Starred review from February 1, 2020
Gr 9 Up-Crystal Kite Award Finalist Gurtler has gathered 25 people willing to share their experiences with sexual harassment, rape, and sexual assault. Of these 25 voices, only one identifies as male, but they all represent different races, sexual orientations, and various backgrounds. Some of these #MeToo stories happened when the authors were children or teens, while some experiences occurred when they were adults. Some took place over multiple periods in their life. The alleged assailants were not limited to strangers. They were neighbors, teachers, family members, other adults, and peers. Each contributor bravely and powerfully shares their experiences, and how they were affected. They also explain why they did or didn't speak up at the time. Words of encouragement and support are tastefully woven into the stories. YA author Mischa Thrace states, "The silence isn't forever. But it's okay if it is." Many essayists provide facts about the subject at hand and disprove the beliefs of critics and skeptics. Each of the featured narratives will have varying levels of impact. Some of the content could be triggering. Readers may find themselves questioning why some voices were included and some were left out. However, these types of questions prove that sharing these deeply personal experiences is all the more necessary. VERDICT A timely and important essay collection that deserves a spot on library shelves.-Amanda Borgia, Uniondale Public Library, NY
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Familiar voices address issues of harassment, exploitation, and gender equality. This collection of 25 stories is diverse, compelling, and deeply haunting as YA authors share wise insights and relate real-life horrors. The situations range from verbal harassment to rape, misogyny, and pedophilia. The anthology begins with the harrowing child molestation experienced by Patty Blount at the age of 5. There are personal stories about harassment in the workplace, assault on the playground, and predatory victim grooming in high school. Others muse about sexual orientation and the impact of toxic masculinity on both straight and gay encounters. Many writers, such as Saundra Mitchell and Ellen Hopkins, offer dark, introspective cautionary tales and lessons in empowerment. Mackenzi Lee's modern take on the biblical tale of Bathsheba is an entertaining, defiant standout. Given the staggering breadth of material, the book is guaranteed to hit a nerve. Readers will applaud the brave honesty and the senses of community, support, and inclusivity that have been the aspirations of the #MeToo movement. These stories hit pretty hard and editor Gurtler acknowledges in her introduction that the experience may be triggering but argues that the dialogue is essential and ultimately healing. Contributors include people who are queer and writers of color. A necessary and empowering anthology. (resources, about the authors) (Nonfiction. 13-18)
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