Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism: And Other Arguments for Economic Independence | 
pickWhat socialism decoupled from the mistakes of the past might look like, especially from a feminist lens, and all the ways capitalism is extra-shitty for women. Spent a decent amount of time making me angry, and that's a good thing! A mixture of anecdotes and scholarly research and citations, it didn't feel too textbook-y. I would suggest that as useful as it was reading it as a Canadian, it would be even more so for Americans.
"We need to watch for the ways that history is strategically deployed to promote or suppress different political projects."
Never heard that old chestnut of 'having it all' described quite that way before. 👀
Dreams for the future.
What would happen if socialism got a fair shake, by an uncorrupted, unopposed leadership?
[Insert the cynic's scoff at the naive idealist here, if you must.]
For all that I've seen and heard its opposite's use and definition any number of times, I really haven't seen 'blackwash' "to present (someone or something) in the worst possible light" used before.
It appears to have another colloquial definition.
Important etymological reminder, in this context: this is about paint used on buildings. Traditionally, whitewash was used to cover up, conceal, aka "give a false appearance of cleanness." (ca. 1762).
pickFascinating look at the experience of women under socialism. Written in a straightforward, accessible manner, if you've ever wondered if there's a better way than banks going bust, young people working for free and health care for all being seen as a "bad thing" this is an insightful read. Lots of follow up recommendations too, so my TBR list has gone mad.
Just, can't, even...
pickRecommended for any feminists in your life interested in how policies, systems, and culture in 'the West' disadvantage women. May be too strong for someone just beginning to explore the topic, but Ghodsee writes clearly and powerfully about structural sexism. Women can do better than our current lot.
New one for me!
"...it is easier for many of us to imagine the end of the world than it is for us to imagine the end of capitalism."
This book is so fascinating! A quick read chalked full of great information
pickThis book was quite interesting and nothing like I was expecting. It really looks at the pros and cons of both capitalism and socialism. The author also makes distinctions between the rights given women under different socialist regimes. No sugar coating things here.
pickTruer words never typed.
Whatever your view of socialism, this book is absolutely worth reading. In fact, it‘s a #mustread. It doesn‘t sugar coat he failed communist experiments, but doesn‘t toss out it‘s successes either. And since capitalism is failing the average American, we need to educate ourselves about the possible variations on a society we may end up in.
Ok, so I chose it based on title alone; however, it should be interesting.
B and N is packed, so it‘s back to the floors of my youth. MUCH harder to get on and off then though #24B42019
Hovering over the 'order now' button in Amazon. Why do we have to wait so long for paperbacks?
pickThis is economic and political systems as you‘ve never seen them before, examining how state socialism contributed to women as workers, mothers, sexual beings and how capitalism‘s economic forces act negatively on women. Ghodsee isn‘t a card carrying Communist—she‘s a scholar suggesting we adopt some of the socialist policies that made life better. This is a fascinating, funny study of women under state socialism and American capitalism.
