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You Are Not Alone: Stories from the Front Lines of Womanhood by Leah Carey

You Are Not Alone: Stories from the Front Lines of Womanhood by Leah Carey 
23337035Average Rating: 4.57 Stars
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
ISBN: 9780692285619

*I received a copy of You Are Not Alone: Stories from the Front Lines of Womanhood in exchange for an honest review* 

After Twitter exploded with the hashtag #YesAllWomen, which told stories of women's experiences of harassment and assault in their daily lives and disturbing comments from some, and the Isla Vista killings, ten amazing women came together to share their stories with each other and later on with the world. Each woman from varying races, ages, locations, and lifestyles writes their own unique stories and thoughts based on all different types of prompts chosen by Carey, who also participated and created the writing workshop. 

The beginning chapters are an introduction to the events that lead to the start of this wonderful book. Carey writes about the Isla Vista killings, the #YesAllWomen movement, and a note to all of the male readers. I found these chapters necessary, but a little representative. Although, I don't really see the that as a huge problem. I was really happy with all the statistics that Carey added to these chapters. I also really loved how Carey added the #YesAllWoman tweets, both good and bad, through out the book. Then there are pictures and a short paragraph that introduces the reader to the writers. I really enjoyed reading about them because they were such a diverse group and it got me more excited to read on. Also I loved that it was stated right away that this book is not a "men vs. women" book and that it is okay to not agree with some of the things stated in the pages of said book.

From there the chapters were all about the prompts, which were things like "Defining Womanhood", "If You Really Knew me...", "Talking to our younger selves", "Claiming Freedom", etc. Each prompt was unique and interesting. Also they pulled at my heartstrings. All of the writers have their own way of writing and they all were highly enjoyable to the point I cannot pick a favorite. Whether they wrote in paragraphs or in verses each piece was lovely. They were all very thought provoking. Some of my favorite quotes, which I found very thought provoking, are;

  • "Control is a double-edged sword. It acts both as a form of comfort, while at times it inspires rebellion." - Mercedes 
  • "For I was not a princess in need of rescue, I was a queen taking control of my own freedom. I was my own dark night." - Mercedes 
  • "Womanhood is negotiating the myths and realities of life...Womanhood is negotiating other peoples' expectations and why I'm not living up to them." - Sabrinna 
  • "Freedom doesn't mean the right to take other's freedom...Freedom is for everyone, not just you." -Ashley. F 
  • "It is so good to feel flames of anger light within and to know that the passionate woman I am has not shrunk away." - Leah. N
  • "You can't give forgiveness until you are ready. And nobody should force anyone to do it before that moment. "- Crysti 
  • "I think that part of the initiative to teach young men to respect women is to start with teaching boys to respect themselves."- Crysti 
  • "There is power in words, and if someone hears something negative enough times, they eventually believe or become labeled by it."- Mercedes 
  • "Sometimes we fear we are just stirring the pot, when in reality we have been thrown in the pot."- Ashley. F

I also really loved how the last chapters are there for advise to people, who would like to do something similar to this. Even if it is applied to other social problems. 

In conclusion, I think everyone should read this. It is important and I think anyone regardless of gender could take something away from this book. It is also an intriguing and empowering book. Plus it would spread awareness, which is needed. 

Thanks for reading
    -Ashley <3

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