From Cecile Richards – the president of Planned Parenthood, daughter of the late Governor Ann Richards, featured speaker at the Women’s March on Washington, and “the heroine of the resistance” (Vogue) – comes a story about learning to lead and make change, based on a lifetime of fighting for women’s rights and social justice.
Cecile Richards has been an activist since she was taken to the principal’s office in seventh grade for wearing an armband in protest of the Vietnam War. Richards had an extraordinary girlhood in ultra-conservative Texas, where her hell-raising parents – her civil rights attorney father and political activist mother – taught their kids to be troublemakers. In the Richards household, the “dinner table was never for eating – it was for sorting precinct lists.”
She watched her mother, Ann, transform herself from a housewife to a force in American politics who made a name for herself as the straight-talking, truth-telling governor of Texas. But Richards also witnessed the pitfalls of public life that are unique to women, and the constant struggle to protect and expand equal rights – both exemplified by her marathon congressional testimony, where she held her own against hostile questions for five hours.
As a young woman, Richards worked as a labor organizer alongside women earning a minimum wage, and learned that those in power don’t give it up without a fight. Now, after years of advocacy, resistance, and progressive leadership, she shares her story for the first time – from the joy and heartbreak of activism to the challenges of raising kids, having a life, and making change, all at the same time. She shines a light on the people and lessons that have gotten her through good times and bad, and encourages listeners to take risks, make mistakes, and make trouble along the way. Richards has dedicated her life to taking on injustice, and her memoir will inspire listeners to hope and action.
Here’s how to change the world around you! I read this cover to cover in one day. It is a fascinating look at grassroots work. There’s also a dose of the incomparable Ann Richards which made me love it that much more. If you want some inspiration on how to change the world around you, get your hands on this book soon.
Can’t put it down I received this book only yesterday and couldnât put it down. I knew the story of Ann Richards, Governor of Texas, but was not familiar with the life of Cecile, her daughter. Cecile Richardsâ life thus far has been one of honor, activism, and passion for social justice. A true feminist icon, she embodies what we all should strive to attain. As a âhow toâ guide for affecting change, itâs a book Iâll refer to again and again, particularly in these troubled times.
Inspiring Read From her early days in Texas to Capitol Hill, Cecile Richards makes making trouble sound like something we should all do more of!! Iâve long been a fan of hers (and of her sassy mother who I saw speak in Los Angeles many years ago), so when I heard she was writing this book, I couldnât wait to get it. Itâs a must read for anyone who believes in social justice and wants to know how one of our great warriors has done it – and still continues to. Bravo Cecile!!