When Women Were Birds: Fifty-four Variations On Voice (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
I do not read many women's studies books. Usually not my cup of team. However, Rebecca Schinsky of Book Riot has recommended it so many times, I had to give it a try. I read it in one sitting (and I read many of the passages more than once). I did not always agree with the writer on some issues; in fact I am on the opposite side of many of them. However, that is what is grand about this book, you can do that and not feel like you are betraying the author. In other cases, we are in 100% agreement. One of her quotes is about conversation being a vehicle for change - and that will always remain with me. Normally I read books electronically. This one, however, I could only get in book form from the library. So glad I did. The book is lovely - a tactical item to hold and caress. The white cover with its embossed white birds make your fingers happy (if that's a thing). And when you open the book on the margin of the right pages are silhouettes of birds. When you flip the pages the bird flies to you and than retreats; quite a summary of the book. I had a love/hate relationship with reading this book. It isn't what I expected, which was a disappointment - very little about the author's mother or being a woman in the Mormon church. Moderate amount of poetry, which I personally just don't appreciate. However, the little bits about her mother are gems, the overall theme of voice is interesting, and a handful of the vignettes were wonderful. My memoir club rated this anywhere from 1 to 5 stars, so not a neutral or predictable read.
What do You think about When Women Were Birds: Fifty-four Variations On Voice (2012)?
Really good passages about nature etc. But some parts too introspective.
—Rachel
Clear journal writing full of reflection, question, and insight.
—jluvsjay0910
Lyrical, pulls at your heart strings, a wonderful read.
—lemonpie
