Lindy West's new collection THE WITCHES ARE COMING is a series of essays that looks at not just our current political and pop culture landscape, but the rhetorical ramp up in the '90s and 2000s that most of us didn't realize we were experiencing and how the culture of those decades led, possibly inexorably, to the situation America is in today.

THE WITCHES ARE COMING is a rage explosion of a book. It's everything you've screamed for the last four years, plus some other things you probably wish you'd screamed. West's style makes the reader feel like your smarter friend is having a big, cathartic conversation with you, and that you are not alone.

However, I did find some of these essays, particularly the first half of the book, to be a bit shallow. This may be a consequence of reading it right after TRICK MIRROR, as the two books cover a lot of the same topics, but a lot of it felt like we weren't really digging in too deep.

Additionally, West's writing voice, while still thoroughly enjoyable, feels a bit dated to me. It reads like the internet of five years ago with all the capslock and overly wordy jokes. So, overall, I'm a bit torn on this book. I do think it's saying some important things, but without any deeper analysis or call to action, it feels like just more screaming into the void.

Love me it! Lindy is always spot on in her analysis about society and pop culture. I really like reading her essays because they are honest, raw, and very relatable for me.

I have to start this review by saying that Lindy West calling Guy Fieri a "human flip flop" is one of the best things I've read this year. There is nothing necessarily illuminating or revolutionary in this collection. The thread that runs through The Witches Are Coming is that things are BAD right now. Trump is bad, Global Warming is bad, the Alt-Right is bad, it's all very B A D and chances are high that we're all going to be dead in 50 years anyway because did I mention Global Warming is BAD??? And while I agree with every single damn thing West says in this collection, it's nothing I haven't already heard a zillion times, every single damn day of the last three years. But, that doesn't mean I don't want to know West's thoughts on the matter. She is a great writer, she is very funny, she is very smart, and she is exactly like a friend whose opinion on Trump, Global Warming and the Alt-Right you want to hear anyway, even though they're not going to tell you anything you don't already know. And the reason you do is that friend still makes you feel hopeful despite it all. BECAUSE she is so funny, and so smart, and because she still cares about the world and the people in it. And that's what West does with this collection.

This is a witch hunt. We are witches, and we’re hunting you.
I was beyond fortune to read an early copy of this book. Thank you Hachette Books and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Let’s get political and angry now.
Rants, Raves, and Reviews
Essay collections, especially political ones, bring so much emotion up for me. I don’t choose to read them often, as I’ve been privileged in my life to be able to ignore politics. I am trying not to these days, but thanks to stress being a major kicker for a flare up for my auto immune diseases, I don’t dive as deeply as I could.
Still, I knew I had to read Lindy West’s new collection when it came out. I love how she writes — both with humor and the ability to leave me utterly in despair, and as she is no longer on social media, I was definitely curious to see her thoughts.
West’s book focus on media from the 90s that you wouldn’t expect to have an impact on us now (they aren’t high brow or classics) and yet they do. Adam Sandler movies and South Park being clear influences, as well as the portrayal of feminist and environmentalist in media. White, straight men were the heroes in films, defeating the angry liberals and PC culture. And what was the point? What has been the benefit?
I happened to be working on our Judging Book Cover book - Devil in the White City- while reading this collection. Within this book there is an essay entitled “Ted Bundy Was Not Charming — Are You High?” which sat with me the entire time I read about the World Fair in Chicago and H. H. Holmes. So much of the book discussed how charming H. H. Holmes was, how attractive, how he was just a charismatic dude. It isn’t just Ted Bundy — it’s so many serial killers. It is society putting these men on a weird pedestal of dark genius, and not acknowledging that isn’t what they are. They’re men who generally got their nose bent out of shape because a perceived slight someone (probably a woman) gave them, and they just “can’t take it anymore.” The discussion of how the courts responded to Bundy’s verdict, the fact that we still make documentaries and movies about serial killers and how they are “necessary” because “we need to recognize the signs” or some shit… I felt incredibly validated in West’s findings in this essay. I wanted to cry because someone had finally put into words what I felt.
Quote: Millennials. LOVE. Board game-based Cold War murder mystery sex farces chocablock with J. Edgar Hoover references. Bing bang bong! If you don’t know that then you don’t know millennials, sweetie!
What I’ve mentioned in a few of my recent reviews is that I am uncomfortable with how authors are trying to shoehorn in the #metoo movement. As this is a collection of essays, particularly about how we got to where we are in 2019, I am all for the discussion of Harvey Weinstein, Louis CK, and all of the men who have been called out. Because it is something that is going on, and I am not entirely sure it is a win. I am terrified it is a long con to show we are losing. Will these guys actually have real repercussions? Or will they just slink a way for a bit, only to come back, all forgiven nothing learned? West doesn’t discuss this directly, but there is quite a bit about the movement and the perception of it all.
Final Thoughts
If you aren’t already left leaning, I don’t know if you’ll like this book. And that is quite unfortunate, because I think a lot here is important and needs to be discussed. Women’s rights, what we are doing to the planet, all of it is important and we should be focusing on that. I loved this collection, even if it left such a pit of fear in me. But there is also a note of hope, similar to the note of hope Parkland left for me: the next generation, who wasn’t raised on how evil feminist and environmentalist are, are willing to stand up easier than we are. And that is what I’m willing to help thrive.

Essays in the collection:
They Let You Do It
Choosing the Lie
Is Adam Sandler Funny?
Ted Bundy Was Not Charming — Are You High?
How to Be a Girl
Always Meet Your Heroes
Do, Make, Be, Barf
A Giant Douche Is a Good Thing if You’re a Giant
Gear Swap
Joan
Obsolescence Is a Preventable Disease
What Is an Abortion, Anyways?
Leave Hell to the Devils
Anger is a Weapon
Magic Isn’t Magic
The World Is Good and Worth Fighting For
Long Live the Port Charles Whooping Cranes
Tomorrow Is the First Day

WOW. Just wow. This is one powerful book. For one thing, I have changed my mind completely about who I'm voting for next year. I'm going to talk about myself differently at work. I've always thought of myself as a feminist but this has changed my thought process on how I need to present myself to people. And it also made me laugh out loud A LOT. Probably not a good idea to read this on a train at 1:30 in the morning. I got some pretty strange looks. I really recommend this to everyone -- it's empowering for women but would also be great information for men because it really shows a strong viewpoint. It's a quick read and both fun and thought-provoking.

“A result is that, for the most part, the only people weathering those consequences are the ones who don’t have the luxury of staying quiet. Women, already impeded and imperiled by sexism, also have to carry the social stigma of being feminist buzzkills if they call attention to it. People of color not only have to deal with racism; they also have to deal with white people labeling them ‘angry’ or ‘hostile’ or ‘difficult’ for objecting.”

Familiar with Lindy West's novel "Shrill," I was excited to learn that she was coming out with yet another though-provoking, boundary-pushing book. Admittedly, I wasn't sure what to expect after reading the first two chapters. Chapter one was mostly an introduction to the book and a chance to introduce the whole idea of "the witches are coming," and then chapter two was about...Lil Bub (amongst other internet-famous cats)? I love cats as much as the next person, and I'll be very upfront in saying that I am downright obsessed with Lil Bub, but I didn't really understand the point of the chapter.

However, the more I read, the more intrigued I became. Lindy has a way of articulating so many things I think on a daily basis, all with a fun, relatable twist that keeps you wanting more and more. I found myself keeping a running log of all the quotes I encountered that resonated with me.

While a large portion of this book sort of read like a well-thought Facebook rant, I still enjoyed it and think it's an important read for everyone. My only qualm is that even though Lindy presented good arguments on significant issues, I didn't find as many solutions to said issues as I would have liked.

Overall though, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it to be exactly the kind of thing I've been looking for to truly capture how I feel about a lot of the things going on in the world right now.

Holy sweet mother of Shrill.... Lindy West is on fire with The Witches Are Coming. In her latest memoir/collection of essays, nothing is off limits to West- even her beloved's adoration for microphones. Spouting off on (not my) President Trump, the lack of men in the feminist movement, #MeToo, abortion rights, the fine line of comedy, and a hoard of other hot button topics, West had me laughing and raging right there with her. 

After I read Shrill and saw that West had a new book coming out, I knew I had to get my hands on it. I lucked out through NetGalley, and I would have demolished the read so much faster had I not been reading it during my busiest time of my year. It really is an absorbing, thought provoking read, and though West's signature sense of humor shines through pretty much every sentence, she knows exactly how to get her point across. 

No doubt, at some point West will jab at a topic too close to home, but the point of this collection is to face the current atmosphere and not bury your head in the sand (or in your phone, or IN YOUR BOOK. #triggered) It won't be easy, but just keep an open mind and heart- you'll pull through, and it'll be worth it.

Im giving this 3 stars because I agree with the author’s viewpoints and I like the author. But this writing style was kind of all all over the place to me. I liked the social commentary, but I felt like she circled around different (irrelevant) anecdotes before getting to the point of the essay.

This is a new release by an American columnist who focuses on feminism, social justice, humor, and body image. She created the TV show Shrill, (on Hulu) and is the originator of the #Shout Your Abortion Campaign. The book is a series of 'cultural critiques' (or what feels like rants) on such subjects as abortion, Adam Sandler and South Park and includes lots of references to Trump. The title is a reference to Trump's frequent use of the term 'witch hunt'. This is a thought provoking book and a good recommendation for fans of books on gender.

Lindy West is here to push at your assumptions and challenge your comfort with the way things are. Her first essay starts the book out perfectly- taking down the use of "witch hunt" by wealthy, powerful men who are finally being asked to take responsibility for their actions. I think this book will challenge everyone to really look inside themselves- even as someone who has identified as a liberal feminist for as long as I can remember, there were plenty of moments for introspection. An excellent collection, and just in time for Nonfiction November!

“If there is magic in Trump’s ability to conjure reality out of hot air and spittle, there is an equally powerful magic in the opposite: in speaking the truth, unvarnished, about what we see, what we remember, what has been done to us by people who have assumed power and status as a birthright, rules written just for them. People who are nervous or just trying to wait this moment out until everything settles down. There is power in saying no, we will not settle down. We will not go back. It’s the lifting of a veil, the opposite of a glamour.

So fine, if you insist. This is a witch hunt. We’re witches and we’re hunting you.”

This is from the first essay in The Witches Are Coming and I thought it was a great start to the book. I also loved the ending. However for me the middle was softer and not the rallying cry I was hoping for.

I felt like it was a case of preaching to the choir - those who are drawn to this book will agree with most of what is being shared. While there were some interesting new correlations and some great lines - I was hoping for more action or ways we can help those who feel differently see the need for change. I wanted to feel fired up and ready to take on the next election!! Instead, I just felt frequently reminded of our current stark reality which I am very aware of on a day to day basis.

Thank you to Hachette books, Netgalley and Librofm for the advance reading and listening copies in exchange for my honest review.

Tomorrow is Halloween, and I am going to dress up as a witch, and carry a sign saying, “The witches are coming, and Donald Trump, they are coming for you!”

Lindy West points an unwavering finger at the tragedies in our current public and private lives. She is forthright about sharing our failings, but insists on a bare minimum of honesty.

I loved these essays with a desperate terrified passion, and know exactly the people who will be getting a copy for Christmas this year.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I will read anything Lindy West writes. And she's done it again with The Witches Are Coming. You will love this if you loved Shrill!

TL;DR: The Witches Are Coming was a letdown after Shrill.

This was one of my most highly anticipated books of the year. On Shrill, I had said: "Some of these essays are absolute gold." But The Witches Are Coming sadly pales in comparison.

I loved the way West housed her personal experiences in the bigger picture in Shrill. It felt like part memoir, part smart commentary (even though I did note, in my 5-star review, that it was a "somewhat uneven essay collection"). Here, in TWAC, West focuses much more on social commentary and much less on sharing experiences from her own life.

In the very first essay, one of my notes was, "Nothing new if you agree. Nothing new if you disagree." And that kind of sums up how I feel about the whole collection, except for some instances in which I was really frustrated by West not *quite* getting it right (e.g., not acknowledging the role investigative journalism played in Weinstein's fall).

I personally think she's at her best in TWAC when she's talking about gender, making Shrill (the TV show), body image, and the ways women have to conform/the things we have to deal with. It's likely no coincidence that these are things she has direct experience with. The rest, frankly, won't stick with me either by virtue of my not caring (see: Grumpy Cat) or having already felt that way (see: climate change is real).

I had fully expected to love this one, and honestly wish I had. Maybe TWAC will work better for those who aren't as tuned into politics or who are more interested in the pop culture topics featured here.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette for a free e-arc of this title to review.

Lindy West has written a smart, funny dissection of life in the age of Trump and #MeToo, bringing in a few digressions into popular culture that she manages to tie together. Even though I wasn't familiar at all with this author before reading this book, I will definitely seek out her writing in the future.

This book, while topical and somewhat factual, felt like I was listening to a drunk feminist friend lashing out at a party. I get the tongue in cheek humor, but its delivery...I felt like I was being yelled at on the page. This was not a fun read and I didn't finish it.

Lindy West's wit is so delightfully sharp that I had to wear bandages on my fingers while I read this book. I'm a huge fan of SHRILL and this book did not disappoint. Well-paced and each page was absolutely on fire. Loved it.

The Witches Are Coming is a fast paced, highly frightening (climate crisis, anyone?!), but somehow also lough out loud look at American culture and how it has led to where we are today... and today isn't looking so hot. This book got me fired up, that's for sure... but, I am, much like the woman she mentions in the book (a woman who, after listening to a panel about how women can fight sexism, suggests the audience should not be women, but should actually be men because why should women fix a messed up system we didn't build), looking around me thinking, those who NEED to read this book are NEVER going to read this book. Dang it. Everyone should read this book. I loved it and will definitely be rereading and in an effort to get everyone to read it, will be giving it as a gift come holiday season.

The Witches Are Coming is the non-fiction title I have most been anticipating since I read Lindy West’s previous book, Shrill. When the title essay was first published in the New York Times, it perfectly struck the emotion and determination many women felt ready to act upon in the wake of Donald Trump’s presidency. West took our righteous indignation and put it into words while we were stammering with rage or speechless with disbelief. Wonderful words, that were sharp, funny and more precise than many of us are capable of producing in the middle of a heated Facebook comment thread flame war.

What I most loved about Shrill and years of West’s work across the Internet is also present in this new collection: highly memorable and quotable passages full of humor, cathartic swearing, and intelligent commentary on gender, race, politics and pop culture.

The only reason I rated this slightly lower than West’s previous book is that some points in the essays can be repetitive when pieces that were originally published over a long span elsewhere are put together in one volume. That being said, some of these points bear repeating.

The Witches Are Coming is a must-read for feminists and progressives that provides honesty, humor and even hope in these wicked times.

The Witches Are Coming is straight-up feminist / liberal candy. She’s not going to change anybody’s minds with this book — she’s definitely going to be preaching to the choir — but members of that choir are going to eat. it. up. (As did I.)

The book is made up of essays that offer commentary on today’s political and social climates. There’s an entire chapter called, “Is Adam Sandler Funny?” (Spoiler alert: No.)

I honestly think that if you’re going to read this book, you should go for the audiobook. I didn’t listen to it myself (because I received an advanced e-copy of the print edition), but you can just tell. Lindy is hilarious (of course), and her delivery of these passionate essays is sure to be spot-on. I did actually listen to her first book, Shrill, and loved her delivery in that one.

So, long story short: If you like the idea of a liberal feminist comedian writing a liberal, feminist, funny book, then this one is absolutely for you.