DNFed - I chose to DNF this book in the past. I am typing as a review so it doesn’t harm my %. I haven’t chose to pick the title back up.

Well researched and fun. Started listening to the podcast so when I saw they were putting out a book I had to jump on it. I learned a lot from this and I love how it expanded on ideas

I had to stop reading a couple times because this book made me angry at the state of the country. Other than that, it was very informative about the various issues included under the umbrella of feminism. Some of the stories and journal entries made me laugh and some made me cry.
Otherwise, as I said, very informative and presented in a relatively easy to understand manner.

Thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook that focuses on intersectional politics and feminism. I thought the narrators - also the hosts of a podcast by the same name - were interesting, and I liked that they inserted personal stories into the book.

The only thing I found a bit strange were the “This didn’t happen” vignettes. I understand the intention of giving the reader an idea of what would have happened if different decisions were made/actions were taken, but they sometimes felt a bit unnecessary.

Thanks to Flatiron Books and Macmillan Audio for the ALC!

4ish stars

This book is one of the types of non-fiction that I really enjoy. The writers were upfront about what elements they were reasonably able to cover as well as what would more appropriately be left to others, and unlike some reviews, I didn’t mind the storytelling techniques they used in the chapters. I found it interesting, relevant, and detailed. I also didn’t find that being unfamiliar with the podcast was an issue. There were some gaps, but for the most part, I enjoyed the book.

I had never listened to this podcast but enjoyed being introduced to them through this book. It is a great primer on feminism history as well as sharing stories and experiences from those involved in the book.

The audio version of this book was an interesting take on the role of women presented by podcasters Anney Reese and Samantha McVey. It starts off slow but then speeds up as the authors explore the milestones and backbones of the feminist movement. However, it was hampered by poor sound quality and endorsements for their podcast. If they want to promote equal rights women, they need to stick to the topic. With a bit of work, the audiobook could be a good introduction to feminism.

Review: The start of this was so dull and slow and I was not sure I was going to continue. Then it became way better. These podcasters share a lot information, feelings, and history on many issues women face. They had great info and the audio was okay, not my favorite narration voices. I didn’t like the ‘reenactment’ scenes they threw into some chapters.
Recommended For: Those who want to read or listen to topics females struggle with daily.

I was ready to give this a very low score and almost called it quits. The first 30 something minutes of the audiobook is just the authors apologizing for the potential for failure and such. Which might go over better on a podcast where they are addressing a previous issue, but it was a very strange intro. And then they immediately go into a history/testimonial about General Leia. Which I don't have a problem with Leia but it's very weird and is like a really personal encyclopedic entry...and then the book goes into a fictional dramatization with sound effects and...I just could not figure out where anything was going. However, when the book got the the real issues and histories then there was actually something that I wanted to listen to. And honestly I appreciated the chapters on Final Girls and character bios and other pop culture-y things. I did not like the 'but that's not what happened' bits. I ended up skipping to the info bits and that worked for me. It's not comprehensive but I do think it has a nice breadth of topics and cultural touchstones to potentially encourage some further personal research on. I had never heard of the authors or the podcast before this book, so maybe their fans will have a better sense of what to expect from the book's format. The authors read their own work and I think they both did a fine job. I was not ok with the ear piercing scream that happened in the final girl's chapter - that was an unpleasant surprise. Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

So good!! I was so excited to get an advanced reader copy of this one! I listened to the audio version, and I couldn’t get enough! Phenomenal stories!

2.5 stars
Full disclosure: I have not listened to the podcast but was excited to listen and review this book. I expected the audio production to be at a high quality since it was written and performed by professional podcasters. But it goes to show that similar things are not the same— speaking extemporaneously in a podcast is a different skill than narrating an audiobook. When you add in the interstitial “stories”, I’d say this book is better for reading than listening.
As for the content of the book itself, I could have done without the long-winded introduction. The book was accessible, almost to the point of being aimed for a young audience. Otherwise, it felt like the authors assume most American women are wholly ignorant of their own history and experiences. And maybe that’s true for some. Speaking of those “stories”, I mentioned earlier— they take points in history and present a ‘what would it have been like if this event happened differently’. This included a male/female tennis match, female senators wearing pants, etc. With the lower bar to entry for this book, I felt those stories were wasted space that could have been used to highlight things that did happen, especially since none of them really moved the needle forward. But maybe that’s the point of feminism— the patriarchy makes sure that the needle moves staggeringly slowly.
*Thanks to MacMillan Audio and NetGallehly for the audiobook review copy.

Right up my alley, I hoped this audiobook would combine my love for podcasting with my passion for feminism. And, while I certainly walked away from this experience with a new appreciation for many historical events, the heaviness of the nonfiction was still there despite the banter and voicing by two professional podcasters and authors.

Using fictional recreation, statistics, fan fiction, and wholesome hard work, authors Anney Reese and Samantha McVey deliver an intentional and well conceived book. Breaking it down and providing vivid "what if" scenarios the impact of feminism becomes clear.

"Stuff Mom Never Tells" hits the mark.

I was excited to get this ARC, as I have listened to and enjoyed the podcast in the past. I was not aware there were new hosts, so the show may have changed, which could mean that my review of the book shouldn't really be considered if you like the way the show is currently going. That said:

My impressions:
- A 35 minute intro? Holy crap - waaaaay too much preemptive back peddling there.
- The first section reads like brief encyclopedia, which could be helpful for some, but I didn't find the information to be presented in a way that was interesting or memorable.
- After that, it seemed to be a weird jumble of content. While the audiobook was very well produced, I was so annoyed by the vignettes of the "fake stories" that were psych outs for what actually happened.
- I found it was a lot more overall about why those stories were important to them, which will be awesome for folks that follow the show and love them, but I found myself not really caring, since the book doesn't do much to bond you to the hosts.

Overall, if you're not a fan of the current show, I'd suggest skipping this one. There are better resources out there for women's history and how it applies to today's world.

2 stars - it was just ok.

So let me start by saying that I’ve never listened to the authors’ podcasts…
And after reading (listening to) this, I will not be looking for them.
A very different view on feminism and women’s rights…
Although I did learn a few things from the book, it was not worth the time it took to listen…IMO.
You CAN tell that they are very passionate about many topics in the book, especially since they hit home with them, but that being said, I feel like they were PUSHING the content on their listeners… and that made me not want to even finish it. But I did.
A lot of info on how things changed over the years in favor of women,but also how things still need to change.
Great info on the disabilities act that was passed about 30 years ago.
Also, unsettling info on how rape victims are ‘handled’ and changes made, as well as those that still need to be made, there.
And I didn’t like how on several occasions they painted a picture for you of terrible things happening, and then basically said, oh— just kidding.
Just felt like it was overkill in so many areas. Not sure, maybe it’s just me?
If you’ve read this, can you let me know your thoughts?
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC of the audiobook.
Sorry that I could not give a great review…but they do ask for an honest one.
Due on shelves August 29th, so if this is something you’d like, please look for it then.

Copied from Goodreads:
First, congratulations to these authors. Their passion shines throughout. They were also very personally vulnerable which is to be applauded.

Full disclosure, I have not listened to this podcast. But perhaps because I listened to the audio version narrated by the authors, the book came across as a podcast rather than an audio narration. The writing was very informal and conversational. The graphic novel and “what if” components were not well adapted for the audio. I caught a few errors in dates, but I couldn’t say if that was an error in the copy or the narration. (For instance, Biden/Harris could not have overturned an executive order in 2020 as they were not in office.)

If you are unfamiliar with feminism and intersectionality, this book would serve as a good introduction. If you enjoy the podcast, I imagine you would appreciate the book, too. But if you are versed in feminism and intersectionality, “Stuff Mom Never Told You” is unlikely to hold your interest.

Many thanks to Macmillan Audio via Netgalley for sharing this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Release Date: August 29, 2023

📖📖📖

The concept of feminism has evolved and changed so much over the last few decades that it can be confusing for people to keep up. Luckily, Anney Reese and Samantha McVey break it all down in this book, Stuff Mom Never Told You. Based on the podcast, the authors explore the history, strategy, and emotion that went into several milestones and emergent issues of the recent feminist movement. Starting with Billie Jean King’s famous “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match, they also talk about the Civil Rights movement and the women who helped shape it; the disturbing prevalence of major backlogs in rape kit testing; how LGBTQ rights and women’s rights intersect; and how women have been critical to the advancement of disability rights, and more.

I enjoyed this but it was definitely more along the lines of a dry biography than an interesting dive into feminist history. One sore spot, both podcast hosts over explained and over apologized for the content potentially getting outdated. The content itself was interesting to listen to but gosh it took forever to get to!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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I really enjoyed this! I have listened to the podcast in the past, hence my request to review this audiobook, and this is a nicer deep dive into some interesting real life stories... some I knew about, others newer to me. This won't be for everyone, it's non fiction and narrated by podcasters, not voice actors, but it was fine for me. It is definitely an audiobook that can work in short chapter form, kind of like listening to podcast episodes, and that is how I listened to it.
My one note... women need to stop overexplaining and apologizing for something not being perfect. the author note and I guess first chapter... 10-15 mins of the audiobook were too repetitive of apologizing for how the book has limitations, etc. I respect the acknowledgement that the content might feel outdated, that it doesn't wholly get at all forms of non western feminism, etc but this could be condensed into a briefer author note. I doubt an audiobook from men about history. etc would ever have this lengthy acknowledgement so it's ok to not have the all inclusive does it all audiobook.

A great look at different aspects of the feminist movement and where we still need to go to get equal rights for all.
I actually really like when podcasters write a book. I am not a podcast person at all. I would so much rather read a book so I’m grateful the authors chose a format that works for me.
It does have some re-enactments at the beginning of each chapter and I could have done without them but overall I learned and I raged.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for an advanced listening copy.

Although I only review audiobooks and I generally prefer audio books with sound effects or sound engineering, I couldn't stand to listen to this one. It came across as fake or too dramatized; which may be the purpose? I also am unfamiliar with the authors or their podcast to know if this is their usual "format" and practice. If so, I'm sure it will work for their regulars. I also hate that I had to listen to 10% before I even go to any subject matter relating to a book. Personal histories of the author are just narcissistic--who cares? Especially if you aren't a PhD.

STOP IT RIGHT NOW! I loved this so much.
I am so thankful to Anney Reese, Samantha McVey, Netgalley, and Macmillan Audio for granting me audio access to this hilarious depiction of life growing up with a mom who was more or less, just doing her best. I have one of those moms. Stuff Mom Never Told You is set to hit shelves on August 29, 2023.