Thank you, NetGalley, for the copy of this book in exchange for my review :-)

I really enjoyed *Wake Up America* and found its collection of essays and perspectives deeply moving, particularly the ones highlighting the experiences of Black women. These essays really made me reflect on how we often take our own circumstances for granted. We're so accustomed to seeing life through our own lens that we sometimes forget how much harder it can be for others, especially Black women.

The stories in this book served as a reminder of the challenges many people face, challenges we may not fully understand or consider in our daily lives. I found myself feeling more empathetic and aware of the privilege I have in comparison. It was a humbling and eye-opening read.

If I had one wish, it would be for the book to be longer. I loved the diverse perspectives shared, and I would have loved even more voices, stories, and experiences to learn from. Overall, *Wake Up America* is an insightful, thought-provoking read that I highly recommend!!

This is a book that everyone needs to read. I cannot stress enough just how important this is and if we are trying to achieve any of the goals of attaining an actual multi-racial democracy, this book is key.

Wake Up America is a must read collection of essays by various Black women involved in politics and/or activism. I really appreciated the variety of topics such as disability, reproductive rights, voting rights, sexuality, etc. I highly recommend to anyone looking to pick up a political nonfiction book.

📱Thank you to NetGalley for an e-book ARC of this book. What a fantastic and important read. I think this book should be required reading in light of the 2024 election this year.

This book is an anthology of essays, written by 22 different black women, all activists/in politics. When I loved most was the emphasis on intersectionality these essays included. There were essays from black trans women, black disabled women, and black fat women. The essays covered how crucial it is to use black women’s experience as a litmus test for how democratic we are as a country. Because black women have the intersection of racism and sexism (misogynoir), if our country is not free and fair for black women, then we have yet to reach a true democracy.

These essays were rich in history, suffering, and inspiring stories. It is a call to action for America to wake up to the reality that we have work to do to reach a truly multiracial democracy. It’s an inspiring look-back at how black women have been the foundation of so many critical movements - past and present. This book taught me so much about the issues we need to educate ourselves on and the rights we need to uphold and fight for. It inspired me to be more politically active and informed. This book is required reading, especially right now..

Thank you to Netgalley and W.W Norton & Company for providing a digital ARC copy of this book.

This thought-provoking and informative read delves into a variety of subjects, addressing crucial issues through personal stories. The contributors, a group of very talented individuals, invested a significant amount of effort into crafting a book that covers topics such as women's rights, reproductive rights, voting rights, anti-blackness, disability, sexuality, and healthcare. I strongly encourage everyone to pick up a copy of this book to gain insights into these important issues.

The authors skillfully use personal narratives to foster a connection with readers, making the topics more relatable. The book not only offers valuable information but also serves as a gateway to understanding our current societal climate and the challenges faced by black people and minorities of color. Moreover, it provides a comprehensive list of authors to guide readers on their journey towards anti-racism

"Wake Up America," edited by historian Keisha N. Blain, presents a collection of original essays written by twenty-two progressive Black women. This book tackles various pressing challenges from diverse perspectives, offering valuable insight into subjects such as race and women's rights, reproductive freedom, voting access, reparations, disability, sexuality, healthcare, political power and representation, education, anti-blackness/lgbtq+, and violence against Black/LGBTQ+/women.

THREE CORE THEMES:
- CLAIMING HUMAN RIGHTS
- BUILDING POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC POWER
- COMBATTING ALL FORMS OF HATE

By delving into these topics, the book provides a blueprint for those committed to fostering democracy and creating a more inclusive and equitable society in the United States. The authors' insights offer guidance and inspiration for ongoing efforts to break down stereotypes, combat discrimination, and promote equality for marginalized populations.

The essayists analyze our present circumstances through a historical lens and highlight the actions necessary to challenge societal norms, dismantle oppressive systems, and uplift marginalized communities. By engaging with these diverse perspectives, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the issues and find inspiration to contribute to the ongoing fight for a more just society.

"Wake Up America" is a valuable resource for individuals seeking to comprehend and address the complex challenges of marginalized communities. By exploring the rich perspectives these essayists share, readers are encouraged to work towards creating a society that upholds the principles of equality, justice, and inclusivity.