Sunday, January 28, 2007

Girlosophy Books

Just a couple quick words about these books given that I mentioned them in my last post.

The Girlosophy books are by Anthea Paul. They definitely lean east in terms of the metaphysics and spirituality in them. The photography is exquisite. Each page has a gorgeous photograph that is rich in color and often respectfully sensual or bold in its portrayals of girls. They aren't sexual, though. Just very affirming of what it means to be a young woman who inhabits a real female body. Paul includes an affirmation or thought that goes with each photograph. The books are not didactic in the sense of having chapters devoted to a single point that is then developped at length. Rather, they are written in such a way that over the course of perusing the pages (which draw you in because the photography is so good), you find encouragement or hope or reassurance or empowerment in the form of short phrases, sentences or paragraphs. Only occasionally does Paul develop an idea beyond several sentences.

The book I referred to in the post below is the second in the series: Girlosophy 2: The Love Survival Kit. There is one three page section that talks about sex before marriage and living together. I will try to dig up a copy of the book (Johannah has it) and post some quotes. If you go to B&N, you can simply flip through a copy before purchase. Make sure it fits your family's values and ideals.

Here's an interview with Anthea Paul to give you a sense of who she is.

3 comments:

Ampersand said...

Make sure it fits your family's values and ideals.

But, of course! And thanks for providing more information...

Dalissa 365 said...

Thanks, Julie. What age is this book written for?

Unknown said...

I'd say that the books target girls who've already gone through puberty... 13? Right around there.