Listen Up: Voices from the Next Feminist Generation

Now in an expanded second edition, Listen Up: Voices From The Next Feminist Generation showcases an outstanding series of essays by leading "third-wave" feminists on an impressive range of topics such as blending careers with feminists politics; the inability of a singular feminism to speak for all women, the intersection of traditional culture and third-wave sensibilities; feminist activism; sexuality; identity, gender formation, and more. Ably edited by feminist and women's issues expert Barbara Bindlen (Managing Editor, Family Fun magazine), Listen Up is a core addition to any academic and community library Women's Studies collection, and very strongly recommended reading for women seeking to learn contemporary feminist perspectives on important and principle women's issues of the day.

this is one of the first books i've read about feminism, so i don't proclaim to be an expert, but i really enjoyed reading so many different perspectives about feminism. these women's opinions were interesting to read. i read it straight through one afternoon and was sad to put it down. i particularly enjoyed the essays by curtis sittenfield, abra chernik, nomy lamm, laurel gilbert, jennifer myhre, and cheryl green. the essays seemed a little short to me, though. but my one beef with the book is that every single one of writers was a well-educated woman who had gone at least for her bachelor's. what about women who weren't able to go to college? the book seemed to emphasize varieties of feminism but that varieties of education wasn't taken into account surprised me. there are feminists out there with merely a high school education or even less. i hope maybe someday to see a sequel to this book where those factors are taken into account.

I recieved this book as a gift when it first came out and still refer to it. Although I have since read many other feminist books, this text was one of the first to publically acknowllege that third wave feminists (including myself) necessarily have some differing ideas--which need to be listened to for the movement's ongoing relevancy. Nommy Lamm's essay on intersecting disability identity with feminism really spoke to my own experiences. I have discovered that even some feminist colleagues will look down on me after realizing that I am a person with a disability. Alternately, some people with disabilities are not interested in a feminist critique of the state and thus do not consider themselves part of this social movement. However important the disability rights movement of the 1970's---overemphasis on their acchievements ignores the perspective our generation has precisely as a result of growing up with non-discrimination laws AND lingering discrimination. At the same time, I do have privllege because my own disabilities are generally hidden---and I can 'pass' for the so-called normal person. Indispensible and thought provoking essays from various backgrounds show how women do feminism gen-x style. A definite solace to those of us remaining unconvinced of the Spice Girl's "Girl Power" mantra.

If Kathleen Hannah screaming "You DO HAVE RIGHTS!" into my walkman headphones didn't wake me up, this book sure as hell did. I have loved it so much that I've given it away four times-- sometimes to complete strangers. It will open your eyes and I think its helped keep my friends alive. I highly recommend it.

I didn't agree with all the writers compiled in _Listen up_ and some of them pissed me off. But that wasn't the point; there's enough preaching to the choir around here as it is. As a feminist (whatever that means to you) I got angry with the woman who talked about her "quest for the perfect body" and shook my metaphorical fist in the air in support of Nomy Lamm's essay on fat oppression. Looking at this broad spectrum of women who consider themselves "feminists," I was pleased with the diversity; readers of Listen Up will probably find their preconceptions challenged. But as a personal support I feel it has the most value; despite the goofy pink cover, it felt like my life. Right on.