Cassandra Speaks audiobook

As a man who writes women, I feel like this is required reading. From cave paintings, to myths, to beyond, the way women are presented and erased and how stories change when they're considered the hero of the tale. My one complaint is that the author would preface a chapter with a quote, and then repeat the same quote multiple times throughout the chapter. I don't know if it was an attempt to make it a mantra or just drive home the theme, but it was overblown. Still, an unquestionable five-star read.

Women are all Cassandras, blessed with foresight but cursed with the inability to get men to listen to them. We are weighed down by ancient myths and male-authored stories that persuade us that we are foolish, manipulative, and the weak. Lesser persuasively insists that it is time to jettison these stories and replace them with our own: stories that show the strength of cooperation and empathy; stories that show men can parent and keep house as well as women if they could only see past the stories they have been told about manhood.The most important issue Lesser brings up is the need for women, for everyone, to do power differently.

Re-read.2021:Some parts were a bit too fluffy and new age-y for me but the rest I really enjoyed.

"It's up to us to demand stories of love and justice, to read and watch them, to validate and elevate them. To pay attention to the women and men who are doing power differently, and to know their names."Lesser beautifully intertwines her wisdom with humanity's patriarchal values to provide a cultural commentary on the stories we tell. She begins the book examining popular mythology's first or most culturally-significant women (Eve, Pandora, Cassandra), dives into what power means, and provides a guidebook for how to move forward and see our worlds through modified power and gender lenses. I appreciated her personal reflections throughout that truly brought the story home.This book, excerpts, or at least the conversations it raises should be taught in university classrooms, especially in Y1 general curriculum.

I really loved this book, I bought it blind because it called to my namesake, and I absolutely loved it from the first line. I thought the reflections on those first depictions of women in history were thought provoking and really carried throughout the authors own life and into the core message of the book. I think it's important to realize with any book of this nature that of course you are reading through the lens and tone of this specific speaker, but that doesn't make the story and the POV any less compelling. I think regardless of whether you agree with everything the author states (of which I didn't) there is merit and something to learn and self reflect on in every chapter. I loved it and thought it was exceptionally powerful. Especially the first Part of the book imo is very strong.

This is the best book I’ve read in a long time. What would the human story tell if women are the storytellers? Did Eve get the short end of the stick? (Yes, yes she did) I was deeply touched by Lesser’s prose and her storytelling. I’ve been meditating on “Tell me to what you pay attention and I will tell you who you are.” What does our culture pay attention to? What do I pay attention to? Men are great but if you leave out women you leave our half of the experience to be human. In today’s world, we need women to dream and speak so that we can help the world heal.

This book is a must read. I’d say especially for anyone who chooses curriculum, anyone in a leadership position, but basically everyone who reads books needs to read this one and rethink what you know about our language and the stories we tell ourselves. How many war metaphors do you use in a day without thinking of it? Our world can me a much better place if we change what we think we know about it. This book is a great start.

One of the most thought provoking books I have ever read. I feel like I will be digesting it for a long time. Elizabeth Lesser challenges women to rewrite the narrative and redefine power to make the world a better place. All voices have a place at the table.

Gorgeous book, I will be coming back to this again and again.

Audiobook This was highly engaging and very educational! Would definitely pick up again.

I totally believe this book is one every woman needs to read. A blend of storytelling, memoir and cultural observation, I loved this book about empowering women, encouraging them to be the storytellers. I highly recommend picking this one up today.I received a gifted copy in exchange for my review.

10,000 stars. READ THIS.

You would think a 5 star rating would mean a perfect book for me, but this was not the case here. This book was a roller coaster for me. One sentence would jump off the page and speak directly to my mind or my heart. The very next sentence would make me feel defensive or argumentative. I think the important thing here is that every sentence engaged me on some level. I can't remember the last time I was so thoroughly connected to a text and I binged my way through this book. That justifies 5 stars for me. I would love to have a coffee with this author.