Make Trouble: Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding the Courage to Lead--My Life Story by Cecile Richards

4.31 AVERAGE

catherinew's profile picture

catherinew's review against another edition

3.0
I heard about this book while listening to Call Your Girl Friend one day at the gym and when I saw it at my local library I picked it up! I was lil’ weary at first bc it seems like everyone gets a book deal these days and I want to make sure I read books worth reading and “Make Trouble” was definitely worth reading. Before Cecile Richards was president of Planned Parenthood she was a union organizer. It was so interesting to follow her career from its grassroots beginnings to its current high profile status. Plus learning about her family across generations like her mother, Texas’s first woman governor, Ann Richards, & her trailblazing daughters & son. Very inspiring for someone like me in the throes of figuring out what’s next in life!
treereads's profile picture

treereads's review against another edition

4.0
I am so inspired by Cecile (& her family) after finishing this. I was happily surprised to read about the elections her family has been a part of & seeing them from a different perspective.
_nothankyou_'s profile picture

_nothankyou_'s review

5.0

I loved this memoir and the stories of every inspiring, kick-ass activist mentioned therein. Cecile Richards begins with life growing up as the daughter of a civil rights lawyer and ex-governor Ann Richards, her family's struggles and triumphs, particularly her mom's evolution from housewife to liberal political powerhouse in conservative Texas. The book goes on to cover her early days as a labor organizer, Nancy Pelosi's chief of staff, her 12-year run as president of Planned Parenthood, and her support in Hilary Clinton's presidential campaign. Of particular interest was her involvement and support in Wendy Davis's epic 13-hour filibuster of Senate Bill 5, a thinly veiled attempt to shut down Planned Parenthood in Texas. I was there. It was amazing.

I'm sure my love of this book is in no small part due to the fact that I am in almost exact political and philosophical alignment with Richards' own beliefs, but the book is fantastic even if that is not the case. It shows the human side of life as an activist, confronting fears of inadequacy, mistakes made along the way, and the importance of persistence in the face of defeat. I found myself actually laughing out loud at the absurdity of many of her stories, followed by cringes when the reality sinks in that someone, usually prominent male politicians, actually made these ridiculous, public statements to crowds of their own supporters. As I stated before, it was an inspiring, eye-opening ride to read this book, and I'd recommend it to anyone.

Now if you will excuse me, I'm off to make an annual donation to Planned Parenthood. I have been a patient of that organization on several occasions, specifically on the few times in my life when I was uninsured, and will be forever grateful to them for the services they provide to the community, particularly to women in need.

beebeereads's review against another edition

3.0
An interesting memoir focusing on activism and feminism. It is refreshing to hear the positive voices of women through the cacophony of negativity these days.

bekki_f's review against another edition

4.0
Better than I expected. I had no idea Ms. Richard's background in organizing. She is a force to be reckoned with.

laurelwilder's review against another edition

5.0
This book is phenomenal. I feel so ready to go out and change the world and am so energized after reading this. I went to college with Cecile Richards’ son, Dan, and much of my interest in this book was because of that connection. But this book turned out to be so much more than an interesting look at a classmate’s mother. I will return to this for years to come. Thank you, Cecile, for sharing your story.

jesslovestype's review against another edition

4.0
great, important and fascinating stories from a remarkable woman, mediocre writing.
jacquelynjoan's profile picture

jacquelynjoan's review against another edition

4.0
Good, quick book that tells one activist/organizer's path.
katiasbuzz's profile picture

katiasbuzz's review against another edition

4.0
The book was not at all what I anticipated but I actually enjoyed it very much.

aliciamae's review against another edition

2.0
I'm not one for memoirs, although I do keep trying. The writing style of this book did not grab me, and honestly, I was rather bored at several parts. However, learning about what goes into being community organizer and what it is like to work on a political campaign was absolutely fascinating. I could have read so much more on these subjects than what was included. There's a lot to it! And while it sounds utterly grueling, community organizing and political campaign work also sounds like they can be extremely rewarding. At certain points, Richards was very convicting-- I can see how many would be moved to become involved in the political process/their community after reading this book.