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184 reviews for:
Make Trouble: Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding the Courage to Lead--My Life Story
Cecile Richards
4.31 AVERAGE
184 reviews for:
Make Trouble: Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding the Courage to Lead--My Life Story
Cecile Richards
4.31 AVERAGE
“Feminist is not a passive label; it means speaking out and standing up for women everywhere, and also for yourself. One woman calling out an injustice is powerful enough; when we raise our voices together, we can shake the status quo to its foundation.”
Cecile Richards' "Make Trouble" is not just an autobiography. It's a call to action that encourages people to get involved in causes they care about because you never know where those opportunities may lead.
Cecile Richards' "Make Trouble" is not just an autobiography. It's a call to action that encourages people to get involved in causes they care about because you never know where those opportunities may lead.
In some ways, it's hard to believe that women are still fighting for the fundamental right to health care and choice. And it's appalling that these decisions, particularly these days, are being made by old white men - many of whom have come from privilege and have never had to worry about health care access to treat things like endometriosis, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, pap smears...the only upside to all of this is the IMMENSE activism currently taking place. This book is both fascinating and infuriating (the kind of infuriating that covers the "Holy hell, why are we STILL having to worry about this?" kind of stuff...), and Ms. Richards does a great job of portraying both the ups and downs that have come along the way in her career. There is, of course, the infamous conversation with Jared and Ivanka...the congressional hearing where Jason Chaffetz showed his ability to look like a complete dumbass...the Women's March on Washington - Richards has been in the thick of so much of what will truly be remembered by history. She gives hope, and frankly - that's something we all could use more of right now.
As a lifelong trouble-maker of a lesser degree–and still more than a bit guilt-stricken by it–I was gratified to hear Cecile Richards' unapologetic telling of her life of rabble rousing, and that of her mother, former Texas Governor Ann Richards. Although they SHOULD be a well-worn tropes by now, lines like "“If you're not scaring yourself, you're probably not doing enough" and "get comfortable making others uncomfortable” are still encouraging, and especially so coming from two women who so clearly live(d) their creed.
However–part memoir, part biography, and part self-help–the overall effect of "Make Trouble" is a bit disjointed and rather underwhelming. There are also more than a few not-so-subtle darts thrown at political rivals, such that I fear the book won't age well. But it is nonetheless a valuable contribution to the inventory of stories of smart, ballsy and successful women. So although I didn't quite reach a state of inspiration, with more knowledge about the two Ms Richards, my admiration grew, and maybe that's enough. ...I'd vote for her!
However–part memoir, part biography, and part self-help–the overall effect of "Make Trouble" is a bit disjointed and rather underwhelming. There are also more than a few not-so-subtle darts thrown at political rivals, such that I fear the book won't age well. But it is nonetheless a valuable contribution to the inventory of stories of smart, ballsy and successful women. So although I didn't quite reach a state of inspiration, with more knowledge about the two Ms Richards, my admiration grew, and maybe that's enough. ...I'd vote for her!
I really loved this memoir. Cecile Richards grew up entrenched in politics and activism, and her stories are fascinating and ultimately really hopeful. Plus it’s nice to hear a woman with power give no fucks about pandering to the right wing. That said, it would’ve been better if she had mentioned trans health care even once, considering her organization is one of the only places in the country where it’s provided.