The Women's Revolution

How did the woman's movement (the Second Wave) in the USA come about? Muriel Fox, cofounder of the National Organization for Women (NOW), tells you her firsthand stories in this book. About 29 people who were there, not only herself but also people such as Betty Friedan, Pauli Murray, Mary Eastwood... and the cases they took on to make eveybody's life better. Better work-life balance is also something men are benefitting from, argues Fox.

Fox based book mainly on her own Feminism Files, with hundreds of letters, clippings, notes, and photographs that she archived. This makes the book a very valuable time capsule. Tt's really interesting to see the discussions and frustrations they had whether it was too white, too straight...

Thank you New Village Press and NetGalley for this ARC

A fabulous, inspiring recount of the sweat, frustrations and determination of one American organisation's formation and impact from the OG Communicator of NOW. It's a tremendous reminder that, no matter where we are in the world or when, there is much that has been done and even more to be done to elevate humanity to a level where we can all co-exist harmoniously and disagree politely. Gaining recognition and respect and implementing and maintaining women's rights and gender equality are only some of the biggest fights of modern society. The notion of progress is that there is always room for improvement. Well, there's still lots of room.

Thanks to Netgalley and New Village Press for providing me with the e-ARC/DRC in exchange for an honest review.

The Women’s Revolution by Muriel Fox

320 Pages
Publisher: New Village Press
Release Date: June 18, 2024

Nonfiction, Politics, History, Politics, Women’s Movement, Feminism

This is a first-hand account of the feminist movement. She mentions her work was a part of the second wave of feminism. She was a co-founder of NOW, National Organization of Women in 1966. She talks about the letter Betty Friedan to several women dated August 31, 1966, asking $5 for membership. There were three major locations for NOW: New York, Washington, D.C., and Detroit.

She mentions Title VII, equal pay, sex discrimination, commission on the status of women. She describes the jail door necklace that Alice Paul wore. Nuns also signed up for membership because they were working women and were oppressed. Muriel wrote a press release and borrowed a mimeograph machine. It was carried my several major newspapers.

This is a wonderful memoir written about an important time for women. Ms Fox did a fantastic job chronicling the events and the biographical information of the women involved in the movement. If you are a member of NOW or lived through this period, you will enjoy reading this book.

Fair warning, this is not a casual read.
It infuriates, instigates, inspires and tells you about that part of history which they mostly skip over at school.
I call myself a feminist and try to act as one, but without knowing the history, the building blocks, the sacrifices and the people without whom we might have still been stuck in the dark ages, my feministic journey would have been utterly incomplete.
Written with a passionate voice, I would advocate for this book to be read by all and sundry. Such a much-needed wake-up call this powerhouse of a book is!
This one needs way more publicity that it's getting. Such a treasure!

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to gain early access to your book, "The Women's Revolution: How We Changed Your Life," via NetGalley.

Your masterful storytelling has provided me with an enlightening and empowering journey through the milestones and triumphs of the feminist movement. Your ability to seamlessly weave together personal anecdotes, historical events, and the indomitable spirit of those who paved the way for change is truly commendable.

The authenticity you bring to the narrative, drawing from your own experiences as a key figure in the women's movement, adds a unique and invaluable depth to the storytelling. Your perspective enriches the reader's understanding of the challenges faced by women and the collective strength that fueled the revolution.

I also want to commend the meticulous research evident in the book, offering a comprehensive overview of the various facets of the women's revolution. The historical account is both informative and engaging, providing readers with a rich tapestry of the movement's evolution.

"The Women's Revolution" is not just a historical account; it is a call to action. Your unwavering optimism and belief in the power of collective action are infectious, leaving readers inspired to continue the fight for equality in their own lives.

In conclusion, I am grateful for the opportunity to explore the pages of "The Women's Revolution" early through NetGalley. It is a timely and important contribution to the ongoing dialogue surrounding gender equality, and I believe it will resonate with a wide audience.

Thank you for your dedication to sharing this transformative journey. I look forward to its official release and the positive impact it will undoubtedly have on readers around the world.