It's finally here!!
I’ve spent most of the last week feeling as though something possibly very terrible or else very amazing is about to happen, or perhaps as though I’ve got everything ready for a party and am now just waiting to see if the doorbell rings. But here it is - my book is now out in the UK (you can order it via many links here should you wish to) and I really, actually, do feel a bit like it’s my birthday.
Specifically, it feels like a grownup’s birthday: that is, you get to make it all about you, for a few minutes here and there, and then after that it’s a normal working day.
Anyway I shan’t gush on and on. But seeing my first book in print has been my dream since forever, and I couldn’t let it pass without some kind of mark. I’ll write the more usual kind of newsletter a little later this week. Thank you to everyone here for your support, your always interesting comments, and for accompanying me this far along the road.
Till later,
M
I had to choose between subscribing to Unherd and to your Substack. Here I am! I wanted to comment on your Why Progress isn't Feminist. I knew the old-style feminist 'body acceptance' was over when it became normal for high school girls to get boob jobs and nose jobs. Those were often daughters of old hippies, by the way. Then 'mommy makeovers' became expected. As an older mom of six with saggy boobs and a C-section belly, it was a bit tempting. But since I was busy running marathons, I didn't want to mess up my body. But I always felt like I was being pushed into 'looking better' than my age by the culture. Now I say, "Love me or leave me.". Love your work!
Congratulations! It's now on my must read as quickly as possible list. I've been flogging your insights all about here in America's North East to very good reviews. Perhaps a faint spark of sanity will ensue?