Stuff Mom Never Told You: The Feminist Past, Present, and Future

by Anney Reese

The concept of feminism has evolved and changed so much over the last few decades that it can be confusing for people to keep up. Luckily, Anney Reese and Samantha McVey break it all down every week on their popular iHeart podcast, Stuff Mom Never Told You.

In this book—their first—they explore the history, strategy, and emotion that went into several milestones and emergent issues of the recent feminist movement. Starting with Billie Jean King’s famous “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match, they also talk about the Civil Rights movement and the women who helped shape it; the disturbing prevalence of major backlogs in rape kit testing; how LGBTQ rights and women’s right intersect; and how women have been critical to the advancement of disability rights, and more.

Written with a sharp tongue, an infectious curiosity, and a deeply empathetic voice, Reese and McVey show the true breadth of what feminism can stand for, what it can achieve, and whom it can help lift up.

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, Audiobook, History

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2023

Reviews

[Tara Cignarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format Read:Audio from NetGalley (out now)
Review: The start of this was so dull and slow and I was not sure I was going to continue. Then it became way better. These podcasters share a lot information, feelings, and history on many issues women face. They had great info and the audio was okay, not my favorite narration voices. I didn’t like the ‘reenactment’ scenes they threw into some chapters.
Recommended For: Those who want to read or listen to topics females struggle with daily.

[Lindsay Nixon · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF.

It feels odd writing this after lauding another book a few hours ago for its superb sound effects and sound engineering...

I couldn't stand to listen to this audio book due to the sound effects and sound audios. For me, it came across as fake or too dramatized; which may be the purpose? IDK. I couldn't stand to listen to it. I would rather real-sounding reenactments.

I also am unfamiliar with the authors or their podcast to know if this is their usual "format" or style. If it is, I'm sure this won't bother their fan base. For others, who knows. I typically like sound effects.

I was also annoyed that I had to listen to then talk about themselves and their podcast for 10% before I got to the actual subject matter. I'll say it 10000x.... when I pick up a non-f book on a specific topic, I want to read about that topic, immediately. I don't want to hear about your anxieties. Plus these long "bios" always come across as narcisstic to me, especially when the author isn't an academic/PhD. I'm fine with a quick brief this is why I'm writing this book and my qualifications but anything more than a few sentences should be reserved for the end of the book, if it is included at all in a "about the author" appendix. I know in America it's hard to be humble.

I'm sure I'll be torn apart of this review and called un-feminist LOL

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, congratulations to these authors. Their passion shines throughout. They were also very personally vulnerable which is to be applauded.

Full disclosure, I have not listened to this podcast. But perhaps because I listened to the audio version narrated by the authors, the book came across as a podcast rather than an audio narration. The writing was very informal and conversational. The graphic novel and “what if” components were not translated well into the audio. I caught a few errors in dates, but I couldn’t say if that was an error in the copy or the narration. (For instance, Biden/Harris could not have overturned an executive order in 2020 as they were not in office.)

If you are unfamiliar with feminism and intersectionality, this book would serve as a good introduction. If you enjoy the podcast, I imagine you would appreciate the book, too. But if you are versed in feminism and intersectionality, “Stuff Mom Never Told You” is unlikely to hold your interest.

Many thanks to Macmillan Audio via Netgalley for sharing this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Alechia · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. The audio format was all over the place.

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

So let me start by saying that I’ve never listened to the authors’ podcasts…
And after reading (listening to) this, I will not be looking for them.
A very different view on feminism and women’s rights…
Although I did learn a few things from the book, it was not worth the time it took to listen…IMO.
You CAN tell that they are very passionate about many topics in the book, especially since it hit home with them, but that being said, I feel like they were PUSHING the content on their listeners… and that made me not want to even finish it. But I did.
A lot of info on how things changed over the years in favor of women, (or not) but also how things still need to change.
Great info on the disabilities act that was passed about 30 years ago.
Also, unsettling info on how rape victims are ‘handled’ and changes made, as well as those that still need to be made, in that area.
And I didn’t like how on several occasions they painted a picture for you of terrible things happening, and then basically said, oh— just kidding.
Just felt like it was overkill in so many areas. Not sure, maybe it’s just me?
If you’ve read this, can you let me know your thoughts?
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC of the audiobook.
Sorry that I could not give a great review…but they do ask for an honest one.
Due on shelves August 29th, so if this is something you’d like, please look for it then.

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was ready to give this a very low score and almost called it quits. The first 30 something minutes of the audiobook is just the authors apologizing for the potential for failure and such. Which might go over better on a podcast where they are addressing a previous issue, but it was a very strange intro. And then they immediately go into a history/testimonial about General Leia. Which, I don't have a problem with Leia, but it's very weird and is like a really personal encyclopedic entry...and then the book goes into a fictional dramatization with sound effects and...I just could not figure out where anything was going. However, when the book got the the real issues and histories then there was actually something that I wanted to listen to. And honestly I appreciated the chapters on Final Girls and character bios and other pop culture-y things. I did not like the 'but that's not what happened' bits. I ended up skipping to the info bits and that worked for me. It's not comprehensive but I do think it has a nice breadth of topics and cultural touchstones to potentially encourage some further personal research on. I had never heard of the authors or the podcast before this book, so maybe their fans will have a better sense of what to expect from the book's format. The authors read their own work and I think they both did a fine job. I was not ok with the ear piercing scream that happened in the final girl's chapter - that was an unpleasant surprise. Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Edit to add: I have just checked out the physical book from the library and this format is waaaayyy better. The pages and headings are arranged nicely and you can flip around to the little character spotlights, journal entries, or stories they have. Also the alternate history bits have comics to go with them. This is a case of 'did not translate well' and I think the actual book is pretty cool.

[Kristi Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drawing inspiration from their podcast, "Stuff Mom Never Told You," Anney Reese and Samantha McVey have penned a captivating book delving into the historical struggles and triumphs of women within the feminist movement.

With a blend of sharp wit and compassionate narration, Reese and McVey navigate significant moments in women's history, including the iconic "Battle of the Sexes" match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, women's suffrage, and the ongoing quest for gender equality alongside men.

What stands out is their innovative approach to presenting these milestones. They offer an alternative narrative, imagining what events might have transpired differently, juxtaposed against the actual outcomes that resonated through the lives of women and girls across generations. Subsequently, the authors delve into the factual account. These snapshots from history pack a profound punch, prompting contemplation on the potential for vastly divergent outcomes.

Even in the audiobook rendition, Reese and McVey exhibit remarkable synergy, breathing life into their story. Enhanced by well-placed sound effects, the audio version provides an immersive experience, deepening engagement with the material.

In summation, my enthusiastic endorsement goes out to "Stuff Mom Never Told You: The Feminist Revolution." This book is a masterfully composed, educational, and engaging narrative, bound to kindle inspiration and leave a lasting impact on those keen to explore the multifaceted journey of the feminist movement.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited to get this ARC, as I have listened to and enjoyed the podcast in the past. I was not aware there were new hosts, so the show may have changed, which could mean that my review of the book shouldn't really be considered if you like the way the show is currently going. That said:

My impressions:
- A 35 minute intro? Holy crap - waaaaay too much preemptive back peddling there.
- The first section reads like brief encyclopedia, which could be helpful for some, but I didn't find the information to be presented in a way that was interesting or memorable.
- After that, it seemed to be a weird jumble of content. While the audiobook was very well produced, I was so annoyed by the vignettes of the "fake stories" that were psych outs for what actually happened.
- I found it was a lot more overall about why those stories were important to them, which will be awesome for folks that follow the show and love them, but I found myself not really caring, since the book doesn't do much to bond you to the hosts.

Overall, if you're not a fan of the current show, I'd suggest skipping this one. There are better resources out there for women's history and how it applies to today's world.

2 stars - it was just ok.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Jill Rey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right up my alley, I hoped this audiobook would combine my love for podcasting with my passion for feminism. And, while I certainly walked away from this experience with a new appreciation for many historical events, the heaviness of the nonfiction was still there despite the banter and voicing by two professional podcasters and authors.

Using fictional recreation, statistics, fan fiction, and wholesome hard work, authors Anney Reese and Samantha McVey deliver an intentional and well conceived book. Breaking it down and providing vivid "what if" scenarios the impact of feminism becomes clear.

"Stuff Mom Never Tells" hits the mark

[Risa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4ish stars

This book is one of the types of non-fiction that I really enjoy. The writers were upfront about what elements they were reasonably able to cover as well as what would more appropriately be left to others, and unlike some reviews, I didn’t mind the storytelling techniques they used in the chapters. I found it interesting, relevant, and detailed. I also didn’t find that being unfamiliar with the podcast was an issue. There were some gaps, but for the most part, I enjoyed the book.

An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Hector · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very, very, just ok. There’s nothing new in this book, which makes sense since it appears to be an extension of the authors’ longtime podcast. While I appreciate their efforts to highlighting the intersectional complexities of the feminist movement, it was hard to get away from their own positionality. It almost feels as though it might have been better if they just steered clear of intersectionality rather than try to tell others’ stories.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine. I appreciated the attempt at intersectionality, but everything was fairly basic. This is a good intro to intersectional feminism, and I did learn some new information, but it was pretty surface-level. I did not care for the graphic novel or alternate history sections, personally, but it was an interesting idea. I can appreciate the risks taken and the passion and drive of the authors even if I don't feel like it solidly hit for me.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am such a huge fan of Anney and Samantha and their SMINTY podcast, and I think their book is a great extension of it. I loved the format, with thematic chapters introduced with a comic, an alternative history, and then the real history. I also really liked the fictional trope interludes. I think this is a great introduction to intersectional feminism.

[Ashley Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow….what an eye opening book. It taught me so much that I had not been taught about women’s history and women’s rights. It’s a shame that our school systems do not teach these things. It’s an empowering book I think everyone…male and female should read to educate themselves further and being more awareness to very important topics in our society

[Lisa's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive, informative and thought-provoking book that covers the history of the women's movement and current issues in intersectional feminism, including the #Metoo movement and the recent reversal of Roe v. Wade.

I now want to listen to the podcast by the same name.

[Chrissy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love, love, love the podcast but this book is not a good representation of the great work Anney and Samantha do every week. I was highly disappointed but now want to listen to the podcast for each section covered in this book to feel better.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the format on this doesn't work super well--once I got to the content itself it was interesting, but the 'what if' graphic novel and the tropes sort of interspersed in there just didn't work for me.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t learn as much from this book as I was hoping to, though I thought this book works well as an introduction to a few different feminism-related topics. I wasn’t a fan of the graphic novel/alternate universe sections, and I would’ve preferred if they had just been left out.

[Edmond · Rating 3 out of 5]

It definitely was informative and interesting perspective to read and relevant in what's going on in the world today. I just felt it was a liberal point of view attacking men, when there are a lot of women who have more conservative viewpoints that need to be addressed.

[J.J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think sometimes it’s hard to take a podcast to a book. I learned a lot about a lot of things with the feminist movement but they “it didn’t happen this way” layout was kinda weird. I guess I was looking for more of a traditional history.

[Miki Hodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook: Enjoyed hearing the differing narrators. Lots of facts

[Emma-Kate Schaake · Rating 3 out of 5]

My republican mom definitely didn’t tell me any of this. But I also knew all of this already. Felt very feminism 101.

[s · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wrenny

[Kimberley · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
Full disclosure: I have not listened to the podcast but was excited to listen and review this book. I expected the audio production to be at a high quality since it was written and performed by professional podcasters. But it goes to show that similar things are not the same— speaking extemporaneously in a podcast is a different skill than narrating an audiobook. When you add in the interstitial “stories”, I’d say this book is better for reading than listening.
As for the content of the book itself, I could have done without the long-winded introduction. The book was accessible, almost to the point of being aimed for a young audience. Otherwise, it felt like the authors assume most American women are wholly ignorant of their own history and experiences. And maybe that’s true for some. Speaking of those “stories”, I mentioned earlier— they take points in history and present a ‘what would it have been like if this event happened differently’. This included a male/female tennis match, female senators wearing pants, etc. With the lower bar to entry for this book, I felt those stories were wasted space that could have been used to highlight things that did happen, especially since none of them really moved the needle forward. But maybe that’s the point of feminism— the patriarchy makes sure that the needle moves staggeringly slowly.
*Thanks to MacMillan Audio and NetGallehly for the audiobook review copy.

[Whitney Weinberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great look at different aspects of the feminist movement and where we still need to go to get equal rights for all.
I actually really like when podcasters write a book. I am not a podcast person at all. I would so much rather read a book so I’m grateful the authors chose a format that works for me.
It does have some re-enactments at the beginning of each chapter and I could have done without them but overall I learned and I raged.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for an advanced listening copy.

[Carly Gillum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook that focuses on intersectional politics and feminism. I thought the narrators - also the hosts of a podcast by the same name - were interesting, and I liked that they inserted personal stories into the book.

The only thing I found a bit strange were the “This didn’t happen” vignettes. I understand the intention of giving the reader an idea of what would have happened if different decisions were made/actions were taken, but they sometimes felt a bit unnecessary.

Thanks to Flatiron Books and Macmillan Audio for the ALC!