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angiew23's review
5.0
I really enjoyed listening to this non-fiction audiobook narrated by the author. In just 6 relatively short chapters, Kirby shares a wealth of information about the barriers to reproductive rights for women and trans men around the world. Kirby is clearly extremely knowledgeable about this topic, and her text is supported with extensive research, yet she is able to explain things in a very succinct and easy to understand way. The information she shares is both statistical and qualitative, describing experiences using background information and supporting details. For example, Kirby gives statistics about the lack of abortion clinics on Prince Edward Island, Canada, but also gives information about the political context of the province, the geography of the location of abortion clinics and the legal and financial barriers as well as the inconvenience of both time and travel imposed on Islanders looking to receive an abortion in a neighbouring province.
As a Canadian, Kirby's novel was a pretty humbling reminder that just because abortions are legal in Canada, doesn't mean we don't have our problems too. I naively assumed that since Canadians have health care coverage and abortions are legal that it was easier here than most other places, but Kirby reminded me that like all other barriers many disadvantaged populations face, accessing an abortion is not necessarily easy.
Going beyond just abortions, Kirby also discussed topics such as forced sterilization, eugenics and LGBTQ+ rights when it comes to reproductive and medical supports. She gave historical contexts, broke down common biases and provided extensive and detailed information in a way that was passionate and persuasive but also succinct and non-confrontational. I would definitely recommend this book, both in print and as an audiobook. Kirby does speak fairly quickly at times, but she is easy to understand and her articulation was really clear. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, ECW Press (audio) for giving me the opportunity to listen to and review this fantastic audiobook!
As a Canadian, Kirby's novel was a pretty humbling reminder that just because abortions are legal in Canada, doesn't mean we don't have our problems too. I naively assumed that since Canadians have health care coverage and abortions are legal that it was easier here than most other places, but Kirby reminded me that like all other barriers many disadvantaged populations face, accessing an abortion is not necessarily easy.
Going beyond just abortions, Kirby also discussed topics such as forced sterilization, eugenics and LGBTQ+ rights when it comes to reproductive and medical supports. She gave historical contexts, broke down common biases and provided extensive and detailed information in a way that was passionate and persuasive but also succinct and non-confrontational. I would definitely recommend this book, both in print and as an audiobook. Kirby does speak fairly quickly at times, but she is easy to understand and her articulation was really clear. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, ECW Press (audio) for giving me the opportunity to listen to and review this fantastic audiobook!
dapperreads's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
4.0
This novel makes its stance known as pro-choice while still sticking to the facts (with citations!!). On top of that, there’s a solid history lesson included, again with citations which honestly made this enjoyable for me. If I’m going to read non-fiction like this, I do enjoy the ease that citations add when fact checking - and as a fact checker I’m here for it!
I received the audiobook from NetGalley and I can say I have complaints. It’s short and sticks to the point.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
voicenextdoor's review
4.0
I found this to be a great intro text into reproductive rights. It covers a nice range from early history of the movement to the modern approach.
I was glad to see the critical lens it took while looking at the movement because it's important to acknowledge the flaws along with the progress.
It's astonishing to be reading it in 2021 and see what has developed since its publication in 2017. There have been many steps taken here in the USA to restrict reproductive rights EVEN more than had already occurred at the time this was released.
My biggest complaint with the AUDIOBOOK version is that the footnotes are read aloud at the end of each chapter. I would have much preferred they were left until the end of the book.
Overall, this is a quick read and I would highly recommend it to anyone who interested in learning more about the topic. Especially teens and young adults. I think it's a great way to get them interested as well as provide ideas on how they can become involved in the fight to protect and advocate for reproductive rights.
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