Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions

Summary:

A few years ago, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie received a letter from a dear friend from childhood, asking her how to raise her baby girl as a feminist. “Dear Ijeawele” is Adichie's letter of response.

Here are fifteen invaluable suggestions--compelling, direct, wryly funny, and perceptive--for how to empower a daughter to become a strong, independent woman. From encouraging her to choose a helicopter, and not only a doll, as a toy if she so desires; having open conversations with her about clothes, makeup, and sexuality; debunking the myth that women are somehow biologically arranged to be in the kitchen making dinner, and that men can "allow" women to have full careers, “Dear Ijeawele” goes right to the heart of sexual politics in the twenty-first century. It will start a new and urgently needed conversation about what it really means to be a woman today (Summary and cover courtesy of goodreads.com)

Review:

I wish I had had this book as a kid.  This book is a series of short essays addressing various insecurities and struggles that people have growing up.  It was still well worth the read as an adult and I’d certainly recommend it to anyone interested.  For parents: this is not a book that young readers can necessarily read on their own.  It may need a little explanation and support to read the chapters as they grow up.

This book is a great refresher for parents because, unfortunately, in a lot of places the concept of feminism is still extreme and revolutionary.  I recommend this for everyone, but particularly for those who are most resistant to the idea of wanting to read it.  You’re probably the one who needs to read it most!

Rating: 5 stars!

Who should read it? Definitely all women and any men who would be interested in understanding the struggles of female perspectives.