Becoming Heroines: Unleashing Our Power for Revolution and Rebirth

by Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin

"A profound roadmap for how whole systems of oppression can die if we choose to do the work."—LaTosha Brown, cofounder of Black Voters Matter “An inspiring, empowering clarion call and guide to become the heroines we were meant to be.”—Debra Messing, actor and activist A soul-shaking wake-up call to the oppressive structures that keep women in their place—and a radical approach to fighting back You were born with massive reservoirs of strength, confidence, and creativity. But oppressive structures that keep you “in your place”—that is, silent, weak, and complacent—have cut you off you from your natural gifts and pitted women against one another. Following the timeless wisdom of the heroine's journey, Becoming Heroines invites you to recover your inner power and unleash it as a force for change in the world. For decades, Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin has been the go-to mentor for women who’ve wasted years playing by traditional rules. Now, she’ll show you how to break away from that which no longer serves you, starting by healing the painful memories that hold you back from living to your fullest capacity. You’ll learn how to confront any internalized bias contributing to systems of oppression. And joining with the growing revolution, you’ll be inspired to lend your voice to those repairing the wounds of history in order to build a future of freedom and justice for all.  At once deeply heartfelt and galvanizing, Becoming Heroines is an empowering call to recover your rightful role as the heroine of your own life. For any woman ready to rise from the ashes of trauma and grief, live out her values more radically, and lead us all to a better world, the journey begins.

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, Activism, Womens, Self Help, Leadership

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 20, 2021

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be perfectly honest, I’m not one for self-help books. I tossed Girl, Wash Your Face in the trash and DNF’d Untamed. However, when a book starts right out of the gate with this:

“So much of what we thought we could count on as Americans is now revealed to be part of a great lie. The reliability of our institutions, the myth of American exceptionalism, the idea that we had moved beyond the crimes at the root of us (without ever truly addressing them), have been rightly revealed in their weakness and falsity [….] Finally, we see the truth, the injustice, of what America has always been, and it feels though everything is on fire.

“However, ashes make for fertile ground.”

YES! I AM HERE FOR THIS.

Throughout the book, the author describes how our personal and professional lives are inexorably impacted by our daily struggles to survive and thrive in our patriarchal and racist structures, even if – and perhaps ESPECIALLY if – we try to ignore them, and provides concrete steps of how we can do the work to change things.

Ladies [I use that term inclusively], it’s time to burn this shit down and build institutions that work for EVERYBODY on our own terms. Are you ready?

I started tabbing pages that especially resonated with me, and when I got to page 30 and had tabbed about 10 pages already, it dawned on me. I own this book! I can write all over it!
So thank you @ecmclaughlin @portfolio_books @kccpr @letstalkbookspromo for the gifted copy.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to burn down the patriarchy.

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you need a book for self improvement and to truly believe in yourself, gain the confidence you have within, garner strength to move forward from whatever oppressive state you are in, whether in your personal or professional life, look no further. This book is for every woman who had been told “no, not good enough, or not deserving of a chance”, to break free from a world where internalized systemic sexism and racism exists. This book is written through the lens of anti-racist and anti-bias views, from the moral and ethical principles, that we can all women can resonate with.⁣

[Stacy Hickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women are truly part of the story past, present, and future. Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin has designed this book so that women everywhere can not only learn this, but to journey through your timeline to narrate this story for you personally. I must admit, I got a little lost in the middle, but the ending chapters were gold.

She takes her own personal journey as a white woman to finding value in her experiences in a diverse, but patriarchal society. As a black woman, whose sometimes worse life experiences through the hands of white women this book is a balm of Giliad. She encourages all to confront the racism and competitive attitudes instilled in us all.

[Cat D | _basicbookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This inspirational book gives women tips on how to become the heroines of their own story. In this book, Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin explains that by unleashing our full power and potential, women have the ability to break and dismantle systems of oppression throughout our community and create a better world. It is a mix of stories from Elizabeth’s own life experiences, mixed with advice and ways to achieve this, with entry points at different levels. I think all women would find that this book is able to meet them where they are in their life and there is something in this book for any woman looking to grow as a leader and do her part in changing the world. As with most non-fiction, this one took a little longer to read as I wanted to give myself the appropriate time to digest and reflect on each section.

[Bookoholiccafe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becoming Heroines is an empowering guide for women to be who they are meant to be.
I do believe that women are strong, and creativity, confidence, and strength lie within them. Some just need some guidance to become the heroine of their story.
If you are ready to live out your true values, then this book is for you to read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been following Elizabeth for a few years now and love this book! ❤️

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m here for the concept but I rarely enjoy reading the execution.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard an interview with the author on the Daily Beans podcast and immediately went to Netgalley to see if an ARC was available, and to my delight, it was. The only negative thing I thought as I read this book was that I wished I had discovered it when I was younger. But then, the author spoke about living in the fullness of time and I realized that the past, present, and future are so closely linked that it doesn’t really matter. Also, and much more importantly, I wouldn’t be the person I am now if I had read it back then.

ECM (I hope she doesn’t mind if I abbreviate her full name) spoke to me in a voice that made me feel as if we have always been friends. So much of what she expressed resonated with me on a level that only served to confirm the link we all share that she refers to in her book. After four very difficult years of almost constant stress and discouragement, she provided me with the hope I’ve so desperately wanted to feel. In fact, the best thing about this book is that I have hope once again.

If a book includes exercises, I generally feel I must, at least, make an effort to complete them if I’m going to fully experience the contents of the book. I made a point of doing the exercises, but I had trouble because I’ve already done so many of the personal explorations suggested. That said, I think they are really useful and part of the reason why I wish this book had existed when I was younger. I will be sharing them with my daughter in the hopes she can avoid some of the hard lessons I’ve had to learn.

I’ll sum up my review of this book with the following quote:
“Trust yourself. You have everything you need, right now, and you have from the beginning. You are here for a bigger purpose and as a part of a collective mission. You will know the moment that calls you when you know yourself.”

[Pooja Mathur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full disclosure, I picked up this book because a friend did the cover art. I didn't know what to expect. But I was pleasantly surprised at this book. It was a good read. I would have liked to give it a 3.5, if that was an option.

It seemed to say a lot things that I have read in other books recently as well. I felt there were a lot of parts that seemed to be focused on building up the confidence of the reader, I imagine to help them take action in the ways the book describes. I think I would have appreciated more information on various suggestions on how to go about doing things, trying things, strategies, etc. I feel like the author thought the people reading this book don't believe in themselves, as I felt a lot of it was spent on positive affirmations.

There were some points that I felt I hadn't read in other books, so those parts were great.

[JSter · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you haven't been studying white fragility, patriarchy, and systems of oppression, then this might be a good one to pick up. Elizabeth covers a lot of topics in this book, and gives some instructions on execution. Great, if you could use a broad stroke and introduction, but may not be that helpful if you're really going for a deeper understanding. (e.g., you'll get Marshall Rosenberg's Non-Violent Communication in 5 pages or less). There are other books that would better serve that purpose.

If you've been on the path and doing your work, you likely won't find anything new in here. If you do pick it up, you'll appreciate that it's well-written and has a readable tone.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has been an insightful read about how women can stand-up for and empower themselves through recognition, reconciliation, revolution and rebirth.

Throughout the book, the author also offers practical exercises for personal reflection, processing, healing and growth.

I also really enjoyed the author’s personal experiences and stories as examples. I also appreciated her passion for allyship and collaborative leadership.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy!

[Cathy Dierkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not self help in the way we all think that a self help book should be. This is something much different. I can not get over this book, and plan to read it again with even more intent. Dare to dream where structures of oppression patriarchy no longer exist. We become the heroines of our own lives. Comfort in the uncomfortable. Let it rain.

[ReadingGirlReviews (Gina) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a powerful and inspiring read that will move you to your core. Its filled with insight that will resonate with you for years to come and is perfect for women of all ages. Extremely relevant and a must read for anyone who wants to facilitate change.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough about how transformative this book is. I wish I could give a copy to every single woman I know and I encourage men who support the women in their lives to read it. This will be a book I will re read over and over because we are never really done with the work.

[em · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay book. quick read for a research paper

[Kelie McWilliams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book about building resilience and creating transformation. Thank you ECM!

[Lilian Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this on audio but need a physical copy. Amazing work.

[Laurie AH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and empowering - I'm keeping this book to go through again.

[Mujah Aziz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great work on this one start slow but had a nice pace would have enjoy it better with historical dates more quotes the rebirth process more in the spiritual world with periodically in the text...

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio

[Mary Migliorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read this book Summer 2024….an excellent resource along with author ECM’s Substack & #ResistanceLive YouTube channel on politics & community organizing.