📖 Overview
Here We Are: Feminism for the Real World is a collection of essays, art, and interviews from 44 diverse contributors exploring what it means to be a feminist. The anthology features writers, artists, and activists sharing personal stories and perspectives on feminism, gender, and identity.
The book combines traditional essays with comic strips, illustrations, playlists, and other multimedia elements to create an accessible introduction to feminist concepts. Contributors discuss topics ranging from body image and sexuality to racism and intersectionality, presenting varied viewpoints and experiences.
The anthology includes recognizable names like Roxane Gay and Mindy Kaling alongside emerging voices in feminism. Each piece maintains its creator's distinct style while contributing to the book's broader examination of contemporary feminist issues.
Through its multi-format approach and diverse perspectives, the book serves as both a primer on feminist theory and a reflection of feminism's evolving nature in the modern world. The collection demonstrates how feminism intersects with race, class, sexuality, and other aspects of identity.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this anthology as an accessible introduction to feminism for teens, with diverse perspectives and formats including essays, art, and interviews.
Readers appreciated:
- Clear explanations of feminist concepts for newcomers
- Mix of voices including LGBTQ+, disabled, and POC contributors
- Visual elements and graphics that break up the text
- Personal stories that connect theory to real experiences
Common criticisms:
- Some essays feel surface-level or repetitive
- Writing quality varies between contributors
- A few readers found the tone patronizing for teens
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: 4.13/5 (1,800+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.6/5 (50+ ratings)
Notable reader comments:
"Perfect primer for young feminists" - Goodreads reviewer
"Wish this existed when I was a teenager" - Amazon reviewer
"Some pieces feel like Feminism 101 blog posts" - Goodreads reviewer
"Layout and design make heavy topics approachable" - School Library Journal reviewer
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🤔 Interesting facts
📚 The book features over 40 diverse voices, including well-known figures like Mindy Kaling and Roxane Gay, sharing personal essays, illustrations, and interviews about feminism.
🎯 Kelly Jensen, before becoming an author and editor, worked as a youth services librarian and continues to advocate for diverse representation in young adult literature.
✨ The book was recognized as a "Best Book for Young Adults" by the School Library Journal and received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews in 2017.
🌈 Each contributor approaches feminism from a different angle, addressing topics ranging from body image and disability rights to pop culture and LGBTQ+ experiences.
📖 The anthology's format was specifically designed to be accessible to young readers, featuring comics, playlists, and artwork alongside traditional essays to make complex feminist concepts more approachable.