Scan barcode
jennyjjs's review
5.0
I absolutely LOVED this book! I may give a lot of books 5 stars because I love a lot of books. But if there was a 5+ category this book would be at the top of that list. It was one of those books you want to start clapping at the end. I gave a lot of 'amens' throughout the book. And if I could encourage every man and woman to read it I would. There were amazing stories, profound thoughts, and moments of pure inspiration.
Without sharing too much, because I feel like it's most powerful when read cover to cover, one of her phrases that captures the spirit of the book is: "This is not about bringing women in and leaving others out. It's about bringing women in as a way to bring everyone in."
Without sharing too much, because I feel like it's most powerful when read cover to cover, one of her phrases that captures the spirit of the book is: "This is not about bringing women in and leaving others out. It's about bringing women in as a way to bring everyone in."
emilysabeyy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
This is the only book to have ever made me cry. It was heart wrenching but so so gooood!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual violence, Suicide, Abortion, and Pregnancy
unpetitcreux's review
4.0
Arghhhhh!!!! My audiobook expired, but I still have a chapter left to read. That really tickles my tentacles. I put myself back on the waitlist, but am unfortunately 122nd in line for another copy... So, maybe I'll just call this finished for now and if I'm really motivated, when it comes back around, I'll read that last chapter.
For now, my thoughts: I don't normally read books like this (autobiographies? politically motivated books? life journey experiences?). Usually I'm more immeshed in fantasy genres, but my mum suggested I read this book because she thought I might enjoy it. I'd also just finished reading Michelle Obama's Becoming book, also by my mum's suggestion, and had quite enjoyed the experience, so I thought I'd give this one a try as well.
Tragically, I found this book a little more tedious to get through. The book discusses women's rights, gender inequality, access to care and family planning, global public health, etc. I've done a lot of work and research in these domains, so I found the information fairly routine. I think this book could have been more interesting to someone less entrenched in these worlds.
The parts I loved: hearing personal stories of women from around the world and learning about the cultural adaptions used to help human beings thrive. I also appreciated hearing Melinda Gates discuss the lessons she learnt along the way as an upperclass, U.S., white woman trying to change the world. I think those pieces are really important and I wish the way she'd constructed her book had also reflected some of these lessons.
In any case, I'm sure many people will find solace in the book, will learn a lot about the world, and will enjoy it more than I did.
For now, my thoughts: I don't normally read books like this (autobiographies? politically motivated books? life journey experiences?). Usually I'm more immeshed in fantasy genres, but my mum suggested I read this book because she thought I might enjoy it. I'd also just finished reading Michelle Obama's Becoming book, also by my mum's suggestion, and had quite enjoyed the experience, so I thought I'd give this one a try as well.
Tragically, I found this book a little more tedious to get through. The book discusses women's rights, gender inequality, access to care and family planning, global public health, etc. I've done a lot of work and research in these domains, so I found the information fairly routine. I think this book could have been more interesting to someone less entrenched in these worlds.
The parts I loved: hearing personal stories of women from around the world and learning about the cultural adaptions used to help human beings thrive. I also appreciated hearing Melinda Gates discuss the lessons she learnt along the way as an upperclass, U.S., white woman trying to change the world. I think those pieces are really important and I wish the way she'd constructed her book had also reflected some of these lessons.
In any case, I'm sure many people will find solace in the book, will learn a lot about the world, and will enjoy it more than I did.
graciegrace1178's review
DNF
I am a feminist, and anyone who knows me knows this. But oh boy was I bothered by this book. Couldn’t make it past 8%. I have Opinions about the subject matter.
I am a feminist, and anyone who knows me knows this. But oh boy was I bothered by this book. Couldn’t make it past 8%. I have Opinions about the subject matter.
andrea_read's review
5.0
This book should be at the top of your reading list! Building women up will change the world. And Melinda's foundation has only just scratched the surface of proving it to be true. If you can only read a few chapters, the last two chapters and the epilogue really drive home the points Melinda is trying to make. Let's lean on each other to build the better tomorrow!
silfron's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Medical content, Pregnancy, and Classism
Moderate: Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Trafficking, Medical trauma, Abortion, and Sexual harassment
shailydc's review against another edition
5.0
A must read for all. I had to take breaks from listening a few times because many of the topics hit too close to home and it was overwhelming. In particular, the amount of time women spend doing unpaid work vs. men, something all too common in Indian homes even in America.