“…what’s more important
What supersedes
Is a girl a with passion, wit and dreams
So I’d like a girl who reads.”
~Mark Grist
At last count, Mark Grist‘s spoken-word poem “Girls Who Read” hit two-million views since it was posted online one month ago.
Some have called it a “feminist anthem” while others diss it for being disingenuous. Sure Grist’s ideal woman isn’t new. He reproduces all the clichés of the sexy librarian — she isn’t just smart, she’s sexy, sweet and perfectly proportioned. How realistic is that?
And yet, I think it’s gone viral for all the right reasons.
It’s refreshing — and somewhat unusual — to see a man so passionately and publicly celebrate women’s intelligence and creativity. As a woman, it makes me feel good about myself to see a fully-dressed women with a book portrayed as attractive. And I like how he gently pokes fun at male peer pressure to think otherwise.
I wouldn’t describe it as a “feminist anthem”, but it was never intended to be. It’s one man’s ode to women — it’s provocative and it speaks from the heart. Isn’t that the best kind of poetry?
Take a look, and let me know what you think.
Thanks for sharing this. 2 million hits? Yet I never heard about this great little video until just this minute. I’ll have to share it with my wife, Susan, a girl who reads if there ever was one!
2 million and counting…it’s a huge hit! It’s great to hear from a guy who likes a girl who reads! Yeah!
That is absolutely brilliant and I loved it. Feminist might be a step too far indeed. I think this is more an ode to the smart and passionated girls. The girl representing ‘the-girl-who-reads’ is far from ugly but she neither a ‘sexbomb’. Thanks for sharing and I shared with my sons as well! ps….uhm, speaking for myself…there are quite a few among library staff who are both smart and goodlooking;0)
He he he! Agreed, there are many gorgeous librarians!! Smart is beautiful!! Take care!
I loved it. Thank you for sharing. I especially loved the part about reading cereal boxes, menus… for those of us who love to read, we will read anything rather than nothing 🙂
I loved that bit too!! I didn’t know other people read cereal boxes! Good to know I’m not alone. 😉
My youngest son (19) just informed me, he already saw this a while ago and thinks it is a great poem and performance. Never stop being amazed by my own offspring!
Love it ! MY kind of man !
I used to read the Tate and Lyle golden syrup tin when I was liitle, eating my porridge -picture of a lion and bees, and the words, “out of the strength cometh forth sweetness!!!!”
So good that you remember the words! A lovely story!
Great! Refreshing – thanks for sharing it
Glad you enjoyed!