Book Review: Chix Can Fix by Norma Vally
Home improvement books really aren’t my type of books, since I’ve always lived in apartments and can’t really take it upon myself to paint and redecorate without the approval of a landlord, whom most often are scared to death when you say “Oh yes, I’m thinking about black carpeting and green walls, what do you think?” However, Norma Vally’s Chix Can Fix tempted me because the book is not only geared towards home improvement, but also to fixing household appliances without the hassle of having to call in a professional and be robbed blind. I was also curious as to how a woman would speak to other women about home repairs and improvements, especially considering that traditionally, this book would have been geared solely towards men, had the author been a man.
I do not watch television; in fact, for three years I didn’t even have basic cable channels so my television was only used when I was watching a movie, so I had no background on who Normy Vally was or what this so-called “Tool Belt Diva” thing was all about going into this book. I was especially interested in this book to see how Vally represents women who do their own home improvement and repair work and because I had never made my own home repairs, nor knew who Norma Vally was, I went into this book completely clueless and came out just as clueless as before, but more offended than anything else.
Norma Vally speaks down to her readers, a true triumph since this book can be found in several clearance bins in many different home improvement and supply shops. She goes into explicit detail and over-simplifies already clear points as if she were a man imitating how one should speak to clueless women. She attempts humor quite frequently, but instead of coming off as humorous, her wording falls nothing short of being condescending and petty.
The self-proclaimed Tool Belt Diva had the perfect opportunity to publish a positive and helpful book for women, already knowing that women would be more inclined to purchase her book, but instead makes the same mistake as most other books of any nature do when attempting to appeal to a female audience–Speaking abut fashion and making every other sentence “cutesy” will not build a solid fan base; instead, this will provoke readers to look at the author of the book in a negative light, knowing that she does not take herself seriously, never mind being able to take the plight of her readers seriously.
If you are still inclined to purchase this book, you will find step-by-step instructions on a variety of different home improvement and repairs, such as plumbing, electricity, walls, floors, doors and windows. You will also find an estimated budget for every project in the book if you are saving up or would like an estimate for a particular home repair or improvement.
Chix Can Fix did not impress me, nor did I see what I had expected; I expected a woman-friendly book that went above the stereotypical “man job” demeanor; what I got was the reinforcement that because you’re a woman, you have no right to do these types of home improvement jobs, but if you insist on doing them anyway, Norma Vally would like to think she can help–while insulting your intelligence the entire time.
[rating:.5/5]
Dee on Wed, 9th Apr 2008 5:14 pm
Yikes Holly I’m also rummaging in the clearance bins at bookstores. I’ll be sure not to waste my few dollars on this book.
Rebecca from Home Decor on Fri, 2nd May 2008 6:59 pm
Don’t get me wrong…I’m not anti women’s lib or anything like that and I’m not saying women are helpless and can’t do home repair things themselves I just think what’s wrong with having a man do the rough stuff?…That’s what their built for.
Why try so hard to be like a man and do it yourself when there are perfectly good men around to do these things?
Women today are becoming less and less comfortable or even knowledgable about femininity and allowing men to protect and provide for them. Just because we can do it doesn’t necessarily mean we need to do it…
Not all men try to take advantage of women…..there are some really great guys out there. It just makes me sad to see so many women trying so hard to be like a man instead of enjoying themselves as a woman.
Rampa on Sat, 17th May 2008 6:24 pm
Hi there Finally, someone that thinks exactly like me!
california home staging businesses on Fri, 30th May 2008 2:27 am
I used to live in an apartment but I don’t have any problems with home improvement books and other learning stuff regarding home decor. You see, I’m a home stager and I’ve learned a lot from them. but you don’t have to be like me to appreciate these books. Who knows, someday they might come in handy? Sort of, an affirmation perhaps. If you have books like these, pretty soon you’re going to end up in a big house, right? Now, I’m living in one!
home staging business on Mon, 2nd Jun 2008 1:36 am
any books regarding home decorations are fine by me. if possible, I would like to get my hands on them because they can be useful for my home staging business. And furthermore, I think this book you’re recommending “Chix Can Fix” will really get the attention of my husband! HAHAHAHA! thanks for the recommendation!
Miss power tools on Wed, 4th Jun 2008 3:45 am
I was useless at home improvements until i decided to buy a relic of a house and then ran out of money. Iv found most jobs to be within reach if you can find the right info and advice. Iv bought a huge amount of diy books over the last 2 years so im going to add this one as well just in case!
Electricians Bristol on Thu, 29th Jan 2009 6:24 am
I am really glad someone has written a book about DIY for women. It is very much a mans job, and probably always will be. But for those women who don’t have any men in thier life, that book is so useful to do the smallest of things. I quite enjoy DIY, and always have done from an early age, i still only know the basics, but i certainly can put up shelves without them falling down. I am one of a few women Electricians in Bristol, and as you have to have a license to do this, a lot of women homeowners prefer to hire a woman electrician like myself, as they feel more comfortable.
I may try wallpapering after buying this book!
Claire
Front Doors on Mon, 8th Jun 2009 11:06 am
She has missed such a good niche, she could have made a killing with the front cover concept, shame the text brings her down.
Cleveland Electrician on Mon, 27th Jul 2009 5:32 pm
That sounds like a great book. People need to get over the fact that anyone can do anything they want.
composite doors on Mon, 3rd Aug 2009 11:09 am
I hate to say this, but my wife does most of the DIY in our home. She does it because she enjoys it, where for me it would be a chore. Also DIY stores know that most purchase decisions are made by the woman, so the book is spot on.
Carpet Cleaning Edinburgh on Wed, 14th Oct 2009 5:12 pm
wow great book / dvd idea! hope it really takes off.
Julia on Thu, 26th Nov 2009 2:43 am
I just borrowed this book from my friend and it was extremely helpful and funny too! It didn’t seem like the author was talking down to the reader at all. I also realized that Tool Belt Diva was the the author’s TV show. I’d like to see some episodes! It’s really cool to see a woman feel free to be feminine, even sexy, and still take charge with things that are typically “the man’s” job. Go Norma Vally!
Back Composite Doors on Sat, 7th Aug 2010 5:27 am
Of course chix can fix, in fact in DIY stores across the UK, it is now established that 60% of all sales are by women, and a huge percentage more are decided by women.