How I Resist: Activism and Hope for a New Generation

Absolutely wonderful and inspiring. I’m 30, so very far off from high school or teenage years, but I still found this applied to me wonderfully. Wondering how I as 1 person can really get involved with activism at the ripe old age of 30. Ok, i did just turn 30 a few days ago but still. It really motivates you to feel powerful and just get started. Start small, or start big, but just START. Fail if you need to fail- but just try. Thank you for this book

In today's culture, activism is needed but often frowned upon. Or maybe you want to support your favorite cause(s) but aren't sure where to start. How I Resist: Activism and Hope for a New Generation is a compilation of encouraging essays, focused on the topic of resistance and how to stand up for the causes that are important to you. Each essay is a unique perspective, a new story. How I Resist is a must read for anyone learning about activism or those with an open mind to understanding the recent #Resist movement.

Reading this collection did give me hope; however, I don't feel like it is a book someone would read and say, "Oh. I'll do that!"

So cool for kids and parents!

Bought this for my daughter, who just got interested in politics. Love the short chapters. So much wisdom here and I like the big paperback size.

"Libraries: serving the resistance since forever." You SAID it, Libba Bray!! #MakeAmericaSmartAgainSo this is a neat book targeted towards teenagers (but entertaining and inspiring for all of us) with essays, poems, songs and more creative work from all kinds of people, explaining why and how they "resist." Sometimes "resist" means protesting, or making art, or just being yourself in an unfriendly world - but in all cases, it means finding the truth, having compassion, and standing up for what's right. Three things this world could surely use a lot more of lately, and in the long run.I do wish the book had more visuals - art, photographs, more comics, etc. - as well as links to things like a recording of the song (shown in the book via sheet music), or but I love that it has a "reading list" of resistance books suggested by librarians from around the country!

With a list of contributors as awesome as the one above, I knew I’d have to give this one a read. While How I Resist is definitely aimed at a teenage audience, I think there’s parts of it that are perfect for adults too.One thing that I think is super important in anthologies is the order of the pieces. Reading How I Resist, it was clear that Johnson put a lot of time into thinking about the order of the pieces and it really works. The first few pieces were definitely riveting and more on the creative side, with a few interviews interspersed. The placement of the pieces worked super well, and I really liked Karuna Riazi’s ending.While I do recommend it, the length of the entire anthology is so much shorter than I expected. With an all-star contributor list like that, I think that some pieces could’ve been longer. A few of the pieces were only a page in length and I definitely skimmed over the more practical stuff like “how to call your reps” or Johnny Sun’s piece on how to read media (since that’s stuff I already know how to do). I think that stuff passed me by only because I am not the target age audience, which I understand is more of a personal thing vs. a problem with the collection itself.Overall, if you’re looking for an inspiring collection with bits of informational necessities in it, then I highly recommend How I Resist.

Summary:The youth of today are getting more tech savvy, and understanding much more of what is going on in the world than I feel like I was at their age. They see the issues prevalent in the world that they will inherit; and they’re ready to start making a difference. The problem is, they’re too young to vote, and often aren’t taken very seriously. Add to that, they don’t always have the life experience or the confidence to be heard. Plus… all the issues, all the problems…. it all seems so huge that it could be overwhelming.Where do you begin? How do you find your way? Will it even matter? Through essays, interviews and other forms we go through these questions. Each piece is geared toward giving non violent ideas on how to be heard, choosing your platform, who to talk to…. along with the resounding message that the reader is not alone.My thoughts:I have a book hangover (*sips coffee*). I couldn’t put this book down, and ended up reading it- and rereading my favorite parts- in one day. My eBook is covered with highlights and notes. Actually, I also bought the audiobook and would consider the hardback as well if I didn’t think Warren would kill me.When I first heard about this book, I was ecstatic. If done right, this could be one of the most important books of the year to my mind. You have youths that are strong, articulate and courageous like Emma Gonzales. She inspires me, as I know she has thousands of others. But I feel like she is the exception, not the rule. Most young people aren’t ready for that sort of platform- some people like myself will never be. So what do you do? You still want to help, everyone wants to leave the world better than they found it. But it seems like too much- these things could swallow you whole!That’s where this book comes in. With every short story, essay, song and interview we are given clear, concise directives on what can be done behind the scenes. On steps that we can take, and people to contact. Not only that, but we are told time and again that we aren’t alone. I feel like that’s important. With every shared experience you get a sense of community and togetherness. The world isn’t so crazy when you know there are others that felt what you feel, and hear about what they did about it. The book both gave me peace from the gnawing anxiety that the news now gives me; along with hope. Almost serenity. I may not be able to do much…. but I have a voice and I can be heard. That is what I came away with (along with a hefty list of books that I could read as I move further into activism). I feel like it would do the same for my niece, and really for anyone. For me, this is a five star book. normal star ratingnormal star ratingnormal star ratingnormal star ratingnormal star ratingOn the adult content side, I don’t feel like there was much of anything. Light cursing. Honestly I feel like this book was made for any age so long as they have the vocabulary necessary, or a dictionary handy. I don’t feel it deserves a rating at all, it’s so low. General.svgThe book is out, and I have to say I think everyone should be reading it. This could be one of the definitive books of the year- and I don’t say that lightly.