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thefloatingbookworm's review against another edition
3.0
No doubt that Sarsour’s activism is incredible but I wanted more from the book.
delaney253's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
5.0
hope_elizabeth_rose's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.25
kimberpoi's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
drbooknerd's review
5.0
I've been following Linda for over 10 years - I was immediately drawn to her efforts, her cause, both as an American Muslim, a Palestinian woman that was unashamed about her beliefs as she fought for and continues to fight for the oppressed, the under-served in her community as well as those outside it's borders, across the nation and world.
This first-hand account of her humble beginnings, her early childhood, her marriage and raising her family, while rising up to become a national leader, is one that is so very inspiring as our nation endured low points as far as the rights and lives of African Americans, Muslims and so many others.
One thing that I have always loved about Linda, is that she is unapologetic about who she is - something she states at the outset of the book and is one of her motto's to this day- and this has driven her to do whatever it takes in standing up for those who have been otherwise neglected, stepped on and oppressed. Unless you were living under a rock in recent years, you know of the threats against her, the false accusations and hate-filled campaigns against her by those seeking to tear her down without merit.
Hearing it directly from her, you will realize, those attacking her failed to keep her down for any significant period. Though she endured hit after hit, she always found a second wind, be it from her supportive family (especially her first-born son, who is the second star of this book in my eyes) or those she was fighting with - from Ferguson to the Women's March on Washington and each one of these obstacles or challenges, provides something we can all be inspired by as we fight to help amplify the voices that need to be heard and lifted up.
I cannot recommend this book enough - having been a young and then full grown adult during much of what Linda encounters more directly - be it the tragedy of 9/11, the Black Lives Matter movement - or even the behind the scenes of the long march to Washington from Brooklyn leading up to the Women's March - her narrative voice brings it all to life on an entirely different level that truly shakes the heart.
Learning more about her early upbringing and seeing where she is now, by the end of this book - it's so moving to "witness"that journey in her own words - including threats to her life and those close to her - and realizing that her battle continues everyday - that while big, important strides have been made, but there is still much to be done.
This first-hand account of her humble beginnings, her early childhood, her marriage and raising her family, while rising up to become a national leader, is one that is so very inspiring as our nation endured low points as far as the rights and lives of African Americans, Muslims and so many others.
One thing that I have always loved about Linda, is that she is unapologetic about who she is - something she states at the outset of the book and is one of her motto's to this day- and this has driven her to do whatever it takes in standing up for those who have been otherwise neglected, stepped on and oppressed. Unless you were living under a rock in recent years, you know of the threats against her, the false accusations and hate-filled campaigns against her by those seeking to tear her down without merit.
Hearing it directly from her, you will realize, those attacking her failed to keep her down for any significant period. Though she endured hit after hit, she always found a second wind, be it from her supportive family (especially her first-born son, who is the second star of this book in my eyes) or those she was fighting with - from Ferguson to the Women's March on Washington and each one of these obstacles or challenges, provides something we can all be inspired by as we fight to help amplify the voices that need to be heard and lifted up.
I cannot recommend this book enough - having been a young and then full grown adult during much of what Linda encounters more directly - be it the tragedy of 9/11, the Black Lives Matter movement - or even the behind the scenes of the long march to Washington from Brooklyn leading up to the Women's March - her narrative voice brings it all to life on an entirely different level that truly shakes the heart.
Learning more about her early upbringing and seeing where she is now, by the end of this book - it's so moving to "witness"that journey in her own words - including threats to her life and those close to her - and realizing that her battle continues everyday - that while big, important strides have been made, but there is still much to be done.
yjakmouj's review
5.0
One of the best books I’ve read all year. Sarsour’s stories spoke to me in a way that very few have before.
nuhafariha's review
5.0
Thank you to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy
Available May 1st 2020
Wow. I am completely in shambles after reading this book. As a long time fan of Linda Sarsour on social media, I was elated to read her memoir. Part rally cry, part sociological analysis, part community organizational lessons, "We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders" is a book that will linger in your thoughts for a long time. Every other chapter, I found myself reaching for a tissue or two. Sarsour is raw and honest when she discusses the tolls of social justice work, the long hours away from family, the constant critique of her actions, the paranoia of living in a police state. Yet the memoir is hardly ever bitter. Instead, in the tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Sarsour shows love to those who conspire against her while still maintaining her positions and beliefs. It is these moments that are most transformative for me as a reader, to learn how to shift the framework of a situation from one of fear and hatred to one of understanding and kindness. Sarsour's wit, humor and humanity are sorely needed in these times.
Available May 1st 2020
Wow. I am completely in shambles after reading this book. As a long time fan of Linda Sarsour on social media, I was elated to read her memoir. Part rally cry, part sociological analysis, part community organizational lessons, "We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders" is a book that will linger in your thoughts for a long time. Every other chapter, I found myself reaching for a tissue or two. Sarsour is raw and honest when she discusses the tolls of social justice work, the long hours away from family, the constant critique of her actions, the paranoia of living in a police state. Yet the memoir is hardly ever bitter. Instead, in the tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Sarsour shows love to those who conspire against her while still maintaining her positions and beliefs. It is these moments that are most transformative for me as a reader, to learn how to shift the framework of a situation from one of fear and hatred to one of understanding and kindness. Sarsour's wit, humor and humanity are sorely needed in these times.