I highly recommend Inga Muscio's Cunt. It was well worth the read, though I definitely won't be taking all of it as gospel. If you're offended by the word "cunt" read it anyhow. If you don't have one, that's ok. I had a few lightbulb-over-the-head sorts of moments, yet also found a few sections that I was shaking my head and disagreeing with.

The book is part biology, part sociology, part history, part psychology. I think I've been convinced to go find a self-defense class to take. I have a few new strategies in mind for dealing with other women (which I've occasionally found challenging). I don't think I'll be following her suggestion though of only reading female authors (for at least a year, she recommends) or boycotting all male-owned businesses. I don't agree that giving power to women means taking it away from all men. I don't know that the country would be better off if the gender balance of those in power were swapped. I'd aim for a 50/50 split.

posted by kristin at 8:33 AM