TBP March 1st, 2018
320 Pages
Now, more than ever, young people are motivated to make a difference in a world they’re bound to inherit. They’re ready to stand up and be heard – but with much to shout about, where they do they begin? What can I do? How can I help?
How I Resist is the response, and a way to start the conversation. To show readers that they are not helpless, and that anyone can be the change. A collection of essays, songs, illustrations, and interviews about activism and hope, How I Resist features an all-star group of contributors, including, John Paul Brammer, Libba Bray, Lauren Duca, Modern Family’s Jesse Tyler Ferguson and his husband Justin Mikita, Alex Gino, Hebh Jamal, Malinda Lo, Dylan Marron, Hamilton star Javier Muñoz, Rosie O’Donnell, Junauda Petrus, Jodi Picoult, Jason Reynolds, Karuna Riazi, Maya Rupert, Dana Schwartz, Dan Sinker, Ali Stroker, Jonny Sun (aka @jonnysun), Sabaa Tahir, Daniel Watts, Jennifer Weiner, Jacqueline Woodson, and more, all edited and compiled by New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson and Lambda-winning novelist Tim Federle. -Goodreads
I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting when I began this book. Nevermind that is not true. What I was expecting was fictional short stories about ways the author either sees themselves or the current political situation and how they resist.
What I got was non-fiction, personal stories authors shared to show how they resist and how you should resist. This is not a bad thing. It is simply what I was not expecting.
When reading this, you can feel the emotion each other put into their piece. It is an inspiring read but most importantly it is full of questions. Questions of not only how do I resist but questions of what exactly am I resisting. Before the internet decides to eat me up, let me explain.
Not everyone’s fight is the same nor do each person resist in the same way. What is great about this read is that the different point of views, the different methods, the different experiences are noted and highlighted without overshadowing someone else. A particular author, that I felt most connected to was Rebecca Roanhorse. Her story was realistic in the sense that it beings up the question are you doing enough or anything at all? Her story really brought everything together for me.
Another point about this book, are the interviews. Not all authors wrote short stories but instead gave an interview. I liked this mix up. It made the readings more personal and it built questions and sparked ideas and thoughts.
There is nothing to say bad about this read. It is perfect for a classroom setting and it is honest. Even when a particular author made me side eye her (I am not stating who), you had to respect the honesty that came from her and every other writer. It is important and I know I keep saying this but this leads to conversations that needs to be had. Because like it or not this current presidency affects everyone.
3 Pickles
Motif by Tanya 