GoodReads– My Life on the Road

My Life on the Road, by Gloria Steinem💭

(Gloria Steinem is arrested during an anti-apartheid protest outside the South African embassy in Washington, December 1984. Photograph: AP)

[...typing]

Why I chose "My Life on the Road"

When you see a picture of Gloria Steinem getting arrested, it's less 'mugshot' and more 'badge of honor.' It reminds me of when you find an old photo of your parents looking suspicious and think, "I didn't expect this side of them." As I was looking through the book suggestions, I stumbled upon this photo, which made me curious about her life. But it is not just this photo that drove me to pick this book– Gloria Steinem fought for what she believed in and made an impact in this world, and that is precisely the kind of person I want to become.

What I hope to get out of it

In reading this memoir, I aim to uncover the layers of experiences and insights that Steinem has gathered from her decades of travel and activism. I'm drawn to the idea that life's journey can be both literal and metaphorical, filled with encounters that challenge and shape us. I hope to gain from Steinem's narrative not just the history of her movements and causes but also the personal growth and transformations that occur when one is open to the world in its vast diversity and complexity.

First Impressions

My initial impressions of the book are of awe and inspiration. Reading about Steinem's encounters with figures I didn't think possible and her relentless pursuit of justice across continents was intriguing. Her reflections on meetings with Martin Luther King Jr., Cesar Chavez, and Betty Friedan, among others, showed the interconnectedness of social movements and the shared struggle for equity. Her story made me reflect on the importance of solidarity and collective action regarding activism, feminism, and human rights. Furthermore, Steinem's emphasis on listening and learning from others reminds us of the humility and openness required to truly engage with the world.

Moving Forward...

As I delve further into Steinem's memoir, I anticipate a journey that mirrors her own— filled with learning, unlearning, and relearning. I expect to confront my assumptions and biases, inspired by Steinem's reflections on her personal and professional growth. The book guides us to embrace our roads, however winding or challenging they may be, and to contribute to the collective journey towards a more equitable world in our ways. In essence, "My Life on the Road" is more than just a memoir; it's a guidebook for those aspiring to make an impact, understand the true essence of activism, and find our place in the complexity of global movements. As I turn each page, the stories' power to connect reminds me to propel forward.