Book review: Women Don't Owe You Pretty by Florence Given

 Well hello to you my reader chums! This book has been raved about on the internet for a while now and I was constantly seeing it on my Instagram feed that I had to give it a read. I finally received it at Christmas and couldn't wait to see what the hype was all about - and everyone was right, I fell in love with this book from the first page. It's one of those books everyone needs to read for education about feminism, the patriarchy but also for figuring out who you are. 

This post contains affiliate links.

I adored and appreciated all the topics spoken about in the book and here is my full review.

Women Don't Owe You Pretty by Florence Given

Synopsis

Women Don't Owe You Pretty is a game-changing book written for those who are looking to challenge the out-dated narrative supplied to us by the patriarchy. The book teaches a lot of different things including feminism topics, protecting your energy, self-love, learning to be the love of your own life, about toxic relationships, identity, and as a reminder that you don't owe men anything, least of all pretty.

The book is filled with Florence's personal experiences and how it has shaped her view on the world, the patriarchy and herself, and tips/lessons that all of us need to hear in order to be our best selves.

Chapter topics

The book is broken up into twenty-one different chapters, some lengthy and some pretty snappy, short, and to the point of what that chapter is all about. The book starts talking about feminism after the introduction, Florence's journey into being, and learning more about feminism and how it'll change your life in the best way possible. It then goes onto talk about external beauty and how everything stereotypically 'feminine' and what women 'should' do in order to make themselves look 'pretty' is all deemed for the male gaze.

Book review: Women Don't Owe You Pretty by Florence Given

There are lots of other topics including learning to love yourself (which was one of my favourite chapters as it's something I talk and preach about a lot), finding yourself, cutting out toxic energy, sexuality, dating, sex and orgasms, relationships, and knowing when to break up, marriage (and why you don't need to get married), accountability, privilege and letting go. There's a bit of everything in the book and various life lessons that I think a lot of us can resonate with and truly need to hear.

Overall thoughts on the book

Overall, I absolutely loved this book and it's definitely something I wish I had when I was a teenager to teach me all the life lessons that I needed to hear at such a vulnerable age. The book isn't revolutionary as such as a lot of the things in it I knew or have grown to appreciate about myself, but it's definitely a source of a reminder and for those struggling, and starting their journey with feminism, it's an incredible read.

Book review: Women Don't Owe You Pretty by Florence Given

There were many moments when I was reading it that I was shouting 'yaaaas, this' at the page as it's everything I resonate with and it's like being understood as I read the book. It also filled me with lots of different emotions as some of the things Florence went through and has shared, is exactly the same as me - so at points, I was crying sad and then happy tears, realising how far I've come in my healing and self-love journey.

The book hits you with lots of uncomfortable truths, it has triggering warnings usually around sexual assault and really, is a wealth of knowledge all about the patriarchy, how women are viewed and growing to learn all that is you. It's one of those books that I wanted more and more of with each page as talking and learning about dismantling the patriarchy is something I'm truly passionate about, making every ounce of knowledge I can learn, very important.

Women Don't Owe You Pretty and the crux of it teaches about the importance of being you, learning to work on your own healing journey, cutting out things in your life that aren't right for you, and most importantly that you don't owe anyone pretty. Your external beauty isn't what is important, it's who you are and how you value yourself which really counts. Everyone is beautiful.

Whether you're a mum, a single lady like me, or have a group of gal pals, this book is something we women and non-binary individuals (and men too) need to read and take on board. Let's smash the patriarchy together, learn to love ourselves, and do whatever the hell we want - it's our life and our right to live exactly the way we want to.

Book review: Women Don't Owe You Pretty by Florence Given

Ending 

With these types of books, there's not exactly an ending, however, the last chapter really warmed my heart. It was all about letting go, learning to heal, and tips on loving yourself. But, the last page is what really made it for me. It had me in tears, tears of happiness and pride for the journey I've been and how everything that's included in this book, I wish I knew in my teens.

I hope you enjoyed this review. Have you read this book?

Thank you for reading <3

73 comments

  1. I keep seeing this book everywhere are the moment and have to say after reading your review I'm definitely interested in picking it up myself!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I LOVE this book. It stands pride of place on my bookshelf at home. Thanks for this great review and sharing the love for this fantasric book.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This book seems great, wow. I wish I knew about it when I was younger too! I’ll be picking this up definitely!

    xoxo Olivia | http://www.oliviaandbeauty.com/

    ReplyDelete
  4. You already suggested it to me and truly need to pick this up ASAP after this!Thank you for sharing Della x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you enjoy it, thanks for commenting lovely xx

      Delete
  5. Lovely review! This sounds like an important read for all women! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've seen this book on quite a few lists, and it definitely looks like the kind of book I need at the moment! I wish I had a book like this in my teens too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, yes it definitely is something for everyone!

      Delete
  7. This is a great review!I recently got the kindle book as I've been seeing it all over insta and the bookish community. I'm even more inspired to read it now after this review. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I've not seen this book before (where have I been?) Sounds like a great read and something to really make you think. I will have to pick up a copy!
    Thanks for sharing your review!
    Aimsy xoxo
    Aimsy’s Antics

    ReplyDelete
  9. I have seen a few mixed reviews about whether this is actually a good feminist book or not! So I am interest in reading it to see whether I agree or not!

    https://www.emilyclareskinner.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I saw mixed reviews after I received it but I still really enjoyed it overall xx

      Delete
  10. I've seen a few people mention this book but after reading your review, I now know I need to read it. I love that it features so many topics that people my age would read about.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've never heard of this book before, but it looks interesting! The illustrations definitely caught my eye; they're really unique.

    ReplyDelete
  12. After your great review I am interested in reading! Thank you! https://overtherhinestonerainbow.blog

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have never heard of this book but I absolutely love it! Thank you for sharing, I love that it cover such a range of topics with such cool visuals!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I was so hesitant to buy this book but I definitely think I'm going to take the plunge, it sounds so good and it's already on my TBR list so why not! Thank you for sharing this review, honest, in depth and a great insight into the book!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I've got this on my TBR list this year and this review has just made me want to read it even sooner. I think books like this are so important for young women!

    Katy | www.katystephenson.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. I've heard so many great things about this book online! Thanks for sharing a great review - I definitely need to check this out!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh wow, this sounds like a fantastic read! I must get around to purchasing it. This is an amazing review, and I'm glad you enjoyed it xx

    Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  18. I've heard a LOT of good things about this book and I really need to get my hands on it. I sounds like a great read for all women but especially those in their teens or young 20's or perhaps just starting out on a feminism journey x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, definitely give it a read - I completely agree xx

      Delete
  19. I've heard so many good things about this book and it sounds like an amazing read x

    Lucy | www.lucymary.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sounds like my cup of tea! I've been reading this kind of books for the past 3 weeks now. I need to check this out. Thanks for the lovely review, doll xx

    lenne | lennezulkiflly.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I have heard a lot about this book. It sounds like it has a really good effect on young women.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Interesting! You're review convinced me to give this one a try. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  23. i keep hearing about this book and i need to pick it up! it sounds so ... empowering! (also, I love the illustrative design xx

    mia // https://beautiful-inspiring-creative-life.com/

    ReplyDelete
  24. This sounds like a wonderful read, seen so many positive reviews on this. Will have to pick up a copy! Great post
    Mel 🌙 | Moonlight Mel

    ReplyDelete
  25. This sounds like such a great book. Thanks for sharing your review of it!

    ReplyDelete
  26. This is the kind of book I would totally enjoy and finish in three day. Want to check it out!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I absolutely love the illustrations, great post too! Amy at amymarshment.com xx

    ReplyDelete
  28. I am seeing this book everywhere right now. It's a topic I am really interested in so I'll be adding this to my reading list for Spring!

    Rosie

    ReplyDelete
  29. I must live under a rock because I haven't come across this book at all. But it sounds like a really powerful piece of writing so I'll definitely look out for it now, thank you for such a great review, Della! x

    ReplyDelete
  30. Loved this review, and I really want to check this book out at some point! Thank you for sharing x

    ReplyDelete
  31. I haven't read it, but you kinda convinced me to. Love the pictures from the book too!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I wanted to buy and read this book a while ago and totally forgot about it. So thank you for reminding me to buy it again :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. I need to read that book after your review. I'm sure that I will enjoy so much. Thank you so much for recommendation.

    New Post - https://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2021/02/perfumed-body-lotions.html

    ReplyDelete
  34. This sounds like a very interesting book - I'll have to look out for it when I finally get back into the UK and get the chance to browse round a bookshop.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I haven't read or seen this book yet but it sounds so lovely! This would be a great confidence booster to especially especially in their 20's! 20's is such a trying age with society basically screaming and dictating how we should live our lives. Thanks for sharing x

    www.lynnmumbingmejia.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love it when a book really resonates with you! And love the graphics in it!

    Katie | katieemmabeauty.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I haven't ever come across this book before but it sounds fab! You have definitely convinced me to get a copy.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I haven't read this book, but I really want to after reading your review! I also love the cover & pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I love the look of this book, I've been thinking about buying it for ages!

    ReplyDelete
  40. "letting go, learning to heal, and tips on loving yourself." go to travel,love myself before you begin to love other people.
    cheap human hair wigs

    ReplyDelete
  41. I've been meaning to read this for months, this is the first review I've seen about it, now I'm excited to read it, thanks for sharing 🙂

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for reading my blog! I hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful in anyway. I'd love to hear any feedback you may have.