This is a no-holds-barred, edgy book covering all manner of topics from motherhood, to beauty, sex, marriage, money and dating. The author combines personal experiences with social history and wisdom from life in general. Joan talks about issues big and small, those that young women today probably don’t imagine themselves facing as they navigate life.
Joan goes hard from the beginning of the book where she narrates her harrowing experience as a teenage mom. This tough time gave her timeless lessons on womanhood. She had to confront her mistakes and the reality of the situation and that’s what helped her move on instead of wallowing in self-pity.
The author incorporates research findings on various topics which makes the book even more interesting. Her voice is bold and sometimes controversial as she tackles topics that most people consider taboo. For instance the notion that ladies should ‘play wife’ before marriage to prove they are good ‘wife material’. She says this is archaic as women shouldn’t have to prove themselves to men.
This book definitely shakes the table and definitely encourages conversations around womanhood in a changing modern environment. It’s a good read for parents wondering how to discuss certain topics with their daughters.
Joan Thatiah is a journalist, creative writer and novelist. She is well known for her features in Saturday Nation and several other Kenyan magazines. Another of her popular works is I’m Too Pretty to Be Broke and Other Lies You’ve Been Telling Yourself.
