What do you think?
Rate this book
Women of Resistance: Poems for a New Feminism
A collection with a feminist ethos that cuts across race, gender identity, and sexuality. Creative activists have reacted to the 2016 Presidential election in myriad ways. Editors Danielle Barnhart and Iris Mahan have drawn on their profound knowledge of the poetry scene to put together an extraordinary list of poets taking a feminist stance against the new authority. What began as an informal collaboration of like-minded poets―to be released as a handbound chapbook―has grown into something far more substantial and a fully fledged anthology of women’s resistance, with a portion of proceeds supporting Planned Parenthood and the Center for Reproductive Rights. Representing the complexity and diversity of contemporary womanhood and bolstering the fight against racism, sexism, and violence, this collection unites powerful new writers, performers, and activists with established poets. Contributors include Denice Frohman, Elizabeth Acevedo, Sandra Beasley, Jericho Brown, Mahogany L. Browne, Danielle Chapman, Tyehimba Jess, Kimberly Johnson, Jacqueline Jones LaMon, Maureen N. McLane, Joyce Peseroff, Mary Ruefle, Trish Salah, Patricia Smith, Anne Waldman, and Rachel Zucker.
224 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2018
47 people are currently reading
4621 people want to read
About the author
Dani Barnhart
1 book21 followersDani Barnhart (she/they) is coeditor of Poetry of Women of Resistance: Poems for a New Feminism. A writer, editor, communications manager, backyard gardener & sea witch—you'll often find them rinsing out paintbrushes, teaching creative writing classes at Adelphi University, moderating book groups, &/or rearranging tiny shells & pebbles on their windowsills.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
March 27, 2018
4 “Powerful experience” Stars
Disclaimer: Copy provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
➽ FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED.
I loved waking up every day for approximately one week, washing my sleepy face, going downstairs and starting my day while drinking my cup of black coffee and reading some poems of this collection.
As all poem collections, I tend to gravitate, like, and relate to some poems more than others. I loved reading each of these because I was able to perceive a new perspective on different matters of feminism through the eyes of different people. I may not have understood completely all of them or even agree with all of them, but I did appreciate them. I enjoyed trying to find the meaning and significance of each new poem.
You will find different poetry styles because they are written by different individuals. So if you are worried only by the style of poetry used I really cannot tell you if you will enjoy this or not. I like it because there was freedom for each person to just express, and write in the way the wanted. And most importantly the type of writing wasn’t what attracted me to this book, but rather the meaning and intention of it, and that’s what made it a powerful experience for me. If you are interested to dig and search information of who are the people who wrote in this collection, the book has a small information paragraph for each author at the end.
I was able to connect deeply with some poems, they truly spoke to my soul. Some of them were beautiful and empowering others were powerful and sorrowful. You can find a bit of everything.
A few of the poems that I loved were:
-"A Woman’s Place" by Denice Frohman
-Sally Rides Speaks to the Schoolgirls by Laura Fairgrieve
-RIB by Hope Wabuke
-Service by Ada Limón
-January, After El Niño Ryka Aoki
-And Still I Speak Of It by Rachel Zucker
-In Support of Violence by Christopher Soto
-SHIV by Rachel Mckibbens
Is also important to say, I LOVE THIS COVER.
I recommend this collection for people who are interested in feminism and hearing different stories from it, certainly diverse.
“say, beautiful
& point to the map of your body
say, brave
& were your skin like a gown or a suit
say, hero
& cast yourself in the lead role
///
when a girl pronounces her own name
there is glory
when a woman tells her own life story
she lives forever”
Disclaimer: Copy provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
➽ FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED.
I loved waking up every day for approximately one week, washing my sleepy face, going downstairs and starting my day while drinking my cup of black coffee and reading some poems of this collection.
As all poem collections, I tend to gravitate, like, and relate to some poems more than others. I loved reading each of these because I was able to perceive a new perspective on different matters of feminism through the eyes of different people. I may not have understood completely all of them or even agree with all of them, but I did appreciate them. I enjoyed trying to find the meaning and significance of each new poem.
You will find different poetry styles because they are written by different individuals. So if you are worried only by the style of poetry used I really cannot tell you if you will enjoy this or not. I like it because there was freedom for each person to just express, and write in the way the wanted. And most importantly the type of writing wasn’t what attracted me to this book, but rather the meaning and intention of it, and that’s what made it a powerful experience for me. If you are interested to dig and search information of who are the people who wrote in this collection, the book has a small information paragraph for each author at the end.
I was able to connect deeply with some poems, they truly spoke to my soul. Some of them were beautiful and empowering others were powerful and sorrowful. You can find a bit of everything.
A few of the poems that I loved were:
-"A Woman’s Place" by Denice Frohman
-Sally Rides Speaks to the Schoolgirls by Laura Fairgrieve
-RIB by Hope Wabuke
-Service by Ada Limón
-January, After El Niño Ryka Aoki
-And Still I Speak Of It by Rachel Zucker
-In Support of Violence by Christopher Soto
-SHIV by Rachel Mckibbens
Is also important to say, I LOVE THIS COVER.
I recommend this collection for people who are interested in feminism and hearing different stories from it, certainly diverse.
May 30, 2018
Actual rating 4.5/5 stars.
As soon as I saw this book I knew I had to read it. I adored the cover. I adored the title. I adored the concept. And now, after I have finished reading it, I can safely say that I adored the content.
The nature of the poems collected here are to promote feminist ideologies and to draw attention to the racist and misogynist thinking, the cultural appropriation, and the lack of diverse representation still prevalent, in contemporary society.
Anthologies, penned by various poets, are never going to please every reader, and so I was not expecting for every poem to resonate with me so deeply. The nature and style of each work of prose differed drastically but the core theme that combined them all made this continually impactful and deeply emotional. I found not a single poem that failed to trigger my emotions, in some way, and every poem here was deserving of its place, in this anthology.
Whilst I was prepared for the emotional impact, I was quite unprepared for the sheer level of it. These poems say their message with a shout, not a whisper. They are brash and unapologetic. They are angry and self-righteous. They are inclusive and empowering. They speak of old hate and new prejudice. They teach that love is love is love is love. And they understand that all we humans are the same, no matter how we try to betray our own kind. They made me feel powerful, inside my woman's body, and they also made me feel weak. They prompted discomfort, whilst they listed off previously unimagined horrors. And they welcomed it. They triggered heart-rending sorrow, at the ways humanity has failed its minorities. And they delighted in their teachings. These words, from powerful feminist voices, are words of the heart and they spoke to their kind.
This promotes that past hate can be eradicated and that change can happen, if manifestos such as this one continue to exist and are spread and shared and loved. I found new ways my heart could break, at the hatred of mankind, but I also found closure to my grief in the message this anthology ultimately conveys: the message of hope. A hope that we can do better, be better, and maybe already are better for reading this.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the editors, Danielle Barnhat and Iris Mahan, and the publisher, OR Books, for this opportunity.
As soon as I saw this book I knew I had to read it. I adored the cover. I adored the title. I adored the concept. And now, after I have finished reading it, I can safely say that I adored the content.
The nature of the poems collected here are to promote feminist ideologies and to draw attention to the racist and misogynist thinking, the cultural appropriation, and the lack of diverse representation still prevalent, in contemporary society.
Anthologies, penned by various poets, are never going to please every reader, and so I was not expecting for every poem to resonate with me so deeply. The nature and style of each work of prose differed drastically but the core theme that combined them all made this continually impactful and deeply emotional. I found not a single poem that failed to trigger my emotions, in some way, and every poem here was deserving of its place, in this anthology.
Whilst I was prepared for the emotional impact, I was quite unprepared for the sheer level of it. These poems say their message with a shout, not a whisper. They are brash and unapologetic. They are angry and self-righteous. They are inclusive and empowering. They speak of old hate and new prejudice. They teach that love is love is love is love. And they understand that all we humans are the same, no matter how we try to betray our own kind. They made me feel powerful, inside my woman's body, and they also made me feel weak. They prompted discomfort, whilst they listed off previously unimagined horrors. And they welcomed it. They triggered heart-rending sorrow, at the ways humanity has failed its minorities. And they delighted in their teachings. These words, from powerful feminist voices, are words of the heart and they spoke to their kind.
This promotes that past hate can be eradicated and that change can happen, if manifestos such as this one continue to exist and are spread and shared and loved. I found new ways my heart could break, at the hatred of mankind, but I also found closure to my grief in the message this anthology ultimately conveys: the message of hope. A hope that we can do better, be better, and maybe already are better for reading this.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the editors, Danielle Barnhat and Iris Mahan, and the publisher, OR Books, for this opportunity.
March 15, 2018
Dear Women of Resistance: Poems for a New Feminism,
It’s not you. It’s me. I tried to appreciate you for what you were but came to realise that you and I were simply not compatible. Not wanting to give up before giving us a chance I read you from cover to cover. I’ll admit that some sparks ignited here and there when I read passages such as:
Although I loved your cover and the diversity you showed in the awesome illustrations of women, I’m afraid we weren’t meant to be. You’re not what I’m looking for in poetry and that’s not your fault. You are what you are and I’m not asking you to change for me.
You remain true to yourself and there will be plenty of readers who will love you for it. The many voices within you have the potential to change perspectives and lives with their words. Reach out and take hold of those who will appreciate you for who you are.
Your anger, political in nature and righteous, made me want to draw away rather than step closer. I respect your anger. You’ve earned it and have the right to voice it. Maybe you can’t see the possibility of light in the distance and in the circumstances that’s understandable.
However I need to be able to see, even if only in my imagination, that there is a light shining brightly and that it is possible for us to reach. The promise of the light is what motivates me to keep moving and striving for change. For others having what’s wrong with this picture placed in front of them is what they need to search for the pieces that will make the wrong right.
Let’s face it; what we’ve done in the past hasn’t worked out so well for us. Regardless of how it happens our goal is the same. We’re just on different paths to the same destination. I have to believe we will make it to the light of our destination.
I wish you many inspired people who will take up the mantle with you and accompany you on your path towards change.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and OR Books for the opportunity to read this book.
It’s not you. It’s me. I tried to appreciate you for what you were but came to realise that you and I were simply not compatible. Not wanting to give up before giving us a chance I read you from cover to cover. I’ll admit that some sparks ignited here and there when I read passages such as:
“When a woman tells the truth, she is creating the possibility for more truth around her.” - Danielle Barnhart and Iris Mahan (from the Introduction)
“From ashes rising, from rubble resounding, these bodies are borne and forged indestructible by the fires of demolition.” (from the Editor’s Note)
Although I loved your cover and the diversity you showed in the awesome illustrations of women, I’m afraid we weren’t meant to be. You’re not what I’m looking for in poetry and that’s not your fault. You are what you are and I’m not asking you to change for me.
You remain true to yourself and there will be plenty of readers who will love you for it. The many voices within you have the potential to change perspectives and lives with their words. Reach out and take hold of those who will appreciate you for who you are.
Your anger, political in nature and righteous, made me want to draw away rather than step closer. I respect your anger. You’ve earned it and have the right to voice it. Maybe you can’t see the possibility of light in the distance and in the circumstances that’s understandable.
However I need to be able to see, even if only in my imagination, that there is a light shining brightly and that it is possible for us to reach. The promise of the light is what motivates me to keep moving and striving for change. For others having what’s wrong with this picture placed in front of them is what they need to search for the pieces that will make the wrong right.
Let’s face it; what we’ve done in the past hasn’t worked out so well for us. Regardless of how it happens our goal is the same. We’re just on different paths to the same destination. I have to believe we will make it to the light of our destination.
I wish you many inspired people who will take up the mantle with you and accompany you on your path towards change.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and OR Books for the opportunity to read this book.
March 30, 2018
This is, first and foremost, a necessary and important piece of literature. It’s vital that material such as this is published because it gives people the voice that they should’ve been given long ago. This is a great compilation of poems from a variety of women, surrounding different topics and written in different styles. This is at its root, a fantastic read.
But of course, I am a reviewer that rates a book based on enjoyment as well as the quality of the content. Whilst the quality of the content was brilliant, I didn’t really enjoy reading this.
Poetry is subjective. I’ve seen many a review of other poetry books wherein people say “this isn’t poetry” or “this is just tumblr poetry” or “people need to read Plath to understand poetry”. Some people read poetry for the language, techniques and format. Others read it for the message, the emotion, the idea... the reason a person reads poetry is their own choice and what they make of it is so personal to each individual reader. This is the issue I had with the book - it just didn’t fit with me. I can’t explain why as such, but there was something missing for me. I felt like a jigsaw puzzle with a bizarre piece missing that this book just wouldn’t fill. I think, to some degree, I couldn’t compartmentalise the poems and so they didn’t strike the right chords with me. I appreciated the messages, the notions, the ideas and the techniques throughout but I just felt something lacking. Which is a shame because I was so excited to request this from NetGalley (thank you lovely lot by the way for granting me a copy!), because I’m trying to read more poetry this year and it was a colossal win that it was a really diverse read.
This book was brilliantly written. Each author provided a piece which was thought provoking, moving, and emotional in their own right, and the compilation seemed to be put together so that the poems flowed rather than making them feel sticky and jarring whilst moving from one to another. It really was a brilliant experience and one or two brought tears to my eyes, which is a winner for me.
Even though this missed the mark with me, I would definitely recommend giving it a good go - there are some fantastic pieces that really struck a chord with me, and I have no doubt that this has the potential to really, really touch someone’s heart. I would definitely recommend a copy of this. It deals with important topics in a sensitive, yet blunt, way that is necessary for topics of this nature. They’re written about in a manner that I personally have never read before, and I thoroughly appreciated the way such subjects were tackled, written about and discussed. This really does pack an emotional punch and gets the brain cogs turning. A necessary, much needed piece.
But of course, I am a reviewer that rates a book based on enjoyment as well as the quality of the content. Whilst the quality of the content was brilliant, I didn’t really enjoy reading this.
Poetry is subjective. I’ve seen many a review of other poetry books wherein people say “this isn’t poetry” or “this is just tumblr poetry” or “people need to read Plath to understand poetry”. Some people read poetry for the language, techniques and format. Others read it for the message, the emotion, the idea... the reason a person reads poetry is their own choice and what they make of it is so personal to each individual reader. This is the issue I had with the book - it just didn’t fit with me. I can’t explain why as such, but there was something missing for me. I felt like a jigsaw puzzle with a bizarre piece missing that this book just wouldn’t fill. I think, to some degree, I couldn’t compartmentalise the poems and so they didn’t strike the right chords with me. I appreciated the messages, the notions, the ideas and the techniques throughout but I just felt something lacking. Which is a shame because I was so excited to request this from NetGalley (thank you lovely lot by the way for granting me a copy!), because I’m trying to read more poetry this year and it was a colossal win that it was a really diverse read.
This book was brilliantly written. Each author provided a piece which was thought provoking, moving, and emotional in their own right, and the compilation seemed to be put together so that the poems flowed rather than making them feel sticky and jarring whilst moving from one to another. It really was a brilliant experience and one or two brought tears to my eyes, which is a winner for me.
Even though this missed the mark with me, I would definitely recommend giving it a good go - there are some fantastic pieces that really struck a chord with me, and I have no doubt that this has the potential to really, really touch someone’s heart. I would definitely recommend a copy of this. It deals with important topics in a sensitive, yet blunt, way that is necessary for topics of this nature. They’re written about in a manner that I personally have never read before, and I thoroughly appreciated the way such subjects were tackled, written about and discussed. This really does pack an emotional punch and gets the brain cogs turning. A necessary, much needed piece.
June 11, 2018
There have been so many books on feminism this year, presumably to highlight that 2018 marks 100 years since some women in the UK won the vote. While celebrating the suffragettes and the success of the suffrage movement founded in 1903 and led by Emmeline Pankhurst, "Women of Resistance" paints a picture of the issues that capture the hearts of women today. Danielle Barnhart and Iris Mahan explore these themes in this wonderful book of poetry.
The book comprises the thoughts of 41 contemporary poets and although the influences of each one are different, such as race, gender equality and sexuality, they do overlap to some extent. I only started reading poetry in the past few years and thought I would appreciate "Women of Resistance" as I have loved other feminist poets, such as Rupi Kaur. Representing the complexity and diversity of contemporary womanhood and bolstering the fight to refute and resist racism, sexism, and violence, this collection unites powerful new writers, performers, and activists with established poets.
I found the words extremely powerful and emotionally resonant. A truly beautiful book in which the photographs are an integral part. It is crucial that we continue the amazing work carried out by the suffrage movement and strive for gender equality. There's no doubt we still have a long way to go in this fight!
Just as I was about to stop writing there was some related "news". Coronation Street star Nicola Thorp wants photographers to stop taking revealing pictures of females on the red carpet. I agree that the paparazzi should not be doing this, but isn't it the choice of the women as to what attire they wear. Knowing what photographers are like, if they didn't want revealing pictures either don't go on the red carpet (you know you're going to get your photo taken!) or wear clothing that covers you up. She makes it sound as though the paparazzi are responsible for those women wearing tacky clothing, which they are not. Definitely a case of both sides being in the wrong! I don't really understand the craving to dress yourself in revealing clothing, it is possible to cover up and be attractive, something I don't think a lot of women understand. There's no doubt in my mind that these type of debates will roll on and on.
Many thanks to OR Books for an ARC, I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
The book comprises the thoughts of 41 contemporary poets and although the influences of each one are different, such as race, gender equality and sexuality, they do overlap to some extent. I only started reading poetry in the past few years and thought I would appreciate "Women of Resistance" as I have loved other feminist poets, such as Rupi Kaur. Representing the complexity and diversity of contemporary womanhood and bolstering the fight to refute and resist racism, sexism, and violence, this collection unites powerful new writers, performers, and activists with established poets.
I found the words extremely powerful and emotionally resonant. A truly beautiful book in which the photographs are an integral part. It is crucial that we continue the amazing work carried out by the suffrage movement and strive for gender equality. There's no doubt we still have a long way to go in this fight!
Just as I was about to stop writing there was some related "news". Coronation Street star Nicola Thorp wants photographers to stop taking revealing pictures of females on the red carpet. I agree that the paparazzi should not be doing this, but isn't it the choice of the women as to what attire they wear. Knowing what photographers are like, if they didn't want revealing pictures either don't go on the red carpet (you know you're going to get your photo taken!) or wear clothing that covers you up. She makes it sound as though the paparazzi are responsible for those women wearing tacky clothing, which they are not. Definitely a case of both sides being in the wrong! I don't really understand the craving to dress yourself in revealing clothing, it is possible to cover up and be attractive, something I don't think a lot of women understand. There's no doubt in my mind that these type of debates will roll on and on.
Many thanks to OR Books for an ARC, I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
November 25, 2018
Okay, I love 2018 has been all about discussions about feminism, politics and everything in between with more people being heard about their stories and their truth.
I loved that the poems in here included women from all walks of life, socio-economic backgrounds, sexuality and even male allies who understood why feminism is need for all women.
But some of these didn’t hit the mark for me, maybe t was the way the book was laid out on my kindle that it didn’t flow as well as I’d have liked it to or maybe it was that that the poems jumped around when thinking back they could have been arranged a bit better.
But overall I did enjoy this collection very much.
Book given in exchange for a free review.
I loved that the poems in here included women from all walks of life, socio-economic backgrounds, sexuality and even male allies who understood why feminism is need for all women.
But some of these didn’t hit the mark for me, maybe t was the way the book was laid out on my kindle that it didn’t flow as well as I’d have liked it to or maybe it was that that the poems jumped around when thinking back they could have been arranged a bit better.
But overall I did enjoy this collection very much.
Book given in exchange for a free review.
June 2, 2020
---------------------WOW---------------------
"listen isn't always the same as shut up, remember the eye of the witness disarms the devil."
The intro starts off by describing the collection as "part love letter, part manifesto, part confession, part wish---and those are just the raw materials."
I would say this is highly accurate. This collection ripped my heart out, sewed it back in, boiled it in oil and healed it again.
It's ridiculous how 1 book can hold so many emotions.
"The thing about it is, once interior parts of us are brought outward, there is no way to put them back inside."
I felt so much while reading this: power, heart wrenching compassion, whimsy, anger, and an over all heavy yet comforting emotional drain (is that even a thing?).
"Today how I resent the way sadness and loss are souvenirs we're forced to carry with us."
This is definitely something I want EVERYONE to read!!!
"Don't begrudge me my sashay walk, it's all I got sometimes."
Big shout out to NetGalley & OR Books for hooking me up with this AMAZING ARC!!!
"listen isn't always the same as shut up, remember the eye of the witness disarms the devil."
The intro starts off by describing the collection as "part love letter, part manifesto, part confession, part wish---and those are just the raw materials."
I would say this is highly accurate. This collection ripped my heart out, sewed it back in, boiled it in oil and healed it again.
It's ridiculous how 1 book can hold so many emotions.
"The thing about it is, once interior parts of us are brought outward, there is no way to put them back inside."
I felt so much while reading this: power, heart wrenching compassion, whimsy, anger, and an over all heavy yet comforting emotional drain (is that even a thing?).
"Today how I resent the way sadness and loss are souvenirs we're forced to carry with us."
This is definitely something I want EVERYONE to read!!!
"Don't begrudge me my sashay walk, it's all I got sometimes."
Big shout out to NetGalley & OR Books for hooking me up with this AMAZING ARC!!!
April 4, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley
This was a great anthology and I'm glad that I read it, but poetry is so hit or miss for me that while I enjoyed some poems in this collection, a lot of them went right over my head. I enjoyed The Witch Doesn't Burn in this One so much when I read it last month so I thought I would be right on board with this as well, but this book is anthology of many different writers so all the poems are very different and I just couldn't get into it as much as I got into that. If you generally like poetry - and more importantly if you like many different styles of poetry - you will probably love this, but unfortunately for me it was more like 'I love the idea but get kind of lost in the execution'. Still, it's a really interesting book and I absolutely love that cover.
This was a great anthology and I'm glad that I read it, but poetry is so hit or miss for me that while I enjoyed some poems in this collection, a lot of them went right over my head. I enjoyed The Witch Doesn't Burn in this One so much when I read it last month so I thought I would be right on board with this as well, but this book is anthology of many different writers so all the poems are very different and I just couldn't get into it as much as I got into that. If you generally like poetry - and more importantly if you like many different styles of poetry - you will probably love this, but unfortunately for me it was more like 'I love the idea but get kind of lost in the execution'. Still, it's a really interesting book and I absolutely love that cover.
March 24, 2018
I'm floored by the variety of voices of the contributions, and perspectives represented. The photographs add to, rather than distract from, the text. My favorite poems were Sally Ride Speaks to the Schoolgirls by Laura Fairgrieve, An Open Letter to the Protestors Outside the Planned Parenthood Near My Job by Elizabeth Acevedo, When My Daughter Wasn't Assaulted by Amanda Johnston, Shiv by Rachel McKibbens, and If 2017 Was a Poem Title by Mahogany L. Browne.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review consideration.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review consideration.
June 22, 2018
i heard a woman becomes herself the first
time she speaks
without permission
then, every word out of her mouth a riot
I read the first poem of this collection and I was in love because DAMN, what a strong beginning is that?
I think this is really an important collection and I’m glad it exists.
I don’t read that much poetry, but from time to time I discover an author or book that intrigues me and I get really into it. And a collection of works from so many different, inspiring people on such an important subject seemed right up my alley, right away.
Although I didn’t rate it higher in the end because at some point I had to admit to myself that I didn’t like (or understood) many of the poems as well as I wanted to. And that 200 pages of poetry is in fact a lot.
But I do think it would be nice to have collections like this one in your shelf to take out and indulge in from time to time, even if it’s in small doses.
And if I had that maybe I would take the time to look up and learn about every author in this book, because I bet reading their work with their stories in mind might be a whole different experience.
Another little snippet I want to mention, also from the very great beginning poems of the book:
All the women i know are perennials–
Marigolds, daffodils
Soft things that refuse to die
[Review on Tumblr]
September 28, 2022
Съвремената поезия, както може да се забележи, е като съвременното изобразително изкуство - което по мое мнение не е особено изобразително, а още по-малко пък е изкуство. Само че вместо мацаници и криви линии, в "поезията" имаме объркани текстове, които нито се римуват
нито
имат каквато и да е поетична стъпка
а просто са написани
на различни
редове.
Разбира се, човек не може да очаква много от поезията на гневни тийнейджърки. Като младеж съм изчел достатъчно от въпросната, тъй като най-различни приятелки и гаджета ми я доверяваха. Нищо лошо, това е част от емоционалното израстване, предполагам така, както е част от емоционалното израстване при приятелите ми писане на гневни метъл песни (някои от тях - даже на латински).
Проблемът е, че авторките на въпросните феминистични поеми в книгата не са тийнейджърки, а изглеждат като застинали в емоционалното си развитие на тоя етап и няма надежда да мръднат от там. Гняв, омраза, омерзение и нихилизъм - към обществото, приятели, родители, непознати - струят от страниците на книгата, сякаш тия жени живеят в Саудитска Арабия, а не в най-свободната държава в света. Всички те се виждат като потиснати и нещастни и все някой им е виновен за това.
Нито едно (!) от тия стихотворения не е оптимистично, гърл-пауър. По някакъв начин да се стреми да извиси духа, да покаже че жените могат, как могат и какво могат? Не. Да вдъхнови, да въодушеви, да окуражи...? Не. Светът е черен, жесток и безкрайното мрънкане и оплакване дебне отвсякъде. Толкова от "новия феминизъм".
Разбира се, това в случай, че се насилите да четете "поемите", защото повечето от тях са практически нечетими и дори съвършено неразбираеми - сякаш някой безразборно ви замерва с гневни думи, без каквато и да е връзка и смисъл. Има няколко които са разбираеми, и една, която дори ми хареса (The Four Nights She's Gone), но на фона на всички останали, те са доста слаба реколта.
нито
имат каквато и да е поетична стъпка
а просто са написани
на различни
редове.
Разбира се, човек не може да очаква много от поезията на гневни тийнейджърки. Като младеж съм изчел достатъчно от въпросната, тъй като най-различни приятелки и гаджета ми я доверяваха. Нищо лошо, това е част от емоционалното израстване, предполагам така, както е част от емоционалното израстване при приятелите ми писане на гневни метъл песни (някои от тях - даже на латински).
Проблемът е, че авторките на въпросните феминистични поеми в книгата не са тийнейджърки, а изглеждат като застинали в емоционалното си развитие на тоя етап и няма надежда да мръднат от там. Гняв, омраза, омерзение и нихилизъм - към обществото, приятели, родители, непознати - струят от страниците на книгата, сякаш тия жени живеят в Саудитска Арабия, а не в най-свободната държава в света. Всички те се виждат като потиснати и нещастни и все някой им е виновен за това.
Нито едно (!) от тия стихотворения не е оптимистично, гърл-пауър. По някакъв начин да се стреми да извиси духа, да покаже че жените могат, как могат и какво могат? Не. Да вдъхнови, да въодушеви, да окуражи...? Не. Светът е черен, жесток и безкрайното мрънкане и оплакване дебне отвсякъде. Толкова от "новия феминизъм".
Разбира се, това в случай, че се насилите да четете "поемите", защото повечето от тях са практически нечетими и дори съвършено неразбираеми - сякаш някой безразборно ви замерва с гневни думи, без каквато и да е връзка и смисъл. Има няколко които са разбираеми, и една, която дори ми хареса (The Four Nights She's Gone), но на фона на всички останали, те са доста слаба реколта.
August 18, 2018
This is a fine collection of poets, men as well as women, speaking out against patriarchy and for the power and dignity of the individual. The focus is, as suggested by the title, on women but the poets also speak out about race. Some of the most interesting poems concern the intersection of different identities.
The poets represented include some of my favorite poets now writing: Ada Limon, Anne Waldeman, Tyehimba Jess, Mary Ruefle, Rachel McKibbons, and Kwame Dawes. But it is a collection of many extraordinary poets and really every poet contributes something valuable. There are so many poems of amazing strength.
The editors say that the anthology serves a multitude of purposes, "part love letter, part manifesto, part confession, part wish...[i]it is also a meditation on grief." The project began in response to the 2016 election and is, amongst other things, a protest against all the needless limitations we have had placed on us by an oppressive society. Many of the poems deal with violence against women and children. But just as present are poems celebrating strengths and triumphs.
Denice Frohman writes (in "A Woman's Place") in the opening poem of the collection: "all the women i know are perennials--marigolds,/daffodils/soft things that refuse to die." and "I'm a better woman now that I'm writing poems." There is strength in vulnerability and openness. And I also believe we are better when we write poems, speak to each other and listen to each other ("And the listening/seems to take no time at all.", Lauren Clark, "Vortex Temporum").
This is a volume worth taking the time to read, to listen to these voices crying out in anger and in joy. A book worth celebrating.
I thank NetGalley, OR Books, and editors Danielle Barnhart and Iris Mahan, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The poets represented include some of my favorite poets now writing: Ada Limon, Anne Waldeman, Tyehimba Jess, Mary Ruefle, Rachel McKibbons, and Kwame Dawes. But it is a collection of many extraordinary poets and really every poet contributes something valuable. There are so many poems of amazing strength.
The editors say that the anthology serves a multitude of purposes, "part love letter, part manifesto, part confession, part wish...[i]it is also a meditation on grief." The project began in response to the 2016 election and is, amongst other things, a protest against all the needless limitations we have had placed on us by an oppressive society. Many of the poems deal with violence against women and children. But just as present are poems celebrating strengths and triumphs.
Denice Frohman writes (in "A Woman's Place") in the opening poem of the collection: "all the women i know are perennials--marigolds,/daffodils/soft things that refuse to die." and "I'm a better woman now that I'm writing poems." There is strength in vulnerability and openness. And I also believe we are better when we write poems, speak to each other and listen to each other ("And the listening/seems to take no time at all.", Lauren Clark, "Vortex Temporum").
This is a volume worth taking the time to read, to listen to these voices crying out in anger and in joy. A book worth celebrating.
I thank NetGalley, OR Books, and editors Danielle Barnhart and Iris Mahan, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2018
all the women i know are perennials -- marigolds, daffodils soft things that refuse to die
This collection of poems is everything I wanted.
Women of Resistance: Poems for a New Feminism is a collection of poems from various writers about feminism (duh). As with any collection, some poems you will like, some you wont. It's how it goes. Some poems I skimmed over, catching lines that I enjoyed as I did so. Or, sometimes I just didn't like the structure of the poem. Thats ok, too. For one poem I didn't really like, I found 3 more that I LOVED.
These poems span many topics, (intersectional feminism, sexual assault, depression, and more and more and more) and are all so relevant, and important to modern feminism.
In my opinion, good books on feminism should make you feel pissed, empowered, and even sad, depending on the book. I went through all those emotions and more I can't even describe?
I'm in love with this book, and I'm going to be buying it, no doubt.
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2018
“i heard a woman becomes herself the first
time she speaks
without permission
then, every word out of her mouth a riot”
Be still my beating heart….
I know that this is a terrible place to start with a book review but I love the cover of this book, it is beautiful and one that I will be adding to my physical copy bookshelf ASAP, especially now that I know what a wonderful poetry collection this is.
With massive movements such as Times Up it could be easy to believe that feminism is alive, well and understood/supported by the majority of people, however, there are a lot of people that while they support Times Up, don’t really understand the complete need and the complexities of feminism. Which is where this gem of poetry collection comes in. It is beautiful, powerful and inspiring. It shows the incredible breadth of feminism and what women from all walks of life deal with every day.
A big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
March 27, 2018
I knew I had to read this book right away. It's an anthology that has been beautifully formatted to promote feminist ideologies. Most of all to speak against racism, misogyny, cultural appropriation etc. This collection of poems penned by various poets speaks to all in this time of chaos in contemporary times. However, this anthology transcends time past and present and future. Beautifully and thoughtfully put together to inspire everyone who picks up this book.
I received this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
#WomenofResistance #NetGalley
I received this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
#WomenofResistance #NetGalley
October 8, 2018
This is an ARC I received for an honest review from NetGalley.
I’ll be honest, mixed poetry books usually mean mixed reviews for me, some you love, some not so much. This one was definitely a diverse collection, and some might need trigger warnings (even more so after this last week), but this is where we are, for better and often worse this is the reality of women from diverse backgrounds and the struggles that are shaping us.
I’ll be honest, mixed poetry books usually mean mixed reviews for me, some you love, some not so much. This one was definitely a diverse collection, and some might need trigger warnings (even more so after this last week), but this is where we are, for better and often worse this is the reality of women from diverse backgrounds and the struggles that are shaping us.
tbr-wonder-women
June 6, 2018Feminist Poetry? Yes, please!
December 27, 2018
Breathtaking with beauty and forthrightness. Full review soon.
January 29, 2019
"When a woman tells the truth, she is creating the possibility for more truth around her."
I really wanted to connect with this, especially as I read poetry and am becoming more familiar with poets. Maybe anthologies aren't my thing? I love the work of Mahogany Browne and Elizabeth Acevedo, but they were just two poets in this collection. I absolutely love the cover art though.
I really wanted to connect with this, especially as I read poetry and am becoming more familiar with poets. Maybe anthologies aren't my thing? I love the work of Mahogany Browne and Elizabeth Acevedo, but they were just two poets in this collection. I absolutely love the cover art though.
November 29, 2018
This is a major case of "don't go by my rating because you might love it".
When I picked this up, I was so convinced I'm going to love it that for the first 32% of the collection, I wasn't able to form the true opinion of not actually liking it. You know, one of those times when the idea and thought behind a work is amazing and so appreciable that being honest about the actual work makes you feel bad.
The collection claims to touch the issues of feminism but it didn't do well in actually conveying the messages since most of the poems felt a little bland, too organized or absolutely not concised, and boring to be honest. That being said, I wouldn't speak strongly of this judgement of mine since a great number of readers seem to love this collection. So pick it up if it interests you!
Blog/Website | Twitter | Tumblr | Instagram | Pinterest
Initital Reaction: I had DNFed it in the first go but then gave it a chance and it proved to be fine.
When I picked this up, I was so convinced I'm going to love it that for the first 32% of the collection, I wasn't able to form the true opinion of not actually liking it. You know, one of those times when the idea and thought behind a work is amazing and so appreciable that being honest about the actual work makes you feel bad.
The collection claims to touch the issues of feminism but it didn't do well in actually conveying the messages since most of the poems felt a little bland, too organized or absolutely not concised, and boring to be honest. That being said, I wouldn't speak strongly of this judgement of mine since a great number of readers seem to love this collection. So pick it up if it interests you!
Blog/Website | Twitter | Tumblr | Instagram | Pinterest
Initital Reaction: I had DNFed it in the first go but then gave it a chance and it proved to be fine.
April 14, 2018
A big thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a quick but hard-hitting collection of poems. It is also the perfect example of intersectional feminism in the 21st century. The poems range in the sub-topics they explore. Some are political, some are personal, whilst others cast a critical eye on society and the perception of women across different countries and cultures.
This collection is important as it focuses on the different ways in which women fight and resist those who wish to stop us from reaching our full potential. Hence the title Women of Resistance. Each poem had a distinct voice and the different experiences came through powerfully as well.
Powerful and inspiring; a poetry collection you don't want to miss out on. You will become acquainted with some new writers you may not have discovered before as well. The type of poems and the rhythm also differ as well across the collection.
Highly recommend!
This was a quick but hard-hitting collection of poems. It is also the perfect example of intersectional feminism in the 21st century. The poems range in the sub-topics they explore. Some are political, some are personal, whilst others cast a critical eye on society and the perception of women across different countries and cultures.
This collection is important as it focuses on the different ways in which women fight and resist those who wish to stop us from reaching our full potential. Hence the title Women of Resistance. Each poem had a distinct voice and the different experiences came through powerfully as well.
Powerful and inspiring; a poetry collection you don't want to miss out on. You will become acquainted with some new writers you may not have discovered before as well. The type of poems and the rhythm also differ as well across the collection.
Highly recommend!
March 4, 2018
As I write this advance review on the Sunday of the Oscars and consider the role of women in film now, I reflect on the verses in this collection as well. Maybe this is my form of triangulation today. What I discovered in Women of Resistance, first, is a pulsing idea.
This idea of equity, so often tossed aside or given lip service, is a driving force in my life and faith. It was a driving force in my classroom, and one I want to instill in my daughters and the daughters of others. A range of powerful voices speak to the role of women and feminism in this collection. I would proudly teach these poems and share them with others in my life.
The other feature of this collection is that the verses work well along with their message. The voices comprised here use language beautifully and with power. Words come together in lyrical and unexpected ways, which is just the manner poetry should work in.
A highly recommended text.
This idea of equity, so often tossed aside or given lip service, is a driving force in my life and faith. It was a driving force in my classroom, and one I want to instill in my daughters and the daughters of others. A range of powerful voices speak to the role of women and feminism in this collection. I would proudly teach these poems and share them with others in my life.
The other feature of this collection is that the verses work well along with their message. The voices comprised here use language beautifully and with power. Words come together in lyrical and unexpected ways, which is just the manner poetry should work in.
A highly recommended text.
January 9, 2019
I find it rare that I like an entire poetry collection, even more so when it's by multiple poets and this is one of those poetry books where I found myself either really enjoying some of the poems or not and skimming or skipping them.
This is a collection by a diverse group of poets writing about womanhood, abuse, war, struggles, racism, feminism, violence and so much more. It packs so much in there. I really enjoyed the first two sections of this collection and I felt it included all the best poems. With just a few lines, you can feel the amount of pain that some of them went through and/or their amount of strength and resilience. It might be a cliche but some of them ooze a bit of empowerment. The last two sections were the ones I was skimming or skipping for a few of them. I am not sure why that is as I was eager to read more but it just went over my head completely.
(I received a free e-book copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
This is a collection by a diverse group of poets writing about womanhood, abuse, war, struggles, racism, feminism, violence and so much more. It packs so much in there. I really enjoyed the first two sections of this collection and I felt it included all the best poems. With just a few lines, you can feel the amount of pain that some of them went through and/or their amount of strength and resilience. It might be a cliche but some of them ooze a bit of empowerment. The last two sections were the ones I was skimming or skipping for a few of them. I am not sure why that is as I was eager to read more but it just went over my head completely.
(I received a free e-book copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
June 5, 2018
This stunning collection includes a variety of authors with wildly different backgrounds and styles. I felt like this is one of the few instances of actual intersectional feminism in collections and I feel both shocked and empowered by the messages included.
49 different contributors means that there's something for everyone, even if you don't like all poetry out there (like me). This book certainly offers food for thought!
My favourite poems include those by Mahogany L. Browne, Kaveh Akbar, Denice Frohman, Kim Addonizio and Rachel McKibbens.
"if this poem is the only thing that survives me
tell them i grew a new tongue
tell them i built me a throne
tell them when we discovered life on another planet
it was a woman
& she built a bridge, not a border
got god & named gravity
after herself."
- Denice Frohman
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and OR Books.
49 different contributors means that there's something for everyone, even if you don't like all poetry out there (like me). This book certainly offers food for thought!
My favourite poems include those by Mahogany L. Browne, Kaveh Akbar, Denice Frohman, Kim Addonizio and Rachel McKibbens.
"if this poem is the only thing that survives me
tell them i grew a new tongue
tell them i built me a throne
tell them when we discovered life on another planet
it was a woman
& she built a bridge, not a border
got god & named gravity
after herself."
- Denice Frohman
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and OR Books.
April 5, 2018
This made me think of How I Resist (though of the two, I liked that one better).
This book has a diverse collection of poetry, about women, about resistance, about feminism, racism and other issues. CW for sex, rape, abuse, violence, racism and possibly other things I missed.
Sadly, this was not exactly my cup of tea. I had the feeling many of the poems and pieces went over my head and the longer it took me to read it the more eager I was to finish.
It's definitely important, has a lot of value and really great pieces, but it didn't resonate as much with me personally. Definitely an "it's not you, it's me" case.
On a side note, I am in love with the cover.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review
This book has a diverse collection of poetry, about women, about resistance, about feminism, racism and other issues. CW for sex, rape, abuse, violence, racism and possibly other things I missed.
Sadly, this was not exactly my cup of tea. I had the feeling many of the poems and pieces went over my head and the longer it took me to read it the more eager I was to finish.
It's definitely important, has a lot of value and really great pieces, but it didn't resonate as much with me personally. Definitely an "it's not you, it's me" case.
On a side note, I am in love with the cover.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review
April 14, 2018
Thanks to @netgalley and #orbooks for a free copy of #womenofresistance for my honest review.
This is a collection of feminist poetry by 41 authors and edited by Danielle Barnhart and Iris Mahan. The description said a feminist stance against the new administration so I knew it was something I wanted to read.
These poems span sexuality, race and gender identity. I really liked the idea on this book and thought it was well executed. I don’t read a lot of poetry but because this is a collection you get a variety of different styles some that I enjoyed more than other but the different styles did not distract from the overall stories, experiences and messages each piece told.
I had a hard time getting into it because of the ARC formatting which left a lot to be desired but once I got over the horrible formatting I appreciated for the gem it is.
Check it out!
This is a collection of feminist poetry by 41 authors and edited by Danielle Barnhart and Iris Mahan. The description said a feminist stance against the new administration so I knew it was something I wanted to read.
These poems span sexuality, race and gender identity. I really liked the idea on this book and thought it was well executed. I don’t read a lot of poetry but because this is a collection you get a variety of different styles some that I enjoyed more than other but the different styles did not distract from the overall stories, experiences and messages each piece told.
I had a hard time getting into it because of the ARC formatting which left a lot to be desired but once I got over the horrible formatting I appreciated for the gem it is.
Check it out!
June 21, 2018
I always forget that I should not read poetry in the ebook format. The format of the poems is often wrong and in this case, the title of the collection (which typically would be on the corners of the page) was intermixed on the page. Occasionally it was even within the poems themselves. As a result, it was hard to fully get immersed in the poems. However, the poems are raw, honest, and heartfelt. I also appreciated how diverse of a collection this is. If I read a print version of this I feel like I would have been able to rate this higher.
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ecopy in exchange for an honest review*
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ecopy in exchange for an honest review*
August 31, 2018
A literary work that tackles femininity, sexuality and gender identity says the blurb but it goes deeper, there was more to it than that it talked about racism, violence, abuse... I love that the collection took on such subjects, especially in this day of age. It would disseminate and enlighten more people, more voices to be heard. It's great!
But I tried so, so much to get into this, it wasn't for me. I found myself skimming and skipping some pages to get it over, I wasn't that bad, it wasn't that good either, for it still gave me that emotion of purity and rawness as a finished input of it.
I would still recommend it to all to read. Pick it up and it may be your cup of tea after all.
But I tried so, so much to get into this, it wasn't for me. I found myself skimming and skipping some pages to get it over, I wasn't that bad, it wasn't that good either, for it still gave me that emotion of purity and rawness as a finished input of it.
I would still recommend it to all to read. Pick it up and it may be your cup of tea after all.
December 31, 2018
I am not a great connoisseur of poetry, but I do believe I know what it is to be a woman, to suffer gender and to recognize the suffering that many women go through. Each poem and small story resonated with a different tone and a different way of writing, you could recognize the difficult and important issues that played, which are so current for what the world is going through these last years. Women of Resistance was a short and strong reminder of the battles that are being fought in every corner of the planet, by women.
July 4, 2018
I loved reading this varied collection of women's voices of resistance. I read them aloud to my spouse at night and while not every poem spoke to me, many gave me a better understanding of the lives of other women in today's world. I particularly love the work of Denise Frohman, whose poem which was aired recently on TV has been a very important poem for me in inspiring my own work. https://youtu.be/7V7TXJdI8-Y
Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews