Review: Not That Bad Edited By Roxane Gay

Not That Bad is a series of essays that discusses the various writers experience with sexual assault and/or rape. This book should be required for all to read.

Women should never feel like they can’t talk to someone about rape or assault. They should never feel like someone will respond with it’s “not that bad”. The book talks about - what makes it bad? Dying? Hospitalization?

Who teaches consent? Consent is more than just something you need to worry about if you have a daughter. The focus needs to be taught to everyone - females need to say no and the males need to listen.

The question then becomes “why can’t I wear a short skirt?” You want to know the answer? Isn’t it obvious? We don’t blame something a man does based on his outfit or whether he is running with his shirt off.. A short skirt doesn’t rape you, a rapist does.

How often are we taught “Boys will be boys” or “that just means he likes you”? That doesn’t give him consent, does it? It shouldn’t but it makes a female “psycho” or “sensitive” or “bossy” or “neurotic”.

Not all the essays are written the same but all are powerful, heartbreaking, and raw!!