Book Review: Women Living Deliciously by F.G.
Buckle up, babes, cause this might be a tad long! When I first stumbled upon F.G.’s Women Living Deliciously, I was instantly drawn in by the captivating illustrations and vibrant message that promised to center joy and self-love. As someone in my mid-20s who has navigated the tumultuous waters of self-discovery and feminism, I was eager to dive into this book, hoping for insights that might resonate with my own journey.
At its core, Women Living Deliciously encourages us to embrace joy and prioritize our own well-being in a world that often insists we hustle nonstop. F.G. presents key themes around self-care, unapologetic joy, and the responsibility we have to carve out rest in our lives. One chapter, titled “Your Rest is Your Responsibility,” completely captivated me. The idea of a public bench serving as a sanctuary—a place where we can pause amid the chaos—is revolutionary in its simplicity. It deftly acknowledges how our capitalist society craves constant productivity and challenges us to reclaim moments of joy and stillness.
I also connected deeply with the concept of framing financial decisions through the lens of self-love. As someone with ADHD and impulsive spending tendencies, recognizing that choosing not to purchase something I don’t need could be an act of love rather than deprivation was a game-changer for me. This reframing offered the kind of motivation I’ve been seeking and has already become a little mantra in my life.
However, not everything about the book left me swooning. The repetitiveness throughout the chapters was hard to overlook, with many points reiterated multiple times without adding fresh perspectives. It made some sections feel padded and lacking depth. I found myself yearning for a more nuanced exploration of these topics, particularly important feminist issues that often felt glossed over.
Then there are the more technical issues—like copy editing mistakes—that marred my reading experience. Things like missing pages (yes, you read that right) and typos shouldn’t slip through in a $35 book, and it was disappointing, especially given the book’s potential to inspire and uplift.
What hit me hardest, though, was the chapter “The Perfect Feminist Myth.” While it’s clear that F.G. wants to push back against the expectations placed on her, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it detracted from the collective feminist discourse. It felt not only dismissive but also disingenuous for someone with such a substantial platform to shy away from advocating for those who may not have the same privileges.
Despite these critiques, Women Living Deliciously still holds significant value. It is ideal for those who are learning to prioritize joy—especially younger readers or anyone feeling lost in the chaos of adulting. For seasoned feminists or those who already center gratitude in their lives, the book might serve more as an aesthetically pleasing addition to your library than a source of transformative insights.
In the end, while my journey through Women Living Deliciously was not without its bumps, it did reaffirm some beautiful truths about the necessity of joy and rest. Whether we’re carving out moments on benches or redefining our relationship with money, the overall message is uplifting and essential. If you’re looking for a readable yet visually stunning piece that champions self-love and joy, this might just be what you’re looking for!
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