Customer Reviews

That Takes Ovaries!: Bold Females and Their Brazen Acts

5 star:		(7)
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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!

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!!

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!!!!!

Solomon collected stories from hundreds of women about their impulsive, taking charge, life risking, heroic, and in your face acts. These stories show women that do not always follow standards perscribed by our society. There is so much to learn from each story. They teach that it is ok to be unique, stand up for oneself, do something outrageous, and just be yourself.

Examples of stories include girls that outsmarted a pimp, a woman traveling through a war zone to understand the rebels and hopefully start the talks that would establish peace, a sky surfer, lesbian step mother, a fat girl that wore a tank top and was proud of her body, a woman who opened a vibrator store in the 70s, hardships of an immigrant woman crossing from El Salvador to the US, and many many more stories.

I would recommend this book to anyone, especially girls and women because these stories can inspire and show that it is ok to be yourself.

"That Takes Ovaries," the title says it all. The story's are inspiring, trying and empowering. I was moved upon reading it ... moved to action.

The work Rivka Solomon put into this book is amazing. She breathed life into difficult topics such as abusive relationships, sexism, and racism, to name a few. I have attended "Ovaries" open mics where the pages of her book came to life and were told first hand by those who have experienced similar events, men and women. This book belongs in all womens study teachings around the world as it captures the raw essence of female empowerment. Rivka has forever made a positive impression on me and my life. Thank you!

Every woman should read this book. It will make you feel proud to be female.