First published 2026
Gloria Steinem charts her transformation from a curious child in Toledo to one of the world's most recognized feminist voices. She recounts formative experiences that shaped her activism, from caring for her mother and traveling with her restless father to witnessing poverty's harsh realities through a childhood rat bite. Steinem describes her time in India studying nonviolent resistance and her decades of international travel advocating for women's rights. She pays tribute to the writers, thinkers, and trailblazers who expanded her vision of justice and community organizing. The memoir moves between past and present as Steinem evaluates six decades of social movements, celebrating hard-won victories while acknowledging persistent challenges. She examines both the progress achieved and the setbacks endured in fights for women's and human rights. Looking forward, Steinem challenges emerging generations to envision more inclusive strategies for change. The book provides direct access to the thoughts and experiences of a central figure in modern feminism, combining personal reflection with practical wisdom gained through a lifetime of advocacy work.
Genres: biography, history, feminism, autobiography, memoir, social-justice, activism
Vibes: empowering, inspirational, intimate, reflective, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, found-family, personal-growth
Setting: Toledo, India
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
256 pages · Hardcover · Random House
Content warnings: sexism