VeganCleopatra

4.5 stars

The Purity Myth is a fantastic summary regarding the virgin/whore dichotomy which takes place in the United States. From purity balls where young girls to teenagers pledge their virginities to their fathers (because we all know we can't be trusted to be in charge of our OWN bodies!) to victim blaming when it comes to domestic abuse and rape, Valenti challenges current culturally accepted treatment of women. Abstinence only education, legislation that makes it illegal to not report a miscarriage/to have an abortion, the battle against HPV cancer prevention/emergency contraception and so forth. Valenti also tackles the fact that many of these issues are based in keeping the "traditional" gender roles in tact and keeping women as meek, mild subservient individuals (although the word "individuals" is rather ironic in this situation).

The book overall was engaging, absorbing and I felt very well written. There is a plethora of material covered and much in the way of statistics/facts. I never felt these inclusions weighed down the book, they in fact perfectly flowed with Valenti's writing style. I would recommend The Purity Myth to anyone who is concerned about women's rights or wants to better understand the push for women's rights. This book should be required reading for young women, maybe it would make them better equipped for dealing with the world and claiming their bodies as their own.