Reading Joss Whedon

I loved being the "interesting" student.

I took great pleasure in seeing teachers rewrite their syllabus for following classes due to an "out-of-the-box" paper I had handed in or watching them smile as they realized I had incorporate an acceptable but unconventional topic.

I just couldn't help myself. I loved being challenged and I loved getting a chance to incorporate my passions into my mountains of homework.

Every once in awhile, if I was very lucky, I could even incorporate my love of sci-fi and fantasy, a particularly difficult endeavor given I went to Bible College.

Even now in my post school days I still love when I am given the chance to merge my love of academics and sci-fi/fantasy. Which is why Reading Joss Whedon completing called forth that squealing fangirl within (though quietly so as not to wake baby) before I settled into read.

Reading Joss Whedon is a collection of scholarly essays exploring the different themes and connections within the larger body of Whedon's work.  This particular collection focused most heavily on the Buffy verse and Dollhouse era, most likely due to the vast wealth of ethical and feminist topics exemplified within them as well as their strong echoing of ancient mythos. However, other classics including The Avengers, Dr. Horrible, and my personal favourite Firefly are also brought about in varying levels of details.


All things considered, this collection would make an excellent text book for a media class within a formal setting (no academic gymnastics required to make this topic fit), with each essay providing a wealth of discussion and research material from which to launch classroom dialogue.

The structure of the text also makes it easy for readers to pick and choose which topics are of most importance for their reflection, with subjects being categorized by series or overarching theme for easier readability and reflection.

This book would not classify for many as an easy read but that doesn't necessarily make it the wrong one. This collection challenges readers to choose to partake of their media in less passive ways, exploring and examining the intent and messages being portrayed regardless of how the show is perceived. A lesson well worth taking into every day with our media saturated culture.

4.5 stars out of 5

I received this book through NetGallery in exchange for my honest opinion.