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bmktaylor's review against another edition
5.0
This book has changed my life. Reading it has made me see the intrinsic value of seeking out joy in my everyday life. It sounds so simple, but by leaning into that joy I can be uniquely and unashamedly myself. It also made me realise with a jolt how we have been taught to dismiss women and girl's interests and passions, and the terrible price we all pay for that.
BC isn't my cup of tea, but as the title says - the book's not about him. It's given me clues about what makes me tick and how to find my bliss.
Tabitha's writing is gaffaw-out-loud funny, insightful and assured. Reading it felt like being on a mesmerising ride that I never wanted to end.
BC isn't my cup of tea, but as the title says - the book's not about him. It's given me clues about what makes me tick and how to find my bliss.
Tabitha's writing is gaffaw-out-loud funny, insightful and assured. Reading it felt like being on a mesmerising ride that I never wanted to end.
evergreensandbookishthings's review
4.0
Excellent audiobook alert, complete with delightful Aussie accent! If you have ever been a fangirl, had a celebrity crush, loved something to the point of obsessiveness, this book will RESONATE. Though I think it’d be a great read for anyone to understand the life giving joy that comes with being a FAN, and how our culture reliably embraces typically male pursuits (SPORTZ! Screaming at men throwing a leather ball! Miniature trains!?) over typically female ones (Fashion! Makeup! Celebrity crushes!). She also explores some historical context (Lisztomania! Not just a cool song by Phoenix!) and the ‘why’ of fandom - no, does not mean one has something missing in their life or is compensating for something: quite the opposite. People who are outspoken fans are unapologetically seizing joy!
This book also referenced two of my favorite spokespersons on why teen girls (and gays, let’s be honest) are the actual arbiters of what is cool and timeless: Caitlin Moran and Harry Styles. Styles has been quoted defending teen fans in Rolling Stone and Teen Vogue (‘They’re our future!’) and Moran’s How to be Famous is such an uplifting and galvanizing feminist book about a fictional fangirl, which I also highly recommend.
This book also referenced two of my favorite spokespersons on why teen girls (and gays, let’s be honest) are the actual arbiters of what is cool and timeless: Caitlin Moran and Harry Styles. Styles has been quoted defending teen fans in Rolling Stone and Teen Vogue (‘They’re our future!’) and Moran’s How to be Famous is such an uplifting and galvanizing feminist book about a fictional fangirl, which I also highly recommend.
sew_emma's review against another edition
4.0
Really liked this book. As the title states it's not really a book about BC. It's about finding your identity again after becoming a mother. It's about remembering what you were passionate about as a kid and teenager. It's about making a list of what you are interested in now as an adult. It led me to fanfiction (I had no idea!!). It questions why it's socially acceptable for men to like football, to wear fangear, decorate the desks, own football team mugs, tattoo themselves and scream at games; but it's not acceptable (morally corrupt, what would their husbands think?) for women to develop a passionate interest in adult life.
This book has prompted me to start my own list of interests as it's important for me to remember that I'm not just a wife, mum and breadwinner. I love sewing clothes, I love reading and learning, I love a good crime tv series, I love baking, I love Hamilton the Musical, I love singing!!
This book has prompted me to start my own list of interests as it's important for me to remember that I'm not just a wife, mum and breadwinner. I love sewing clothes, I love reading and learning, I love a good crime tv series, I love baking, I love Hamilton the Musical, I love singing!!
heyfeyrey's review against another edition
4.0
I really like Carvan's writing style, and I hope she writes another book. The first half of the book made the same point several times, but she had me in the second half.
Just let women and girls LIKE shit without being mocked mercilessly for every goddamn thing.
Just let women and girls LIKE shit without being mocked mercilessly for every goddamn thing.
sara_p's review against another edition
4.0
This book wasn’t exactly what I was expecting - but it was very good and hit close to home for me too… what makes me up?!
I haven’t seen Sherlock, but I guess I should :)
I haven’t seen Sherlock, but I guess I should :)
dliebhart's review against another edition
4.0
This is Not a Book about Benedict Cumberbatch by Tabitha Caravan is a delightful and unexpected cross between memoir and essay that explores the relationship between society, women, and the things women are passionate about.
Lovable Qualities: As someone who definitely met the dictionary definition of groupie in her young years, this book was an amazing find that shed light on things I didn’t know were in the dark. Ms. Caravan loves Benedict Cumberbatch but rather than this being her story of coming to terms with that love, it is an exploration of why anyone would feel guilty or ashamed about such a thing in the first place. While this is not a feminist text, anyone interested in concepts of the male gaze would likely find it interesting.
Not so Lovable Qualities: I enjoyed this book a lot. It occasionally got a little slow but was overall very enjoyable.
My Assessment: Perfect for women of a certain age who are finding themselves wondering where all the joy has gone.
Cuppa Tea Rating: A lovely cuppa, no biscuit
Lovable Qualities: As someone who definitely met the dictionary definition of groupie in her young years, this book was an amazing find that shed light on things I didn’t know were in the dark. Ms. Caravan loves Benedict Cumberbatch but rather than this being her story of coming to terms with that love, it is an exploration of why anyone would feel guilty or ashamed about such a thing in the first place. While this is not a feminist text, anyone interested in concepts of the male gaze would likely find it interesting.
Not so Lovable Qualities: I enjoyed this book a lot. It occasionally got a little slow but was overall very enjoyable.
My Assessment: Perfect for women of a certain age who are finding themselves wondering where all the joy has gone.
Cuppa Tea Rating: A lovely cuppa, no biscuit
amandaesque's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
rebeccanm's review against another edition
4.0
This was so good, an analysis I didn't know I needed about the way women are treated for unabashedly loving something (and the way we treat ourselves and other women!). Empowering and convicting and very enjoyable, all the way through the story about opening a door for a bird at the end of the appendix.
jahlapenos's review against another edition
5.0
This book stirred up so much… stuff within me. I discussed it with my therapist. I took notes. Recommended it to friends. I want a reading list. I read parts multiple times. And then I watched Sherlock. Again.
kaelyng's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.5
This book felt like it was largely about Benedict Cumberbatch, or at least about liking him. It was good, but I would have appreciated more exploration about finding, making space for, diving into liking things and essentially getting comfortable "being cringe"