This book is incredible, not only for the events it catalogs, but for Collins' ability to synthesize material from 50 years into something coherent and cohesive. It's right at 400 pages but her writing style is such that the book is an easy read. She frequently uses first person accounts from women regarding their personal experiences which make it all the more meaningful and interesting.
The book looks at fashion, education, careers, family, the sexual revolution, Civil Rights, and so much more. I had no idea how intertwined the Equal Rights Amendment was with the battle for Civil Rights. I learned so much from this book, both about events and people I was already familiar with as well as many I was not. I have a whole new group of heroines and even a few heroes, as well as several villains and villainesses.
This would be a wonderful book for a book club as each person would have a different perspective based on their age, where they were living, and their personal circumstances. I certainly have a very different perspective on many things after reading this book.
If you read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I'm loving this book as well. I feel like I have always heard a lot of the individual points she makes but I love how she has put it into a chronology that is easy to follow and thoroughly explains the cause and effect relationships.
ReplyDeleteHow women's role in families, politics, the economy, etc has evolved over the course of the last half century is unbelievable. The barriers that have been broken and the steps taken have made a world that makes it where I can barely comprehend some of the occurrences listed in this book. They seem unreal and fictional because it just feels like there is NO WAY that really happened but it so freaking did and that realization is what is so mind-blowing.
Great rec Lisa!!
Interesting article in Forbes Women on new studies around women v. men in the workplace: http://blogs.forbes.com/lisaquast/2011/03/14/debunking-myths-of-gender-equality-are-personal-choices-and-preferences-whats-really-holding-women-back-from-achieving-parity-at-work/
ReplyDelete