That Takes Ovaries!: Bold Females and Their Brazen Acts

by Rivka Solomon (editor)

Having unabashed, gutsy, feisty, playful, challenging, full of chutzpah, mettlesome, naughty, victorious, straight from the hip, full-flavored, outrageous, righteous, loving, inspiring, bold as brass, self-assured, self-confident, self-possessed, daring, heroic, wild, wanton, crazy, optimistic, unflappable, pushy, unstoppable, impressive, rebellious, kick-ass, carefree, having moxie, having heart, having no fear . . .“That takes balls” are words of praise usually reserved for a man who has done something tough, fearless, and maybe a little crazy—someone who pushes the boundaries or breaks a few rules. But when it comes to hotheaded courage, impassioned activism, quirky wisdom, or bold confrontation, women have got what it takes—and then some! That Takes Ovaries! is a lively, fun, and often touching celebration of women and girls doing their thing their Kathleen, who reduced a would-be burglar to tears by lecturing him about black pride (all while standing in her underwear)* Elaine, a sky surfer who plunges from airplanes on a 30-inch surfboard* Rachel, a high school junior who organized 100 high school girls to take on the boys who harassed them* Denise, a teenage cashier who faced down an irate, gun-wielding gangbanger in an inner-city fast-food joint* Joani, a public health educator who opened the country’s first women-oriented sex-toys store* Eva, who made the dangerous, illegal journey from Central America to the United States in order to give her children a better lifeNow that takes ovaries!

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, Gender, Gender Studies, Anthologies, Humor, Essays

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2002

Reviews

[Lorelei · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a truly wonderful book, full of truly wonderful women who did some amazing and wonderful things. That being said ... I was greatly irritated that there were no women in this book with whom I could identify. Many many amazing, incredible women, but each of them outside of my world. I could wish the book had been more inclusive of different types of women heroes. The disabled woman who stays home and rears six children, or the abuse survivor who makes a whole new life for herself and her family are missing, as undoubtedly are countless other heroic women that are outside the typical 'hero' mold.

I guess now that this book is written, I'd like to see another book about heroic women, women who are heroic not necessarily because they *do* something extraordinary, but because they *are* extraordinary in their everyday lives. Which I guess is nothing about this book, really, but it is the feeling I walked away from it with.

[Gemini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. Like everyone needs to go & read it, like now. The stories are both short & long, told by those young & old & everything in between. You can't help but feel everything from sorrow to anger & pure joy from the stories that have been shared by these amazing women. This book isn't just for women or feminists, it is for everyone to be able to see what it is that girls & women have gone through in their lives & what they did on order to change it & make it better for themselves (& others). Such an inspiring book & actually has resources that can prove to be helpful. She actually made this a thing where you can actually get your community involved by having discussion groups. She has a whole process set up for folks to follow & it simply just makes sense. Incredible. Go get it so you can be in awe realize how these women made a difference. You can too.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not the biggest fan of short stories/ anthologies so this was hard for me. Some of the essays were excellent while others dragged and I though the last 3 in the book were downright bizarre. Also I have read a lot of books on feminism, so this didn't feel like it had any new content.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's interesting, and a bit scary, and funny too. It's a collection of one to five page essays submitted by women of all ages (five being the youngest), mostly from the United States, but a few from other countries as well. They're all true stories, things these women (and girls) have actually accomplished and survived and experienced. They all aim to be inspiring, and most hit the mark. I read the book all in one sitting (actually, I snagged it from my roommate, who has to read it for her Women's Studies class, and she's now demanding a reader's digest version, which is hard to do for a collection of essays...), and several of them stuck with me. A good read for anyone who's interested in feminism, on any level, or just in women's voices and stories.

Nothing I need to own, but I'm going to buy it for a woman I used to work with - I think she'll enjoy it.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these stories from women who have ovaries! There were stories from young girls to older women, all who tell their story in their own unique way. Some are mild, but you know as you read the story, it took courage for each woman to do what they needed to do.

I was inspired by each of these stories, stories that are told by "bold females" about "their brazen acts". And I think brazen acts pretty well sums up each and every story told.

If you are a female, I encourage you to get a copy of this book and read it. My review doesn't do the stories justice.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was cute - super feminism LITE. I didn't expect too much critical thinking or theory, but I think she did a decent job with mentioning different versions of feminism and different versions of oppression across cultures and classes. This is something I will definitely give this to a younger cousin to get her started on the path of being an outspoken, radical female.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know I like stories of people testing their mettle - so this is a no-brainer for me. My sweetheart saw it and knew I would love it. He was right. You may find you feel like stirring up some trouble after reading this book. I did.

[SuperCat · Rating 1 out of 5]

the pieces in this anthology are too short. I feel absolutely no connection with the characters--there is no emotional pay off. I believe the book was adapted from a series of open-mike style events and my feeling is that the stories in the book would be better presented in that format.

[Syd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course I'm going to like this book, right? My favorite story is about a woman who actually shames a man that has just broken into her house into leaving...with an apology no less...all with no pants or undies on.

[Marjanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, I admit it (and some of you have known this for years). I am a feminist. And, believe it or not, you don't have to be a lesbian or a 'man-hater' to be a feminist. Anyhow, this book really fed that part of me. I agree that it is important for women to feel strong and be empowered.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title can be misleading. Title is a take on the common saying "that takes balls" to do. These are short stories of women who don't have balls, hence, the ovaries title. Despite the title, the stories are pretty good.

[Laura Pollard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of the stories were incredibly interesting and fascinating to read. However, I am not the biggest fan of anthologies. I sometimes felt like it was just a bunch of random stories thrown in there. But overall a very good read.

[Nancy Brady · Rating 3 out of 5]

An anthology of stories in which females stood up for themselves or others. Some are funny; some are bold, and some are outrageous. Additionally, certain practices are highlighted bringing attention to the plight of young girl.

[Martha]

Annie gave me this book <3 <3 <3

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This made me laugh and was very inspiring!

[Joline · Rating 3 out of 5]

some pretty funny stories in it.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great set of short, true, girl power stories.

[Jung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally awesome. Funny, touching and inspiring.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book several years ago during Undergrad and I recently found it and decided to re-read it. If you have never read it you should!!

[Jessica D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of interesting little stories about women kicking @$$ and taking names. Good book to read when there is not enough time to go through a whole novel.

[Genevieve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Collection of short stories written by women doing some brazen deeds. Some were really good and others were boring.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2002

[Edwina Book Anaconda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading these stories about brave women who decide to make a difference by brazenly showing off their inner strength.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

You gotta love stories about fierce women by fierce women.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mix of stories from a swath of amazing women!