A review by readivine
Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu

5.0

“It said girls are a revolutionary soul force that can change the world for real.”

A little story time: So I've decided to read 4 books in 8 days before my birthday and this is the last one that I've read in 20 years of growth and regressions. This book is very symbolic and important for me because, like Moxie, I've been obsessed over the Riot Grrrl revolution and believe in the empowerment of women.

This is the perfect book that I wished I read when I was younger but probably wouldn't have appreciated it because I still haven't grown into the woman that I am now. Moxie is the book that I wish I wrote myself. Moxie is the book that I wish every teenage girl and women have read. Moxie is the book that I am eternally grateful for and will forever carry in my heart.

This isn't just a book about the trappings of the femme fatale trope. Erase the leather jacket and studded boots ensemble because in this book every kind of girl is highlighted as the heroine. Like the Riot Grrrl's initial method of reaching out to the community, Vivian was inspired to recreate these zines and give not just a very much needed call-out for misogyny but also provided actions that can be taken up by every girl in the school as a visile sign of solidarity. What makes this a whole lot more commendable is how she started this through the stealthy use of silence defiantly. It's funny how this very trait that kept females "in their place" is the one trait that empowers them.

Moxie isn't just a book on feminism budding but also explores familial aspects, the foundation of friendships in all its hideous glory, and love. Mostly about love. Love for that special someone, love for your friends, love for your family, love for your community, love for every person that needed it. Ultimately, this book reiterates that feminism doesn't always equate to violence and "man-hating" as what everyone who doesn't involve in it perceives. But in Moxie's words:

“This is what it means to be a feminist. Not a humanist or an equalist or whatever. But a feminist. It's not a bad word. After today it might be my favorite word. Because really all it is is girls supporting each other and wanting to be treated like human beings in a world that's always finding ways to tell them they're not.”

P.S. The author also noted some websites, books, documentaries, and other sources if you also want to learn more and be a part of feminism in all its facets!
feministing.com
rookiemag.com
bitchmedia.org
therepresentationproject.org
bust.com
thefbomb.org
scarleteen.com

Sassy Magazine

Full Frontal Feminism: A Young Woman's Guide to Why Feminism Matters by Jessica Valenti
Girl's to the Front: The True Story of the Riot Grrrl Revolution

AND MOST ESPECIALLY: moxiegirlsfightback.com