NICOLAS MARTINEZ

I’ve been telling myself that I need to get a book to read for ages now. Yesterday, when I had a friend in town and showed
them Kramerbooks up on Dupont Circle, I decided that I should seize the moment. I have a Kindle, but it just isn’t quite the same as holding a classic book in your hands. I paid the premium for inefficiency, but it’s so worth it.

How to Be a Woman penned by Caitlin Moran was my top pick. Not only was it the first thing that came up on Google when I searched “top 10 feminist reads,” but it was sitting right underneath the register staring right back at me. It was destiny. By golly, I’m glad I picked it up. Within the first few minutes of reading, I was completely hooked. Moran is witty, funny, clever, and  tremendously approachable and accessible.

The semi-autobiography treks through issues such as “what do I call my breasts?” or “I got my period.” Now, I know you’re probably thinking, “But wait a moment, you’re a dude right? Why the hell are you reading this?” Well, I’m sort of asking myself the same questions. But here’s my answer, and even if you think it’s a cop-out, it’s still my answer – why not? What bars men from learning about the insecurities and struggles that women face during their adolescence, and indeed, their whole life? As a man, why am I taught to never talk about the scary “other”? Who made the rules that said I can’t read and talk about these issues. If anything, I think more men should read about it. Not for some fetishized fantasy – but as a process of education, awareness, and empathy. In a moment of beautiful irony and empowerment, Moran says on page 68:

“And do not think you shouldn’t be standing on that chair shouting, “I AM A FEMINIST!” if you are a boy. A Male feminist is one of the most glorious end-products of evolution. A male feminist should ABSOLUTELY be on the chair—so we ladies may all toast you, in champagne, before coveting your body wildly.”

I’m not done reading it yet, but so far, I’m laughing and cheering the whole way through. Caitlin Moran is on point. Even though I can’t quite relate to ever experience she has had, I still find myself questioning everything around us—the way gender norms blanket everyone, not just women; how the pornography industry creates unrealistic body and sexuality expectations for both men and women; how eloquent Caitlin Moran is in her writing (and how hilarious). Look out for more information.

If you’re itching for more of Moran, listen to her here on an older episode of NPR’s Fresh Air where she reads an excerpt of her book.