What an absolutely delightful book in every way! My 5-year old friend giggled as I read it to her, as did a group of my 50-year old friends. To read it aloud is such fun. The line, "I'm Penelope, and I am a PRINCESS!" alone presents endless theatrical possibilities. I believe it will find a place on the shelf among classics such as "Where the Wild Things Are" and "Harold and the Purple Crayon."

How many times we have used the "pincess" expression with our little girls thinking we were the only ones with a Penelope! It is interesting that this books views the role through the eyes and ears of a "princess" which Mack has successfully described. Julia Gran's illustrations of a modern princess make the book extremely appealing for bedtime reading by the king and queen. I look forward to more works by Todd Mack and hopefullly teamed up with Julia Gran.
After I read the book I suddenly knew of many friends I just had to share the story with and this is a mark of a winner.

A fabulous book, wonderful and clever. A must have for every family with young children

In this collection of poems, writer/editor/teacher Julia Penelope uses words in unexpected ways. She often creates long lists of verbs or verb phrases that reflect a struggle to claim language and identity for all people--not just white, male heterosexuals. In doing so, she asserts her own identity as woman and lesbian and her own power over language in a world that often leaves both female and homosexual voices silent.

The language she creates seems almost alien at times, though she mostly relies on common words. I certainly wouldn't call this "casual" or "light" reading, but I also wouldn't call it intentionally difficult. I would call it defiantly original. Penelope's writing draws power from its uniqueness and unpredictability.

(Review reposted, so it would appear with my "main" Amazon profile, and more people would learn about this great book!)

In this collection of poems, writer/editor/teacher Julia Penelope uses words in unexpected ways. She often creates long lists of verbs or verb phrases that reflect a struggle to claim language and identity for all people--not just white, male heterosexuals. In doing so, she asserts her own identity as woman and lesbian and her own power over language in a world that often leaves both female and homosexual voices silent.

The language she creates seems almost alien at times, though she mostly relies on common words. I certainly wouldn't call this "casual" or "light" reading, but I also wouldn't call it intentionally difficult. I would call it defiantly original. Penelope's writing draws power from its uniqueness and unpredictability.

This collection of essays was very thought provoking and gives insight into lesbian separatism. My mind is just spinning from it. Thanks to the editors for getting it out on the shelves!!

Wonderful reading for those who think that the recent cult of goddess-worship is something from the distant past, or that there actually WERE matriarchies in olden times. Plus, many of the "newly-made-up Goddesses" are just plain hysterical!

"...if men knew about her, they might clandestinely worry that she could be the 'superior' strain...they would have no more idea what they were thinking than ever they've done" (pg 544). A magnificent anthology for Hags of the Revolution. Remembers and revives our Separatist past and fuels the Lesbian laughter (Marilyn Murphy, 'Looking for Lesbians' ), Lesbian knowledge (Pat Parker,'Boots Are Being Polished') and Lesbian anger (Ruth Byrn, 'The Warexx') of our future. In the words of Elana Dykewomon, 'Lesbian culture is the manifestation of appetite let loose in womyn' - this anthology is a fine record of these Dyke feedings. It also strengthens our Labryth against the queer, liberal and s/m onslaughts. Long live editors Julia Penelope and Susan J. Wolfe........and Valarie Solanas!

This is simply a marvelous collection. I was very moved by the raw honesty of these coming out stories . . . their courage, their strength, their wonderful moments of humor, as well. Perhaps it has been argued that one coming out story is much like another -- and indeed, there are numerous moments of affirming and empowering commonality that run like a bright connective thread throughout these pieces -- but what is truly amazing about this collection is the range, variety, resonance, and undeniable uniqueness of each of these womyn's voices. This is a terrific book . . . don't miss out on it.

I first came across this book as an undergraduate at Oberlin College. Drowning in a sea of yuppies, this book saved me. It completely changed the way I view myslef and my class identity. These amazing selections cover everything from food to dental habits to profanity and the oppression of grammar. If you are working class, or lower middle class, this book will affect you. And I'm not even a lesbian. I imagine if you're a working class lesbian, as my friend who lent it to me was, this book will change your life. You won't be able to put it down.

to become aware of how the English language is systematically structured such that it is among other things, sexist and racist. Julia Penelope presents us with material that we take for granted and things that we never even stop to think about or question. Her train of thoughts, arguments, and reasoning is put in such a way that you come away thinking, "I never realized this . . it is very true." She writes about how metaphors are set up and what they are based on, how racist and sexist the English language is, and most importantly she presents us with answers to questions such as, "In whose interest is it? For whom does this purpose serve? How and why is it set up this way, and who did it? What can we do to change it?"

This book was required reading in my senior seminar when I was in college and it shocked and surprised me. I came across it recently cleaning out my closet (boy, am I glad I kept it!) and re-read it.

This is the most important book I have ever read. It may shock and disturb you, but that's what needed in order to unlearn the things you were taught that are covertly sexist and/or oppressive in our language.

Very powerful and thought-provoking; I urge everyone to read this book. It will change the way you think, and may even change your attitude and/or behavior.

Very well done, Julia Penelope - thank you for writing and publishing this book.