Genre: Memoir
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Gloria Steinem is a writer, lecturer, editor and activist. She helped pave the way for women of my generation, those of my daughters generation and those of my granddaughters' generation. Not in a small way did she contribute to Hillary Clinton and Carly Fiorina being presidential contenders this year. It was rarely easy, but somehow Gloria's varied fights for the rights of others seemed like something she was destined to do.
Her father was a traveler, and she learned to love the road along with him. The family spent most of the year exploring different parts of the country, and it became a way of life for young Gloria. When she became an adult she continued her nomadic ways both in America and abroad. She became a political activist and involved herself in advancing the causes of many. She is best know for her fight for the equality of women and Ms Magazine.
I remember hearing my mother's generation of women speak a bit disdainfully about her at times, and their reactions made me curious. I ended up researching her years ago and becoming an admirer. I looked forward to this book and wasn't disappointed. Ms. Steinem writes with the same humor that has carried her through some trying times. She peppers the book with some of her philosophies that run close to mine. She explains that instead of two sides, many questions have "three or seven or a dozen" sides, and she seems to try to discover those sides when working with her passions.
She tells a story of coming across a motorcycle "gang" and becoming a bit fearful. In those days the tattoos and leather jackets signified some rough riders. While in a diner, a couple from the "gang" came to her table. They had recognized her and were fans. The woman explained that they had been riding for years. For most of the time she rode on his machine while clutching his back. After the kids were grown and gone she decided she wanted her own bike, and bought a purple Harley with Ms. on the license plate. Now she rides next to her husband instead of behind him. This led to another bit of Steinem wisdom:
"I've come to believe that, inside, each of us has a purple motorcycle. We have only to discover it---and ride."
I admire the woman, enjoyed the book and have decided to go find my motorcycle.
- Beverly
Publisher - Random House
Date of Publication - October 27, 2015
Her father was a traveler, and she learned to love the road along with him. The family spent most of the year exploring different parts of the country, and it became a way of life for young Gloria. When she became an adult she continued her nomadic ways both in America and abroad. She became a political activist and involved herself in advancing the causes of many. She is best know for her fight for the equality of women and Ms Magazine.
I remember hearing my mother's generation of women speak a bit disdainfully about her at times, and their reactions made me curious. I ended up researching her years ago and becoming an admirer. I looked forward to this book and wasn't disappointed. Ms. Steinem writes with the same humor that has carried her through some trying times. She peppers the book with some of her philosophies that run close to mine. She explains that instead of two sides, many questions have "three or seven or a dozen" sides, and she seems to try to discover those sides when working with her passions.
She tells a story of coming across a motorcycle "gang" and becoming a bit fearful. In those days the tattoos and leather jackets signified some rough riders. While in a diner, a couple from the "gang" came to her table. They had recognized her and were fans. The woman explained that they had been riding for years. For most of the time she rode on his machine while clutching his back. After the kids were grown and gone she decided she wanted her own bike, and bought a purple Harley with Ms. on the license plate. Now she rides next to her husband instead of behind him. This led to another bit of Steinem wisdom:
"I've come to believe that, inside, each of us has a purple motorcycle. We have only to discover it---and ride."
I admire the woman, enjoyed the book and have decided to go find my motorcycle.
- Beverly
Publisher - Random House
Date of Publication - October 27, 2015
