Some thoughts I had for our first essay: something by Silvia Federici, since I’ve taught classes on her work many times. Or an essay from the new re-issue of Right-Wing Women by Andrea Dworkin.
Another thought is “Uses of the Erotic” by Audre Lorde because it’s such a classic and midlife desire and questions about pleasure and politics are bubbling up right now. Or “Uses of Anger” by Lorde. But keep your ideas coming!
Coming back to this thread to mention that I mentioned this reading group to the DEI steering committee in my library because one of the things we're considering for the year is...exactly what you're doing. Being library people, we are all already over-book-clubbed, but some may join over here soon.
I’m trying to think about essays rather than books. Anything by Adrienne Rich, Audre Lorde, Gloria Anzaldúa, anything from This Bridge Called My Back or the Materialist Feminist Reader.
F*** YEAH! I'm over-the-top excited about this. It is so very needed. I was looking up women philosophers and feminists last night and thought, I need to read/write - lean more into that right now. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!
I’m really excited, too! I realized when I was trying to tally all I read last year, I didn’t account for all of the amazing essays I read. I need to keep better track and this sounds like a good opportunity to be introduced to even more feminist texts 🎉
This feels like exactly what I need. For the essays are you sharing them, or can you let us know what they are in advance so we can prepare library holds or order them?
Ooh I'm so excited for this! Reading classic texts is so helpful for reminding us that things can and do change depending on what people like us do with our lives.
I’ve recently learned a little about other Italian feminists, it may be interesting to read something from them. I think the group is called the Milan Women? May be an interesting contrast to Federici.
I would love to join you for an annual $49 subscription . . . But when I click the links, it still says $70 . . . I'm spread thin at the moment and would love to take advantage of the discount. Is it still available? Thank you so much.
Yes it’s available until April 1 and you shouldn’t even need the special link. Are you already a monthly subscriber? That’s the only reason I can think of that it would still be showing $70/year. And even then when you adjust your subscription to annual it should honor the discount? But lmk if you’re seeing something different. Substack definitely has weird glitches!
Some thoughts I had for our first essay: something by Silvia Federici, since I’ve taught classes on her work many times. Or an essay from the new re-issue of Right-Wing Women by Andrea Dworkin.
Another thought is “Uses of the Erotic” by Audre Lorde because it’s such a classic and midlife desire and questions about pleasure and politics are bubbling up right now. Or “Uses of Anger” by Lorde. But keep your ideas coming!
Uses of the Erotic is my JAM right now. Did you all know you can listen to Audre Lorde on YouTube reading it in her own voice?? Amazing experience
+1 to silvia Federici!
“The Fisherwoman’s Daughter,” by Ursula LeGuin (which references/responds to “Professions for Women” by Virginia Woolf)
Ooo yes! I’ll put this on the list for future months!
SILVIA FEDERICI 4 EVER
Coming back to this thread to mention that I mentioned this reading group to the DEI steering committee in my library because one of the things we're considering for the year is...exactly what you're doing. Being library people, we are all already over-book-clubbed, but some may join over here soon.
Oh that's so great! Please share widely. And yes, I think so many of us are over book clubbed!
Sister Outsider remains one of my favorite essay texts, so I vote for an essay from there.
Oh yes!
I’m trying to think about essays rather than books. Anything by Adrienne Rich, Audre Lorde, Gloria Anzaldúa, anything from This Bridge Called My Back or the Materialist Feminist Reader.
https://www.routledge.com/Materialist-Feminism-A-Reader-in-Class-Difference-and-Womens-Lives/Hennessy-Ingraham/p/book/9780415916349?srsltid=AfmBOop4eaamPCuBtkmqQRyMjcf9Zoszw45C60GxLErrVjq01fe6mVu_
I’m really excited about this. I’m trying to find my way back into a WIP and also need to read some Susan Sontag for that…
Thanks!!!
Great suggestions!!
I’m all for essays. I’m a slow-a$$ reader and want to read other books in addition to anything we’ll read and discuss here.
F*** YEAH! I'm over-the-top excited about this. It is so very needed. I was looking up women philosophers and feminists last night and thought, I need to read/write - lean more into that right now. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!
Hooray! Perfect timing!!
Oh also I have had this reading list in my inbox for a year - maybe some things to drawn on in addition to the great suggestions in this thread! https://zawn.substack.com/p/my-feminist-reading-and-listening
Also let's add the OG Space Crone Ursula K LeGuin to the list.
I am so excited for this! I also love that it's an essay because I have enough books on my TBR.... This seems much less overwhelming.
I’m really excited, too! I realized when I was trying to tally all I read last year, I didn’t account for all of the amazing essays I read. I need to keep better track and this sounds like a good opportunity to be introduced to even more feminist texts 🎉
Yes! I figure it’ll help us read slow and deep too to take our time. Can’t wait!
I would like to read Audre Lorde's speech/essay where she says "the master's tools will never dismantle the master's house"
I've been stalling on upgrading for so long and this finally encouraged me to take the plunge! So grateful for your work and wonderful offerings.
Hooray! Can’t wait to read with you!
This feels like exactly what I need. For the essays are you sharing them, or can you let us know what they are in advance so we can prepare library holds or order them?
I’ll try to choose essays that are online—but yes will also let you know ahead so you have time to get sorted!
Ooh I'm so excited for this! Reading classic texts is so helpful for reminding us that things can and do change depending on what people like us do with our lives.
Yes exactly!!
this is going to be great
Love this idea, Amanda! Can't wait to join.
I’m looking forward to this!
I’ve recently learned a little about other Italian feminists, it may be interesting to read something from them. I think the group is called the Milan Women? May be an interesting contrast to Federici.
I would love to join you for an annual $49 subscription . . . But when I click the links, it still says $70 . . . I'm spread thin at the moment and would love to take advantage of the discount. Is it still available? Thank you so much.
Yes it’s available until April 1 and you shouldn’t even need the special link. Are you already a monthly subscriber? That’s the only reason I can think of that it would still be showing $70/year. And even then when you adjust your subscription to annual it should honor the discount? But lmk if you’re seeing something different. Substack definitely has weird glitches!