Title: No Turning Back

Author: Estelle Freedman

Publisher: Ballantine Books 2002

Genre: Nonfiction - Women's Studies

Pages: 446

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure; Mount TBR; 52 Books - W40

Repeatedly declared dead by the media, the women’s movement has never been as vibrant as it is today. Indeed as Stanford professor and award-winning author Estelle B. Freedman argues in her compelling new book, feminism has reached a critical momentum from which there is no turning back. A truly global movement, as vital and dynamic in the developing world as it is in the West, feminism has helped women achieve authority in politics, sports, and business, and has mobilized public concern for once-taboo issues like rape, domestic violence, and breast cancer. And yet much work remains before women attain real equality. In this fascinating book, Freedman examines the historical forces that have fueled the feminist movement over the past two hundred years–and explores how women today are looking to feminism for new approaches to issues of work, family, sexuality, and creativity.

This amazing book was our first book club selection for the South Bay Feminist Book Club.  I was excited to revisit a book that was written, published, and read back in my college years. And a reread did not disappoint.  Freedman lays out an extensive argument for feminism in the history of the United States and the world.  Each chapter focuses on a aspect of history from race to politics.  I warn you that this book is dense.  Freedman packs it full of information and theories of feminism.  A very enjoyable and through-provoking read.  I can't wait to discuss it with others next week.