What do you think?
Rate this book
AOC: The Fearless Rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and What It Means for America
With a preface by Keegan-Michael Key. Seventeen writers explore the multiple meanings of a young Latina politician who has already made history. From the moment Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez beat a ten-term incumbent in the primary election for New York’s 14th, her journey to the national, if not world, stage, was fast-tracked. Six months later, as the youngest Congresswoman ever elected, AOC became one of a handful of Latina politicians in Washington, D.C. Just thirty, she represents her generation, the millennials, proudly working class, Democratic Socialist, of Puerto Rican descent, master of social media, not to mention of the Bronx and feminist.
AOC investigates her symbolic and personal significance for so many, from her willingness to use her imperfect bi-lingualism, to the threat she poses by governing like a man, to the long history of Puerto Rican and anti-Israel activism. Contributors span a wide range of voices and ages, from media to the arts and politics:
AOC investigates her symbolic and personal significance for so many, from her willingness to use her imperfect bi-lingualism, to the threat she poses by governing like a man, to the long history of Puerto Rican and anti-Israel activism. Contributors span a wide range of voices and ages, from media to the arts and politics:
240 pages, Hardcover
First published August 11, 2020
90 people are currently reading
3496 people want to read
About the author
Lynda Lopez
3 books27 followersLynda Lopez is a journalist and anchor at WCBS NewsRadio 880 in New York.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
April 13, 2020
This is more devotional than biographical. A collection of essays on "what Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez means to me." AOC from fifteen different perspectives; some are ideological, most are quite personal, all are inspirational.
I cannot speak to the "tsunami" that is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on any level that is not rooted in my acknowledged white-privilege. The trademark red lipstick and hoop earrings don't resonate with me. What I see in AOC is hope; hope that everyone has a seat at the table, hope that old white men don't have a monopoly on leadership, hope that, in spite of racist and bigoted comments coming from the white house, we all have equal worth. I may not agree with everything she says, I don't, but we should all be glad she has the opportunity (and the courage) to say it.
I cannot speak to the "tsunami" that is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on any level that is not rooted in my acknowledged white-privilege. The trademark red lipstick and hoop earrings don't resonate with me. What I see in AOC is hope; hope that everyone has a seat at the table, hope that old white men don't have a monopoly on leadership, hope that, in spite of racist and bigoted comments coming from the white house, we all have equal worth. I may not agree with everything she says, I don't, but we should all be glad she has the opportunity (and the courage) to say it.
May 5, 2020
Giveaway win!
For some reason Alexandria Ocasio Cortez is considered a controversial person. A lot of people both Democrats and Republicans don't like her...but those people are idiots so who cares!
AOC The Fearless Rise of Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and What It Means for America, isn't a biography of AOC though you do learn about her upbringing. AOC is about Alexandria Ocasio Cortez as a transformational figure in politics. AOC has inspired many women of color especially Latina women. Through her outspokenness and her authenticity she has both angered and excited many....And that's just what AOC wanted.
I like AOC! I think she's tough and strong and cool. The fact that someone my age is having this effect on the old and crusty Washington establishment can only be seen as a positive.
If you too have been inspired by AOC then read this book and then go watch Knock Down the House on Netflix.
A must read!
For some reason Alexandria Ocasio Cortez is considered a controversial person. A lot of people both Democrats and Republicans don't like her...but those people are idiots so who cares!
AOC The Fearless Rise of Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and What It Means for America, isn't a biography of AOC though you do learn about her upbringing. AOC is about Alexandria Ocasio Cortez as a transformational figure in politics. AOC has inspired many women of color especially Latina women. Through her outspokenness and her authenticity she has both angered and excited many....And that's just what AOC wanted.
I like AOC! I think she's tough and strong and cool. The fact that someone my age is having this effect on the old and crusty Washington establishment can only be seen as a positive.
If you too have been inspired by AOC then read this book and then go watch Knock Down the House on Netflix.
A must read!
September 16, 2020
This is not a biography but a collection of essays by various people explaining what AOC political rise means to them. Therefore, it is hagiographic. There is a range of people from journalists to novelists such as Natalia Sylvester. Pedro Regalado explains about the Puerto Rican activism in New York.
I was looking for information about AOC to obtain a better understanding of her and what she represents. I was impressed by her when I saw her on T.V. during a congressional hearing questioning a person. I also was impressed when I saw her rebuttal to a male congressman for his sexist remarks. I enjoyed reading all the different perspectives of AOC represented in this book. After reading this book, I do have a better understanding of what AOC represents.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is five hours and twenty-three minutes. The book was narrated by Cary Hite and Marisa Blake.
I was looking for information about AOC to obtain a better understanding of her and what she represents. I was impressed by her when I saw her on T.V. during a congressional hearing questioning a person. I also was impressed when I saw her rebuttal to a male congressman for his sexist remarks. I enjoyed reading all the different perspectives of AOC represented in this book. After reading this book, I do have a better understanding of what AOC represents.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is five hours and twenty-three minutes. The book was narrated by Cary Hite and Marisa Blake.
April 15, 2020
She does NOT represent her generation. I've asked many. Have not found one yet who doesn't consider her a complete intellectual featherweight.
She is a living indictment of our educational system.
She is a living indictment of our educational system.
April 30, 2020
This book is basically a group of essays praising how great Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) is because she is Latina, Puerto Rican, for Socialism, for the environment and dislikes Trump. Some of the essays told more about the person writing the essay than about (AOC). I got the feeling that some of the individuals writing the essays were more concerned about what (AOC) could do for that Latinx community than for the American public in general (every race). The essays didn't talk about her qualifications to lead, her past accomplishment, or her goals while in office. Just about her being Latina and from Puerto Rico. The cover of the book is so misleading. I don't know anything about her fearless rise into politics. She was recruited by a group of Sanders campaign alums under "Brand New Congress (BNC) because they were recruiting progressive candidates who were not prototypically white, wealthy, and politically connected". That is what is stated on page 31 in the book. Because it doesn't mention in the book anything about bills she is championing other than environmental, i don't know what it means for America her being office. I am very disappointed in this book.
Want to read
April 18, 2020When all five one-star ratings (of course they leave zero indication of having actually read the book) come from people I’d already had to block in the past, then I’m sure it’s a title I want to read ASAP!
N.B.: AOC and I also have the same alma mater, Boston University. Go Terriers! (Yes, really. 🥴)
N.B.: AOC and I also have the same alma mater, Boston University. Go Terriers! (Yes, really. 🥴)
November 13, 2020
I like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as much as the next liberal millennial, so I was excited to get a chance to read this! That being said, I thought it would be more biographical. What it is, however, is a 240 page love letter. I am not a fan of fawning (I'm half German, that's not how we do) so you understand my rating is not a reflection of dislike for the woman on the cover, but the repetitive and slightly cringey content of the book. I kind of wonder what AOC would think of it? She doesn't seem like the kind of person who would much care to have people paint her a haloed hero. She seems too down to earth and self-aware for that. Of course, I understand that she and what she stands for means a lot to people, especially, perhaps, the Latinx community, and I don't want to diminish that, but I hoped for a deeper look at her rise and endeavors thus far. In any case, if you are an AOC superfan, you might like this, but I didn't feel it provided an especially balanced or nuanced look at the undeniably impressive, but human woman in question.
Thanks to the publisher for supplying me with a copy of AOC in exchange for an honest review.
Find my book reviews and more at http://www.princessandpen.com
Thanks to the publisher for supplying me with a copy of AOC in exchange for an honest review.
Find my book reviews and more at http://www.princessandpen.com
July 30, 2020
Let me start by saying, I flat-out loved this book. The idea behind it is brilliant: bring together a community of exceptional Latinx writer and thinkers and let each of them address the significance of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her election in their own way. There's an open letter, a discussion of different types of Spanish-language fluency, some Puerto Rican and Newyorican history. I loved this book. Every piece in it shone in its own way—and they all head me thinking in rich, creative—and hopeful—ways about our current world and its possibilities. I've already decided that I'm using this book as the main text in one of my writing courses next year. These writers speak truths I don't even have the language for, and that I still know will speak to my students in ways that will give them their own reasons to write.
August 20, 2021
A collection of essays on the Congressperson, her background, her ideas, her image. She is certainly one of the most influential figures of her generation in the United States today.
July 29, 2020
Absolute drivel.
April 27, 2020
I thought that this would be a biography about her. Instead it wound up being essays and letters, I wanted to find out about the woman and her ideals. There is only so many times I can read about her red lip stick,white dress,and hoop earrings or that she beat a fellow Democrat in the election. Sorry,but I got soo bored reading it that I didn't finish it.
September 3, 2020
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Nathalie DeFelice
I tend to stay away from books about political figures. Not because they’re not interesting, but because there’s a hopeful quality to them that I don’t often see play out in the same way in real life. They tend to be idealistic and told in such a way that portrays the figure as something more than human. However, this book changed my mind on all of that. I, as well as the world, have watched Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rise into power with the odds stacked against her at every turn, and seen her persevere. This book of essays talks about all of that and more. These writers look at her in an introspective way, talking about the pride they have seeing a fellow Latina rise to step toe to toe with white men who think they dominate the field. They speak to their worries based on being shamed for their culture and so much more. It usually takes me days to read non-fiction, but I read this in a few hours. Each essay is profound and unique to them. I encourage you to read this, especially if you want to know how meaningful it is to have this powerhouse of a woman leading where it counts the most.
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
I tend to stay away from books about political figures. Not because they’re not interesting, but because there’s a hopeful quality to them that I don’t often see play out in the same way in real life. They tend to be idealistic and told in such a way that portrays the figure as something more than human. However, this book changed my mind on all of that. I, as well as the world, have watched Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rise into power with the odds stacked against her at every turn, and seen her persevere. This book of essays talks about all of that and more. These writers look at her in an introspective way, talking about the pride they have seeing a fellow Latina rise to step toe to toe with white men who think they dominate the field. They speak to their worries based on being shamed for their culture and so much more. It usually takes me days to read non-fiction, but I read this in a few hours. Each essay is profound and unique to them. I encourage you to read this, especially if you want to know how meaningful it is to have this powerhouse of a woman leading where it counts the most.
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
August 15, 2020
Cheap political tricks that are starting to prove very expensive in the long run.
November 18, 2024
A helpful read that provides 15 essays gathered by Lynda Lopez, from various contributors with a broad range of interest in the hope they receive from the efforts of this new challenger in the world of Old Washington DC: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Reading this about this up-comer on our horizon gave me hope . . . she's not alone, there truly is a chance to shake this old jacket off. . .if not in the now, in the sooner than later future. . .
Reading this about this up-comer on our horizon gave me hope . . . she's not alone, there truly is a chance to shake this old jacket off. . .if not in the now, in the sooner than later future. . .
August 11, 2020
When I picked up this book, I did so because it said AOC in big red letters on the cover and because I was attracted to the subtitle. The truth is, I don't think I read the subtitle beyond the words "The Fearless Rise." But this book is actually more about the "Powerful Resonance" part of the subtitle. A collection of essays--as with any collection some are more powerful than others--about different movements / identities, how Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez fits within those movements / identities, and how her visibility brought these to light.
The book gave me a new appreciation of the young politician who pulled herself up by her bootstraps and into the national spotlight. As a Puerto Rican female, I have been awed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's hard work, her fearless use of her voice, and how she has grown into her position.
Whether or not you agree with her ideologies, there is no doubt that we need more energetic firebrands to bring new energy, new (or at least fresher) views to the national debate, and new policies to effect the changes we need in order to live in a society that values and takes care of its citizens.
While the book is a 3.5-star read, I am giving it five-stars to offset all the one-star reviews from people who have clearly not read the book.
The book gave me a new appreciation of the young politician who pulled herself up by her bootstraps and into the national spotlight. As a Puerto Rican female, I have been awed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's hard work, her fearless use of her voice, and how she has grown into her position.
Whether or not you agree with her ideologies, there is no doubt that we need more energetic firebrands to bring new energy, new (or at least fresher) views to the national debate, and new policies to effect the changes we need in order to live in a society that values and takes care of its citizens.
While the book is a 3.5-star read, I am giving it five-stars to offset all the one-star reviews from people who have clearly not read the book.
May 13, 2020
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for my galley copy.
Because this is an uncorrected proof, Keegan-Michael Key's preface, "On Being an Indignant Brown Girl," and "Making the Green New Deal the Real Deal" are not included in the copy I reviewed.
I'm going to state off the bat that I am not an entirely unbiased reviewer. I tend to think AOC is pretty great. However, I'm going to try to be as unbiased as possible.
This is a collection of essays, so I'm going to treat it as such. Like any anthology, they're of varying quality, but they're generally good, painting a picture not just of AOC but of the movements, people, and ideas that shaped her and of the writers themselves. Usually the effusive praise is grounded in something, so even if you aren't a fan of the congresswoman, there's a lot of interesting observations about, say, Latinas in the world of finance, although there are a few times where the essay could be a little longer or the praise seems to be hyperbole. The progression overall creates a decent sense of unity, beginning with an open letter to the congresswoman that is both full of heart and witty and progressing to a short, snappy biography of AOC before moving on to the main body of the essays.
My favorite sections were the ones written as short memoirs, particularly Natalia Sylvester's "In No Uncertain Terms," since I consider myself to be a language nerd and love how she talks about the politics of language. Tracey Ross' "A Just Society" is probably the most unique of all of these, as it's essentially a policy proposal, standing out among other essays for its particular format. Yet all of them, whether short history, memoir, or analyses, have something to offer. Some of them are written specifically for Latina women of color, some have a more general goal, but all of them paint a multifaceted portrait of the congresswoman, her world, and the forces that shaped her.
If you're an open-minded conservative or libertarian, you'll probably seldom agree with the authors, but you still might like it overall, since it's not just about AOC or her accomplishments, but also about how AOC fits into more general topics, like the history of socialism or Puerto Rican activism. Ultimately, though this does cater to people of a particular political leaning, I think it can be appreciated by anyone. It's not just non-stop cheerleading for 240 pages, it's a thoughtfully crafted body of writings which seeks to articulate who AOC is and place her in a definite context.
Because this is an uncorrected proof, Keegan-Michael Key's preface, "On Being an Indignant Brown Girl," and "Making the Green New Deal the Real Deal" are not included in the copy I reviewed.
I'm going to state off the bat that I am not an entirely unbiased reviewer. I tend to think AOC is pretty great. However, I'm going to try to be as unbiased as possible.
This is a collection of essays, so I'm going to treat it as such. Like any anthology, they're of varying quality, but they're generally good, painting a picture not just of AOC but of the movements, people, and ideas that shaped her and of the writers themselves. Usually the effusive praise is grounded in something, so even if you aren't a fan of the congresswoman, there's a lot of interesting observations about, say, Latinas in the world of finance, although there are a few times where the essay could be a little longer or the praise seems to be hyperbole. The progression overall creates a decent sense of unity, beginning with an open letter to the congresswoman that is both full of heart and witty and progressing to a short, snappy biography of AOC before moving on to the main body of the essays.
My favorite sections were the ones written as short memoirs, particularly Natalia Sylvester's "In No Uncertain Terms," since I consider myself to be a language nerd and love how she talks about the politics of language. Tracey Ross' "A Just Society" is probably the most unique of all of these, as it's essentially a policy proposal, standing out among other essays for its particular format. Yet all of them, whether short history, memoir, or analyses, have something to offer. Some of them are written specifically for Latina women of color, some have a more general goal, but all of them paint a multifaceted portrait of the congresswoman, her world, and the forces that shaped her.
If you're an open-minded conservative or libertarian, you'll probably seldom agree with the authors, but you still might like it overall, since it's not just about AOC or her accomplishments, but also about how AOC fits into more general topics, like the history of socialism or Puerto Rican activism. Ultimately, though this does cater to people of a particular political leaning, I think it can be appreciated by anyone. It's not just non-stop cheerleading for 240 pages, it's a thoughtfully crafted body of writings which seeks to articulate who AOC is and place her in a definite context.
March 20, 2020
AOC: The Fearless Rise and Powerful Resonance of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is partially an examination of Representative Ocasio-Cortez herself, and partially an examination of what it means to be a Latinx woman of color in today’s political landscape. Composed of essays from 17 writers, AOC becomes biographical in places, in others, it’s more of a reflection on the essayists’ lives, and how the symbol of AOC has affected them individually.
In all, I think this is an important study in how impactful the rise of Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and other like-minded individuals has been, not only to the Latinx population, but to us all. And how her tenacity in the face of bigotry, sexism, and racism (even from the President of the United States himself) is inspiring, and creates a sense of hope for the future direction of the United States of America.
If you find the intricacies of a changing political system fascinating, and/or are looking for inspirational female leaders to emulate, this book is definitely for you.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
In all, I think this is an important study in how impactful the rise of Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and other like-minded individuals has been, not only to the Latinx population, but to us all. And how her tenacity in the face of bigotry, sexism, and racism (even from the President of the United States himself) is inspiring, and creates a sense of hope for the future direction of the United States of America.
If you find the intricacies of a changing political system fascinating, and/or are looking for inspirational female leaders to emulate, this book is definitely for you.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 14, 2020
As someone who works in policy, is running for office, and is a Millenial woman who has the utmost respect for AOC, I really enjoyed this collection of essays.
If you're looking for a straightforward biography, this ain't it. It's a collection of 15 essays written about and to AOC. They do get repetitive at times (better editing could have fixed a bit, but not much? and for someone so early in their career, it's understandable).
I really enjoyed the perspectives of the Latinx women speaking about what AOC means to them and the essay by Rebecca Traister, another of my favorite authors!
If you're looking for a straightforward biography, this ain't it. It's a collection of 15 essays written about and to AOC. They do get repetitive at times (better editing could have fixed a bit, but not much? and for someone so early in their career, it's understandable).
I really enjoyed the perspectives of the Latinx women speaking about what AOC means to them and the essay by Rebecca Traister, another of my favorite authors!
August 13, 2020
Once again I was in search of a biography of AOC that would define her role in Congress however this book was once again a hagiography of Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez. The veneration of AOC is vastly unwarranted as if anyone reads her policies it is clear that AOC is an intellectual lightweight regardless of her Educational background that advocates for policies that are increasingly problematic for the United States as a whole. If you were looking for a balanced biography that defines AOC and her role in Congress skip over this book.
November 30, 2020
It's powerful to hear about how AOC has affected and inspired the lives of so many people who have watched her overcome so much from the financial odds of winning an election against a 10 term incumbent backed by big money to the social backlash she got for daring to dance and have fun.
October 24, 2020
Ok so first things first, this is not a biography of AOC. I thought it was, many people thought it was. It is not. This did not disappoint me as much as it clearly disappointed others who were so interested in learning about AOC that they one-starred a book devoted to the many ways AOC's rise has affected Latinas, women, millennials and social progressives. She doesn't care about your 1 star and that's what so many people love about her.
But anyways, I digress. This really was a collection of essays and letters about AOC, or to AOC. Yes, some of them were slightly fangirl-ish, but millennials are like that. That's why the red lipstick sold out as soon as she dropped the name of her shade. Americans are consumerists and AOC stans are socialist consumerists, hehe. Just wait till her Green New Deal drops I guess.
There were a lot of mentions of the Netflix documentary, Knock Down the House, so I would suggest watching that if you haven't. As for the biography, my search continues but we can probably find everything about her from the incels (or QAnon?) who are obsessing over her and digging up dance videos from her alma mater.
Still! I think this book is very important because it shows how important her representation is to millions of Americans. Women, girls, future politicians, conservationists all, she is a beacon of hope and change for the future, and this is an ode to her presence. The fact that she is at the table means so much.
But, there wasn't even enough (any?) mention of her social media presence or her gaming presence! Hello! Animal Crossing and Among Us player here! I'm amazed she gets so much done and has time to unwind that isn't just alcohol and cat videos.
Recommend for fans of poli-sci, feminism, intersectionality, AOC, and uplifting role models of color.
Thank you to Netgalley audio for providing me a digital audiobook.
But anyways, I digress. This really was a collection of essays and letters about AOC, or to AOC. Yes, some of them were slightly fangirl-ish, but millennials are like that. That's why the red lipstick sold out as soon as she dropped the name of her shade. Americans are consumerists and AOC stans are socialist consumerists, hehe. Just wait till her Green New Deal drops I guess.
There were a lot of mentions of the Netflix documentary, Knock Down the House, so I would suggest watching that if you haven't. As for the biography, my search continues but we can probably find everything about her from the incels (or QAnon?) who are obsessing over her and digging up dance videos from her alma mater.
Still! I think this book is very important because it shows how important her representation is to millions of Americans. Women, girls, future politicians, conservationists all, she is a beacon of hope and change for the future, and this is an ode to her presence. The fact that she is at the table means so much.
But, there wasn't even enough (any?) mention of her social media presence or her gaming presence! Hello! Animal Crossing and Among Us player here! I'm amazed she gets so much done and has time to unwind that isn't just alcohol and cat videos.
Recommend for fans of poli-sci, feminism, intersectionality, AOC, and uplifting role models of color.
Thank you to Netgalley audio for providing me a digital audiobook.
January 31, 2021
We stan AOC!
This wasn’t what I expected, it was a collection of essays on what AOC means to different people, rather than a memoir/biography, but that makes sense all things considering. This collection made me respect AOC even more.
This wasn’t what I expected, it was a collection of essays on what AOC means to different people, rather than a memoir/biography, but that makes sense all things considering. This collection made me respect AOC even more.
February 3, 2021
This book is a collection of essays by Latinx people chronicling the rise of AOC and how her presence in Congress is not only important with regards to identity, but her democratic socialist policy as well. I would say that this book is more in celebration of AOC that it is a dedicated biography about her and her work in detail, and that's important to know going in!
All in all, I found this book enjoyable and worthwhile. I listened on audio, and the audio performance by Marisa Blake was great. There were many overlapping ideas and topics covered in the essays, and there were times when I wish it was a bit more differentiated across essays. I do appreciate that the writers spoke about their own lives and work in detail, and I did learn about organizations new to me, which was valuable as well!
All in all, I found this book enjoyable and worthwhile. I listened on audio, and the audio performance by Marisa Blake was great. There were many overlapping ideas and topics covered in the essays, and there were times when I wish it was a bit more differentiated across essays. I do appreciate that the writers spoke about their own lives and work in detail, and I did learn about organizations new to me, which was valuable as well!
April 19, 2020
I guess I didn’t understand. I thought this was going to be a full biography of AOC which I guess in a way it was. But it was also in a way a biography of the author and her comparison of the inspiration AOC had on her life. Was hard to follow along and stay interested to be honest. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Want to read
September 29, 2020good to know that this is NOT a biography before diving in . . . but I'd also like a bio of her RECS PLEASE
November 22, 2022
**Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me the e copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review**
This a poignant love letter to AOC, showcasing her rise to Congress in the US. It speaks of her effectiveness as a communicator, coupled with her use of social media to be able to have meaningful discourse with her constituents as well as defend against backlash from Republicans. Not being American, I can only speak of what I see on the news, and how cut throat politics seems to be south of the border. It must be so difficult to come up in the political world when you are Latina, as well as a woman. I find myself cheering for AOC, even though I don't live in the USA, and am happy that the citizens have someone like her on their side.
This book feels more like an essay, rather than purely biographical, by the author Lynda Lopez. Lopez saw herself in AOC, saw her family, and her neighbours. Even in the manner in which AOC dresses, and speaks. I can feel the pride with every word Lopez wrties/speaks for what AOC has done for her community, and the population as a whole. When AOC won the democratic seat for her district, it was a very public show that the narrative was changing, and that their is hope. Lopez also speaks to how much backlash AOC is getting , especially from news outlets like Fox. This merely showcases how people like them are scared of what AOC represents, and the changes she is already making.
I would highly recommend giving this a listen and/or read, I definitely learned a lot !
This a poignant love letter to AOC, showcasing her rise to Congress in the US. It speaks of her effectiveness as a communicator, coupled with her use of social media to be able to have meaningful discourse with her constituents as well as defend against backlash from Republicans. Not being American, I can only speak of what I see on the news, and how cut throat politics seems to be south of the border. It must be so difficult to come up in the political world when you are Latina, as well as a woman. I find myself cheering for AOC, even though I don't live in the USA, and am happy that the citizens have someone like her on their side.
This book feels more like an essay, rather than purely biographical, by the author Lynda Lopez. Lopez saw herself in AOC, saw her family, and her neighbours. Even in the manner in which AOC dresses, and speaks. I can feel the pride with every word Lopez wrties/speaks for what AOC has done for her community, and the population as a whole. When AOC won the democratic seat for her district, it was a very public show that the narrative was changing, and that their is hope. Lopez also speaks to how much backlash AOC is getting , especially from news outlets like Fox. This merely showcases how people like them are scared of what AOC represents, and the changes she is already making.
I would highly recommend giving this a listen and/or read, I definitely learned a lot !
August 31, 2020
I was about to leave the library when this book caught my eye in the new releases section. I'll admit, I picked it up under the assumption that it was a biography of AOC. Instead, this book is a collection of essays written by primarily Latinx writers who share their thoughts on the significance of AOC as a leader and a person. As a fan of AOC, I very much enjoyed reading the essays, with my favorites being "In No Uncertain Terms" by Natalia Sylvester and "Latinas Are So Money" by Carmen Rita Wong.
My only criticism would be that some of the essays do seem a little repetitive, but I think that also speaks to the fact that many people feel a similar connection with AOC and what she represents. So I don't think it is a bad thing overall, but it does make some of the later essays a bit less exciting to read.
I really appreciated that not everyone throughout the book was enthralled with every single one of AOC's political stances, but they still clearly admire and respect her tenacity, passion, and willingness to self-correct. Because of this book, I've got a list of people I want to read even more about, with AOC being at the top of the list.
My only criticism would be that some of the essays do seem a little repetitive, but I think that also speaks to the fact that many people feel a similar connection with AOC and what she represents. So I don't think it is a bad thing overall, but it does make some of the later essays a bit less exciting to read.
I really appreciated that not everyone throughout the book was enthralled with every single one of AOC's political stances, but they still clearly admire and respect her tenacity, passion, and willingness to self-correct. Because of this book, I've got a list of people I want to read even more about, with AOC being at the top of the list.
November 9, 2020
If I was rating this book based on the subject I would hands down give this book 5 great big stars. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is one hell of a woman doing great things for the country she loves. She unapologetically stands up for how all women should be treated. Her hard-working and humble background has made her relatable and inspiring to so many Americans. Hence this book. This book is a collection of essays about all the ways Ocasio-Cortez has touched people’s lives. The audio version is narrated by Marisa Blake and she did an amazing job portraying each person’s story. The pace wasn’t too slow so it was very enjoyable to listen to. My issues with this book were the repetitiveness of facts about AOC and the fact that more time was spent on how amazing her red lipstick and earrings were than the actual policies and lasting change she works tirelessly everyday to bring to fruition. This is a fun, inspiring book but if you’re looking for a more detailed education on who she is as a person and a politician, look elsewhere.
Thank you @netgalley and @dreamscape_media for the gifted audio copy of this book!
Thank you @netgalley and @dreamscape_media for the gifted audio copy of this book!
January 14, 2021
I love AOC and appreciated the opportunity to read from different authors about what her rise to power means to them. I wish that this was more of a biography than a series of devotional letters, though. I learned some new information about AOC, but because each essay was from a different author it tended to get repetitive — even mentioning the same tweet three or four times.
My rating has nothing to do with my love for AOC though. Man, what a powerful trailblazer who has become such an influential leader because of her ability to relate to the people.
My rating has nothing to do with my love for AOC though. Man, what a powerful trailblazer who has become such an influential leader because of her ability to relate to the people.
February 18, 2021
Partially an examination of AOC herself, and partially an examination of what it means to be a Latina woman of color in today’s political landscape. Composed of essays from 17 writers, the book becomes biographical in places, in others, it’s more of a reflection on the essayists’ lives, and how the symbol of AOC has affected them individually. I particularly admired AOCs tenacity in the face of bigotry, sexism, and racism (particularly from the former POTUS). It is inspiring and creates a sense of hope for the future direction of minorities/immigrants in the US.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews