Nevertheless, We Persisted: 48 Voices of Defiance, Strength, and Courage

by Amy Klobuchar (Foreword), Alia Shawkat (Contributor), Azure Antoinette (Contributor)

7 Hours and 5 Minutes

A powerful collection of essays from actors, activists, athletes, politicians, musicians, writers, and teens, including Senator Amy Klobuchar, actress Alia Shawkat, actor Maulik Pancholy, poet Azure Antoinette, teen activist Gavin Grimm, and many, many more, each writing about a time in their youth when they were held back because of their race, gender, or sexual identity--but persisted.

"Aren't you a terrorist?" "There are no roles for people who look like you." "That's a sin." "No girls allowed." They've heard it all. Actress Alia Shawkat reflects on all the parts she was told she was too "ethnic" to play. Former NFL player Wade Davis recalls his bullying of gay classmates in an attempt to hide his own sexuality. Teen Gavin Grimm shares the story that led to the infamous "bathroom bill," and how he's fighting it. Holocaust survivor Fanny Starr tells of her harrowing time in Aushwitz, where she watched her family disappear, one by one.

What made them rise up through the hate? What made them overcome the obstacles of their childhood to achieve extraordinary success? How did they break out of society's limited view of who they are and find their way to the beautiful and hard-won lives they live today? With a foreword by Minnesota senator and up-and-coming Democratic party leader Amy Klobuchar, these essays share deeply personal stories of resilience, faith, love, and, yes, persistence.

"Each tale is a soulful testament to the endurance of the human spirit and reminds readers that they are not alone in their search for self. An unflinchingly honest book that should be required reading for every young person in America."--Kirkus, Starred review

"An invaluable collection of snapshots of American society."--VOYA, Starred review

"[A] gem of a book. . . There's a lot to study here and talk about on the way to becoming kinder, more empathetic, and most important, compassionate."--Booklist

"Readers encountering injustice in their own lives may be compelled to take heart--and even action."--Publishers Weekly

"A powerful collection of voices."--SLJ

"The sheer variation in writing styles, subject-matters, and structure to these narratives provides readers with inspiration in assorted forms and a complex interpretation of what it means to persist."--The Bulletin

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, Essays, Short Stories, Anthologies, Memoir, Audiobook

308 pages, Hardcover

First published September 4, 2018

About the author

Amy Jean Klobuchar is the senior United States Senator from Minnesota. She is a member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, an affiliate of the Democratic Party. She is the first woman to be elected as a senator for Minnesota and is one of twenty female senators serving in the 113th United States Congress.

She previously served as the county attorney for Hennepin County, Minnesota, the most populous county in Minnesota. She was a legal adviser to former Vice President Walter Mondale. She has been named by The New York Times as one of the seventeen women most likely to become the first female President of the United States, and by MSNBC and The New Yorker as a possible nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Reviews

[Ericka Clou · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title of this book strikes me as opportunistic capitalizing on a phrase that was popularized by Senator Warren’s political dedication. It’s an essay collection by various authors with an introduction by Senator Amy Klobuchar... and no essay by Warren. This collection is all over the place. Some of the essays are related to issues of political oppression or representation and overcoming challenges. Some of the essays seem only tangentially related to the theme. More importantly, some of the essays are poorly written and poorly edited- full of self-help-style cliches and positive magical thinking. This collection is fine if you want a gift for a young person but I’d advise you to skip it if you’re an adult.

[Kyle Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some great stories from great people in this collection, but given the massive amount of contributors and the length of the volume, a lot of the writings were much shorter and less detailed than I hoped. Still, I plan to use a few of these writings in my classroom.

[Liza Wiemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book cover to cover in one sitting and found the stories to be inspiring. Not only that, but after some reflection what impressed me was the attitude of almost every one of the authors. They faced difficult challenges, but the lack of bitterness was impressive, especially since they could easily have fallen into that and allowed their anger, frustration, hurt, and pain to be their message. Instead, almost every one utilized their adversity—whether it was racism, anti-Semitism, a disability, anti-gay actions and so much more—as fuel to persist. What a way to persevere and excel! Even in the face of failure and rejection, these individuals ended up achieving great things and making an important impact on this world.

I hope this book inspires others and gives them the courage to take control over their personal narrative, allowing them to write their own stories instead of having someone else define them. This is a beautiful and important book filled with lots of hope!

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspirational middle grade/YA book on people who persisted despite all obstacles.

[Rachel D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this book by a parent who saw it on my Amazon Classroom Wish List and sent it to me. I’m so glad she did! The collection of essays is so relevant for everything that is happening in our world. I have marked each essay that I want to share with my students. I will use some as prompts for notebook entries, some as examples of writing and different genres, and others just for inspiration. I honestly could use every essay, but there is some content that I do not feel comfortable reading out loud. I highly recommend this book for high school teachers and young adults.

[Aiza Idris (biblio_mom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy but at times disturbing reads I could say. But I enjoyed reading this thoroughly nonetheless. Its inspiring!

Its a collection of essays written by an activist, actors, politicians, musicians, illustrationist, author, students, athlete, doctor, film producer, etc as young as 12 years old and as old as 96, based on their life experiences of being persistant towards racism, trauma, body-shaming, sexism, gender inequality, prejudice or any sorts of obstacles in their lives respectively.

[Amy Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent collection of essays who define the word persistence.

[Stephanie Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Nevertheless, We Persisted' is exactly what it's title says: stories about hate and prejudice and how these people overcame their obstacles with strength, courage, and defiance. I'm not normally a YA contemporary person - especially not nonfiction, but I'm glad I gave this book a shot because it really opened my heart and my eyes. We all go about our daily lives with problems that bother us - some small and others large - and we can decide to let them win or we can defeat them. I can personally relate to this as I suffer from mental illness, which feels like a never-ending battle every single day of my life. The stories I read about were from people of different ages, religions, nationalities, sexual preference, etc. but they all had the same thing in common - rising above the hate and prejudice. How they managed to stand up and stay strong during difficult times. I honestly can't imagine how I would react if I were put in most of these situations. It's hard to think about them really happening to people, and honestly, it makes most of my problems seem so small and insignificant in comparison. I'm not going to review each of the forty-eight stories, but everything I've said applies to each of them. It's a bittersweet combination of the horrible things these people went through and the fantastic ways they decided to overcome them. I highly recommend this book for readers of all ages and all genres. It will resonate with everyone and I truly believe we need to open our eyes and hearts to these types of situations. I know it did that for me. Also, definitely recommended for readers looking for stories containing diverse characters.

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Enne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the idea behind this book and I was very intrigued when I first saw it in the library. It was kind of a split-second decision to pick this up because those are the kinds of decisions I make when in a library. It took me about three weeks to get through the whole thing because I was reading two stories a day. And while some of them struck a chord with me and I really enjoyed them, I found most of them rather forgettable, which is exactly the reason this book is getting 3.5 stars. There were only maybe one or two that stood out to me and I was expecting it to be a lot more.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books like this one that have multiple authors often carry the risk of being uneven in quality, depending on the authors included. I was impressed by the high quality of all the selections in this book. That's rare for a book like this. I found each account compelling and thought-provoking. I also appreciated the variety of experiences that were included. Obstacles of many kinds are shared by those telling their stories in this book. Physical disability, childhood trauma, bullying, racism, lack of diversity in various professions, and other challenges are described in various accounts. What I found especially inspiring is the way each of these people found ways past the obstacles in their lives to find success. Now it certainly wasn't easy for any of them, and many of them still face opposition in a variety of ways, but they persisted in the face of serious challenges. Whether one agrees with their actions or politics or activism or not, one can't help but admire the determination and courage they exhibited along the way. A truly inspiring collection of stories that reminds the reader that life is hard but it doesn't have to be impossible.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up as it came through the sorter at the library. One of my favorite musicians wrote an essay in this anthology and I decided to grab it and read it while I had it in my hand. I think this is a great read for teens who are just coming into their own. All of the writers had very meaningful experiences to share, all from the perspective of those awkward adolescent years that you look back to in hindsight and say “yuck. That was pretty awful.” And usually that’s followed with “but I learned some really great lessons.” I recommend.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

The individual stories of people who have faced, are facing, and are overcoming a wide rage of problems whether facing prejudice, physical limitations, a less than nurturing home, or dealing with their own sexuality- all these are stories of determination and courage, and perseverance. The style is simplistic, but I assuming the book is designed for a YA reader primarily. If I were still in the classroom, I would most definitely find a way to use these powerful stories.

[Necrostevo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did NOT know what I was getting into when I checked this out from the library. A litany of incredible stories each more intense than the last. This collection shows the resilience and determination people can have in the face of the most debasing, dehumanizing events.... And still prosper.

[Stephanie]

Ended up having to return this before I was able to finish, but I enjoyed what I read. Each chapter is an essay about a person overcoming adversity. The contributors are as diverse as the challenges they faced. Definitely geared toward teens, but there’s probably something for everyone.

[Seth Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of essays. Topics vary but are all inspiring. I wish I found something like this in high school, as my world was much smaller then.
Hopefully I will remember this (or books like it) for my kids when they are a little older.

[Chantel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

7/6/21 2.75 stars

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Book

A collection of personal accounts of being different in some way. All beautifully written and detailed. All well worth reading. Transgender, paraplegic, actress who isn’t skinny or blonde, gay, muscular dystrophy and more, all are interesting stories for teens.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading through this. I read this while I was traveling for work, and it was easy to read a few stories at a time but not feel like I was getting lost in the narrative of a book since this is filled with short stories of all different kinds from 48 different voices.
I think that this is a wonderful YA book that gives so much meaning to the word persist.
If you're looking for stories from individuals (celebrities, athletes, average joes, etc.) about how they got through some roadblocks or curves along their varying journeys, this is definitely a book to reach for.

[kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the worst takeover of a hot quote/knock off of StoryCorps I have read. The people’s stories are touching but the sentiments are so Hallmark Greeting Card/list of things you never say to someone in the shit. And pacing/order is... off putting. For example, the story of a guy who got dumped for being short (and his dad’s advice to be grateful because he will find someone better) was next to the story of the sister of a Sandy Hook victim.

It was not until I searched for this in Goodreads in 2019 that it occurs to me that Amy Klobuchar writing the intro for a book of stories under the title of a quote said about Elizabeth Warren is quite something.

The second star was a pity/empathy star.

[Satin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection of empowering short stories. Like most short story collections, I liked some more than others. A lot of these stories made me emotional, and had a deep meaning to them. A few didn't resonate with me, and didn't seem to fit in with the other stories in the collection (in my opinion) either. Overall, I would recommend this collection because you are sure to enjoy a couple of the stories in here! Unpopular opinion, but I did enjoy that each essay was pretty short because I got to read the book in only a handful of sittings, and it also improved the flow of the novel as a hole.
4 star read, I recommend!

[Julie Barnard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of stories well worth reading.

I read this again for bookgroup - great discussion, though people didn’t enjoy the book. This was actually not a surprise.

[Sang · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not a book I could fly through (like I usually prefer to do), and I’m glad I took my time with it. There was a lot to take in, consider, and internalize. I really like the purpose behind this book. It provides small windows into many varied circumstances, experiences, and perspectives. I am always hoping to be understood and striving to understand others, and I like the opportunity this book gave me to do a little more of that. We all have stories to tell, voices worthy of being heard, and opportunities to connect. Our distinct differences give us varying obstacles, privileges, and experiences. I felt my perspective widening and my compassion growing - incrementally and importantly. Unity, or even mutual respect, can seem like a lofty goal, but it feels more attainable when we turn towards one another. I admire the perseverance and battling that people in this book spoke of! I felt akin to some of them, based on my own individual circumstances, and felt a little less alone at times. I was inspired by a lot in this book, but I mostly felt like I needed to “sit and listen”. It’s been difficult to form words from my feelings about this book - partially because I was (gratefully) pushed out of my comfort zone by some of it, and probably because I need to determine what I will do or be based on the new information I gained. I know I want to be better because of what I read.

*The publisher for this book is “Knopf Books for Young Readers”, and I personally feel like it’s important to consider the maturity level of the child/teens that this book is read by. I do not feel that any of it should be censored, but I did think a few elements of the stories expose some dark corners of our world that can be hard to hear about at any age - however, I do not feel that’s pervasive through the book at all. I do think it would be recommended for any young readers to have adults with whom they can discuss the varied topics covered. There are so many more kids experiencing the exact scenarios in this book than adults might think, and I feel like these are all valuable topics of conversation that kids should be able to have more than once (as they mature) - but I also feel that the more supportive and open-minded the adult that is in on those conversations, the better.

[Wendy VanDellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like any collection, this grouping of essays is a mixed bag. There are some excellent essays and some really important ideas in this collection, particularly those that discuss intersectional identity and how various identities are privileged. This is definitely geared toward a YA audience with many of the authors discussing moments in childhood or adolescence. In fact, I find that many of these would be very powerful essays in a classroom setting.

However, as someone that teaches the essay form, I spend a lot of time talking about showing versus telling. Showing allows the reader to empathize and feel what the author intends, which the stand out essays in this collection were able to do even with very painful topics. That's not to say I want to revel in someone else's pain, but my own lived experience is unique to me. Therefore, getting a glimpse into the experience of others helps stretch what I know about racism, sexism, ableism, classism, anti-semitism, and heterosexism.

Telling often reads as cliched advice. While I won't list specific essays because everyone's opinion is different and valid, I could tell which essays were using each strategy by whether I was invested or checked out. That being said, all the messages in this collection are important to internalize. As a reader, I felt like if I could distill the core message of each essay I was taking away more information that I could use to argue for many of the causes and identities represented in this collection.

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nevertheless, We Persisted is a collection of powerful essays about overcoming obstacles that stand in the way of your dreams. The essays are written by athletes, actors, activists, politicians, writers, teenagers, musicians, and more. Even though this book is geared toward young adults, people of all ages will be inspired by these essays.

From the foreword to the very last page, this book is full of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration.
In this world where we are defined by our limitations and our inability to break through stereotypes, it's a breath of fresh air to read something so motivating. Every single essay deals with a different obstacle that each author had to overcome: prejudice, handicaps, sexism, and so much more.

There are many quotes that I've written down to look at when I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed, but my favorite is "May you always remember that obstacles in the path are not obstacles, the are the path."
Everybody struggles with something and the obstacles that we face not only challenge us, but make us stronger.

I wish there were more inspiring stories like this out there, especially for younger kids, to see that it can get better. They can achieve their goals through persistence, and that others have come before them, already paving the way. It's not easy, but so worth it.
Read more at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2018...

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nevertheless, We Persisted: 48 Voices of Defiance, Strength, and Courage by Amy Klobuchar, 275 pages. Alfred A. Knopf (Random House Children’s Books), 2018. $18.99

Language: R (12 swears, 4 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

The 48 contributors who have shared their stories have done so to help readers know that they are not alone, that they can overcome the obstacles in their paths, and that they can accomplish anything they want. These men and women have faced biases and bigotry, war and injury, divorce and disability, discouragement and more—and they have chosen to come out of all those hardships on top. They rally around their readers to help each of us know of our worth and fight to become the best we can be, in whatever form that looks like.

In reading all the hardships that others have fought through and how a lot of these persisters have only arrived at where they are because of the hardships they faced, I feel like I can accomplish all of my dreams. I also found that my own fears and insecurities were articulated in a way that helped me understand myself better when I couldn’t put my feelings into words. While I may not know any of these inspiring people personally, I feel their support in my life.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nevertheless, We Persisted: 48 Voices of Defiance, Strength, and Courage is an anthology of personal essays collected and edited by In This Together Media with a Forward by Amy Klobuchar. This anthology explores the disenfranchised and how they through defiance and courage persisted despite what is happening around them. It covers heavy topics of prejudice, racism, sexism, and targeted to children and middle graders.

For the most part, I really like most of these entries – if not all of them. Each entry has affected me on several of levels. This collection collects a varied of insight from forty-eight different contributors from different and diverse creators. Like most anthologies, there are weaker contributions, but I think this one might be an exception to the rule, because I generally liked this book.

Diversity is the strength of this anthology, because there are many contributions for contributors that have faced racism, anti-Semitism, ableism, anti-gay action, and much, much, more with contributors who are diverse in race, class, sexuality, and religion.

All in all, Nevertheless, We Persisted: 48 Voices of Defiance, Strength, and Courage is a wonderful anthology targeted to the next generation to listen, learn, and build a better tomorrow.

[Carolina Colleene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Language: R (12 swears, 4 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13
The 48 contributors who have shared their stories have done so to help readers know that they are not alone, that they can overcome the obstacles in their paths, and that they can accomplish anything they want. These men and women have faced biases and bigotry, war and injury, divorce and disability, discouragement and more—and they have chosen to come out of all those hardships on top. They rally around their readers to help each of us know of our worth and fight to become the best we can be, in whatever form that looks like.
In reading all the hardships that others have fought through and how a lot of these persisters have only arrived at where they are because of the hardships they faced, I feel like I can accomplish all of my dreams. I also found that my own fears and insecurities were articulated in a way that helped me understand myself better when I couldn’t put my feelings into words. While I may not know any of these inspiring people personally, I feel their support in my life.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/

[Aaron West · Rating 4 out of 5]

2020 has struck again—what, with my not being able to get any substantial reading done in some months, though the irony isn't lost on me that starting and coordinating the reading of five books at one time in a strenuously busy portion of the year—all traumas inflicted by the year 2020 aside—isn't the most advantageous or efficient practice in reaching my (now newly adjusted) yearly reading goal.

With this anthology of voices—brave voices, diverse voices, impactful voices that testify to beautiful, harrowing, and inspiring narratives—I reach my goal, ten books short of where I'd hoped to be. But thus is life; and if there's anything this compiled collection of varied stories on what it means to "nevertheless, persist" has taught me, it's that setbacks, however large or small, are simply a part of the journey; that things don't end here.

For anyone needing this reminder, or to anyone looking for real voices of valor across the nation, search no further. This serves as a wonderful starting place.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone has a story. Whether that story has paved the path for their future or not, it is up to them to share their story with the world to inspire others. This is one of the things I learned from reading the book ¨Nevertheless, We Persisted¨ written by Amy Klobuchar. This autobiography told the stories of 48 people from around the world who work hard and change the world for the better. The author, Senator Amy Klobuchar shares her story about how she has become the first women representative from Minnesota in the US senate. Many others like Tay Anderson and Amy Fox also share their stories about activism and courage. I personally found that an interesting feature of this book is that every person who wrote in it used a different writing style. For example, some used stories from their childhood, or some used interviews. If you enjoy reading books about activists you should really read this book.