. for giving us the low down on what a philogynist is! I look forward to reading your reviews!