Gendered Lives: Communication, Gender, and Culture

The course that I took this book with in college was very interesting, entertaining, and all around good. This book was the key ingredient to our classwork and there is tons of information that will stick with you forever after you read it. It's very easy to read and get into, and should make for just about the best 3-credit class you've ever taken.

Having read way too many textbooks in my academic career, I feel pretty confident saying that this is one of the best. The author presented the material (some of it difficult to swallow) in a straight-forward way, interjecting much-needed humor here and there. Many different viewpoints are addressed, and comments from other students, from a wide variety of walks of life are included, giving the reader exposure to a wide variety of thoughts and opinions. The text reads quickly, and a lot of territory is covered. The author addresses everything from the various 'waves' of feminism to media coverage and violence. There is a lot of material in the book, and if it is read with an open mind, I don't see how the reader can help but be moved and possibly changed. There is no one that this book won't relate to - everyone has a gender.

Perhaps this was one of the best texts books I have ever used in graduate school. Although the subject was of interest to me I feel that Julia Wood writes in a way that captivates the interest and curiosity of any reader. Her book is much more enjoyable than the usual textbook. Although this book might be viewed as feminist literature-I disagree. Although the content of her book is based on generalizations of our society I feel that her arguments are justified and for the most part accurate. While Wood mostly addresses feminine issues she also includes issues facing men as well. Even if men are not seen as the "ultimate" oppressed gender in some areas of life they are oppressed. I would have like to have seen more attention given to this issue. I did not agree with all of Woods' points, but I do feel that Wood presents provoking realities of the struggles for both men and women. However, I would have liked to see information on how religion influences these matters. Overall, I thought this was an exceptional book that raises interesting issues that are pressing matters in society today.

Having used this textbook in Prof. Wood's course at UNC, I must recommend it not only for students but also for those who are naturally inquisitive as well. Wood has a remarkable ability to distill issues into root cause and extract significant implications. At the same time, this book reads more like a work of literature than a collegiate text, making it engaging, insightful and thought provoking. Kudos to Prof. Wood.

This book was the best textbook that I have used during my college experience. The vivid examples that Julia Wood uses, really makes the facts come to life. The book is easy to follow and it is very interesting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to see and learn about the real facts about gender,communication and culture.