Review | ‘Women Don’t Owe You Pretty’ uncovers true feminism

Never forget that women don’t owe you pretty. In fact, women don’t owe you anything. MAURA KATE MITCHELSON, Social Media Manager

Florence Given begins her best-selling book, “Women Don’t Owe You Pretty,” with a quote from lexicographer Erin McKean: “Prettiness is not a rent you pay a space marked ‘female.’” 

I was instantly captivated.

Given empowers her readers in an unconventional way. Instead of talking about being a “girl boss,” as many other recent feminist books do, Given purely focuses on being an authentic version of yourself. 

Just from reading her book, I feel like I’ve known Given for years. She also doesn’t shy away from addressing her own flaws and inspires readers to tackle their own. Nearly every issue affecting women is discussed in a uniquely raw manner. Given pulls from her own experiences and insight from others to cover everything from sexuality to morning routines to white privilege. 

With talk of eating disorders, sexual assault and “a load of uncomfortable truths,” this is not necessarily an easy read, but an important one. There are infinite ways to navigate this world as a woman – and instead of pushing her way as correct, Given encourages readers to find their own path.

Being a woman can just flat-out suck sometimes. Looking back on my own experiences, there have been countless instances in which I have let my internalized misogyny dictate my actions. Instead of castigating women for playing into the patriarchal society we live in, Given shares her own story of navigating the male gaze and describes how she’s been able to grow away from it. She lets her readers know that it’s no easy feat, but that living life for you is the best thing you can do for yourself.

One of the inclusive aspects about this book is that instead of just appealing to white, cisgender heterosexuals, Given includes all types of womanhood. As a queer woman, Given discusses her own coming-out story and experiences dating women. Throughout the book, she addresses the privilege she has as a conventionally attractive white woman. A white woman’s privilege as the “oppressed oppressor” is, in my opinion, not discussed enough; seeing Given address her experiences – while highlighting the ways in which being pretty in society’s eyes have benefited her – is impactful for women in a similar position to see. Women are oppressed, some significantly more than others, and ignoring that reality is unproductive and exclusive.  

Aside from being an author, an influencer and an overall badass, Given is also an illustrator. Throughout the book, she includes bright, beautiful drawings of all kinds of women in varying empowering positions. From those with armpit and leg hair to those in wheelchairs, her illustrations portray a much more realistic version of womanhood than what is portrayed.

This book is a must-read, especially for college-aged women. I know for a fact I will be returning to it whenever I’m in need of a pick-me-up or some tough love. 

Never forget that women don’t owe you pretty. In fact, women don’t owe you anything.