I Love Romcoms and I am a Feminist

I really enjoyed this book. Being a rom com lover has always been a tad embarrassing, but not anymore!!! I hated to admit I wasn't the cool, edgy pansexual chick I thought I was, but instead a nerdy queer rom com lover!! I loved the illustrations at the beginning of the chapters as well.
I also ended up taking notes of all the movies that I now want to see! I loved this book!

“Rom coms will always be an outlet for joy.”

This witty, comprehensive guide to the history of rom-coms is a delightful read. Encompassing more than just the cliché romantic comedy, this primer pays tribute to the diversity of the genre and broadens the reader’s perspective on which films can actually be included. Spanning from 1921 to 2023 and written in a digestible, engaging way, I was entertained while also learning something new (my favorite type of book!). The fun illustrations and text features of the book also add to the enjoyment of reading.

The book is written through a strong social justice lens and shows the depth of this film genre by addressing themes of bias, representation, intersectionality, and many of the -isms in society.
This is a book I highly recommend. I am excited for this to come out in print - it is definitely a book that can be referenced time and time again. And for this reader, my former “guilty pleasure” genre now feels strong, empowered, and unabashedly cool.

Note: Consider perusing titles and first paragraph summary before watching the movie, if you do not want spoilers.

4.5 rating rounded up.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Okay, where do I start?
Quarto has done it again.
I requested to review this book partly due to my profession.
This is a lovely book designed, organised and written in a fabulous way.
If you are someone who has little interest in romcoms and approach the genre criticism/theories with a pinch of salt, you might still like this book as much as I did because
*The book is divided into encyclopedic-style short essays/entries on feminist themes, feminist achievements about 100 films
*Harold and Maude is in there. Barbie, hello. She’s there. It Happened One Night is there.
*Most of the films included are larger than mushy romance films. They are high quality stories.
*The length and details are ideal.
*The argument is fresh, timely, humorous and wonderful.
*This makes a nice reference book.
*The writing style makes sense. It is a good fit.
*The writer recommends more films for each entry.
*The artwork is lovely, Think a more witty version of The White Lies however, I do not wish to reduce someone’s work by mentioning a resemblance. It is more of a minor connection that I have made because of my appreciation for the artists working with TWL. The artwork here is unique, and hey, feminist.

Absolutely love this title: “I love romcoms and I am a feminist.”

Huge fan of film and romcoms so this is perfect. A couple romcoms I haven’t seen so I will definitely be using this as a guide to go and watch those few. Great essays on some beloved films.

Such a fun table/bookshelf book with its use of colour and drawings. But it's also made me look at films I've know and loved through a different view point. It's made me revisit films I missed when I was younger and maybe went over my head and also introduced me to new films I hadn't yet seen. Such a fun book and would make a lovely gift for a friend.

A delightful book with illustrations for each film synopsis, I Love Romcoms and I am a Feminist hits it out of the ballpark with its scope of films and the respectfulness towards each and every one of them. From classics such as It Happened One Night and ending up at 2023's Barbie, all avenues are explored.

The only thing I dislike slightly--which is a personal preference--is that the funky illustrations aren't really to my taste, but I can totally appreciate the effort it took to make one for each film used, so I appreciate that.

As someone who loves romcoms this will be the perfect book! I could never not love romcoms and I think they are making a comeback in a big way! Perfect gift for someone who equally loves them as much! Anyone But You was a great start for the new generation

This book is truly a love letter to my favorite movie genre: the romcom aka romantic comedy. It spans the history of the genre from 1921-2023 and has a blurb about many of the best movies that the genre has to offer. I also enjoyed the illustrations in the book. It is a must to lovers of the romcom.

Thanks as always to NetGalley for the ARC.

As someone who has been heard to say that my ideal movie is 93 minutes long and set in a high school, and who is also a dedicated feminist, this was a book made for me. Full of interesting and amusing insights, including some great recommendations (of the 'if you liked x, try y' variety) which have gone onto my to-watch list, I really enjoyed this book. It would make an ideal stocking filler for the romcom loving feminist in your life.

I really liked this book from the writing to the illustrations.

Unfortunately I struggled reading it on my phone (small screen size) and my tablet is not working so I've had to order the print copy ready for its release

Thanks Netgalley

I love romcoms. I am a feminist. And I adored this book!

This is one of those books that I will absolutely be purchasing my own physical copy of when it gets released. Not only is the cover stunning (which makes it a PERFECT coffee table book), but I loved the content so much.

As a self identified hopeless romantic who also doesn’t want to blindly support a genre that I fear often prioritizes a woman’s role as “solely a wife”, this book gave me so much perspective on what romcoms can mean for women underneath the facade of the “happily ever after”. These movies have taught us how to find comfort in ourselves, our friendships, and our passions - not JUST our romantic pursuits. There is nothing wrong with being a feminist and also loving romcoms, and this book made me feel validated in my ability to do both.

My god, this is the perfect gift for anyone who loves romcoms. I loved the classifications and the nostalgia of some of the romcoms that I haven’t seen in so long! I loved this!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Review: I Love Romcoms And I Am A Feminist by Corrina Antrobus

I’ve been on a real romance kick recently, in films, tv and audiobooks, going back to some old favourites that really make me smile. I love love, and though I read plenty of worthy literary tomes, sometimes the only thing that will do is an hour or so of mild emotional threat which culminates in that crucial, comfort-giving, happy ending.

My mental rolodex of these is pretty limited though, because so many don’t stand up to the test of time - ie they feature 2-dimensional women merely as a pretty foil to the real star, The Rugged Rich Man.

So I can’t tell you how delighted I was to see this book pop up on NetGalley. I recognised the illustration style immediately from years of following Lily O’Farrell (@vulgadrawings), then was drawn in by the premise.

I Love Romcoms And I Am A Feminist takes a ride through the last several decades of films that shifted perspectives, broke taboos, and started conversations while centring women in all our complex messy wonder. Each page summarises a romcom, explains the key themes, and talks about the impact that the film had. It’s all beautifully enhanced by Lily’s brilliant illustrations - sometimes with wee easter egg nods to the films.

Antrobus is a film journalist and the founder of The Bechdel Test Fest - so she really knows her onions, and I found the information she provides about the context in which the films were made and originally viewed really helpful in understanding why some of the films were featured, even when modern audiences may sniff at certain characters or portrayals.

Each page concludes with recommendations for three other films with a similar vibe, and I had to start a new Note on my phone as I discovered more and more that sounded right up my street. I was really chuffed to see one of my own personal favourites featured - Bend It Like Beckham, which introduced me to women’s football culture in a way that still features in my life today. Jess 4eva.

From When Harry Met Sally, via Ten Things I Hate About You, to Muriel’s Wedding, and dozens of others less well known, if you have ever enjoyed a romcom you’ll find something in here that’s for you. This would also be a great gift for your movie-loving bestie, relative, or teacher - or even your partner, to help build a list of date-night films you’ll actually enjoy watching together.

Thank you to White Lion Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I love the cover and title for this book. The description fits perfectly. Great romcoms included spanning from the start of cinema to present day.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of "I love Romcoms and I am a Feminist." All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of "I Love Romcoms and I am a Feminist" by Corrina Antrobus. All opinions are my own.

Awesome title and cover. Some great movies covered throughout this book. Definitely recommend!

As a thorough RomCom enthusiast I absolutely loved this read! A perfect book to keep on your coffee table! The Illustrations are also such a fun touch, overall I love this and would 100% recommend to others!

After yet another evening of scrolling through Netflix, Hulu, Max, etc. just to settle back into re-watching Derry Girls (again) I came across this book on NetGalley. I feel the need to preface my review with a disclaimer- I typically do not read nonfiction of any type. I have probably 8 half-read on my shelf as I write this. I Love Romcoms and I am a Feminist was so engaging I finished it over three settings. The formatting, the funky art, the author’s voice, the recommendations- amazing, no notes. I went into this one with the hopes that I would find a movie or two I might want to watch and I left feeling so empowered as a woman who unapologetically loves romcoms. The book starts out with movies from the 1920’s and takes us all the way to 2023 with Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. Each page follows the same format with the opening “the romcom that…” for example, “reminded women that 30 is still young” followed by a page long synopsis of the movie and what it did for women/feminism as a whole. I will admit I skipped parts of some of the pages to avoid spoilers for movies I knew I wanted to watch. I loved that each page also had 2-3 recommendations for movies that ‘did’ something similar. I will definitely be purchasing a copy of this book on release day for the colorful art alone but it will be nice to have a reference for movie nights moving forward, too.

The book that made me rediscover my enjoyment for romcoms.

Highlighting the feminist messages in romcoms starting in the early 1900s up until last year, this book is a must-have for anyone who has ever dared to refuse the statement that romcoms are just fluff and “happily ever after.”

If you know someone who enjoys romcoms—congratulations, you have found your next gift. Not only does it celebrate romcoms, but it also includes beautiful illustrations, recommendations for similar movies, and spot-on homages to women in the film industry. Plus points for the diversity.

It’s quite possible I will go on a romcom binge for the rest of the summer with all the recommendations received from this book.

I found myself flying through the pages, reminding myself to slow down because I did not want it to finish.

Thank you to White Lion Publishing for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

this book features a lot of discussion around intersectionality, so as a cis white woman, I am not the ideal reviewer, but I did really enjoy it. the aesthetic is super fun and cute, and the content makes this probably one of my favorite film books I've ever read! I was also very gratified that many of my favorite rom coms made it into this book, and I'm excited to check out the ones I haven't seen.

From gentlemen prefer blondes, to when Harry met Sally, to silver linings playbook, to Magic Mike & Barbie. This book has covered it all. For a movie buff like me it was brilliant to learn more about the underlying feminist themes in many of my favourite movies. This book focuses on the positive impact these movies have - specifically around female sexual empowerment. “I’ll have what she’s having” - a quote that is culturally as significant now as it was then.

Corrina Antrobus is a force to be reckoned with. Her fantastic knack of film critique coupled with a variety of movies that transformed the female identity is a winning combination. This book is witty, clever and fast paced - alongside its BEAUTIFUL illustrations which made it very easy to zoom through in an evening.

Thank you as always NetGalley, Corrina Antrobus & Quarto Publishing Group for the advanced copy ☺️

As a romcom lover, this book is amazing. I want to buy the physical copy for my new apartment at some point. Some of my favorite romcoms were featured in here, like Legally Blonde, 10 Things I Hate about You, Notting Hill (my personal favorite), Miss Congeniality, and so much more. I loved the images and how much the author focused on the positive impacts these movies had on sexual empowerment. Romcoms are more than "chick flicks". They changed the way people viewed their own sexuality, despite gender. This book is important and I am so happy I found it!

Thank you Corrina Antrobus, NetGalley, and Quarto Publishing Group for an early copy of this book! These opinions are my own.

Such a cute book! I was drawn in by the cover and the book did not disappoint. The drawings were very cute and I loved that it included recommendations for other rom-coms. I read this digitally and can't wait to get a physical copy. Definitely a book I will want to keep out for guests to look over! I also think it did a great job at including a diverse set of romcoms from ones that focus on black love to queer relationships!

As a romcom-loving feminist, I was excited to read this book and I wasn’t disappointed. Love the variety of films chosen and the illustrations are great too. I’m going to curate a feminist romcom film festival for myself with this book to hand.

I loved this book far more than I expected to. I expected that I would like it, it would give me Mindy Kaling vibes maybe, and that would be it, but this is definitely a book that I would both proudly display and give as a gift to the feminists/film buffs in my life.

The book is essentially a series of short essays about 100 different films - most fall neatly into the “romcom” heading, while others are more… adjacent, but no matter. I like a number of romcoms, and my absolute favorites are some of the ones that graced these pages, but I would not say I am a devotee of the genre by any means, and I typically prefer a book over a movie. HOWEVER… I walked away with the realization that there are a lot of great movies out there that I haven’t even tried to see, and there are plenty I have never even heard of.

I really loved that even though many of these films will have elements that have not aged the best from an intersectional feminist lens in 2024, the author mentions those aspects but does not lose sight of the forest for the trees. Her essays are written with love, affection, and care for her subjects, and are not as critical as I would expect a review to be. I also loved her dedication to showing allllll the different stars and stories that make up the much more multifaceted genre - black, white, Asian, Bollywood, lesbian, trans, bi…?, fat, divorced, older, teen, Nia Vardolos, etc.

Thank you so much for allowing me to read this ARC. I loved it - so rare for me to read a book that actually makes me want to… stop reading and fire up Netflix!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance review copy in return for an honest review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Very fun book!

This is a fun and cute book full of nostalgia and feminist empowerment. Very enjoyable for any millennial who grew up loving romcoms and now living and teaching non romcom ideals! Thank you so much for this ARC

I wouldn't have said that romcoms are my favorite, but some of the movies in this book are my favorites, for exactly the reasons described. Watching movies with these kinds of values makes me feel more powerful and less alone in the world.
Some of my favorite movies are in here, like Harold and Maude, Women on the verge of a nervous breakdown, and Heathers. I love how there's a short synopsis and then other movies you can watch for the same vibe. The pictures are great too, colorful and more symbolic than completely descriptive.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

I'm a feminist AND I love romcoms so really this book was made for me! It was absolutely delightful to read, I had no idea Corrina was the creator of the Bechdel Test until I started reading so that was exciting! This is the kind of book you want to own, it's fun and informative, looks beautiful and is the perfect coffee table book! This book really helped validate my feelings on romcoms and how they aren't just cheesy films that uphold the patriarchy, you can want love or a family and be a feminist but on the flipside they teach us how to find comfort within ourselves or our friendships, as well as our passions! There were so many movies that I knew and loved but also so many I had never even heard of and am definitely adding to my watchlist!

This creative look at romcoms in film through a feminist lens is intriguing and well worth the read. Focuses on 100 iconic romantic comedies, from Harry Met Sally to Clueless. As a film and romcom buff, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

As a feminist and a romcom lover, I was immediately drawn to this! This book talks about the so-called chick-flicks since the first decades of cinema, provides context and illustrations. Every page spread is one movie and 2-3 bonus recommendations to it.

I have created a Letterboxd list with all the films mentioned by Corinna Antrobus because I am very interested in many of them, some I haven't heard of, as the author has covered all of the 20th century, plus the list is diverse with some unknown gems and movies from a couple other countries than US. Here is the list https://letterboxd.com/irravalanche/list/i-love-romcoms-and-i-am-a-feminist/page/1/ For example, I want to rewatch Notting Hill and watch Clueless and once I do, I want to circle back to Corinna's texts about them so I saved some quotes and excerpts for myself.

The art is amazing, the cover is beautiful, this book has so much pop-culture and social history in it, giving voice to movie heroines.

Some of the movies aren't what you'd consider a 'feminist' romcom, like Pretty Woman, but the author makes arguments why she included this or that movie in the book.

However, I think a couple were missing from the list, for example, I would add "Elvira, Mistress of the Dark' because for me it's a very feminist and funny movie and it has a bit of a romantic line too.

Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion for access to this book in exchange of an unbiased review!

Great book for any pop-culture or romance fan!

Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.

I now have a list of movies to watch while hibernating this winter. I'm glad that the movies are from different eras, featuring women in film. It's pretty cool to see.

Romcoms are great. Here, I said it. Some of them are cliché, some of them are easily digestable, but the genre offers so much more. And this book, definitely highlights all. the good that it has to offer. From Nora Ephrone's fantastic plots and pulp classics like Heathens and Clueless to arthouse favourites like Amelié and Frances Ha. There is something for everyone.

The structure of the book is very straightforward. On the left side, you have an overarching title that sums up the theme of the film, then a short text that puts focus on all the necessary facts to make you want watch it, and then you will find some simliar recommendations. Each film is paired with a lovely and colorful illustration. Also, all films are sorted chronologically, so if you want to walk down the timeline of romcoms, you can do that as well.

I personally knew most of the films mentioned, and still, it was a delight to read through all the texts and go down memory lane.
What I enjoyed even more were those little boxes with "if you like this, you will like that" recommendations.
What a small and neat addition, and yet it's really fantastic and helpful! Imagine you want to watch a movie that has the same vibes as Moonstruck (1987)? Well, go to page 47. 😉

The only thing that would have been nice is a more international approach to romcoms. There is Amelié, of course, but it is mostly completely just a selection of anglophone movies. What about spanish romcoms, the french ones, and don't get me started on what East Asia has to offer.
Also, don't sleep on animation! However, this is just a minor point I wanted to point out – it is still a fantastic book and definitely an addition to every cinephile's library.

If you are ever in need for a birthday present for a film buff, you can go ahead and simply gift them this book. If you like movies or want to learn more about romcoms, get this book. To be honest, the moment I can grab it in physical form I will buy it for myself.

A big and heartfelt thank you to NetGalley, White Lion Publishing and Corrina Antrobus for giving me an eArc in exchange for an honest review!
All thoughts and murmurs expressed in this review my own.

What an absolute gem of a book! I Love Romcoms and I am a Feminist is destined to be treasured by many feminist households. I am also a feminist who loves rom-coms and, to be honest, it has caused quite a bit of inner turmoil to navigate the two. This book is a permissive salve to my soul! It celebrates romantic comedies and feminism in equal measure!
It is a multipurpose tool meant to entertained, educate and more than anything, provide an amazing resource on 100 years of wonderful rom-coms! My partner and I have decided to watch all the films in order if we can find them. Fun!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

disclaimer ⇢ purely giving this a 5 star only bc i don’t rate books like this in general but you have to for the purpose of posting.

I wouldn't usually say that romcoms are my go-to, but some of the movies in this book are actually my favorites. Honestly, I can't even remember the last time I had the patience to sit through an entire movie.

This book is a collection of romcom summaries viewed through a feminist perspective, featuring 100 movies in chronological order. Each movie comes with three additional recommendations, making it an incredibly comprehensive list. It starts with the earliest classics, many of which I was unfamiliar with, only knew by name or cast, or had watched and loved. The newer selections include many lesser-known films that highlight minorities and diverse cultures, which were mostly new to me as well.

What I loved most was the organization: engaging illustrations, quick plot summaries, and insightful lessons we can learn from each movie. The range from the '20s to the present day was impressive, and the inclusion of diverse picks was a great touch. The vibrant and colorful art style also added to the appeal.

Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, for providing me with an advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a great look at romcoms dating all the way back to the 20’s. A lot of these movies I’d never even heard of and I loved the way Antrobus gave a little synopsis through a feminist lens. I’ve added a chunk of these movies to my watch list and I can’t wait to get started on them.
This is a cute coffee table book, it’s easy to get through, interesting and the illustrations are adorable. I definitely recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and White Lion Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"I Love Romcoms and I Am a Feminist: A Manifesto in 100 Romcoms" by Corrina Antrobus is a refreshing and insightful celebration of romantic comedies through a feminist lens. Antrobus’s passion for the genre shines through every page, offering a unique perspective that blends humor, critique, and genuine love for romcoms. The book brilliantly navigates the intersection of entertainment and feminist ideals, showing how these beloved films can both reflect and challenge societal norms.

Antrobus’s selection of 100 romcoms is diverse and thoughtfully curated, each entry accompanied by sharp analysis and personal anecdotes that make the reader see these films in a new light. Her writing is engaging and accessible, making complex feminist concepts relatable and fun.

"I Love Romcoms and I Am a Feminist" is not just a guide to romcoms but a manifesto that encourages readers to enjoy and critique media with a critical eye. It’s an empowering read that reaffirms the importance of representation and the power of popular culture. For anyone who loves romcoms and values feminist perspectives, this book is an absolute must-read. Corrina Antrobus has crafted a work that is both delightful and thought-provoking, making it a standout in contemporary film criticism.

Corrina Antrobus’ "I Love Romcoms and I am a Feminist: A Manifesto in 100 Romcoms" is a refreshing and insightful exploration of the romantic comedy genre through a feminist lens. Antrobus, a passionate cinephile and feminist, crafts a compelling narrative that both celebrates and critiques romcoms, weaving her love for the genre with a critical eye on its impact on societal norms and gender roles.

From the outset, it’s clear that Antrobus’ relationship with romcoms is complex and deeply personal. She acknowledges the joy and comfort these films bring while also challenging the often problematic tropes and stereotypes they perpetuate. This duality forms the heart of her manifesto, as she navigates the tension between loving a genre and holding it accountable.

Antrobus’ selection of 100 romcoms serves as the backbone of the book, each film acting as a chapter that delves into broader cultural and feminist discussions. She covers classics like "When Harry Met Sally" and "Pretty Woman," as well as modern favorites such as "Crazy Rich Asians" and "The Big Sick." Through these films, Antrobus examines themes of consent, representation, and the evolution of the "happily ever after."

What stands out in this manifesto is Antrobus’ ability to blend film critique with personal anecdotes and broader social commentary. Her writing is both engaging and thought-provoking, making complex feminist theories accessible to a wide audience. She deftly balances her love for the genre with a critical perspective, offering nuanced insights that encourage readers to reconsider the romcoms they’ve grown up with.

Antrobus’ feminist critique is particularly compelling when she addresses issues of diversity and representation. She highlights the progress made in recent years with films like "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" and "Love, Simon," but also points out the persistent lack of diversity and the need for more inclusive storytelling. Her call for more complex, multifaceted female characters and diverse love stories is a rallying cry for the future of the genre.

"I Love Romcoms and I am a Feminist" is more than just a book about movies; it's a manifesto for change. Antrobus’ passion for romcoms is infectious, and her feminist perspective offers a fresh and necessary take on a beloved genre. She invites readers to enjoy these films while also questioning and challenging the norms they reinforce.

In conclusion, Corrina Antrobus’ manifesto is a must-read for anyone who loves romantic comedies but also believes in the importance of feminist critique. "I Love Romcoms and I am a Feminist" is an enlightening and entertaining journey through the world of romcoms, offering both celebration and critique in equal measure. Antrobus has crafted a work that is as entertaining as it is enlightening, making it a valuable addition to any film lover's collection.

I also love romcoms and am a feminist and unsurprisingly I loved this books. Great short descriptions of why each film was including, a very diverse list - some well known favourites and others that I will now be looking for on my favourite streaming services. Excellent read

Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, for providing me with an advanced copy of *I Love Romcoms and I Am a Feminist* by Corrina Antrobus in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book! As a feminist and romcom enthusiast, I found the diverse film selections and thoughtful analysis truly refreshing. The author's insights into each film, along with the suggestions for similar movies in specific genres, were spot-on. It's a fantastic read for anyone who loves exploring film through a feminist lens and is a must-have for any film buff. This book is perfect to read and watch along with, making it a wonderful gift for anyone who enjoys romcoms. I’ll be giving a copy of this as gifts for years to come!