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9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Caution: This AMAZING Book May (Hopefully) Incite Mind Riots, February 10, 2001
Having never even heard of Phyllis Chesler, I entrusted that she was a noteworthy writer upon finding out she (this) was published on the ever almighty Common Courage Press. And of course, the title reeled me in (as someone who has an avid appreciation for a)originality and b)mastery of the language arts). Although really intelligent, I'm a fairly blunt girl, so I'm just going to say this: Phyllis is a badass. I am blown away---and bitter that knowledge of this woman has escaped my fumblesome world of feminism thus long. I'm going to be frightfully honest once again: I haven't even finished the entire book yet(!) Perhaps when you ALSO hear that I've NEVER been inspired to write an on-line review before--no matter how 'great' or poignant the book---you will begin to understand what it is about Phyllis Chesler that sets her apart from the others... Her knowledge is impeccable, her arguments are flawless and her style? Riveting. Militant yet sensitive, radical yet familial. Her topic matter? Brilliant. Chesler boldly sidelines the rhetorical and instead challenges the candy-coated "stand by your sisters but not at the expense of your man" approach to feminism, as spearheaded by the ever-contradictory Naomi Wolf, full-on, in an essay that not only redirects the feminist mind AWAY from it's 'fad' stalemate (read: passivity, commerciality, safeness) and BACK to the core severity it demands, but also illustrates who the REAL pioneer(s) of feminism is(are). In heartwrenching detail will she explain why there NEEDS to be better legal protection for prostitutes. With great acuity will she describe the perils of 'male uterus envy'. Her words will leave your mind seething, your pulse racing, and your spirit awakening. (I found myself taking multiple 'pacing' breaks and possessed with the urge to take up boxing!!) At the end of her introduction/PLEA to the rest of us(!)---aptly entitled 'Heroism Is Our Only Alternative'---Chesler makes the statement: "I've been envisioning a sovereign feminist government for a long time and that vision guides me still." A visionary as well, I've shared the same inspirational goal, I confess (much to the dissuasion of others, 'concerned' about my idealism--?! Note to them: Don't 'worry' about me, although I'll continue to worry about YOU!) As a radical political and spiritual activist AND a writer, too, I am newly determined and inspired. And thrilled to have such a brilliant, beautiful mentor. You're either part of the problem or part of the solution, and I for one can't (never could!) sit idly by, nursing Starbucks-friggin-Frappuccinos and poo-pooing radical activism, as if all is truly hunky-dory, while my sisters (and even my brothers) suffer. Overall? Buy this book. Case closed. I desperately HOPE Phyllis reads this review because as a writer, I KNOW how important it is for your message to not go unheard. So if you ARE reading this, Phyllis, THANKS for putting YOUR heroic mind to paper in an effort to educate and enlighten. For painstakingly resuscitating a 'dead' issue and giving an 'outdated' cause fresh urgency. Surely your efforts feel for naught at times in light of the present generation's all but abandonment of the cause, but your plight IS in fact much appreciated---much akin to the appreciation a brave yet solitary sailor feels for a lighthouse at sea, especially amidst the turbulent waters of today. Your voice illuminates the path for the revolutionaries of today. Rest assured that we DO exist, we just haven't united. (YET!)
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