AOC: The Fearless Rise and Powerful Resonance of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

by Lynda Lopez Narrated by Cary Hite, Marisa Blake

Overview

From the moment Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez beat a ten-term incumbent in the primary election for New York's 14th on June 26, 2018, her journey to the national, if not world, stage, was fast-tracked. Six months later, as the youngest Congresswoman ever elected, AOC became one of a handful of Latina politicians in Washington, D.C. Not yet thirty, she inspires adulation; she represents her generation, the millennials, in many groundbreaking ways: proudly working-class, Democratic Socialist, of Puerto Rican descent, not to mention of the Bronx, feminist-and a great dancer. At the same time, the outpouring of vitriol against her has been formidable. But with her social-media savvy and sharp wit, she fights back, creating memes and quotable lines like ""Don't hate me cause you ain't me"". She goes viral whenever she takes the floor, inspiring young progressives and frustrating conservatives. Lynda Lopez's AOC investigates the many meanings of this remarkable young woman. Contributors span a wide range of voices and ages, from media to the arts and politics. Published on the one year anniversary of her leap to power, this book will be a must-have collectors' item for her many fans.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"AOC is a force to be reckoned with, and her story is one that will leave you inspired." —Kami Phillips, CNN

"As the book’s editor, Lopez has collected smart, briskly written and often inspiring essays about the Bronx-born Boricua phenom." —The Washington Post

"Urgent and timely... holds power by demonstrating the path that AOC has carved for so many of us who rarely saw ourselves in the leaders around us growing up...I recommend this book to anyone feeling downtrodden or weary with the state of the world." —Medium

"This anthology of essays explores everything about the living legend Alexandia Ocasio-Cortez—from her symbolic significance as a political figure to her contributions to a history of Puerto Rican activism." —Cosmo

"This book dives deep into [AOC’s] background, image, and ideas, and comes up with important insights." —Library Journal

"These essays not only emphasise what an important figure she is, but just how important it is to continue to follow her journey. Please read this book, especially if you want to understand why AOC is so relevant and meaningful to the communities she’s a champion for." —The Nerd Daily

"[N]ovelist Natalia Sylvester looks at Ocasio-Cortez in perhaps the most relatable light of them all: As a Latinx person navigating her relationship to the Spanish language." —Oprah Magazine

Library Journal

07/01/2020

In this collection by journalist Lopez, 15 prominent writers and politicians chart the rise of congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and break down in detail what her newfound power means for our moment. The politician's lived experience as a working-class woman of Puerto Rican descent is central to this book's angle, as Pedro A. Regalado writes in his essay connecting her politics to previous generations of black and Latinx organizers in New York before her. She comes from a family in the same kind of circumstances that her policies seek to improve, and also represents all who have been left out (or kept out) of national politics. Standout pieces include one from New York Magazine writer and best-selling author Rebecca Traister, who analyzes why Ocasio-Cortez's bold moves stir fears "of chaos and destruction" precisely because she is a woman. Another essay from personal finance expert and TV host Carmen Rita Wong demands readers recognize how important it is that the congresswoman sits on the House Financial Services Committee. VERDICT While there are several articles about Ocasio-Cortez, this book dives deep into her background, image, and ideas, and comes up with important insights. For readers interested in aspiring to politics.—Sierra Dickey, Ctr. for New Americans, Northampton, MA

Kirkus Reviews

2020-03-29
Fifteen writers reflect on the meteoric rise of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

When Ocasio-Cortez was elected as the U.S Representative for New York’s 14th congressional district in 2018, having defeated a 10-term incumbent, she made history as the youngest woman to serve in Congress. She also set the path for a new breed of young, social justice–minded politicians. Lopez, an Emmy-winning radio and TV journalist who anchors WCBS NewsRadio in New York City, assembles a bright and uniformly compelling collection of thought pieces on AOC. Her contributors—from the arts, media, and political landscapes—closely examine the essential qualities of AOC’s broad appeal. The right voice at the right moment, AOC embodies a growing progressive movement in the U.S. Deeply conscious of working-class values and environmental concerns, she’s a feminist with nimble social media skills, effectively communicating her message to an expanding mass of supporters. Among the many memorable essays are “In No Uncertain Terms,” in which Peru-born novelist Natalia Sylvester digs into AOC’s Latin roots and demonstrates how she and AOC share an imperfect yet emotionally engaging bilingualism; Pedro Regalado’s precise consideration of “the complexity of Ocasio-Cortez’s Latina background” within the historical context and expanding strength of Puerto Rican activism in New York; and Nathan J. Robinson’s eloquent summary of AOC’s enduring influence. “[Her] democratic socialism is a threat to the established order,” writes Robinson, “because she presents a vision of a possible politics where young people, working people, women, and people of color all create a humane and decent society together, one where everyone is clothed, housed, fed, and given quality healthcare, and you don’t have to be a billionaire to serve in public office….She is the expression of a profound and new kind of socialist politics, one that may very well change the world.” Other contributors include Rebecca Traister, Jennine Capó Crucet, and Carmen Rita Wong.

Enlightening and engaging perspectives on a remarkable political ascent. (8-page b/w insert)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940178947326
Publisher:	Dreamscape Media
Publication date:	08/11/2020
Edition description:	Unabridged

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