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The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Although there are witches, Giddings' world in The Women Could Fly is not too distant from our own. The witches have given her a means to emphasize the oppression of women, especially women of color, under patriarchy. She also comments on the complexities of parent-child relationships, as well as on the importance of community.

It wasn't a perfect book, but I enjoyed the ride. Thought about it for a long time after it was done.

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The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

"Once, there were men who loved to see punishment. They were elected officials, businessmen, community pillars, and every kind of man in between. They loved anything that would balkanize everyone they considered beneath them. If everyone was busy fighting for their rights, fighting each other, and the men stayed together, they would always be in charge of everything." (p.270)
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There were quite a few grim and maddening sections of this book.

3 likes

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

"Here was another thing I had forgotten about being around my mother. Maybe it's a universal thing about mothers in general: their questions have fangs that can pull up and tear out the truth." (p.156)
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Mother-daughter relationships are tough. Tougher for some more than others. The manipulation and weaponization of that relationship is such a tragic perversion of what it can and should be. :/

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The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

"My mother's feelings were always a sudden downpour to me. I was always soaked with the intensity of them. If she was upset, my teeth were clenching. If she was crying, my eyes were watering. No one else has ever made me feel that way." (p. 5)
~
Reflecting on some of my favorite descriptions, quotes, + commentary before I review The Women Could Fly. As much as it is about being woman, Black, + queer, it is also about relationships. Esp. w parents.

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Cazxxx

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

I‘m excited for this one!

33 likes

xxjenadanxx

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

pick

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Set in a not so hard to imagine misogynistic dystopian society where magic is real and women are frequently persecuted as witches, our MC Jo is faced with the near insurmountable odds of being female, black, bisexual, unmarried AND the daughter of a suspected witch. As the marriage deadline looms Jo must come to terms with what it means to be a woman in this society, constantly toeing the line of impropriety simply by being herself.

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ImperfectCJ

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

pick

This is a qualified pick for me. I like the premise of this novel, but it's not developed enough to provide the impact I think the author is going for. All of the elements are there: our relationship to our parents as we grow up; our desire for love, belonging, and community, and the things we sacrifice for that desire; destructive racism and sexism inherent in systems to keep certain groups in power. They just feel like they're behind glass. ⬇️

ImperfectCJ The other thing I just cannot understand is why stay? It doesn't seem like Jo has any particular connection to where she grew up or to her parents or more than one of her friends, and there's no indication that characters in this world can't move to other states or countries, so why not leave? Maybe it's a result of my life moving around every few years that I'm unable to see why people stick around bad places, but I never get it. 2y

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ImperfectCJ

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

With one thing and another, it's taken me more than 5 hours to drink my decaf this morning (I wasn't drinking and reading that whole time, which is why it's taking me so long and I've reheated the coffee twice). A few more minutes before I have to go on to the next task, but for the moment, I'm enjoying this novel and how well my mug coordinates with this section of the story (minus the fact that the poem was written by a man).

robinb I 💙 Obvious State! 2y

ImperfectCJ @robinb Me, too! I was sad when they stopped carrying mugs. But I guess it saves me from trying to find a house with more cabinet space. 2y

robinb @ImperfectCJ I know! I think a mug is the ONLY thing I never ordered from them... :( But yeah, I need another mug like I need a hole in my head. ;) 2y

50 likes3 comments

DebinHawaii

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

so-so

Finished last Sunday & didn‘t take part in the #independentwomen #buddyread festivities. I may go back & look at the discussion questions but maybe not.🤷🏻‍♀️ I wanted to love this book but found myself slogging through it-the idea was there, but it didn‘t quite hook me & I spent much of it a bit confused. Given recent life events, I was also not in the mood for a too-close-to-today‘s-world & ultimately depressing book, so just a so-so from me.

BarbaraBB I understand! The discussion was a good one but I didn‘t like the book much either. 2y

Cinfhen This book was definitely a disappointment for many of us. I‘m sure life has been difficult without your loving Max - im so sorry, Deb xx 2y

50 likes2 comments

Chelsea.Poole

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

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Finished up a little late for the #independentwomen buddy read from last weekend. This was not on my radar prior to this, though I did read her book Lakewood. I found the two titles similar: fascinating ideas but the execution left a bit to be desired. In this novel, some women are witches and to be accused of being a witch in America is a potentially deadly accusation. Entertaining audio, but left something to be desired. Low pick.

Hooked_on_books I completely agree! 2y

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vonnie862

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

pick

What if we lived in alternate reality where women can still be accused of being witches? I was not expecting the book to be the way it was. For a moment I thought this book was just making social commentary but then magic came into play. Did I like it? Yes, there were some parts that captivated me. Was I confused? Uh yeah! I give this 3.5 ⭐️

#BookSpinBingo #15 @TheAromaofBooks
#MarchMadness @Andrew65 @DieAReader @GHABI4ROSES

DieAReader 🥳🥳🥳 2y

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y

Andrew65 Excellent 👏👏👏 2y

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TheAromaofBooks Oh hey, BY THE WAY remember MONTHS ago when I said I would send you that Outlander pin?? Well, I finally did it!! 😂 Hopefully will get to you in a few days!! 2y

vonnie862 @TheAromaofBooks Oh lol! I completely forgot about it! Thanks for remembering and sending it out! 2y

TheAromaofBooks I move slowly but do eventually move 😂 2y

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The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

And my second completed book from this set: Title Begins with W. I'm still not sure how I feel about this book, but I'm glad I read it.

@BarbaraTheBibliophage @Cinfhen @alisiakae

#Booked2023

Cinfhen Well done 👍🏻 I‘ wasn‘t too crazy about this book but I enjoyed reading and discussing with everyone 😁 2y

Lauredhel @Cinfhen it is sort of growing on me after reading, which is unusual for me. 2y

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The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

Pantone, baby! #BluePerennial

Guess how many I have to go? One!

#Pantone2023 @clwojick

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The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

And another March # Wicked Words done! @AsYouWish

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Kimberlone

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

Joining in late for #IndependentWomen! I unfortunately didn‘t get to reading the tagged book (Feb was a terrible reading month for me).

Posting a pic from my bachelorette party a couple weeks ago - I have to say, building a strong group of female friends has been such an important part of my late 20s and really value those relationships as I‘ve matured into my 30s.

I‘ve been continuously adding to my Girl Power playlist on Spotify for years:

Kimberlone https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3FtL9uDXvjJ5n6uFz2K8L6?si=3w8JIfyHQzOErh7u5t4v... 2y

Crazeedi Great looking group of ladies! 2y

Reggie Love the purple hair! 2y

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vivastory Looks like you had a great time! Congrats on the upcoming wedding 👏 2y

ElizaMarie Congrats! Having a group of powerful women in your corner is so important! So happy for you :) Also, such a beautiful photo! 2y

Bookzombie I love the shades of purple you are all rocking! 2y

BarbaraBB Nothing beats a group of close friends! Happy for you! Thanks for sharing that awesome playlist!! 2y

Cinfhen Congrats on your upcoming wedding 🎊love the photo and the playlist 💜 2y

bthegood congrats on your upcoming wedding 💕 2y

kspenmoll Congratulations! Women friends are the best! 2y

TheBookHippie Congratulations!!! Love this pic!! 2y

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The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

Question 5 of 5. #IndependentWomen

IndoorDame I thought the most interesting point she raised was about true choice and true freedom when she asked if you can really love someone when there‘s an underlying thread of coercion. It brings up ideas about the choices forced on people in today‘s world because of inequity. 2y

Deblovestoread I took it as a warning to how easily we could go backwards. 2y

Reggie @IndoorDame totally agree. I‘ve read two books about slavery where there was a “romance” between a slave and her owner and at the end of the day, he still owns her. I‘m not saying that‘s what happens here but it‘s relative. Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez and The Book of Night Women by Marlon James. I did really like Preston. 2y

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TheBookHippie @Deblovestoread 💯💯💯 2y

BarbaraBB Well said @IndoorDame I think that‘s what the book was meant to be about too. And @Reggie I liked Preston too. In fact I trusted him. Is that naive? 2y

Soubhiville I agree with @IndoorDame . How can anyone be happy in a life that is forced on them? Be that a spouse, an unwanted pregnancy, a job that is chosen for you. Without freedom to choose our own lives can anyone be truly happy? 2y

Soubhiville @Reggie I liked Preston too and felt like he was motivated by love and did truly want a marriage with Jo. But could she ever have accepted that? Like you said, even with some form of love there, control is still control. 2y

Reggie @Soubhiville And he even says it himself in the end. Would she have loved him if she didn‘t need him as her chaperone. 2y

Cinfhen @reggie @Soubhiville @BarbaraBB I thought Preston was a good guy and really loved Jo - he didn‘t seem to want to control her but Jo wasn‘t ready for marriage- 2y

Reggie @BarbaraBb I don‘t think it‘s naive at all. He went out in a limb knowing all the stuff he‘d have to go through. 2y

Cinfhen Great insight @IndoorDame @Deblovestoread 2y

Deblovestoread I liked Preston, too. He felt genuine but I totally agree with @IndoorDame. Can you have true freedom if your choice is forced upon you? 2y

Reggie That sometimes if your choices don‘t align with what men and society wants for you it can suck to be a woman in our world. And if you are a woman of color that becomes exponential. If I learned anything by reading You‘ll Never Guess What Happened to Lacey by Amber Ruffin is that racism isn‘t always the big thing, it can be a lot of small things everyday all the time. And it feels relentless. And I felt that this world was relentless for Josephine. 2y

Deblovestoread @Reggie Agree 100%. The author did do a good job of showing the daily micro aggressions that are inflicted on women of color. 2y

vlwelser I thought this was actually a hot mess. She almost had too many themes going. But I appreciate the effort. 2y

Cinfhen Was just going to say that @Deblovestoread @Reggie the author was definitely making a point about the added difficulties women of color face and Jo was always explaining that to Angie & Preston & even her dad and his side of the family but they didn‘t seem to want to hear it 2y

Bookzombie I agree I thought that most of this was about being completely free to make the choices you wanted in life. Who you marry or don‘t? Whether you have children or don‘t? Even whether you live on the island or not? 2y

Bookzombie I love Preston too. I think he loves and truly cares for Jo. I think he is a bit naive about the world they live in. 2y

Bookzombie @Reggie Yes! This world was relentless for Jo. 2y

vonnie862 @Deblovestoread I saw it that way as well. We got a glimpse of going backward with Roe vs. Wade. 2y

Reggie @Bookzombie you know what I loved in here is the little witch fairy tales. Like the one about the lover growing a garden for her love and which plant should she pick. And the answer was for the love to go back into the house and get her own seeds and plant her own plants. I found this book to be heavily whimsical if that makes sense. Like she put in a lot of thought to details that seems fun but had much larger things behind them. 2y

DGRachel I think both @IndoorDame and @Deblovestoread cover the big themes. I also agree with the notes on how much harder it is on women of color. The whole thing felt very current and real to me, despite the magical elements. Oh, and I really liked Preston, too. He seemed like a genuinely good guy. 2y

Chelsea.Poole Preston did seem good, and I‘m glad for the author‘s choice to make him likable, this allows the readers to see that even someone who treated her well and she enjoyed spending time with was not the situation she was able to live with, knowing these decisions were forced upon her. And when this happens, everyone is a victim, including Preston. Who would want a partner that‘s forced to be there? (edited) 2y

Lauredhel There are a lot of messages in this book, & to a large extent the message is in the eye of the reader. For me it's a meditation on the whole “why didn't they just leave?“ attitude. Not only said of individual people in family violence situations, but of marginalised people living in hostile places - transphobic, racist, sexist, and so on. Yes there may be places which are less hostile - but those places aren't home, and your people aren't there. 2y

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The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

Question 4 of 5. #IndependentWomen

IndoorDame No. I don‘t see her leaving home, safety or family unless something forced her to. 2y

Deblovestoread I agree. I think she would want to but unable to actually follow through. 2y

Cinfhen I felt like Angie would join Jo but maybe that was wishful thinking on my part @IndoorDame 💖 2y

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IndoorDame @Cinfhen I like your vision better, I‘ll have to work harder on cultivating my inner optimist :) 2y

Reggie I do. Especially if Josephine took her to see it and her marriage wasn‘t all that great. 2y

Soubhiville In my head Angie went with her. 2y

Cinfhen Right @Reggie I thought Angie would want to escape her arranged marriage and move to an island where she (Angie) would be free to live her life on her own terms 2y

Cinfhen Yes, it was unclear whether Angie actually did join Jo @soubhiville but I liked the fact that Tiana had made a doll for Angie back in the day - 2y

TheBookHippie Nope. I do not. 😅 2y

vlwelser I feel like Angie was going to sort her own shit out. But going to a weird island didn't seem on brand for her. 2y

Bookzombie The optimist is me hopes she did go with Jo, but I‘m not 100% sure. If she didn‘t go then, maybe she joins her later. 2y

vonnie862 It would be nice to think that Angie went with Jo but my realistic side says no, at least not yet. 2y

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The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

Question 3 of 5. #IndependentWomen

IndoorDame The compulsory marriage age felt like an especially real aspect to me. Sadly, I could envision a world where that comes to pass. 2y

jenniferw88 Unfortunately, yes, especially with people like Trump around. 2y

Deblovestoread Yes, some parts do feel plausible. The watching of women and if they don‘t conform labeling us as a problem. The registration and necessity to marry to be controlled. 2y

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Reggie I don‘t think this is dystopian. I think she went the ol‘Margaret Atwood-I haven‘t written anything that hasn‘t happened in our world way of things. 2y

squirrelbrain I agree @IndoorDame @jenniferw88 @Deblovestoread - there were some believable aspects relating to the control of women (and minorities). However many aspects weren‘t fully explained for me - what did men get out of marriage, for example? Why would Preston agree to be her guardian, with all the issues that could bring for him? 2y

Soubhiville Absolutely this feels plausible, especially in the US. With rights being taken away already- abortion, freedom to marry, and closing national and state parklands… we are creeping ever closer. Best way to control the creative nature of women? Forced marriages seem like a good step. 2y

Soubhiville @squirrelbrain I agree, it didn‘t feel well thought out or complete. 2y

BarbaraBB To me it didn‘t sound plausible at all. Foremost because it‘s not clear to me what‘s the merit of women being married. Are they - when married - suddenly only obedient and without their own opinions? Again I‘d have to guess because I really think the author didn‘t create this world well enough. 2y

TheBookHippie Yes as into control for the reason of control it was kinda a mess though… 😵‍💫 2y

Reggie @BarbaraBb I think how easy would it be to get someone to do your bidding if all it takes was me for to just whisper-you‘re a witch. Don‘t wanna cook me dinner, don‘t wanna have sex with me tonight-I‘m picking up the phone and calling 1800-she‘s-a-witch. 2y

Cinfhen I agree @BarbaraBB this book lacked context and cohesion - I do so how the author was trying to convey that rights of women & minorities are at risk and that is definitely terrifying and plausible @Soubhiville @Deblovestoread @TheBookHippie @Reggie 2y

Cinfhen @Reggie hahaha 🤣 it‘s Salem all over again! 2y

Reggie The part I think she missed out on here especially being about witches is religion. She could have made mention all the sexual abuse of children across all kinds of religion and how these are the same people still worried about women being witches. I liked all the little gun asides in here also. Like the questions for being a witch but nobody asks any questions before they sell a gun. She was so on point. (edited) 2y

TheBookHippie @Reggie oh I agree 💯💯💯. 2y

BarbaraBB @Reggie I see but I can‘t see why anyone would want to do so. Of course it would happen, but would it be an ever present threat? Again I can‘t believe so because the authors didn‘t make it plausible because she didn‘t invest in creating a believable atmosphere of fear and betrayal. To me it all felt so rushed, I had to believe what was told without being able to decide for myself 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y

vlwelser Treating women like second class citizens? Definitely. Flying? Maybe not. 2y

Bookzombie I found this plausible. Not the aspect of magic, but that people in power can turn the tide and make things happen that I would think would be impossible. I agree with @Soubhiville about how forced marriage would be a step to control the creative nature of women. A way to start turning us back into chattel. Women have always had opinions but in societies where we have no rights opinions become more life threatening. 2y

vonnie862 The notion of controlling women...yes. The magical stuff, no. 2y

DGRachel It all felt very plausible to me. Women‘s access to healthcare is already being heavily restricted. Several states are enacting draconian anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation…we‘re so nearly there. 2y

Cinfhen It‘s frightening to think that @DGRachel yet in some ways we are inching closer into the NO FUCKING WAY territory!!!!! 2y

BarbaraBB @Bookzombie @DGRachel @Cinfhen It is probably because I am not in the US but I don‘t have this feeling at all - regarding women. The world is polarizing and I am not optimistic about our future but I don‘t feel the pressure on women as much as you do I think. 2y

Cinfhen Absolutely @BarbaraBB BAD legal decisions are being made in the US right now 😢 2y

DGRachel @BarbaraBB Yes, it probably makes a big difference being somewhere else. Like @Cinfhen noted, there are really bad legal decisions being made in the US. It‘s insane. I never thought this would happen here. 2y

32 likes23 comments

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

Question 2 of 5 #IndependentWomen

jenniferw88 I loved the Island! I would definitely have stayed there and not returned, but a huge part of that is to do with my sexuality (homoflexible). Life in the dystopian world was way too strict for me - I don't want (& it's very possible I won't be able to have) children. 2y

jenniferw88 Also, I would have been annoyed with all the paperwork - it's bad and hard enough in the real world when we've tried to apply for the disability benefits for me. 2y

Deblovestoread I am not sure how I feel about it. A menstrauting sky would be off putting. 2y

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Amiable @Deblovestoread I‘m with you on that one! 😬 2y

squirrelbrain No - I didn‘t want to inhabit either world! The island still felt like a stressful place to me. 2y

Soubhiville I can see the appeal of the freedom and artistic creative side of the island. I think I could be happy in a place like that, but wouldn‘t disappear without explanation to my loved ones. (edited) 2y

Soubhiville I liked the witchiness and the cooperation of figuring out and writing spells together. 2y

Cinfhen Haha 😂 @Deblovestoread that was pretty gross 🤮 I also did not feel drawn or compelled to live on that island @squirrelbrain but I can appreciate where you‘re coming from @jenniferw88 and see how an island of all women working together and free to be could be comforting 2y

Reggie I loved the island. I loved that they were free to create without the expectation of monetization. That they were a community in the best sense of the word. That none of the women were homeless. Like they all said hey, let‘s get you a shed and went about it. 2y

BarbaraBB It could be, I agree @Cinfhen. And I see its possibilities @jenniferw88 when it would have been described a bit realistic. But in the story it appeared to be a rather boring place where nothing much happened. 2y

TheBookHippie No none of it but I‘m crabby this book 😵‍💫🤮🤐🤫 2y

vlwelser 😂 no. Not a chance. City girl all the way. The thought of being in the woods with no proper wifi, electricity, plumbing, etc gives me hives. 2y

vlwelser @TheBookHippie you don't want to be stuck on a remote island in your beloved rural Michigan? Inconceivable. 2y

TheBookHippie @vlwelser with my narcissistic verbally abusive mother ? No. 🤮😵‍💫 2y

vlwelser @TheBookHippie double barf. I didn't think of that. 2y

TheBookHippie @vlwelser dented book donated to teachers lounge with warning note on it … 👀🤣 2y

vlwelser @TheBookHippie mine just calmly went back to the library to lie in wait for the next unsuspecting individual. 2y

Bookzombie I loved aspects of the island, but I guess I will say what I told my husband. “If the world changes and I have to be managed and “protected” by you to exist. Then I‘m done.” And I don‘t mean I will go live on island. Also, this is no comment on my husband, who is wonderful. I just don‘t want to live in that situation. Sorry, I got dark. 2y

Cinfhen Hahaha 🤣 @Bookzombie AGREED!!! I can tell you right now - my hubby would NEVER want that type of responsibility - he‘d rather be a confirmed bachelor and have me flying around casting spells 🪄 2y

Cinfhen My copy went to the charity bookshop @vlwelser @TheBookHippie and apparently it sold the very day I brought it in!! Im glad the book found a new home 🧙🧙‍♀️🧹 2y

vonnie862 I was a little confused with the world setting of this book. At first I thought the notion of witches and magic was made up in order to control women... but then we get to the island. The island sounded enchanting and “safe.“ It was a place to fully express one self without the concern of being burned to death. If I had to live in a world where I HAD to get married by certain age or be deemed a witch, I can see how the island would be appealing. 2y

TheBookHippie @Cinfhen Ha it sold 🤣👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼also Mr Book Hippie would NEVER take the job either 😵‍💫🤣 2y

Bookzombie @Cinfhen That would be my husband too. It would beat him down to have to do that. 2y

TheBookHippie @Bookzombie 💯💯💯👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 2y

Cinfhen My hubby doesn‘t have the mental strength to “control” me @TheBookHippie @Bookzombie he lacks the patience or fortitude 😂😂😂 😉 2y

Cinfhen That‘s a good point @vonnie862 !!! 2y

TheBookHippie @Cinfhen mine doesn‘t have the stamina 🤣🤣🤣 in our fourth decade he would be here have her let her do her witchy things oh wait … 👀 2y

Cinfhen Yup!!! @TheBookHippie EXACTLY 2y

IndoorDame @TheBookHippie you‘re so right! No electricity and a narcissist parent. 😩😤That definitely takes the shine off any sweet artist community vibe it might have had! 2y

BarbaraBB @TheBookHippie @IndoorDame Exactly! It doesn‘t really sound like a sweet artist community 🤣 2y

DGRachel I like the idea of the island - a place where women help each other and work together, but I couldn‘t live there. Like @vlwelser I am a city girl through and through. And like @Bookzombie I wouldn‘t want to live in a society that necessitates an island like that as a safe space. I think that‘s what hit me - it feels like we‘re so close to that kind of a society as reality and it terrifies and angers me. 2y

29 likes31 comments

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

Welcome to our #IndependentWomen #bigbuddyread discussion!

We came up with 5 questions which I will post on this page. I‘m tagging everyone now, please return to this page for the other 4 questions!

Afterwards Cindy and I will get back to you!

BarbaraBB
@LapReader @vlwelser @DebinHawaii @TheLudicReader @Bookwormjillk @TrishB @DGRachel @Deblovestoread @Jenniferw88 @MoonWitch94 @erzascarletbookgasm @zezeki @squirrelbrain @Megabooks 2y

BarbaraBB @vonnie862 @Aimeesue @Librarybelle @Chelsea.Poole @BookwormAHN @Kimberlone @KarenUK @Gissy @Addison_Reads @LeahBergen @julieclair @Sparklemn 2y

BarbaraBB @AllDeBooks @Bookzombie @Reggie @IndoorDame @Amiable @TheBookHippie @Gissy @Vansa @Soubhiville @Chrissiereadit 2y

See All 32 Comments

BarbaraBB @BarbaraTheBibliophage @Amandajoy @CBee @Amabear @Rissreads @BookBosomed1 @TheKidUpstairs @ImperfectCJ 2y

Deblovestoread What a contradiction her mother turned out to be. And no, I don‘t agree with her choices. Just disappearing without a word, especially at Jo‘s early teenage years, and in the world they were living. I get needing to not get lost in the roles of wife and mother but her decision was beyond reprehensible in my book. 2y

Bookwormjillk I don‘t agree with it, but I guess I can understand it. What I didn‘t agree with or understand was her expectation that she could take over as mom again 10+ years later. 2y

Cinfhen That‘s a great adjective for Jo‘s mom @Deblovestoread contradiction - she was all for asserting independence but still wanted / expected Jo to follow in her footsteps - I thought she was pretty selfish in both “worlds” 2y

squirrelbrain I agree @Cinfhen - was just about to post that I found her very selfish. If she had been compelled to a different life that may have been more understandable but it seemed to be a choice that she had freely undertaken. 2y

jenniferw88 I can understand it, and I think I agree with her choice. BUT maybe she could have left a letter for Tiana to open when she became an adult, explaining what she'd done and how to get to the island if she wanted to go/felt able to go. 2y

Soubhiville I don‘t agree with it either. While I understand being unhappy in that political climate, disappearing without a trace and abandoning her family seems selfish to me. Then returning, even more so. 2y

BarbaraBB I‘m with most of you. It is so selfish and to me, it didn‘t make sense why and how she could get to the island. Did she have connections? I didn‘t get it. 2y

TheBookHippie I don‘t but 🤷🏻‍♀️ I think she was a narcissist 👀😵‍💫😅 2y

Deblovestoread Mom was raising her to conform to the laws of the state and encouraging her to ignore any possible “witch” traits. Was that to appease the dad? And then in order for Jo to get to the island she needed a doll that she randomly found among a bunch of boxes? 2y

Cinfhen Yeah, I thought there were too many unexplained variables in the story that didn‘t make sense or weren‘t properly explained @deblovestoread the mom was 💯 a narcissist @thebookhippie 2y

Reggie I love how she left the whole mother daughter thing open and unresolved because I don‘t think there is a good answer for any of it. But I can see why she would feel she had to do it. What if she gets so unhappy she starts self harming or turning that on Jo and the husband and makes them miserable. Idk. I loved and was horrified by all the after details. The Unsolved Mysteries episode. And how every time she mentions high school, there is a 👇🏼 2y

Reggie new way in which the kids made her miserable, like when the kid steps on her toe and says”Don‘t curse me, bro.” (edited) 2y

TheBookHippie @Cinfhen Such a hot mess 🤣 2y

Deblovestoread Her mom did seem pretty cold in the flashbacks of her younger years…maybe on purpose for the eventual leaving? But I can‘t get on board with abandonment regardless of the reasons. 2y

Cinfhen I was also disturbed by the dad who just gave up on Jo - that was pretty disheartening @Deblovestoread @Soubhiville @Bookwormjillk 2y

vlwelser @TheBookHippie 💯 2y

Deblovestoread @Cinfhen agreed. Both of her parents let her down. 2y

Bookwormjillk @Cinfhen yes he was just as guilty for letting her down 2y

vlwelser The mom was a hot mess. She disappears, makes a mess of things on the island, basically drags her daughter there without an explanation, then gets mad when the daughter doesn't do everything her way. Gross. 2y

TheBookHippie @vlwelser 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼narcissist … 2y

Cinfhen @vlwelser I agree, I found her ( the mom‘s) actions in the past & present unforgivable 2y

Bookzombie I had a hard time with the mom. I understand she wasn‘t happy to be married and living in that world, but leaving her daughter with no word was selfish and abusive. Her decision to leave impacted Jo in so many ways, even when you take away how it marked her as “other” even more. Then when Jo goes to the island and her mom just expects her to stay and won‘t ever really discuss her leaving, it‘s selfish all over again. 2y

Bookzombie Also, she left a will with the instructions about the island, did she think they wouldn‘t wait as long as they did to declare her dead? Legally, I think you to wait a number of years anyway, so it wasn‘t like Jo would have been able to come to the island soon. 2y

jenniferw88 @Bookzombie 100% agree with this, and, as a child, Tiana probably wouldn't have been able to leave on her own anyway. And it's not like her Dad would have been able to take her and I don't think any of her female relatives would have. I don't think Angie's Mum would have taken her either, as she wants a normal life(?!) for Angie and doesn't approve (or know of) of her sexuality. 2y

vonnie862 I have to agree with many of you. I understand why Jo's mom did what she did, but I don't agree with it. I think she should have taken the time to say goodbye to Jo and her husband, or at least left a letter. Her disappearance was a huge impact on them and other people (i.e. Unsolved Mysteries). 2y

Chelsea.Poole I agree—I always try to put myself in the character‘s shoes and I don‘t believe I would have made the same choices. She seemed callous. 2y

DGRachel I‘m super late to the party but I agree with what‘s already been said. I do not agree with what her mom did at all. It was cruel and then to expect Jo to be “oh, yay! Awesome island, I totally get why you left. Let‘s be besties”…No. 2y

Cinfhen The whole character of Tiana didn‘t add up @DGRachel @Chelsea.Poole @vonnie862 I wonder if the author had some personal issues with her mom she was working through ??? 2y

34 likes32 comments

Bookzombie

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

pick

I finished this late last night. It did take me a bit to get into this one, but I ended up really liking it. In this world where witches exist, twomen are monitored for aberrant behavior and men are supposed to protect and guide them, I felt rage and fear at times. Some of this felt too close to home. If I lived in this world, I would have had to register with the government because I was not married by 28. I also had emotions about the ⬇️

Bookzombie mother/daughter relationship. I know some of my reactions were related to feelings/issues I have with my mom personally.

I can‘t wait for the #independentwomen discussion today. 2y

BarbaraBB We‘re just starting! See you there! 2y

47 likes1 stack add2 comments

Rissreads

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

pick

Hmmmm. I‘m a bit conflicted about this book. I feel like it didn‘t quiet hit its mark. It was definitely an interesting story, a world where men control women‘s lives. What‘s sad is we kinda already live in that world! I also struggle with books where mothers abandon their children. But still there was a lot to like in it.
@BarbaraBB
@Cinfhen
#bigbuddyread
#independantwomen

BarbaraBB Glad it‘s a pick for you and that you finished it right in time! 2y

Cinfhen you articulated all the reasons why this was just a so-so for me 2y

44 likes2 comments

ImperfectCJ

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

I was seeing posts for this #BigBuddyRead and thinking, "hmm, might be one to pick up," and what do you think one of my (surprise) Book Riot Tailored Book Recommendations that arrived today was? The other two look pretty cool, too!

I won't finish it in time for the discussion, but I'm glad that I have it. #IndependentWomen #gettbr #bookmail @Cinfhen @BarbaraBB

Cinfhen Oh wow!!! That‘s the universe sending you a sign!!! Pop over to @BarbaraBB page whenever you can to join the discussion / even if it‘s weeks from now 😁 2y

BarbaraBB I am so curious what you‘ll think of it!! 2y

44 likes2 comments

DGRachel

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

pick

I‘m conflicted. The writing was engaging and the audio narration was good. It was also too timely for me. The raw fear and anger is something I feel in the current political/ cultural landscape, and it was not something I enjoyed experiencing in fiction. It has rage and resistance, but also a sense of sad inevitability that is heartbreaking. I think there‘s supposed to be a subtle hope, but this book just hurts. A soft pick as it will haunt me.

Cinfhen, BarbaraTheBibliophage, Clwojick

DGRachel #independentwomen I won‘t be able to discuss in real time tomorrow as I‘ll be on the road, headed to a work conference, but I may try to check in later. Right now, I think I‘m going to go cry myself to sleep. This was soul crushing. 2y

Cinfhen We‘ll miss you tomorrow 💕feel free to pop in whenever you can - great review, sorry it hurt so much 🙁 2y

DGRachel @Cinfhen I think it just landed badly. I probably would have loved it in combination with some of the books I read last year. I‘m just in a different head space right now. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y

See All 7 Comments

kspenmoll Wonderful review! 2y

gossamerchild These types of fiction books are so hard to read. You expressed this very eloquently. Thank you for sharing, I hope it doesn't haunt you too badly 💔 2y

Bette Great review. 👍 2y

BarbaraBB Wonderful review. I hope what stays is an intense memory, not su much haunting you. We‘ll miss you today! 💕 2y

72 likes7 comments

Deblovestoread

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

Finished last night in time for our #independentwomen discussion tomorrow. I had a hard time getting into the writing style in print so switched to audio at an increased speed which helped a bit. I have mixed feelings so a so-so for me.

#Pantone23 #ElectricBlueLemonade

Cinfhen So-so for me too 🙄 2y

Clwojick Well done! 2y

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vlwelser

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

I was sticking things on here randomly because I intended to be better at participating.... The Nina Simone song is mentioned in the book. Lizzo might be a theme lately. And Enzo Enzo is a little treat for those of you that read Three by Valerie Perrin. But I may have gotten distracted....

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HEHuM59oClVALGz7xy6zq?si=g4LqH0bxRjCitTEK2BoJ...

#IndependentWomen @BarbaraBB @Cinfhen

BarbaraBB Nina Simone is so cool. And I love the connection to the books!! 2y

Cinfhen I always try to remember what songs are mentioned in books!!! I love that you actually included them!!!! 2y

vlwelser @BarbaraBB @Cinfhen I have a habit of reading sitting next to a computer. I just plug them in as I go along. It might be slightly nerdy. 2y

Cinfhen No!!! It‘s fabulous 🙌🏻😁 2y

BarbaraBB I wish I had that habit too! 2y

38 likes5 comments

TheKidUpstairs

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

Love a good #IndependentWomen playlist! I got a good start, with some Joan Armatrading, Dolly Parton, Kate Nash, Florence + the Machine, Nina Simone, Veruca Salt, and more. I'll be adding to it through the day! Can't wait to see everyone's lists.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0NqdZsr87lAVert6leDK3S?si=Zp_s_xArQwuhN38IYt_g...

@BarbaraBB @Cinfhen

Librarybelle I forgot about Veruca Salt and Fiona Apple! 2y

TheKidUpstairs @Librarybelle I've been going through everyone's lists thinking "oh yeah, how'd I forget about HER?!" And adding to my list ? 2y

Soubhiville Every list has Florence that I‘ve seen so far! Of course ❣️ 2y

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TheBookHippie I keep seeing people I forgot 🤣✊🏼♥️🤘🏻 2y

JackOBotts Love this! Following on Spotify! 2y

BarbaraBB Fab list 😍 and how could I forget Florence?! @Soubhiville 2y

Billypar So many good ones! 🎸🎶 I didn't even try to be comprehensive on mine, which is the only reason longtime favorites like Jenny Lewis and Fiona Apple don't appear. 2y

Cinfhen Fierce choices!!!! 2y

TheKidUpstairs @TheBookHippie me too! I keep adding to it 2y

vivastory Terrific list! Kicking myself for not including Jenny Lewis 2y

TheBookHippie @TheKidUpstairs SAME! 2y

vivastory @Soubhiville I noticed this too 👏 🤘 2y

TheKidUpstairs @Soubhiville yes! I love it 2y

TheKidUpstairs @vivastory there will always be someone you miss! Just so many badass female musicians. 2y

61 likes14 comments

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

#WickedWords @AsYouWish #readingchallenge

When you find the word on day one in your current read :)

49 likes

Reggie

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

pick

@Rissreads Thanks so much for sending me this book this X-mad. I really liked this book. We follow Josephine in this modern world where witches are real and to prove you‘re not one you get married and live the life the good creator wants you to have by providing for your man and family. Lol. Women who are not married by age 28 are required to register with the state and have someone monitor them. I appreciated what Giddings does in here. Pick!

Reggie @cinfhen @BarbaraBB I look forward to the discussions this weekend. 2y

BarbaraBB We are too! Glad the book worked so well for you!! 2y

Cinfhen Yay!! So glad you‘re joining us!!!! 2y

Rissreads I‘m glad you enjoyed it. ♥️ I‘ve got 40 pages to go before I‘ve finished it. 2y

76 likes4 comments

IndoorDame

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

My favorite new vocab word from this week‘s reading! #weirdwords @CBee

LiseWorks As an artist I think I appreciate this word 2y

CBee Nice! 2y

dabbe It sounds like what it means! I ❣️ that! 2y

59 likes3 comments

IndoorDame

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

so-so

Somehow this one never quite landed even though I think I‘m exactly the target audience. Party that‘s more that the expectations I had beforehand didn‘t pan out than that it wasn‘t a good read… And partly the magical realism element didn‘t totally work for me here. #independentwomen #buddyread

Amiable I think a fair number of us felt the same way about this book! 2y

BarbaraBB I know what you mean! 2y

61 likes2 comments

Reggie

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

When I was in my early 20s, I lived with my best friend at the time, Nakia. She loved this moment in a Woman‘s Worth that showed Black love that she said we never really got to see. So anytime I read moments like this I think about that video and Nakia. Just fyi these parents in this book are an interracial couple. It‘s still wonderful.

Suet624 What a wonderful post. 💕💕💕 2y

Deblovestoread 💜💜💜 2y

CarolynM ❤️ 2y

Bookzombie 💗💗 2y

64 likes4 comments

Soubhiville

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

so-so

I feel like I‘m posting the same review as most on this #independentwomen buddyread.

There were parts I liked and a good chunk when I thought about bailing. “Uneven” is the description I‘ve seen of the writing and I have to agree. But the ending saved it for me. I‘m glad I finished it. Not quite a pick still. Looking forward to the discussion on the 3rd.

Sietje‘s tongue sticking out in her sleep felt appropriate 😆🐕. #SleepySietje

dabbe Stupendously sweet Sietje! ❣️🐾❣️ 2y

BarbaraBB Sietje! That sounds Dutch! 2y

Cinfhen Sweet pup 🐶 💯 agree with your review 😁 2y

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batsy She's so adorable ❤️ 2y

Soubhiville @BarbaraBB yes! My father in law was Dutch. Sietje was my husband‘s grandmother‘s name, and since we didn‘t have kids we named our dog for her. 2y

BarbaraBB That‘s so nice! Sietje is an old-fashioned Dutch name, it is good to come across it again 🤍 2y

Megabooks Cute!! 2y

78 likes7 comments

TheKidUpstairs

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

pick

Like others have mentioned, this was an uneven read for me. I loved the concept, and some parts were really engaging, but there were also a number of inconsistencies in the world building and characterizations. The ending pushed it from a so-so to a low pick for me; I found it surprisingly satisfying.
#IndependentWomen @Cinfhen @BarbaraBB

Cinfhen Glad the ending pushed the book into a pick - I‘m looking forward to our discussion next week 2y

BarbaraBB The ending was good indeed! 2y

61 likes2 comments

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

so-so

Not my favorite read, definitely struggled with parts of the story but im looking forward to discussing and celebrating next weekend with everyone #IndependentWomen 👯‍♀️💪🏽 Our book discussions are always interesting and fun! More info later this week with times & reminders 😁Anyhow, book was meh for me. I found the writing and pacing uneven.

BarbaraBB Our discussion will be good. You came up with some real good questions 😘 (edited) 2y

squirrelbrain Looking forward to those questions! 😁 2y

Cinfhen Thanks @BarbaraBB xxx I tried 😉Glad you‘re joining us @squirrelbrain 😍 2y

TrishB Look forward to discussing and/or reading others thoughts! 2y

74 likes4 comments

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

I‘ve been looking forward to this book. Picked it up last night. On my hook: a modern-couture twist on a classic squares pattern (Hooked on Grannies) - I‘m making a monochrome sweater for my son with fingering weight cotton from Hobbii. #litsycrafters #booksandcrochet

BarbaraBB There‘s a #buddyread of this book and we‘ll be discussing it on March 5. If you‘re interested to join, we‘ll tag you. You can read more about the buddy read following the hashtag #IndependentWomen 2y

Lauredhel @BarbaraBB yes please! 2y

67 likes1 stack add2 comments

squirrelbrain

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

so-so

I didn‘t think this would be my kind of book, as I don‘t often read ‘witchy‘* books and I was right.

Parts of it drew me in, but there were so many disconnects and unexplained back-stories that it didn‘t gel together. I‘ll save any more comments for the #independentwomen weekend!

*I am however about to start Weyward so hopefully that‘s better… 🤞

TrishB I‘ve hibernated it for now, may reappear for next week. And I like witchy books. 2y

LeeRHarry So interested to hear what you think of Weyward! 😊 2y

BarbaraBB It will be interesting to discuss this next weekend! 2y

See All 8 Comments

Cinfhen I‘m about to finish this one…I don‘t think it was the “witchy” bits that were the problem 😂🤪 😉if @TrishB put it aside and she‘ll pretty much finish ANY book, you know there‘s a problem 😁 2y

squirrelbrain I think I‘d have bailed @Cinfhen if it wasn‘t for the upcoming discussions. At least they will be interesting! 🤣 2y

Cinfhen Appreciate the dedication, Helen😄 you‘re a trooper 🙌🏻 2y

TrishB @Cinfhen @squirrelbrain I may go back for the same reason as Helen as I like joining in the discussion. The tone of writing wasn‘t doing anything for me. 2y

Cinfhen I finished earlier today @TrishB the book does NOT remind itself 🤪 2y

79 likes8 comments

TrishB

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

#quicklunchtimeread
Starting this one today 😉

squirrelbrain Enjoy! Although I‘m not so sure about it yet…. 😬 2y

TrishB @squirrelbrain it has not drawn me in yet! Will give it a bit longer later as only did about 40pages. 2y

Cinfhen It‘s not grabbing me in either and I‘m on page 140!!! 🙄 2y

TrishB @Cinfhen it is supposed to be YA? I don‘t mind a bit of YA but wasn‘t expecting this. I can actually imagine you‘re hating it. 2y

BarbaraBB Oh Trish…. 2y

99 likes5 comments

Soubhiville

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

“When I knocked on the door, he answered it by handing me a glass of whiskey and leading me to the terrible black leather couch he owned. Every time I saw it, I thought oh, ick, because it was obviously bought to say, Look I have some money, look I am a desirable man as described in men‘s fashion magazines.”

I got feelings from this paragraph. 🤣

JamieArc 😂😂. My spouse had a turquoise leather couch that he acquired when he lived in DC and thought that‘s what one bought when you lived in DC and made decent money. I finally convinced him it was a terrible couch and we got rid of it six months ago. 👋🏼👋🏼 2y

rwmg A couch has to be comfy and long enough to lie down on with your book. What other criteria are there? 2y

Tamra Whenever I see white or off white floor coverings & furniture, I cringe inside. 👶🏼🍷🐾 🤣 2y

60 likes3 comments

jenniferw88

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

pick

This book really surprised me by how much I enjoyed it! Yes, it's a bit YA and bits reminded me of The Handmaid's Tale (which I hated), but it was different enough to keep me turning the kindle pages. Looking forward to the #independentwomen buddy read @Cinfhen @BarbaraBB

#booked2023 #titlestartswithvw @alisiakae @BarbaraTheBibliophage
#pop23 #queerlead
#52bookclub23 #bookbyoctaviaebutler (her writing has been compared to Butler's)

TrishB Oh that‘s a surprise! Like it when that happens. 2y

Cinfhen Yay!!!! I know you were resistant to this one!!! Maybe it‘ll turn around for me too 🙏🏼 2y

jenniferw88 @Cinfhen fingers crossed! To be fair I think my experience at school has put me off dystopian fiction, there's probably more out there that I'd enjoy but haven't been brave enough to try! 2y

BarbaraBB Happy you liked it! I expected you to! 2y

jenniferw88 @BarbaraBB 😂 2y

66 likes5 comments

jenniferw88

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

#bookreport @Cinfhen

Continued Count!
Finished Emma, Melmoth & Kindred
Started tagged for #independentwomen buddy read. Not got very far yet!

Cinfhen I started Women today too - it‘s not really grabbing my attention but I‘m hoping it picks up 2y

jenniferw88 @Cinfhen I've had bad experiences with dystopia in the past (due to school), but hoping that because it's female-led it might be OK, as I enjoyed The Power. I didn't get on with 1984 & Brave New World (I think partly due to male MC's). I also didn't get on with The Handmaid's Tale - but I'm not interested in children/having them so I think that may have been part of the problem too. @BarbaraBB 2y

Cinfhen I‘ll be really curious to hear your thoughts, Jenny. For me, it‘s a bit YA and I‘m not believing the world the author is describing/ writing 2y

BarbaraBB I am so curious what you‘ll think Jenny!! 2y

62 likes4 comments

squirrelbrain

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

Thanks @TrishB - when I saw your lovely ‘used‘ copy I went onto Amazon and ordered this one for Qa.70. I don‘t think it‘s even been opened. ?‍♀️

I did notice that there is no price either on the back or on the fly leaf so I wonder if they both came from a remaindered batch of books?

Looking forward to reading this and the discussions over the #independentwomen weekend. (I think I am, anyway, after recent reviews! ?)

RaeLovesToRead Edges 🤤😆 2y

Cinfhen No way, another steal😍awesomeness🙃 I know ….pressure is mounting, Helen🤣 2y

Cinfhen That book legit looks BRAND NEW 2y

See All 7 Comments

TrishB How cool 👍🏻 that‘s brilliant. 2y

ashw21 Fantastic.. I have heard great things about this book 2y

Hooked_on_books Hey, you got a pretty book, too! Isn‘t Litsy grand? 2y

BarbaraBB Such a gorgeous edition 😍 2y

73 likes1 stack add7 comments

Amiable

The Women Could Fly: A Novel | Megan Giddings

so-so

Admittedly, I am not a fan of speculative fiction or magical realism, so this book had one strike off the bat. But I just couldn‘t suspend disbelief enough to get into this world. The narrative was uneven and unnecessarily convoluted at times. I considered bailing at 150 pages, but pushed through. There were some valid points made. I understood what the author was trying to do, but it just didn‘t work for me. #IndependentWomen buddy read