Member Reviews
Writing honest reviews are difficult when you dislike the book because you risk the publisher not sending you any more books to review. I'll take my chances.
First, an admission. I couldn't finish this book. Life is too short for bad books or books that don't grab my attention. I didn't finish this book because 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 was a bad book. Parts of it did interest me so I can't say that was the reason I couldn't finish 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴. I couldn't finish because what Kirsten Anderson is trying to do wasn't working.
I try to lead with the positive when I'm giving feedback and that's what I'll do here. I enjoyed the biographical bits that make up the first half of each chapter. I was horrified that this happened to the author. I applaud her strength and courage for fighting back and taking her case to trial. I love that these biographical moments made me take another look at sexual harassment and forced me to have sometimes uncomfortable conversations with myself and my friends about how we change the narrative from boys will be boys and that's the way it's always been to a narrative that believes women and allows everyone regardless of gender to speak up when witness to harassment, racism, homophobia, etc and etc.
Now for the negative. I didn't like this book because I felt that 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 was in conflict with itself. 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 has all of these beautiful biographical bits. It tells a heartbreaking story. 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 also wants to be a textbook and those are the parts that tuned me out.
I get what the author was trying to accomplish. I actually enjoyed the "think about it" segments. I wish that the thinking was expanded. It helped me understand what Kirsten Anderson was going through in the moment but I would have loved to seen more of her thought process. Instead we get these "put it to work" moments that reminded me of my gender/sexuality courses. Reading those segments made me question if this was an autobiography or a workbook. With everything on my plate and living through a global pandemic I'm willing to turn #MeToo into #ISaidSomething. I said something has I told my own queer #MeToo story. But I'm not at a point to read a book that makes me feel like I have to do homework after each chapter and participate in a dialogue.
In the book dedication Kirsten Anderson says that she dedicates the book for those looking for understanding and support and more (a paraphrase). She might have aimed for that in this book but I felt that the mark was missed. She comes close but the textbook parts didn't work. At least not for me.
As a survivor of sexual assault it is great to see another strong woman share her story.
This is a heavier read, with that said, it can resonate well with a survivor. If you are somebody who is not a survivor and are looking to learn more I would definitely recommend.
Overall, 5/5.
The author does a good job tackling an uncomfortable topic. She does this in a way that doesn't dwell on the same points but still is able to tell her story and help guide the conversation for change. It is easy to follow and read which makes it even more helpful when looking to use as a resource to guide change in your own employment environment or any other you are looking to change for the better.
This book is timley and important, however I dont see how it separates itself from books written on the same topic. I think this book would be a good place to start for anyone who is unfamiliar with Me Too.
This book is written from a place of privilege. The author understands that the average person simply does not have the wherewithal to withstand a lengthy legal battle. Her story is still inspiring.
It is difficult for the average person to remain hopeful when it feels like there is nothing we can do to protect ourselves. The author is passionate, well spoken and shows real empathy. They advocate for change and understanding.
I'm still unsure what the average "little people" can really do, without jeopardising their livelihoods - most people aren't in a position where they can take that risk. I'm still very glad the author had the courage to stand up and also to tell their story.
I hope this book inspires more people, who are in a position where they can stand up, to gain the courage to do so.