An enthralling blend of oral history and Gail Collins' keen research, this definitive look at 50 years of feminist progress shimmers with the amusing, down-to-earth liberal tone that is this New York Times columnist's trademark. "An engrossing account . deadly serious and great fun to read at the same time . sure to become required reading."-Kirkus Reviews
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"Was useful in raising my consciousness, and I was won over to her thesis that the most drastic changes for women in American social, political and economic life happened rapidly over about two generations. There's a lot in here, but I was surprised to find almost nothing on the role of religion in enforcing traditional gender notions. Gail Collins has a talent for civility and charm even when disagreeing vehemently (see her joint online columns with David Brooks); the effect is of someone with perspective and generous wisdom, such that the passion she reserves for her criticism of America's failure to ever meaningfully address the issue of early childcare is noticeably resolute (and rightfully so). Speaking of perspective, two years later this book's last section on the 2008 election helped me develop a little understanding of, at least in some way, the sincere disappointment of all those Hillary supporters - as well as the candidate herself."
— Billy (4 out of 5 stars)
“Collins, whose prose is vigorous and direct, has an unflaggingly intelligent conversational style that gives this book a personal and authoritative tone all at once.”
— New York Review of Books“Exhilarating, accessible, and inspiring.”
— Slate.com“An engrossing account…deadly serious and great fun to read at the same time…sure to become required reading.”
— Kirkus Reviews" First book I read on my Kindle! "
— Libby, 2/14/2014" I really enjoyed this book. It did not read like a history of the woman's movement but a review of things that happened during my life. Some things I remember well and some were just a blur. Every woman should read this. "
— Sandy, 2/3/2014" When everything changed was exactly want I was looking for. History without getting bogged down in academia or theory. "
— Jackie, 1/29/2014" Equal parts sad and encouraging. "
— Shoshana, 1/28/2014" Comprehensive coverage of what has happened to women during my lifetime. Love the nudges into memory. Taking my time reading it but I'm nearly done. "
— Katherine, 1/24/2014" I really don't know what to say about this book. At times I wished there was more depth and at times I thought the newspaper level of detail was enough. It was quite interesting, I can say that. "
— Val, 1/23/2014" She does a terrific job of telling our social history from my last years of high school until now. She didn't have a particular point of view - just good straight-forward reporting. There were no insights or new facts for me. I was there. I lived it and I paid attention. "
— Ann, 1/18/2014" LOVED IT!! The vioce anf experiances of this author lent themselves nicely to her topic. Beyond this this book is well written and organized, great read. "
— Valena, 1/18/2014" This book was amazing! It is non-fiction but reads more like fiction. I learned so much about the feminist movement. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because she introduces so many influential women and then discusses them again in a later chapter, it's hard to keep track of everyone. "
— Rebecca, 1/16/2014" This is a much more "academic" book than I typically read, but for a good-for-you read, it was really riveting. Learned a lot about the leaps and bounds the women's movement has made in the last 5-6 decades. Definitely recommend it. "
— Lizz, 1/2/2014" I haven't read the whole thing but so far its great. I love the perspective she tells women's history from. Its also in a very easy to read style. Go Gail! "
— Cordelia, 12/29/2013" A great read. I disagree with just about everything Phyllis Schlafly and the Eagle Forum stand for, but I have to admire Phyl's intelligence and determination. "
— Kirsti, 11/24/2013" Very good summary of major events through the stories of real everyday women. Quick and easy read, approachable writing style. "
— Jared, 11/2/2013" I believe Collins captures what it means to be a women in the last 50 years and what equality means to society. The structure was a tad chaotic in places with jumping back into a story of someone pages later. "
— Heidi, 7/30/2013" A trip down memory lane. Collins jogged my reality; and yet much has NOT changed. We need to remember this history. "
— Jan, 7/14/2013" Very enlightening book detailing different aspects of the women's movement. In fact, this should be required reading for everyone in my generation. "
— Kristen, 5/25/2013" Great historical record of women and history and events you know about, with the activites, events, and personal stories from women you didn't know before. Well researched and very well written. One of those books that everyone should read. Loved it. "
— Shanley, 1/3/2013" This is a MUST read book. This is the book you wish you had for your college Women's Studies or Gender Studies coursework. Comprehensive, easy to read, well-organized, and full of points to discuss. Maybe you know a lot or maybe you know a little... either way, this book will have something for you. "
— Riah, 5/15/2012" I loved this. It is hard to believe some of this only happened 50 years ago. "
— Carolinebeck, 11/2/2011" Fast-moving, thoughtful, and often hilarious. I'm a fan of Collins' work for the New York Times but she's even better in a longer forum. "
— Kurt, 5/19/2011" Awesome read! We've come a long way baby. Lots of great unknown to me facts and great ope for the future. "
— Cynthia, 5/2/2011" This should be a must read. Collins is ambitious in her coverage and clever in the way she intertwines the famous women in history with those impacted by the changes. "
— Jean, 4/16/2011" Much more readable, and enjoyable, than Rosen's "The World Split Open." "
— Sarah, 3/25/2011" really good perspective on the dramatic changes for women during my lifetime and very interesting for our daughters to read, as it details, through personal stories of women inside the movement and affected by it--changes they did not experience as they happened, but affect their lives today. "
— Cathy, 3/22/2011" An interesting book. Although it doesn't break new ground, Collins has created a fascinating portrait of women and their struggle for equality from 1960 to today. "
— Kate, 3/21/2011" LOVED IT!! The vioce anf experiances of this author lent themselves nicely to her topic. Beyond this this book is well written and organized, great read. "
— Valena, 3/19/2011" Should be required reading for all American women -- and their daughters! "
— Holly, 3/4/2011Gail Collins is a columnist for the New York Times. From 2001 to 2007 she was editorial page editor of the paper, the first woman to have held that position.
Christina Moore is an actress and Earphones Award–winning audiobook narrator. As an actress, she is best known for her roles in the television series That ’70s Show, Hawthorne, and 90210. She is a founding member of Bitches Funny, an all-female sketch group that has performed in New York City and Los Angeles.