How could I possibly resist a title like this? This book is not so much a confessional as a collection of bold statements about things these women know run against the grain of niceness. There are the expected essays about too much to drink and one-nighters, but also we hear from women who lie or speed every chance they get or cheated on their husbands. Some essays are better than others. I'm sorry to report that Daphne Merkin managed against mind-boggling odds to bore me with a, um, lengthy discussion about penises. Still, this collection was fascinating for the voyeur in me who really wants to know other people's secrets, preferably in as much embarrassing detail as possible.
One of the more thought-provoking essays by Erica Jong (remember FEAR OF FLYING?) questions the very premise of "goodness" as it applies to women's behavior. What does being bad really mean for women? Jong suggests that badness happens when we don't fit the mold, when we act in ways that used to be reserved for men. Hm-mmm...I plan to devote a chunk of time to pondering this issue -- after I walk the dog, call my mother, write some thank-you notes and floss my teeth.
~Michelle
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3 comments:
On a day when it's been very difficult to find anything to smile about, you made me laugh out loud!
Judy
Glad to be of service.
M
so glad to read your report -- glad you enjoyed the book! happy new year to you. and hey -- be a bad girl!
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