If you're fascinated by the transformative decade of the 1960s and '70s and the rise of the women's liberation movement, then Clara Bingham's The Movement: How Women's Liberation Transformed America 1963-1973 is a must-read. This engaging oral history captures the voices and stories of those who lived through and shaped this pivotal era in American history.

Bingham does an incredible job weaving together personal narratives from a diverse group of women and men who were at the forefront of the movement. From the influential writings of Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique to the grassroots efforts of the Janes' underground abortion network, and even the iconic moments like Billie Jean King's 1973 "Battle of the Sexes," this book gives readers an intimate glimpse into the real experiences behind the headlines.

What I especially liked about the book was the "in their own words" format, which offers personal perspectives on the era's events, but I can see how some readers might prefer a smoother narrative style. In any case, the book doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities and challenges of the movement, including the intersections with civil rights and the struggle for racial and gender equality.

Whether you're a history buff, a feminist, or just curious about this transformative period, The Movement is a compelling and accessible read that sheds light on the stories behind the fight for women's rights. It's a powerful reminder of how far we've come and how much further we have to go.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Thanks to Atria Books and Clara Bingham for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book. It's laid out well to show the history of the second wave feminist movement at all levels. It's obviously important to show the larger moments (i.e. bra burning, protesting, running for elected office), but it's also important to show the small moments. There's a point in the book where women are meeting together for the first time and admitting to each other that they've faked an orgasm, or sought an abortion, and that feeling of community is so important for any sort of growth of the movement. This book is a diverse, informative, and emotional read that really sets the tone for where we are in the US right now

I enjoyed how Clara presented her research for this book. It was easy to understand and laid out thoughtfully for the reader. It's extensive and interesting. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

It feels prescient (one hopes!) for this book to be released a few months before the 2024 presidential election, where abortion will be a front and center issue.

I love reading history in this format, sort of “as told by” as I think it adds texture that strictly academic works can’t quite capture. This is very well-researched, well-formatted, and I especially like that it gets to the difficulties that intersectional feminism faced at a time when the fight for civil rights was broad.

Highly recommend for anyone wanting to revisit this period of history. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

Bingham has written an excellently research, compelling and accessible chronicle of the women’s movement of the 1960s-1970s. The book’s unique style features firsthand accounts of the era from women and men who led and participated in the fight for equal rights and women’s liberation throughout the era. These personal narratives are woven together in a sort of written documentary style that forms a chorus of different, complementary and overlapping voices giving a fuller picture of the events. This is a great introduction to the era for anyone interested in learning more about second wave feminism and just how far we’ve come.