That Takes Ovaries!: Bold Females and Their Brazen Acts [Paperback]

Rivka Solomon (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 23, 2002

Having ovaries: unabashed, gutsy, feisty, playful, challenging, full of chutzpah, mettlesome, naughty, victorious, straight from the hip, full-flavored, outrageous, righteous, loving, inspiring, bold as brass, self-assured, self-confident, self-possessed, daring, heroic, wild, wanton, crazy, optimistic, unflappable, pushy, unstoppable, impressive, rebellious, kick-ass, carefree, having moxie, having heart, having no fear . . .

“That takes balls” are words of praise usually reserved for a man who has done something tough, fearless, and maybe a little crazy—someone who pushes the boundaries or breaks a few rules. But when it comes to hotheaded courage, impassioned activism, quirky wisdom, or bold confrontation, women have got what it takes—and then some! That Takes Ovaries! is a lively, fun, and often touching celebration of women and girls doing their thing their way:

* Kathleen, who reduced a would-be burglar to tears by lecturing him about black pride (all while standing in her underwear)
* Elaine, a sky surfer who plunges from airplanes on a 30-inch surfboard
* Rachel, a high school junior who organized 100 high school girls to take on the boys who harassed them
* Denise, a teenage cashier who faced down an irate, gun-wielding gangbanger in an inner-city fast-food joint
* Joani, a public health educator who opened the country’s first women-oriented sex-toys store
* Eva, who made the dangerous, illegal journey from Central America to the United States in order to give her children a better life

Now that takes ovaries!

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The expression "that takes balls" is often used to describe actions that are especially difficult or daring. Solomon has coined a female variation to characterize the stories of the 60-plus women of all ages and backgrounds who responded to her Internet request for personal accounts of events that demonstrated an uncommon dose of courage and strength. Some can be described with terms like bold, self-confident, and inspiring; others are just plain crazy. One woman outsmarted a Detroit pimp, one reduced a burglar to tears by appealing to his black pride, one high-schooler decided to face the world with hairy legs. When presented together these stories form an inspiring collage of strength and creativity. Because the stories are told in the contributors' own words, each carries the humor and passion of each individual. Framed by an analytical introduction and a call to action in support of women's rights, the tales gathered in That Takes Ovaries! make for an interesting addition to any women's studies collection. Danise Hoover
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

From the Inside Flap

Having ovaries: unabashed, gutsy, feisty, playful, challenging, full of chutzpah, mettlesome, naughty, victorious, straight from the hip, full-flavored, outrageous, righteous, loving, inspiring, bold as brass, self-assured, self-confident, self-possessed, daring, heroic, wild, wanton, crazy, optimistic, unflappable, pushy, unstoppable, impressive, rebellious, kick-ass, carefree, having moxie, having heart, having no fear . . .

?That takes balls? are words of praise usually reserved for a man who has done something tough, fearless, and maybe a little crazy?someone who pushes the boundaries or breaks a few rules. But when it comes to hotheaded courage, impassioned activism, quirky wisdom, or bold confrontation, women have got what it takes?and then some! That Takes Ovaries! is a lively, fun, and often touching celebration of women and girls doing their thing their way:

* Kathleen, who reduced a would-be burglar to tears by lecturing him about black pride (all while standing in her underwear)
* Elaine, a sky surfer who plunges from airplanes on a 30-inch surfboard
* Rachel, a high school junior who organized 100 high school girls to take on the boys who harassed them
* Denise, a teenage cashier who faced down an irate, gun-wielding gangbanger in an inner-city fast-food joint
* Joani, a public health educator who opened the country?s first women-oriented sex-toys store
* Eva, who made the dangerous, illegal journey from Central America to the United States in order to give her children a better life

Now that takes ovaries!

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press; 1 edition (April 23, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0609806599
• ISBN-13: 978-0609806593
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.6 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #523,282 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Putting a great idea into action, April 23, 2002

By 

Catherine Dee "Catelouise" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: That Takes Ovaries!: Bold Females and Their Brazen Acts (Paperback)

We're always hearing about the importance of women and girls speaking out, taking action, and otherwise getting empowered, but how, realistically, in our world of ingrained traditions and unwritten rules about being female, is that done? This excellent book answers that question in spades. The women activating the power of their ovaries are incredibly inspiring, and some of them make you raise your eyebrows and go, 'wow, what guts!' I was especially intrigued by the stories of women who not only made their point, but did it in a way that brought about some positive new awareness. For example, the woman who challenged a group of catcallers was able to start a dialog with them. The woman confronting a burglar was able to possibly help redirect his burgling career while also preventing the crime.

The women and girls featured in this book are paving the way for the rest of us to be whomever we want to be. And if by chance you think you should have been in the book too, it's not too late, because Rivka and others (you, if you're interested) are organizing open-mike events to buoy the message and include ALL women and girls who want to share their brave and empowering tales. It's not just a book, it's an adventure.

Women's activist and support groups, women's studies departments, and regular folks of all genders, ethnic backgrounds, ages, and orientations are likely to scarf up this book the first chance they get. I hope the publisher is planning a second print run so we can all get a copy!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WHAT AN INSPIRATION!, May 28, 2003

By 

S. Calhoun "rhymeswithorange" (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: That Takes Ovaries!: Bold Females and Their Brazen Acts (Paperback)

The premise of THAT TAKES OVARIES is excellent: an email is sent out by Rivka Solomon to women friends and acquaintances asking them to recount instances where they boldly crossed the barriers of gender conventions of how a `proper' woman should act and behave. Surprisingly this same email was forwarded to other woman around the country. Responses flooded her in-box and Rikva had enough material to publish a book. The short stories included in this collection are remarkable. I was pleasantly surprised on the varied topics covered from women of all ages. Not only was I entertained but I was also enlightened by many of these women's contributions. No story stands out as being my favorite as there are simply too many to choose from! I enjoy reading short story compilations and it's rare that quality is dispersed throughout the book as in THAT TAKES OVARIES. Simply put, this book is one of the best short story compilations I have read in a long time. But more importantly, after reading this book I am filled with a renewed urge to fight against the gender conventions that limit me every day. I celebrate my unique women-ness and strength to fight for the causes I believe in. Kudos to Rivka for publishing this book!!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grrrl power at its best!!!, April 24, 2002

By 

Peter F. Kane (Plainville, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: That Takes Ovaries!: Bold Females and Their Brazen Acts (Paperback)

Rivka's book is a wonderful collection of stories of women and grrls who aren't afraid of: taking control, overcoming adversity and self empowerment. The raw emotion is heartfelt, moving and playful. I hope there is a place for this book in women's studies across the country as it shows the true spirit of women at their very best.

Five cheers!!!!!