booknerd_therapist's review against another edition
5.0
What a fascinating woman! Here is a woman who, well into her senior years, was actively organizing labor strikes for the poorest of workers. In and out of jail. At personal risk to her safety. She was, for all intents and purposes, absolutely fearless.
She does not mince words. The horrors of child labor in particular are described in meticulous detail. Some passages are difficult to read, as she recalls children permanently disfigured or disabled by work in the mills or coal mines.
Her fierce spirit and determination shine through the pages of this autobiography. I have taken one of my favorite quotes of hers and claimed it as my own mantra: "I'm not a humanitarian, I'm a hell-raiser!" Definitely recommended for people who are human rights activists.
She does not mince words. The horrors of child labor in particular are described in meticulous detail. Some passages are difficult to read, as she recalls children permanently disfigured or disabled by work in the mills or coal mines.
Her fierce spirit and determination shine through the pages of this autobiography. I have taken one of my favorite quotes of hers and claimed it as my own mantra: "I'm not a humanitarian, I'm a hell-raiser!" Definitely recommended for people who are human rights activists.
mick's review against another edition
4.0
The stories that Mother tells are great, but her writing style is a little dry. Certainly an interesting perspective from a sassy lady.
sgunther's review against another edition
3.0
I received this as a graduation gift 12 years ago and only now did I finally sit myself down to read it. I knew nothing about Mother Jones, so it was interesting to learn about her accomplishments and incredible perseverance. But it is rather dry for one who is not especially invested in Labor Movement history; there isn't much in the way of character, for example, except for a few bits of biting dialogue that strain my suspension of disbelief (Did she really have such perfect comebacks? Did she really remember exactly what had been said all those years before?). But it is concise and informative.
guida315's review against another edition
4.0
I’m not certain Mother Jones believed she was writing a book, but that’s what happened, even with misspellings and incorrect word choice.
Still, what a fascinating book it is, tracing her life’s work of fighting for the rights of mine workers. If you have even a passing interest in unions, read this book. You’ll be glad you did!
Still, what a fascinating book it is, tracing her life’s work of fighting for the rights of mine workers. If you have even a passing interest in unions, read this book. You’ll be glad you did!
alys's review
4.0
A very interesting history of the Labor movement as seen through the eyes of one of the most prominent and iconic organizers. I had known that the early years of unionizing were often violent, but I was a little appalled at just how many atrocious injustices were recounted here, a relentless list of deaths, trumped up charges, bribes and corruption. Also stories of bravery and indomitable will as well. I wish some of the stories had been more fleshed out. Several times I felt an entire book could have been written about something that is given barely a paragraph. (Which, technically, is true. I was inspired to read this in the first place after reading a book about another labor organizer, whose murder inspires barely two lines in the autobiography.)
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