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A discussion group dedicated to feminist reading from the Library's Steinem Sisters Collection.
An Unexpected Life
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Gloria Steinem offers an inspiring and candid memoir of her early life and the journey that made her one of the world's most influential activists and storytellers.
Before she became a feminist leader, Gloria Steinem was a curious child: going on road trips with her itinerant father, caring for her mother, and devouring every book she could find. In An Unexpected Life , Steinem reflects on the unlikely experiences and pivotal moments--from a childhood rat bite that opened her eyes to the dangers of poverty to the 1970 Women's March honoring the right to vote--that shaped the visionary woman she would become.
She shares her years living in India, learning from the nonviolent movement there, and her travels around the world advocating for women's rights. Along the way, she honors the people who influenced her most, including trailblazers, writers, and thinkers who expanded her understanding of power, community, justice, and solidarity.
Moving between past and present, Steinem examines the progress and setbacks of six decades of activism. As she reflects on the movements she helped build and the victories won for women's and human rights, she also looks ahead, urging new generations to imagine bolder, more inclusive paths forward.
Intimate, funny, and rich with hard-earned wisdom, An Unexpected Life offers readers the rare opportunity to learn directly from one of feminism's most enduring voices as we continue the work of building a better future for all.
The Steinem Sisters Collection champions women’s historical, cultural, and political contributions and strives to provide a welcoming space for women from all walks of life to share their truths. It is composed of “feminist materials,” intersectional works that uphold human and women’s rights and interests in defining and promoting political, economic, personal, and social equality of the sexes, races, classes, sexual orientations, and genders. The Steinem Sisters Collection has grown to over 900 titles in the ten years since its inception. Regular programming, including book discussion groups and talking circles, aims to highlight the collection and build community. This collection was made possible due to a generous donation by The Steinem’s Sisters Collective.
Please note that this is a community location (not at a Library location.) Please see event description to confirm location.
