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Finding Feminism: A Memoir
Can There Be Freedom After Trauma?
In Finding Feminism, Rachel Overvoll tells a story about what it's like growing up in fundamentalist Evangelical Christianity. She shows how her well-meaning parents and her indoctrination within a rigidly religious community affected her sense of self and the decisions she made as an obedient child, teenager, and young wife. Throughout her memoir, Rachel shares how religious indoctrination influenced her relationships with men and her view of her own sexuality. This memoir is a triumphant account of how one young woman learned to heal from traumatic experiences, including an abusive engagement, crippling depression, and sexual assault. After finding feminism by chance in a library, Rachel courageously learns to live life according to her own evolving beliefs and values. This story reminds all women to find their voice and stand strong for themselves and each other.
In Finding Feminism, Rachel Overvoll tells a story about what it's like growing up in fundamentalist Evangelical Christianity. She shows how her well-meaning parents and her indoctrination within a rigidly religious community affected her sense of self and the decisions she made as an obedient child, teenager, and young wife. Throughout her memoir, Rachel shares how religious indoctrination influenced her relationships with men and her view of her own sexuality. This memoir is a triumphant account of how one young woman learned to heal from traumatic experiences, including an abusive engagement, crippling depression, and sexual assault. After finding feminism by chance in a library, Rachel courageously learns to live life according to her own evolving beliefs and values. This story reminds all women to find their voice and stand strong for themselves and each other.
- GenresFeminism
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2019
3 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 13, 2019
This story is great the writing wasn’t my fave. This is the case of a person with a lot to say using her voice. She’s not a writer and that’s ok. It’s a quick easy read and might have benefited from an editor to focus the story, but overall there’s lots here. It could be turned into a TV movie for sure.
March 13, 2020
Not the best writing ever, but wow this book was infuriating in a semi good way
April 17, 2019
In her debut memoir, Overvoll depicts the challenges of finding self-worth after a lifetime of succumbing to constant self-doubt, abuse, and crippling depression in an intimate tale that is sure to resonate with many. Her inspirational journey shows how finding the courage to change the trajectory of her life, despite her arduous past, has enabled her to find love and acceptance within herself in the hopes that others will do the same. You don't have to be a feminist to find yourself championing for Overvoll.
--Lynsey Poynter
--Lynsey Poynter
May 17, 2019
Inspiring
Rachel portrayed her past in such a respectful way while still accurately depicting the events she experienced that molded her into the feminist she now is. It was a moving book, and I hope many women who may be in the same position she was find solace and motivation in her words.
Rachel portrayed her past in such a respectful way while still accurately depicting the events she experienced that molded her into the feminist she now is. It was a moving book, and I hope many women who may be in the same position she was find solace and motivation in her words.
August 11, 2019
AMAZING!
I grew up an a very similar situation to Rachel. I connected with her story in such a powerful way. I am so grateful to have found this book. I couldn’t put it down! My favorite read of 2019.
I grew up an a very similar situation to Rachel. I connected with her story in such a powerful way. I am so grateful to have found this book. I couldn’t put it down! My favorite read of 2019.
August 24, 2019
A book of truth and honesty
I had to read this book in several sittings due to the raw honesty and relatable experiences. A must read for women who grew up in the church.
I had to read this book in several sittings due to the raw honesty and relatable experiences. A must read for women who grew up in the church.
August 9, 2019
While reading the last couple of pages of Finding Feminism by Rachel Overvoll I couldn't help but feel the heaviness of my entire being on my heart.
I felt like I was the teenage girl in the book who went through everything Rachel was going through as a kid. She portrays the challenges of finding your self-worth when the world is constantly telling you 'you're not worth anything'. It is also about how we as girls are forced to succumb to self-doubt, abuse and mental illness quite early on in our lives without us ever being aware of what is happening. I found her journey inspirational, relatable and worth reading. I think she shows courage by writing such a vulnerable memoir which in turn might help so many out there who might've felt the same or still feel the same. I love the fact that her writing did not only cover her struggles but also showed that despite everything she had the courage to change the entire course of her life and how she built her life piece by piece. Thank you for pening this down. I am eternally grateful for this piece.
I felt like I was the teenage girl in the book who went through everything Rachel was going through as a kid. She portrays the challenges of finding your self-worth when the world is constantly telling you 'you're not worth anything'. It is also about how we as girls are forced to succumb to self-doubt, abuse and mental illness quite early on in our lives without us ever being aware of what is happening. I found her journey inspirational, relatable and worth reading. I think she shows courage by writing such a vulnerable memoir which in turn might help so many out there who might've felt the same or still feel the same. I love the fact that her writing did not only cover her struggles but also showed that despite everything she had the courage to change the entire course of her life and how she built her life piece by piece. Thank you for pening this down. I am eternally grateful for this piece.
December 6, 2021
Rachel Overvoll’s Finding Feminism is a coming of age memoir about growing up in the church and in what has now been named as purity culture. Her story includes a complicated sexual past, and the reader should be prepared to encounter potentially triggering and R-rated content including rape, sexual activity in the context of an intimate as well as abusive relationship, and various forms of sexual harassment from peers beginning in young adolescence. Whereas at first she sets out to be a woman of God, over time her Christian beliefs and environments become more and more a source of shame and confusion. Finding Feminism will break your heart over a childhood faith that is lost, open your eyes to the limits of religion, and encourage celebration as one woman finally finds her worth.
October 18, 2021
This book gives voice to why I am no longer an evangelical and will never be again. It also helped me find myself amidst my own deconstruction and recovery work. This book is incredibly emotional and relatable to survivors of religious or sexual trauma. For this reason, it may also be triggering, so read with an awareness of your own sensitivity. Finally, thank you Rachel for your badass bravery and vulnerability in sharing your story.
March 14, 2023
An amazing resource when you’re battling with exvangelicalism and the destruction that is left by purity culture. Rachel tells her story and allows the reader to accompany her and feel everything they’ve been keeping inside for so long. There are very few resources on these topics to make you feel less alone and this is a gem. Thanks Rachel.
May 2, 2019
An inspiring read of a strong woman finding her inner strength and discovering herself. I highly recommend to anyone who has ever experienced self-doubt, an abusive relationship or is a survivor of sexual assault to hear firsthand that you have the power to heal yourself!
May 29, 2021
Some may not even read this book because of its title, especially those who may benefit the most. This woman shares her story of growing up in purity culture in an honest and straightforward manner. Two thumbs up here.
June 25, 2021
A poignant and touching account of what it’s like to grow up as a girl in the purity culture of evangelical Christianity. Thank you for your vulnerability, Rachel!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews