Feminist Fiction Friday: Shipped by Angie Hockman

I've decided to share some awesome feminist quotes, works, art, etc. every Friday.  This week, I'm featuring a passage from the novel, Shipped by Angie Hockman.

First, I will share my thoughts on this novel.  Let me just tell you... it was deceiving. At first glance, the premise sounds like a simple enemies to lovers plot, with a paradise backdrop. In reality, it was an earnest, heartfelt and raw relationship that blossomed between long distance coworkers who challenged and irked each other, into something much more. The fiery tension between the main characters, Graeme and Henley, is more competitive than outright hostility or animosity, which was a nice change of pace. They challenge each other, force one another to dig deep and work harder. 

This book is also about the struggle women face in the workplace. This is an all too honest and accurate portrayal of how women already begin starting to climb the cooperate ladder with weights strapped to their ankles and a 10 min head start for men.  Henley is already at a disadvantage because her boss is male and immediately bonded with Graeme.  This novel is about women banding together and having each others' backs, BUT also about men who can be allies when they respect and support their female colleagues, giving credit where credit is due.  Below is a passage from the novel that I found myelf replaying over and over (I highly recommend the audiobook version narrated by Ines Del Castillo).  Henley's description of the boys in gym class as an analogy for how she is treated at work was spot on!

 "You're not being nice, you're pulling the outfield in."

"What?", he splutters, with his feet planted in the surf, water dripping off every inch of his imposing body.

"Like in gym class."

He approaches, gear tucked under his arm until we're face to face.  "Explain." 

"When you were a kid, did you ever play softball in gym?"

He nods.

"I don't know what it was like at your school, but at mine whenever a girl stepped up to bat, one of the boys would smirk and say, 'Okay, bring it in'.  Then all the other boys in the outfield would saunter to the infield.  You know why?"

"Because boys are snots?"

"Because they assume the girls can't swing, and even if one could, they didn't think there would be enough power behind it.

I take a step forward until mere inches separate us.

"I. CAN. SWING."  I punctuate each word with a sharp tap against his chest.  "I don't need your help, so stop treating me like a little girl going up to bat."

"I'm not... I don't...", Graeme runs a hand through his hair, water droplets fling in every direction.  "I didn't mean for you to take it like that."

Men rarely do, especially the decent ones.  But still, too often their actions sting.  How many times had I shown up to meetings, only to be underestimated, talked over, nubbed by male colleagues while they exclusively talked to one another and ignored the women in the room?  Plenty.  And I am so over it.

At this point in the novel, I threw my hands in the air, exclaiming, "YAAS, GIRL! I FEEL YOU!"   Is anyone else vibing with this quote?  Have you faced blatant sexism in the workplace?  Please share!

**All credit goes to Ms. Hockman and her amazing words.  I am but a humble town crier, echoing her.