...but alas, it was only published in 2011. I'm not a fan of Twilight, but a friend recommended it a few times while I was single and I finally got around to reading it now (some parts out loud to my boyfriend, like the chapter on why normal human males are more heroic than vampires and werewolves).



This book could easily have been called "Why romantic fiction should carry health warnings". I'm not sure absterpritt read the same book that I did, because the book that I read was about empowering women, reminding them that enjoyable fiction contains many convenient half-truths and offering practical advice to young women about how to avoid violent, unstable or just plain unsuitable partners. Saying it perpetuates gender roles is a bit strong! And I'm speaking as someone whose mum was a 70's feminist who banned me from having dolls... (Yeah, that really changed what I wanted in life... Why do feminists think "boys will be boys" but refuse to accept that girls have some hardwiring going on too? OK, rant over)



This book is filled with practical advice, particularly for younger women, but I have to admit I learnt a few things too (I'm in my 30s). I'm considering buying a few copies for friends who are drawn to bad boys and would recommend it to anyone who has a friend, daughter or niece who they think might find some guidance useful.



I also like that 20% of author proceeds goes to a charity called The Girl Effect - I'm all for girls in Africa being given a chance to reach adulthood before being married off and yanked out of school.