Here We Are: Feminism for the Real World

Jensen, Kelly, Ed. Here We Are: Feminism for the Real World. 2017. 240p. Available at 305.42 JEN on the library shelves.

The word feminism is associated with several ideas, some of them portrayed in the media as negative. But really, what is feminism? What does it mean for young people to declare themselves feminists in the 21st century? This powerful word possesses as many meanings as there are people. Fraught with struggle, feminism is often ignored or not understood by society. The central premise of feminism is that everyone deserves equality, and diversity is not only necessary, it must be encouraged. This collection of 44 different voices attempts to explore, over seven wide ranging themes, some of the aspects of feminism and what it represents for men and women of different faiths, sexual orientations, physical abilities, and experiences.

These feminist voices, including pop culture icons, public figures, and authors eloquently present their views on what being a feminist means to them, and how they live it every day. In formats ranging such as essays, comics, photos, poems, and lists, each writer explores his/her/their emotions on the subject and delves into the complexity inherent in feminism. The stereotypes that abound on the topic of feminism may make it a hard sell to a significant proportion of readers, but with some librarian help getting over that initial hurdle, the reader will find him/her/them-self immersed in a creative exploration of feminism and how one can live with and embody this ideal every day.

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

Satrapi Marjane. Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood. 2003. 153p. ISBN 978-0-375-42230-0. Available in the graphic section of the library.

Marjane is an child and lives in an Iranian upper-income bourgeois family. For years the political climate in Iran has been deteriorating and people have been protesting in the streets. Her parents are politically active, and Marjane discovers that many people in her family have been imprisoned or executed by the Shah and his security service. When the government falls, however, it is replaced by an islamic republic where religion dictates every aspect of public life.

Soon, Marjane and her family’s life changes for the worse. Women must wear veils. Men must keep a beard and lose the necktie. War explodes between Iran and Iraq, and bombs and missiles are exchanged. Through it all, Marjane provides a running commentary on her society and the impact policies have on the people.

Presented as black-and-white comic, Persepolis illustrates one of the most important event of the 20th century that continues to affect American foreign policy to this day.

Hamlet

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Part of the Plays of William Shakespeare audio series 2005. 202 mins. Available as an audiobook from Overdrive as well as numerous print copies on the library shelves.

Much has been written about Hamlet and his revenge against those who killed his father, King Hamlet of Denmark. This audiobook version presents the story of the prince and the torment that he is going through attempting to right the wrongs that have been committed against his family. Using a full cast ensemble, the production is faithful to the script and faithfully recreates the tragic environment that ultimately decimates the entire Danish court. Pair this audiobook with the actual play to gain a better understanding of the madness and questioning that lurks in the shadows and that seek to answer the question, “to be or not to be.”

Political Parties: From Nominations to Victory Celebrations

McPherson, Stephanie Sammartino. Political Parties: From Nominations to Victory Celebrations. Part of the Inside Elections series. 2016. 64p. ISBN 978-1-4677-7910-4. Available at 324.27 MCP on the library shelves.

The process of electing the 45th president is coming to an end in a few days, but many people do not realize that the election is in fact the culmination of a years-long process to select, endorse, and promote a candidate. This process begins with political parties. In this short book, the entire process of electing a candidate to local, state, or national office is explored based on the roles played by the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. Organization, financing, nominations, endorsements, conventions, and advertisements are discussed. Readers of all things political will appreciate the information presented and will gain a better understanding of the entire process.