An Unexpected Life: A Memoir

by Gloria Steinem

Gloria Steinem offers an inspiring and candid memoir of her early life and her path to becoming one of the world’s most influential activists and storytellers, alongside a clear-eyed, urgent message for new generations about what the next chapters of the fight for equality will demand

Before she was an iconic feminist leader, Gloria Steinem was a curious child in Toledo, going on road trips with her itinerant father, caring for her mother, and reading everything she could get her hands on. 

In An Unexpected Life, Steinem reflects on the unlikely experiences and pivotal moments--from a childhood rat bite that opened her eyes to the dangers of poverty to the 1970 Women's March honoring the right to vote--that shaped the visionary woman she would become. She reflects on her years living in India, learning from the nonviolent movement there, and on her travels around the world speaking for women's betterment. She also honors the people who influenced her most, including trailblazers, writers, and thinkers who expanded her understanding of power, community, justice, and solidarity.

Moving between past and present, Steinem examines the progress and setbacks of the last sixty years of activism. As she reflects on the movements she helped build and the victories won for women’s and human rights, she also looks ahead, urging new generations to imagine bolder, more inclusive paths forward.

Intimate, funny, and rich with hard-earned wisdom, An Unexpected Life offers readers the rare opportunity to learn directly from one of feminism’s most enduring voices as we continue the work of building a better future for all.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Feminism, Biography, Biography Memoir, History, Politics

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 22, 2026

About the author

Gloria Marie Steinem (March 25, 1934–September 2, 2026) was an American feminist, journalist, and social and political activist who became nationally recognized as a leader of, and media spokeswoman for, the women's liberation movement in the late 1960s and 1970s. A prominent writer and key counterculture era political figure, Steinem founded many organizations and projects and was the recipient of many awards and honors. She was a columnist for New York magazine and co-founded Ms. magazine.

Reviews

[LibraryNinja_Beritk]

As a proud feminist and history geek, I was so excited to get the chance to read Gloria Steinem's memoir early. But instead of delivering a true memoir, she delivered a series of beautifully written essays- each can stand alone but together make a powerful narrative and path for the next generation to take up. A living legend and women's movement icon, I couldn't wait to get started.

First, she was a voracious reader, and learning that one of her favorite authors was Louisa May Alcott is both surprising and familiar. As young women, we often fall in love with Little Women because they're trying to break the mold of what 'women are supposed to be during the Civil War'. Steinem's rise to fame was wholly unintended- she learned about poverty through her travels to India, where the caste system oppressed women just for being alive.

By observing the power of nonviolent movements in India and other countries around the world, she realized she and her voice could be a bellwether for social justice. Her travels to India, where she saw the caste system oppress women just for being alive, deeply shaped her understanding. Of course, she had a lot of help with loud, brash voices that elevated her status- Bella Abzug, Shirley Chisholm, Fannie Lou Hamer, and bell hooks. The movement was more than women's rights- it was an ideological shift in thinking. Women could do exactly what men can for equal pay and rights.
Yet, behind it all, we get a rare glimpse into Gloria's thoughts on what has happened and how far we still have to go.

Perhaps, most importantly, this book reminds us of a simple yet powerful message that remains so relevant today: There is no reason to fear someone else because of their skin color or beliefs. Steinem takes us on a journey through a lifetime and shows how we can still connect with Mother Earth and grow deeper roots of love rather than the shallow seeds of hate.

Rest in power and peace, Ms. Steinem, and thank you to Random House for the honor of reading this memoir early and for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#gloriasteinem #anunexpectedlife #libraryninja📚

[Nancy]

There is no such thing as freedom and equality for any woman as long as there is racism and sexism… from An Unexpected Life

She wanted to be a writer like Louisa Mae Alcott and found herself thrust into the spotlight as the public face of a movement.

Gloria Steinem’s memoir in essays shares her roots and writes about the experiences and people who contributed to her growth as organizer for equal rights.

She shares what she has learned. The radicalness of listening and telling the truth. How you don’t have to be courageous to do courageous things. How seeing life and history through a different lens can free you to new appreciations and ways of living. The importance of all women bonding, regardless of our differences.

I was surprised to learn of Steinem’s Michigan connections, growing up on her father’s resort on Clark Lake.

I came of age in 1970 and have seen great progress in women’s equality. It has been hard won, and the fight to hold on to what we have achieved is ongoing. I appreciated Steinem taking me deep into this legacy, and showing the interconnectivity between racism and sexism.

Thanks to Random House for a free book through NetGalley.

Such is the problem of history. We are convinced it’s “his story,” even when it was definitely “her story.” from An Unexpected Life

[Katy]

I read this book like I was 92-year old Gloria Steinem’s great-granddaughter, curled up on the floor of her Manhattan brownstone apartment with my fists under my chin, ready to hear my powerhouse feminist ancestor tell the important stories of her life with the wisdom that comes from old age and the love that comes from a lifetime of activism, while she pats me on the head. She did not disappoint. Despite this book being full of lessons and lectures and calls to action, the overall feeling was so warm and hopeful it felt like she was smiling at all of us lovingly as she wrote it.

I was especially impressed with how Ms. (then and now and always) Steinem has remained curious and open to mental change and growth throughout her life. I typically expect a woman of a certain age to have a lot of outdated views, but she seems to be listening and adapting and widening her perspective with every new place she goes and person she meets, which is a beautiful way to live.

This is not an autobiography, really, but a collection of numerous random short musings from someone who’s lived an incredible life amongst incredible people. It’s super disjointed and not a coherent narrative. It’s also well-written (she is a professional writer, after all). This felt like a dump of all the things Gloria Steinem wants to say to the world before she passes (although, she said she’s gonna live until 100, and given her history of living true to her words, I’m inclined to believe her!).

Thank you to Random House, NetGalley, and the author for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review:)

[Sarah]

Snippets of Steinem's life from her early years in Toledo, Ohio, to her career in journalism, founding Ms. magazine and her life's work in activism. Though the media made her the face of the feminism movement, Steinem most often shared the platform with her mentors; Wilma Mankiller, Fannie Lou Hamer, Bella Abzug and Dorothy Pitman Hughes. I must read more about these women.

Here, in her last book, completed just months before her death, she spoke of the talking circles she regularly held in her NYC brownstone ... "though I still expect to have many years ahead of me, I want to make sure that my home can be what it has always been: a place where ideas are born. relationships are cemented and people come to feel loved, energized and safe." RIP Ms. Steinem.

"Revolutions that last don't happen from the top down; they grow from the bottom up like a tree."

[Janine]

Short memoir told in essays covering Steinem’s early life and later experiences that made her one of the most influential woman of her time.

In this memoir the focus is on those “unlikely experiences and pivotal moments” such being bitten by rats in her poverty-filled childhood to participating in the 1970’s Women’s March honoring the right to vote. She shares her time in India where she learned about their nonviolent movement as well as her travels around the world advocating for women. She cleverly points out the “elephant on the room” - Hugh Hefner - and her undercover expose: I Was a Playboy Bunny which exposed the sexist working conditions of NY waitresses. Revisiting her prominence in the equal rights movement, Steinem offers advice for “new generations” on how to continue the fight - with a bold imagination.

The book as mentioned above is described by Steinem in her Prologue as essays. In this format, she weaves her story going back and forth through time which allows her to reflect on the progress or lack thereof in women’s rights. “In order to uproot inequality, we have to disregard the social cues of race and class and how things are supposed to be.’” What was particularly thought-provoking for me was Steinem’s example of contrasting Reagan and Clinton in speaking about denial in creation of a person - looking at how leaders refuse to change due their denial of where they can from. Both men had abusive alcoholic fathers. While Reagan was ashamed of what happened in his childhood, he denied it. “In his political adult life, he became the king of denial, minimizing everything from poverty to racism, and ruling with a false cheerfulness that gave the nation a very artificial reward.” He demonized others such calling Russia the “evil empire.” Clinton was raised by a mother and grandmother with whom he identified and chose to put empathy in his political life, understanding his own suffering as well as others. I thought this explained a lot about both men and their Presidencies - one started a path to make the richest richer, the other balanced the budget to put the future of the country and its citizens in a good place.

As young woman in the 70s I can attest to Steinem’s influence - I felt the sense of liberation she bringing to women. We didn’t have to subscribe to traditional roles and if we were in those, we could broaden our horizons. So, I enjoyed this thoughtful look at a women who at 92 contemplating what her life has meant, what she had learned and what she hopes her lasting legacy will be.

My thanks to NetGalley and Random House for allowing me access to this ARC.

[Ten Cats Reading]

Rest peacefully Gloria Steinem, the first feminist theorist I ever read, which changed my whole life. 💜🥀

Early thoughts: I grabbed this because I've liked Steinem as a theorist in the past. Also, from what I've read so far, she writes about women like we actually matter. It's nice.

Feeling: Good feminism 💜

I’m curious about: anything she has to say 91 years into her life.

"[My mother] used to say children are little strangers who come into your home, and you have the duty and the joy of caring for them and loving them, but they don’t belong to you." p17

Final thoughts: I read one critique of this book in which the reader found the text to be impersonal. I can see where she's coming from, but also, all she had to do was read between the lines. Steinem built dozens of organizations with other feminists, and when she talks about working with other women, the letters just glow on the page. But if you find this book to be impersonal, that's probably because you didn't notice that it was a nearly perfect text.

Who this is for: feminists of all ages and fans of political memoir

"Poor men may end up in the streets, but poor women are likely to be tranquilized at home or institutionalized . Only those people deemed necessary to society seem likely to merit the treatment they need. Yet women, especially if they are poor or without champions , may become burdens to be accommodated , not people to be supported and helped." p25

"In my experience, organizers somehow manage to observe the world, see what could be, put a vision out there, lead others toward it, and help make it real. ... It also seems true that organizers develop courage.... This is a necessity because they end up being tasked with trying to reconcile the tension between old realities and new dreams with a lack of current support for them." p102

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Content Notes:
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racism, sexism, misogyny, abortion (mention), loss of rights, US international ranking stats, political activism, first wave and intersectional feminism

[Sharon]

I received An Unexpected Life as an e-ARC from NetGalley and Random House last Wednesday morning...the day Ms. Steinem passed away. I had just read the introduction when I read the announcement. I was stunned and saddened, and a little freaked out by the coincidence. It felt jarring and I wanted to read the rest of the book immediately but I put it off for a few days. When I returned to it this past weekend, I couldn't put it down because I felt as if I was "hearing" her musings and reflections like I was sitting in a classroom, trying to absorb everything a fascinating professor had to say. Reading this book I am reminded that Ms. Steinem never set out to be an icon...she just wanted to be a writer and her flair for writing seems to have stood her in good stead for her very full life.

An Unexpected Life is more of a collection of essays than a memoir. The chapters vary between personal stories of her childhood life with her family, in Ohio, stories of her interactions with other noteworthy people (predominantly women), and her thoughts on what is happening in the world. She speaks of where she sees opportunities for hope and action, and of where there is despair over the recent years where we have seen the loss of autonomy, access, and individual freedoms for women and people of color. She talks about intersectionality, particularly in respect to feminism and racism. She is candid, reflective, and direct.

I will return to this book again, perhaps rereading particular chapters more than others, and I think I will continue to feel privileged to have been able to read her final book exactly when I needed it. My thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Paige]

I deeply admire Gloria Steinem as a trailblazer for the women’s rights movement, which brought me to this memoir. Even so, the writing only allows glimpses into her deeper self. For example, Steinem reflects on her decision not to marry: first, not wanting to be secondary to a husband, and second, not wanting to be responsible for another human after caring for her mother. This is an interesting perspective, but she does not delve much further, leaving the reader with only moderate vulnerability.

While understanding Steinem is, at heart, a journalist, I wanted to learn more about her emotional journey. Instead, Steinem often lists memories in an intellectual, somewhat distant approach, which felt more like an unfinished autobiography or scattered nonfiction book about feminism, political organizing, history, social justice, and life lessons. What it didn’t feel like was a memoir. For what it’s worth, in the preface, Steinem describes her memoir as essays.

Undoubtedly, Steinem has lived a long, fascinating life, and this book shares many of those moments. She describes diverse experiences like traveling around the world to places like India, growing up in Toledo with an intriguing family, attending Smith, and launching the bold new magazine called Ms. She shares admiration for other impressive trailblazers like James Baldwin, Simone de Beauvoir, bell hooks, and Annie Leibovitz.

Ultimately, if a reader seeks some basic musings on life from a crucial feminist of our time, then the reader will be rewarded. That said, readers seeking greater emotional depth may find this book lacking.

Reviewed from a copy made available from NetGalley.

[Taylor]

Steinem is always so fascinating and inspiring to read and this memoir is no exception! Her creativity is just unparalleled and it’s so interesting to get a glimpse into her childhood and experiences growing up through this book. It’s lot less polished than some of her other work, but in a way that feels as if you get see a more authentic version of her that is no longer constrained by society.

The essay-based structure is a great option for the material she wants to present. It gives you natural stopping points to have time to think about each section and gives her more flexibility in covering different points in her life — its understandable than now in her 90s she doesn’t see time as linearly as to neatly fit into a biography-style book. She picked and chose parts of her life and people she experienced that spoke to her and this format really embrace that.

Steinem’s ability to recognize and criticize the role she was forced into as a poster girl for the women’s rights movement, and the perspectives that were lost at times with so much mainstream media focus on her is very admirable. I think a lot of that element of her life is one that is being fleshed out more in recent years and it was fascinating to learn more about her perspective on it, especially the way she speaks openly about the role of racism and her status as a white woman.

This is at once a short and easily digestible memoir for those hoping to learn about Steinem and a deeply thoughtful work from such a legendary feminist icon. We are so lucky to still have her and her mind in our world today, still writing and still advocating for women and other marginalized groups to this day.

[Liz]

I’ve always been very interested in Gloria Steinem. I was a subscriber to Ms. Magazine from the first issue. This is definitely a memoir, not an autobiography. If anything, it’s really more a series of essays. It’s much more focused on her beliefs than her life. She spends more time talking about those that influenced her rather than herself. This includes not just individuals but cultures, such as the Native American or the Indian Dalit culture. She draws on these people or experiences to discuss how it led to her philosophy of life. She touches on the parts of her life that led to her decisions to remain single, namely not wanting to be subordinate to a husband and not wanting to have to take care of another human. Both decisions are the result of what she witnessed with her mother. Where I found fault with the book was its superficiality. She gives us a lot of information but I expected her to dig deeper. She will make a statement and present it as fact with absolutely no proof. For example, “Oral history has so often turned out to be more accurate and complete than written history, precisely because it is told from the bottom up and by the many.” And that’s all she says on the topic.
The topic she returns to over and over again is how racism and sexism are linked and to eradicate one, society must eradicate them both. She is a firm believer that “superior racial groups” use purity standards to keep their women restrained. It’s an interesting idea but she doesn’t take it further. She does a better job of documenting other facts with footnotes but she’s not consistent.
My thanks to netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book.

[Danna]

“hope is a form of planning.”

I was approved for an ARC of An Unexpected Life a day or two before we learned of the iconic Gloria Steinem’s passing in September 2026, so I bumped it to the top of the ‘read next’ pile. An Unexpected Life is touted as a memoir, but it doesn’t follow the typical arc or have a story, per se. Instead, An Unexpected Life is a series of musings about what Steinem has learned in her 90+ years of living. The writing is disjointed and nonlinear, but there are gems in there. If it weren’t so short, I might not have stuck with it, but I told myself, this incredible woman helped change the world, the least you can do is get through 200ish pages of the most important things she learned over 90 years.

One of the topics I found especially interesting was about how history is presented and passed down:

“I have developed a general rule for how to tell who is absent in history. It is anyone who needs an adjective: Black novelist, woman senator, lesbian poet. The powerful take the noun, requiring everybody else to use an adjective.”

“…history has been written from the top down by the few. Oral history has so often turned out to be more accurate and complete than written history, precisely because it is told from the bottom up and by the many.”

Overall, this is a quick and easy read that I’m sure some people will love just by virtue of it being Steinem’s work. Otherwise, I’d say it’s just okay.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“If entrepreneurs are the creative artists of the business world, then organizers are the entrepreneurs of the social world.”

[Firetruckmama]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“An Unexpected Life” is by Gloria Steinem. One of the things I remember from my childhood was my mother getting Ms. Magazine. I was a little too young to appreciate Ms. Steinem’s articles, but as I became older, I realized that she writes amazingly well. At heart, she’s a journalist. And this book is, basically, more of a collection of essays of her memories. While this is technically a memoir, it covers a wide range of topics important to Ms. Steinem. My one complaint is that I couldn’t tell if these were essays written currently or pre-2000, because Ms. Steinem mentioned not wanting to get married, but she was married for a few years - so I was confused. I was hoping to get some insight into Ms. Steinem’s fascinating life and in the end I felt … disappointed. Yes, there was some new information, but it felt more like sitting in an auditorium listening to someone opposed to at a coffee shop listening to her talk to me, opposed to at me. I think for some they’ll find this book fascinating as she talks about social justice, political issues, feminism, and life lessons learned. I would’ve preferred a bit less formality and a bit more comfort, if that makes any sense.

[Jessica Sandman]

I was so excited to get the ARC for this book last month, and then with Gloria Steinem's death, it made me push this to the top of my list even faster!

There are a lot of positives about this book. It bridges the gap between memoir and historical artifact. It speaks of personal relationships and activism that has long been forgotten by many. At the same time, it has (what I think) is some juicy gossip and opinions about major figures over the years. From James Baldwin to Andy Warhol to Hugh Hefner, Steinem is honest about her perceptions of these people beyond how they were portrayed in the press.

On the other hand, there were times when I felt this book covered a lot of different subjects very briefly. I wanted something more in-depth on certain subjects.

Overall, this was an interesting read, and I'm glad I got the chance to read it early. I have seen that the upcoming release is being widely discussed in the press, so I am happy that a lot of people will be excited to read this book.

They should definitely give it a try!
4/5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Maggie Driver]

This Advanced Review Copy was provided by Random House via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


I was shocked and sad to hear of Gloria Steinem’s recent passing, especially knowing that I still had her memoir to read and review here. She truly did so much for women’s rights, feminism, and equality throughout her amazing life, and this book covers a lot of that. Though this book isn’t as in depth as I anticipated, it was a very good introductory book for someone who is curious about Steinem’s life and beliefs. The book is broken into subjects around Steinem’s experiences and thoughts, making it a fairly quick read, especially considering she often uses a bullet point format to cover a lot of historical events or mention people of importance. Though this format is understandable, it didn’t do a lot to make me feel invested in the story, as it just felt very brief and surface level. Perhaps Steinem’s other books cover certain parts of her life in a more in-depth way. I may have to check those out. Overall, this book was a pleasant and poignant read, but is for a reader who wants a general understanding of Steinem’s life and work.

[Donna Greene]

Let me start by saying how much I admire Gloria Steinem, who is now 92. I am a bit younger than her, and she inspired me in so many ways. I even still have my original copy of issue #1 of Ms. magazine. Therefore I was very pleased to get an advance copy of her memoir to preview and review. Thank you to Netgalley.

This was not a typical memoir. I expected and even wanted more of an autobiography. Instead it is organized into sections by topics, essentially essays, not a linear telling of her story. In many cases, she speaks effectively to her readers, expressing appreciation that they are reading her book and encouraging them to create circles of friendship and activism.

Because I so admire her and lived through the times of her public presence, I found the book very worthwhile. But I am uncertain if younger women who did not live through her activism will get enough information about what made her so influential and special. Perhaps this is due to her overall modesty. So the book left me wanting more about how exactly she got to be the person she is

[Heidi]

Incredible. The stories Gloria shares are both educational and poignant. I felt like I was sitting in Gloria's living room with a warm cup of tea, listening to her share the stories of her life, her adventures, and the people she's met and worked with throughout history. The title should be: An Unexpected and Incredibly Rich Life.

So much of what Gloria shares cannot be found in history books, and I especially appreciated learning about the other women she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with. She is brave, complex, and a hero to all. Gloria shares details about her life including her childhood, which gives me an even greater appreciation of who she is and how she came to be such an impactful figure in the fight for equality.

This is a book that should be read by all, especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha -- knowing how far we've come and how far we still have to go will hopefully inspire the next generation of advocates.

Thank you Random House and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Edie]

Gloria Steinem is a national treasure who has had a front row seat in history & bringing about change. I’ve been fortunate enough to see & hear her speak in 1978 at The ERA March in D.C. & later in college at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. I’d love to see her again, but she deserves this time in her beloved New York City. For decades, she traveled the globe promoting equality for both women & minorities.

I own three of her books in my home library & I think 1992’s Revolution From Within might be my favorite. I discovered Ms Magazine in the mid-1970s & purchased it through the 1980s. I will likely buy An Unexpected Life which read as more of a compilation of individuals & events from her 92 & counting years.

The sections discussing Bella Abzug, Barbara Mikulski & Steinem’s years at Smith College were what I enjoyed the most.

I thank NetGalley, the publisher & the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair & honest review

[Lori]

I received a copy of "An Unexpected Life" by Gloria Steimnen from NetGalley. . Gloria Writes of what she has learned from all the causes over her life she has had a part in. She started getting known decades ago for being a feminist and all that can go with it. Such as women's rights from wages, their bodies, from getting abortions and now having those rights taken away. she writes of the unfair balance there is between what white people have compared to other races. Frustrated still at the unfair treatment women get and other races are treated. she writes of having a hard time with speeches at first and learning how to speak in public about the causes that are important to her. She even has pictures for recently still holding meetings in her home. nice to read that now in her nineties she still has meeting and is out there to protect the rights of all humans. A good read I found quite interesting.

[Kym]

I finished reading an ARC edition of Gloria Steinem’s soon-to-be-released memoir An Unexpected Life on Tuesday evening, September 1. As I read, I’d been energized by her upbeat, hopeful writing. Despite her 92 years - and given the current challenging environment for women’s rights - her words gave me hope, and I spent the next day thinking about what I might say in my review of the book.

And then I woke up to the shocking news of her death.

Gloria Steinem was a long-time champion of women’s rights, of human rights, and for the power of collective activism. I am personally grateful for the work she did and the people she inspired along the way. Her new memoir is a gift to all of us. Let it inspire you as it did me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This novel will be published on September 22, 2026.

4 stars.

[Rae]

In 1993, I went to a reading and talk given by Gloria Steinem to promote her (then) new book Revolution from Within. Her words that day changed my interior life in many ways.

So I was excited to read this new memoir by Steinem, a lifelong feminist icon. In it she looks back at her life experiences, lessons learned, and the then and now of women's lives. She shares her wisdom and counsel for those who continue to work for changes. And she tells what her life is like now that she is in her nineties.

I enjoyed this memoir. It was like sitting down on a cushion in her living room and having a chat. I hope another reader will be influenced for good by her words like I was so many years ago.

Thanks to #netgalley and #randomhouse for early digital access in exchange for an honest review.

[Leila Pahlavan]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free digital copy. All opinions are my own.

This was my first time reading anything by Gloria Steinem, knowing her mainly as a feminist icon. I’m glad I was able to because it introduced me not only to her story, but also to many of the trailblazers she encountered over the last sixty years.

The book doesn’t go into all-encompassing detail, but I actually think it works well as an introduction for readers like me who are interested in learning more about her life and legacy. What stood out most was the way she writes, with humility, humanity and empathy. Those qualities gave the memoir a warmth that stayed with me after finishing it, and honestly made me wish we had more of that as a society.

[Meredith]

Gloria Steinem has delivered a fascinating memoir that, rather than simply chronicling her life, highlights other activists and trailblazers for social justice and women’s rights. She weaves these stories together with her own in a seamless way that is interesting and educational.

I really loved the way this was written. It felt very conversational in a way that made me never want to quit reading. It also allowed me to discover some people I likely never would have heard of and now have several other memoirs and books on my TBR.

The message in this story is incredibly important given the current state of our country and I would recommend this to literally anyone.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Alice]

4.5 stars
I was excited to get this arc and read something from Gloria Steinem. I had heard of her my whole life. I knew she was a feminist, but I didn't really know much else. When I was about 40% through the book and enjoying reading Steinem's essays, I woke up and heard on NPR that Gloria Steinem had died the night before. I couldn't believe the timing. She mentions that she is in her 90's a few times in the book, but her involvement and knowledge were as sharp and up to date as it had been for decades. I do believe that she intended to live quite a few more years, but instead she didn't even live to publication day. We really have no idea what tomorrow will bring.

Thank you to Randomhouse and NetGalley for the arc of this book.

[Amanda Negro]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book.

This is the second memoir by Gloria Steinem that I have read. This book was less about the events of her life and more about the people she’s met, the lessons she’s learned, and the perspective that 92 years of an eventful life gives you.

This is an easy series of essays that covers many topics from Steinem’s unconventional childhood to her journalism to her career traveling for speaking engagements. Her writings would be valuable for any reader.

[Danielle]

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own.

This book is a wealth of history that still remains true today. Ms. Steinham shares the wisdom she has gained through her lived experiences and from those in her orbit. I have always been appreciative of the fact that we get to live in a world with her in it. I always heard about her living room chats and always dreamed of being in one.

The only negative thing I can say is that this book was too short.

Thank you, Ms. Gloria Steinham.

[Grinning Cat]

AN UNEXPECTED LIFE could easily have been titled “A Fascinating Life”. Gloria Steinem has truly lived, and here we get a retrospective that is well-crafted. Much of the information is not new, but Steinem writes about her life with the perspective of a person who has married the ordinary with the extraordinary, and has used every experience to either learn or to make a point. I think Steinem would be on my list of top five living people with whom I’d love to share a meal, and indeed, this book was a feast. #netgalley

[Christy]

“The path to our future might be one story at a time.” This message is clear throughout the book. Gloria has written other books about her life and what I liked about this one was the blend of her life and the lives of other famous and lesser known female activists. It’s written as a series of essays that stand alone, making it a relatively quick read. Gloria narrates the audio version, which I’m sure will be great. I had an advanced copy of this book and took it as a bad sign when Gloria Steinem passed away before it was at the top of my TBR list. It’s definitely a worthwhile read.

[Sara Aoyama]

A very readable book from Steinem that is filled with little nuggets and sadly it is obvious that she still had far more to give. It was a life well-lived and if you know only the bare outline of who she was and what she accomplished this book will help you to go deeper into understanding the person that she was, why she was that person, and how she accomplished what she did.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. I hope it will fly off the shelves.

[Tiffany (areyoutellingstories)]

While I was familiar with a few of them, this memoir reflects on many women that I was unaware of that made a difference and helped lead women to where we are today. There are so many women that have been forgotten to history that through small or large acts contributed to the rights and options that women of today will be forever grateful.

[anj (acozyday)]

I love Gloria. Always have, always will. If you go into this expecting a full memoir, you will be disappointed. If you go into it expecting a collectio of thoughts and reflections, you'll love it. I wish some went a bit deeper and longer - she skimmed the surface of a lot of things, but it felt so quick I wanted to dig more. But still enjoyed!!