Rating: 
Summary: A collection of whines by self-righteous 'revolutionaries'
Review: But you must be interested in women or social politics . . .Even if you think you know what feminism is all about, one of this book's essays should give you a new perspective. It consists of collections of essays from the many different women that call themselves feminists. From lesbians, straight women, bisexuals, african-americans and caucasians, aerobics instructors to full-time writers . . . there is a lot of variety. One section made me cry and I can't forget what I read in there. Another section made me understand a feminist perspective that I had never understood before. If you are a feminist, some of this book may be self-affirming. If you are not yet a feminist, maybe you will learn that you can be one without losing any of your ideals. There is room for everyone in this book.
Rating: 
Summary: The Voices of Diversity
Review: Lesbian, Native-American, bisexual, black, Jewish women -- all feminists -- tell their stories and share their views on being young feminists. It was interesting to learn about the experiences of women who are so different from me, but who share my feelings on feminism regardless. Still, as a straight, white woman with a boyfriend, I found it hard at times to identify with some of the women. But it was a very enjoyable book and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and educational read.
Rating:
Summary: still worth listening too
Review: Not sure how to rate this, as all the old essays are here and just as good as I remember them. However, I felt, for the most part, that the quality of the new pieces did not measure up to the old. It wasn't necessarily the abundance of four-letter words, but what it was (or wasn't) exactly, I couldn't quite put my finger on. I suppose you could say they felt more tossed off. If it's true, as a reviewer said, that the new authors are angrier, that's intriguing. Has nothing been accomplished in a decade, or are women just less shy about demanding change? I wish I knew. I did like the new essay from the woman who attended Smith as a Francis Perkins Scholar (I also went to school in that area) and was forced to also jump through the demeaning hoops of the state welfare system. Also interesting was "Class Feminist" - I'm not too (sadly) surprised that a teen would be ostracized for assuming that label, but that a teacher would by her colleagues.... And I didn't think there was that much male bashing - but then, I am female.
Rating: 
Summary: Book was in good shape
Review: Now in an expanded second edition, Listen Up: Voices From The Next Feminist Generation showcases an outstanding series of essays by leading "third-wave" feminists on an impressive range of topics such as blending careers with feminists politics; the inability of a singular feminism to speak for all women, the intersection of traditional culture and third-wave sensibilities; feminist activism; sexuality; identity, gender formation, and more. Ably edited by feminist and women's issues expert Barbara Bindlen (Managing Editor, Family Fun magazine), Listen Up is a core addition to any academic and community library Women's Studies collection, and very strongly recommended reading for women seeking to learn contemporary feminist perspectives on important and principle women's issues of the day.
Rating:
Summary: still worth listening too
Review: Profound, eloquent articulate, wrenching. After the first reading, nearly every page has markings, passages I relate to, echoes of my life or thoughts, or points I find myself surprised or ashamed to have missed, overlooked or ignored. There are notes in the margins of every essay, authors or other figures I don't want to forget, awakenings that came at the end of a paragraph sentence, or even mid-sentence.
In the essay by Curtis Sittenfeld, titled "Your Life as a Girl," I saw myself in literally every paragraph, from the early triumph of running the timed mile and beating not only all the other girls, but all but one or two of the boys, to the first time I gave up trying (be it a math problem or the precise spin of a football throw), admitting myself the weaker, slower or less intelligent. The year I spent perpetually chilled, wearing clinging fabrics to show the body I'd "worked" so hard for, while at home I piled on the layers and spent hours in front of the space heater, and nights dreaming of lavish meals I would never eat. The year upon year upon year spent camouflaging the giddy pleasure at being deemed worthy of brief attention by the object of my (temporarily) undying affection, followed inevitably by the crushing voice that convinced me that my poochy belly was the reason for my unrequited devotion. Most nights are now spent dreaming not of romance (at least not the kind they build novels around) or wealth, but of crossing that finish line to sit with the boys and gloat, watching all the rest straggle in after me. To wit, an essential read for any woman searching for a voice she relates to, but always coming up short of that perfectly articulated match. These are voices you can trust to speak clearly, loudly, angrily, humorously and with integrity and honesty about the challenges we still face.
Rating:
Summary: Listen up indeed!
Review: There are essays in here that made me laugh out loud, ones that were so devasting I felt sick--and about everything in between. At a time when all you hear about feminism seems to consist of backlash media-queens and grinning twenty-somethings that wouldn't know the big picture if they were IN IT, finding this book about saved my life. Glad to know I'm not the only (24 year old) woman who makes feminism a real part of my life. I loved that so many kinds of women shared their thoughts and stories. A great compilation. Barbara Findlen, I salute you!
Rating:
Summary: Listen Up!
Review: There couldn't be a better title for this book. Each essay begs you to "listen up" and listen good. The women in this book focus on all areas of feminism, and their feminist experiences at different times in their lives. Some are about trying to reconcile their circumstances with their feminist ideals, such as the feminist aerobics instructor, or the feminist who nearly had to become a go-go dancer just to pay the rent. My favorite essays were the ones that focused, at least in part, on what it's like to be growing up now, in a time where all too many people think that feminism is dead and/or dying. I have too many favorites to begin listing them here, but I definitely recommend this book to any one who is a feminist (no matter your age); think you might be a feminist, but don't want "that label"; or if you adamantly aren't a feminist, but you know one. I don't think any one will regret buying it.
Rating: 
Summary: a mixed bag
Review: This book is a collection of women's personal narratives, which are loosely related by the theme of feminism and how it has affected thier lives. The book touches upon a wide range of feminist issues, from abortion to identity politics to body image. Many of the narratives are not to be missed, such as "Abortion, Vaccum Cleaners, and the Power Within" by Inga Muscio and "Bringing Feminism a la Casa" by Daisy Hernandez. Other narratives, such as "Your Life As a Girl" by Curtis Sittenfeld, are not as interesting. Fortunately, the book is organized in a way that makes it easy to pick and choose which parts to read. I recommend skipping around.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring
Review: This book provides a very broad view of the struggles women face in every aspect of life. A new perspective is gained when reading the first hand experiences of those who have really struggled, as a result of merely being themselves. This book provides a lot of insight and is a must read for anyone who sympathizes with feminist struggles, or who just cannot yet grasp why there is a need for feminism.
Rating:
Summary: So thorough it can make you uncomfortable
Review: This comprehensive collection of essays and memoirs on myriad contemporary issues is so challenging and thorough, it may even make you uncomfortable. The book is inclusive of many of the criticisms of mainstream feminism, and succeeds in causing the reader to question her own place in the movement. From essays on the marginalization of disabled and differently abled feminists to the question of race and ethnic origin within feminist writings and ideals, the perspectives portrayed in this collection remind the reader that, though feminism has long been a movement embracing the White middle-class, women and freedom fighters are not all cut from the same cloth. The essays create bonds between readers and writer, and give the readers reason to broaden their ideas about what it means to be a feminist in the year 2001.
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