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Reviews

Bi: The Hidden Culture, History and Science of Bisexuality by Julia Shaw

raelovestoread's review against another edition

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3.0

Overall a positive book full of information. I did have a couple of issues with it that have left me feeling disproportionately annoyed, but I've not managed to express these concisely enough to include them here.

eyuhoku's review against another edition

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emotional informative reflective medium-paced

3.5

laurenofgreengables's review against another edition

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hopeful informative inspiring

5.0

karissas28's review against another edition

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informative

2.75

ckreads28's review against another edition

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hopeful informative inspiring slow-paced

4.0

I did like the facts and stories that were pulled and I felt a lot of them validated my bi-ness. I also loved the media callouts. Some parts of this book were pretty dense and maybe it wasn't the best idea to pick this up and read in one sitting. This was an interesting read but I feel it is something to pick up at your own pace.

surefinewhatever_'s review against another edition

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informative

3.0

Maybe it’s because I’ve been relatively out as bisexual for nearly a decade now, but I didn’t find this as informative or interesting as I’d hoped. Maybe it’s because I’m not so interested in the “why” or “how” of bisexuality. I was interested in the history & cultural aspects, and I felt like this book didn’t touch on it as much as promised. I found parts of it dense with citations and the tone at times felt weird. But all in all, I’m glad that this book exists and I hope it helps answer questions for other folks less sure of or more new to their bisexual identity. 

eldritchreader's review against another edition

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5.0

This is gorgeously thought out, incredibly well researched and yet easily accessible non-fiction exploration on bisexuality, and sexuality in general. Bi is incredibly comprehensive, exploring the history, myths, research, culture, politics and sociological aspects of how bisexual sexuality exists throughout human society. At times, the information is confronting and incredibly frustrating. But Shaw presents the narrative with a sense of walking through it alongside someone who knows and sees that confrontation.

With information is power - this is the sense that is garnered throughout this publication. There is a powerfulness instilled within the pages for LGBTQIA+ readers. The statistics and research provide a sense of validation. But the book is still very much written for the average reader. A highly recommended book for anyone interested in sexuality studies. But particularly for anyone who identifies under the bisexual umbrella.

trigger warnings: queermisia (incl. internalized), bimisia, mental health, suicide mentioned, misogyny & sexism, racism, sexual assault & harassment, rape, incarceration, physical assault, abandonement & isolation, conversion therapy, religious bigotry mentioned


Note: Review copy received from Allen & Unwin. This does not impact opinions within this review.

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dairyrelief's review against another edition

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5.0

Makes me feel seen :) important read on bi visibility

peachiepeachie's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

broccolena's review against another edition

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emotional informative medium-paced

3.75