Publishers Weekly
11/18/2019
In this urgent essay collection, feminist activists Valenti and Friedman (Yes Means Yes!) bring together a diverse range of contributors to address the backlash to the #MeToo movement and make the case for “a simple but radical trust in women.” Noting that the Polaroid camera helped to decrease domestic violence rates by providing victims with immediate and tangible proof to take to police, Valenti argues that the internet is enacting a “cultural shift” around sexual abuse by allowing women to share and affirm their personal experiences. Moira Donegan, creator of the Shitty Media Men list, contends that Sigmund Freud’s disavowal of his initial findings on the links between hysteria and widespread sexual abuse set the template for the public’s reaction to rape accusations. Slate editor Dahlia Lithwick describes the dueling congressional testimonies of Christine Blasey Ford and Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, while Rolling Stone writer Jamil Smith explores intersections between rape culture and racism in the outing of Bill Cosby as a serial rapist. Many contributors, including Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, note the importance of not just believing abuse survivors, but achieving credible justice for them as well. Consistently well-written and soundly reasoned, these essays persuasively cast the tendency to doubt women as one of America’s greatest social ills. This illuminating call to action deserves a wide readership. (Jan.)
From the Publisher
"Feminist champions Jessica Valenti and Jaclyn Friedman are back with their second anthology, rallying a handful of contributors like Samantha Irby, Dahlia Lithwick, Ayanna Pressley, Moira Donegan, and Julia Serano to share their personal stories on sexual assault, consent, gender norms, and overall life after the #MeToo movement."—Marie Claire, Best Books of Winter
"This urgent volume shines a light on the moral imperative to trust and believe women in order to save lives."—Ms.
"Feminist champions Jessica Valenti and Jaclyn Friedman are back with their second anthology, rallying a handful of contributors like Samantha Irby, Dahlia Lithwick, Ayanna Pressley, Moira Donegan, and Julia Serano to share their personal stories on sexual assault, consent, gender norms, and overall life after the #MeToo movement."—Marie Claire, Best Books of Winter
"In this urgent essay collection, feminist activists Valenti and Friedman bring together a diverse range of contributors to make the case for 'a simple but radical trust in women' ... Consistently well-written and soundly reasoned, these essays persuasively cast the tendency to doubt women as one of America's greatest social ills ... an illuminating call to action."—Publishers Weekly
"Inclusive and essential... a must-have for the modern reader."—Library Journal, starred review
"Believe Me is a book that lives up to its title. Jessica Valenti and Jaclyn Friedman have brought together writers, legal experts, actors, advocates, and more, creating both a call to action and a roadmap for a better future — the future women deserve. It's hard to imagine a more powerful and timely portrait of the moment we're in, and where I hope we're headed."—Cecile Richards, co-founder of Supermajority and former president of Planned Parenthood
"A fierce, necessary volume of truth, accountability, and prognostication from a roster of the most fearless and perceptive writers working today. Believe Me feels like therapy to anyone who has been paying attention."—Lindy West
Library Journal
★ 01/01/2020
Valenti and Friedman (coauthors, Yes Means Yes!) invite activists to share the impact of people having confidence in women and their stories. In this collection, writers such as comedian Samantha Irby, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, author Matt Lubchansky, and activist Yanar Mohammed do not soften their message but tell, unequivocally, stories of their own experiences with not being believed and the stories of others, whether about sexual assault, medical need, or the lack of safety in their home. Standout essays include Friedman's, which names the reasons why these stories matter; Tina Horn's meditation on sex work; and Jamil Smith's on his awakening to his own behavior and its contribution to violence against women. To select only three top essays does this excellent collection, however, a disservice. Each piece stands robustly on its own, drawing readers in. The writers make their arguments in accessible, compelling prose. VERDICT Though this collection ultimately preaches to its own choir, the book easily arms feminist activists with valuable content with which to stride forward in engaging misogyny in the world. An inclusive and essential choice following We Should All Be Feminists, and a must-have for the modern reader.—Abby Hargreaves, District of Columbia P.L.
