Five Rules for Rebellion: Let's Change the World Ourselves

by Sophie Walker

'Rousing, hopeful and important reading' - Caroline Criado Perez, author of Invisible Women
Had enough? Feeling hopeless? Don't give up - join the rebellion.
Activist, journalist, founding leader of the Women's Equality Party and 'modern-day suffragette' ( Evening Standard ) Sophie Walker presents an inspiring, five-step journey to incorporating activism into our lives.
Featuring stories of new and seasoned activists - including Amika George and Jack Monroe - campaigning on a range of issues from reproductive rights and poverty to the environment and access to education - the book shows us how to see activism not as a series of pitched battles but as a positive, lifelong learning experience.
Escape the numbing effects of despair, learn to channel anger, arm yourself with hope, practise perseverance and connect with others compassionately.
Five Rules for Rebellion explains how we can convert our confusion and impatience into a powerful force for change.
'Thoroughly engaging, empowering and inspiring ... blows invigorating air into the weary world of politics and makes you want to get out there NOW and do something about it' - Ailbhe Smyth, co-director of Together For Yes and convenor of Coalition to Repeal the 8th Amendment

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, Politics, Activism, Social Issues, Audiobook

175 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2020

About the author

Writer, mother, marathoner, campaigner. I've worked for a major news agency for nearly 20 years, reporting business, politics and trade from Paris to Washington to London via Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. A couple of years ago my daughter was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and I wrote about it as a means to cope and make sense of what we were experiencing, while starting a gruelling marathon training programme as a means of raising money and awareness. My blog, Grace Under Pressure, took off as other parents and Aspies (and runners!) found my thoughts and frustrations often mirroring their own, and Little, Brown (Piatkus) published the book in October 2012. I am now an ambassador for the National Autistic Society and will run my third marathon, in New York, in November 2015. I am also working on a novel.

Reviews

[Agota · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book was ok but author is a bit terfy - didn't realise till it was too late

[Peter Kilburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

a book I wouldn't have read if it hadn't been my Book Club's choice. It is clearly written from a feminist viewpoint and at times as a white, straight male I felt as if it was a personal attack though that is clearly not the intention. At times it appears that the author believes that only women can be activists, indeed it is not until 3/4 of the way through the book that a male pronoun is used in conjunction with a description of activism. The book may well encourage activism in relation to the addressing of inequalities but its emphasis may discourage those males who support the objectives the author espouses

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Świetna feministyczna pozycja

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend for any woman who has felt overwhelmed at the state of things. I found this book to be wonderful guide to navigating and utilizing the variety of unladylike emotions that accompany being a woman who cares deeply about changing the world for the better. I loved the variety of voices and stories that were presented throughout the book. I also found it incredibly helpful to read during this exceedingly weird ass time - not only useful for being an activist, but also for emotionally surviving a pandemic. And, quite probably a useful framework for how to exit a pandemic as an activist.

[Kaveri Gopakumar]

A great introduction to activism and how it is important in our day to day lives, especially for women to dig deep into their souls and find their reasons to rebel..as we have so many of them. I love how the author takes you through the lives of different women activists - how they found their purpose, how that purpose transcended into everything they did, and how that became their lifeblood, inspiring many more women like them. As the cover suggests "Let's change the world ourselves", the book gives you a glimpse of how to go about doing it - finding your cause, organising, collaborating and understanding that you are in it for the long haul. Knowing that you'll be so much better off doing it together, and how that would bring you face to face with the fears and vulnerabilities of yourself and others.

[Sam · Rating 1 out of 5]

Misleading title and excerpt so I can only give this one star. Consider who the author is to decide if you want to read this book.

[Salomé Esteves · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5/5
I really enjoyed "Five Rules For Rebellion", not just because of the five rules it actually gives you, but primarily, because of the stories of women Sophie Walker interviewed to illustrate her points. Some of them brought me to tears.
In short, this book teaches you how to be an activist. But, unfortunately, it will be read by people who already have a tendency to be political and a desire to change systems in their communities or countries.
Sophie Walker proposes the reader to embark in a hopeful, empathic, enraged but resilient activism, that is put in practice by action and that includes everyone who wants to be a part or feels oppressed or unheard. Walker also urges you to acknowledge your own potential and capability to make a change. This is why my favourite quote on the book was: "One is surprised and shocked how one can be so fearless ad limitless. That's why I propose understanding through action because without action the limits of understanding, and especially understanding yourself, are so narrow, you don't know what you are capable of."
If you have a fire inside you for change and if you want to do something about it, please read "Five Rules for Rebellion".

[Cynthia Levin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read books with a highlighter, especially if they are about activism. I like to underline and be able to find little snippets and quote that inspire me, so I can find them later and share them with others. A few chapters into "Five Rules for Rebellion" I realized how useless my highlighter was because there were practical entire pages I'd highlighted because the gems just kept coming!

I was struck by how much I agree with this author. She is truly a kindred spirit over in the UK while share so many similar thoughts in mid-west America. I'm glad she's out there building movement with all of us.

[Somerset Francis]

A book about the attitude and spirit of activism, this seemed like a good starting point to help orient myself towards working towards social justice causes before I move on to heavier and/or more practice-focused material. I expect it may also make for an inspiring re-orientation for those already involved in activism.

Many causes and activists are discussed, referenced, and interviewed, with a slight emphasis on feminism. Sophie Walker consciously centres women in this book, but its content is, I believe, equally valuable to the rest of us.

[David Gilani · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some incredibly inspiring stories in this book that Sophie uses to make her points. Especially in the chapters on despair and hope, I remember feeling exactly those two things on many occasions - which is a sign that the book was doing its job well. However, I also found some of the other chapters a bit less focused / vague in what they were trying to do. I generally don't like books that make points that are impossible to disagree with - the chapter on collaborating felt like that.

[Larly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but full of comfort if you are feeling you can’t help and you’re too small or insignificant to help make changes. Focuses on having hope through talking with many inspiring activists. Different to a lot of the book and manifestos I’ve read. Encouraging, allows for learning through error. Sometimes it feels like you need to know everything and be perfect before you dare think you can try to do your part.

[Hannah Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebel book clubs book for May.
Interesting read, quite an eye opener and explores activism in a way that i’d never really thought of before. Definately one for anyone who wants to open their minds a little.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I've ever read! I love the outlook that Sophie takes on activism and the stories of unknown heroes.

[Joshua Hitchcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenging

[Esme · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Kaja Radovanović · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this book, highly recommend it.
“Eating chia seeds is not going to change the systems that prevent change itself”

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Patient, hopeful and constant reminders of what it takes to change.

[Georgina Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really struck a chord, and gave me some much-needed nourishment. It is inspiring, empowering and does not ask you to have super powers to make a difference!

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my fav book… think it would be great for someone who is activist or who wants to be one… but this isn’t me. Am reading as part of a book club, called Rebel book club 😆😆

[Sofia Salcedo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considero que este libro tiene excelentes puntos y es bastante amable, como un abrazo. Lo escuché en audiolibro pero me encantaría tener una copia física.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring read that draws on a great many people rebelling around the world. 5 stars cause it also makes it very doable and practical for the reader. Onwards!

[Clare Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and heartfelt treatise on how to build and maintain social movements in a depressing era. It’s core message being that we can always find something to be hopeful about

[Roos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leaning towards 4 stars because of the practical checklist at the back of the book!

[Alara · Rating 2 out of 5]

My bookclub choice for the month of May, otherwise I probably wouldn't have picked it up.
I enjoyed the stories featured in the book but my main issue with it (and the reason for the lowish rating) is the misleading title and excerpt. I was expecting more of a how-to guide or at least some practical actions which I couldn't quite see within the book despite it's advertised as: "Five Rules for Rebellion explains how we can convert our confusion and impatience into a powerful force for change".