Author: Katherine Turk
Length: 13 hrs
Published: 2023
Genre: Nonfiction, History
So, I've been on this personal quest to fill in the gaps of my history knowledge, and my latest pick was "The Women of NOW." Honestly, I'm a bit sheepish to admit I didn't really know much about the National Organization for Women (NOW) before this. It's exactly why I'm on this history journey. The founding ladies of NOW? They were total trailblazers in the world of feminism. It's clear we owe a lot to them for the freedoms and rights we have today.
My Initial Worries
Heading into this book, I was kinda worried it would be all about feminism from the perspective of white women only. We all know that the full picture of feminism includes so much more, especially the crucial roles played by women of color and their ties with the Civil Rights movement. I was super relieved to see this book didn't shy away from those truths. It gave credit where credit's due and didn't gloss over the messy parts of merging different voices and needs within the movement.
The Listening Experience
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan, I got my hands (well, ears) on the audiobook version. And let me tell you, that was a good move. The book is dense—packed with info and takes a bit to digest. I spread it over two months, and each session left me with a lot to think about. Kimberly M. Wetherell's narration was a godsend. Her voice made it easier to get through the dense material and really helped me connect with the stories and names that popped up.
What Stuck With Me
A bittersweet realization from the book is that even groups with the best intentions can stray from their core values, getting tangled in unexpected challenges. But there's a silver lining—seeing how NOW recognized when they were veering off course and made efforts to steer back. It's kind of uplifting and shows that growth and learning from mistakes is possible.
Founded back in 1966, NOW has been around the block a few times. They've faced their share of "growing pains," but rather than falling apart, they've adapted and grown stronger. Fifty-eight years on, and they're still out here fighting for women's rights everywhere.
Wrapping Up
"The Women of NOW" isn't just a history lesson; it's a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of including all voices in the conversation. It made me reflect on how far we've come and the work that still lies ahead. Turk's research and Wetherell's narration made for a compelling combo that kept me engaged from start to finish.
Happy reading!
Bobbi
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