Not as good as The Interestings of course, but what could really top that amazing book by Meg Wolitzer. Excellent descriptions of the awkwardness and drifting that often happens in college.

A powerful, timely novel that is sure to be discussed at length. Wolitzer deftly weaves the storylines of three generations, centered around the notable feminist Faith Frank (what a great name!!), who is idolized by feminists from the seventies to the present. The other main character, Greer Kadetsky is a realistically drawn, idealistic young woman who is inspired by Frank to take up the feminist cause and make it her life’s worth too.
Intervwoven in this story are family neglect, tragedy and friendships and betrayals. This was a compelling, beautifully written novel that made me think, made me sad, and was ultimately hopeful and upbeat.

The Female Persuasion was such a surprise. Poignant, profound, and important, this book looks at the modern issues of today - most specifically second wave feminine - and does so by insightfully looking at multiple people in one young woman’s realm. While the beginning of the book starts off examining the protagonist, Greer, in her first days of college, we are also thoroughly introduced to her boyfriend, Cory, her best friend, Zee, as well as her accidental mentor, Faith, and how they shape Greer’s journey through college and beyond. Wolitzer writes in a way that allows readers to feel emotionally connected to her characters because of her rich character development and their relatable traits. There are definitely some plot twists in this book, but it was a pleasure to read and I’d recommend it to everyone.

Timing is everything and this book just Aaron Judged it. Homerun. It felt like I was reading a humanized version of the New York Times Sunday Review section with a Modern Love twist. The storytelling is intricate and woven together expertly to show the progression of the feminist movement with a flavor profile balanced by love, loss, and abandoning the child inside of us to become the person we are meant to be. The zeitgeist of women being empowered enough to speak out for the things they want to change is so important and Wolitzer captures these trending moments, but holds back on some issues enough to avoid pushing opinions or a political agenda on the reader. Yes, the book prompts a progressive mindset, but it seems crucial that humans get the message. This would make an excellent book club read. Bring on the conversation and continue the movement (picture a fist in the air while reading that last line)!

I am a big fan of Meg Wolitzer's books - I adored The Interestings - so my expectations for this one were higher than usual. The stakes were higher, too, thanks to the political themes (though an artist may disagree). I liked it very, very much, but I can't say I adored it. I found some of the jolts in time, like the early reference to Greer eventually becoming famous, a bit too jarring. But given how many plot and character points resonate with my own coming-of-age, the fact that I did not take issue with more of them speaks to Wolitzer's sure hand and versatile ("outside"!) voice.

How fortunate to have been given the privilege of reviewing this book, thank you Netgalley. There is no doubt that Meg Wolitzer is right up there in the pantheon of brilliant writers of the 21st Century. THE FEMALE PERSUASION takes the reader into the world of feminism, it’s growth and it’s timeliness during this era of TIMES UP, as well as the misogyny that is all too present today.

Wolitzer is able to use Greer Kadetzky as the nascent feminist spokesperson, mentored by her idol, the feminist warrior, Faith Frank. As we follow Greer through adoration and disenchantment, we are also taken through the lives of those surrounding her. Every character is beautifully developed and the threads are woven together to form a remarkable quilt.

The differing routes to independence and personal truth are illustrated by Cory, Greer’s young soulmate and Zee, her close friend. Each character is sympathetic and so well crafted that I could easily visualize each of them as I read. What a gift Wolitzer has.

I felt very comfortable with the ending, perfect closure, no character neglected, even the college male-bully who served as the catalyst to set Greer on her path. This book is a must-read and should be considered for both book clubs and seminars. It’s simply a grand read and a jumping off point for hours of rich discussions.

Wolitzer covers important points, but there is some lack of focus overall. But, The Female Persuasion is a must read for teens and young women especially.

Greer is a shy college freshman when she first encounters Faith Frank, famous feminist. Faith inspires Greer to come work at her new foundation, and this book traces the lives the two of them live over the next few years. The most meaningful and moving parts of the book are actually about Greer’s high school boyfriend Cory. Greer and Cory were always over-achievers together, but when a tragedy strikes his family, Cory returns home to take care of his mother and takes on the traditionally feminine role. This book is about what feminism means, and how to be a woman and truly advocate for women amidst wealth and politics and life.

This starts as what seems like an all to typical story of a woman being abused and taken advantage of by a male that endures no repercussions for his actions but it becomes so much more. This experience allows Greer, a quiet over achiever who is enduring college at her safety school due to a mistake by her parents, to find her 'outside voice'. With her activist roommate Zee they meet Faith Franklin a noted feminist that propels them to find their ways when their paths go awry. It is a story of women finding their way and making mistakes in the world of men. I really, really enjoyed this book and even more it makes you feel and think. You recognize the women and the situations and you care about what happens to them.