Kaz Cooke

"You're doing it wrong: A history of bad & bonkers advice to women" by Kaz Cooke is both hysterically funny and shockingly true all at the same time. Sadly I recall being offered some of this advice as I was growing up (and hope that young women today are spared the same). It is a lighthearted (but still serious) look at some of the more ridiculous expectations of women since the (Western) Industrial Revolution. Cooke makes sure to cover off on some of the even more offensive and ridiculous expectations of women of colour throughout history too. It is well researched, dotted with Cooke witticisms, and replete with many amusing (and mortifying) historical photos. A great read, but a little disturbing at times - read it anyway!… (more)

This book was a free download from amazon.com when I downloaded the Kindle app to my PC. Amazon describes it as follows:

"This book could save your self-esteem and even your life. Trusted author Kaz Cooke explains how to recognise controlling and abusive relationships and how to escape them, and how to deal with stalking, assault, rape and other abusive situations. Practical, emotional and non-judgemental advice is combined with input from specialist counsellors, and chosen quotes from hundreds of women who've been through it."

I really only read this book because KEMS works in community services, and I needed to read a book with a red cover to cross out one of the squares on a Reading Bingo game we are playing against each other.

The book is very well written with great advice for anyone who is the victim in an abusive or controlling relationship. The strong points of the book are the extensive references to websites, organisations and further reading where victims can get help, that it does not assume only women could be the victims in such situations, and it also offers some advice for where the perpetrators can get help.… (more)