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Nevertheless, We Persisted: 48 Voices of Defiance, Strength, and Courage
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7 Hours and 5 Minutes
A powerful collection of essays from actors, activists, athletes, politicians, musicians, writers, and teens, including Senator Amy Klobuchar, actress Alia Shawkat, actor Maulik Pancholy, poet Azure Antoinette, teen activist Gavin Grimm, and many, many more, each writing about a time in their youth when they were held back because of their race, gen ...more
A powerful collection of essays from actors, activists, athletes, politicians, musicians, writers, and teens, including Senator Amy Klobuchar, actress Alia Shawkat, actor Maulik Pancholy, poet Azure Antoinette, teen activist Gavin Grimm, and many, many more, each writing about a time in their youth when they were held back because of their race, gen ...more
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Hardcover, 308 pages
Published
September 4th 2018
by Knopf Books for Young Readers
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Start your review of Nevertheless, We Persisted: 48 Voices of Defiance, Strength, and Courage
Aug 13, 2019
Erica Clou
rated it
liked it
Shelves:
0-borrowed,
read-female,
nonfiction,
essays,
2018,
antiracism,
2010s,
oppression,
feminism,
read-male
The title of this book strikes me as opportunistic capitalizing on a phrase that was popularized by Senator Warren’s political dedication. It’s an essay collection by various authors with an introduction by Senator Amy Klobuchar... and no essay by Warren. This collection is all over the place. Some of the essays are related to issues of political oppression or representation and overcoming challenges. Some of the essays seem only tangentially related to the theme. More importantly, some of the e
...more
There were some great stories from great people in this collection, but given the massive amount of contributors and the length of the volume, a lot of the writings were much shorter and less detailed than I hoped. Still, I plan to use a few of these writings in my classroom.
I read this book cover to cover in one sitting and found the stories to be inspiring. Not only that, but after some reflection what impressed me was the attitude of almost every one of the authors. They faced difficult challenges, but the lack of bitterness was impressive, especially since they could easily have fallen into that and allowed their anger, frustration, hurt, and pain to be their message. Instead, almost every one utilized their adversity—whether it was racism, anti-Semitism, a disa
...more
Inspirational middle grade/YA book on people who persisted despite all obstacles.
An easy but at times disturbing reads I could say. But I enjoyed reading this thoroughly nonetheless. Its inspiring!
Its a collection of essays written by an activist, actors, politicians, musicians, illustrationist, author, students, athlete, doctor, film producer, etc as young as 12 years old and as old as 96, based on their life experiences of being persistant towards racism, trauma, body-shaming, sexism, gender inequality, prejudice or any sorts of obstacles in their lives respectively.
Its a collection of essays written by an activist, actors, politicians, musicians, illustrationist, author, students, athlete, doctor, film producer, etc as young as 12 years old and as old as 96, based on their life experiences of being persistant towards racism, trauma, body-shaming, sexism, gender inequality, prejudice or any sorts of obstacles in their lives respectively.
'Nevertheless, We Persisted' is exactly what it's title says: stories about hate and prejudice and how these people overcame their obstacles with strength, courage, and defiance. I'm not normally a YA contemporary person - especially not nonfiction, but I'm glad I gave this book a shot because it really opened my heart and my eyes. We all go about our daily lives with problems that bother us - some small and others large - and we can decide to let them win or we can defeat them. I can personally
...more
Books like this one that have multiple authors often carry the risk of being uneven in quality, depending on the authors included. I was impressed by the high quality of all the selections in this book. That's rare for a book like this. I found each account compelling and thought-provoking. I also appreciated the variety of experiences that were included. Obstacles of many kinds are shared by those telling their stories in this book. Physical disability, childhood trauma, bullying, racism, lack
...more
I picked this up as it came through the sorter at the library. One of my favorite musicians wrote an essay in this anthology and I decided to grab it and read it while I had it in my hand. I think this is a great read for teens who are just coming into their own. All of the writers had very meaningful experiences to share, all from the perspective of those awkward adolescent years that you look back to in hindsight and say “yuck. That was pretty awful.” And usually that’s followed with “but I le
...more
The individual stories of people who have faced, are facing, and are overcoming a wide rage of problems whether facing prejudice, physical limitations, a less than nurturing home, or dealing with their own sexuality- all these are stories of determination and courage, and perseverance. The style is simplistic, but I assuming the book is designed for a YA reader primarily. If I were still in the classroom, I would most definitely find a way to use these powerful stories.
I did NOT know what I was getting into when I checked this out from the library. A litany of incredible stories each more intense than the last. This collection shows the resilience and determination people can have in the face of the most debasing, dehumanizing events.... And still prosper.
Sep 03, 2019
Stephanie
added it
Ended up having to return this before I was able to finish, but I enjoyed what I read. Each chapter is an essay about a person overcoming adversity. The contributors are as diverse as the challenges they faced. Definitely geared toward teens, but there’s probably something for everyone.
Great collection of essays. Topics vary but are all inspiring. I wish I found something like this in high school, as my world was much smaller then.
Hopefully I will remember this (or books like it) for my kids when they are a little older.
Hopefully I will remember this (or books like it) for my kids when they are a little older.
I really enjoyed reading through this. I read this while I was traveling for work, and it was easy to read a few stories at a time but not feel like I was getting lost in the narrative of a book since this is filled with short stories of all different kinds from 48 different voices.
I think that this is a wonderful YA book that gives so much meaning to the word persist.
If you're looking for stories from individuals (celebrities, athletes, average joes, etc.) about how they got through some road ...more
I think that this is a wonderful YA book that gives so much meaning to the word persist.
If you're looking for stories from individuals (celebrities, athletes, average joes, etc.) about how they got through some road ...more
This is an incredibly inspiring book. Stories of strength and persistence by people from all walks of life; important stories that need to be shared so that we can all start to understand the adversity that our fellow humans face every day.
This was the worst takeover of a hot quote/knock off of StoryCorps I have read. The people’s stories are touching but the sentiments are so Hallmark Greeting Card/list of things you never say to someone in the shit. And pacing/order is... off putting. For example, the story of a guy who got dumped for being short (and his dad’s advice to be grateful because he will find someone better) was next to the story of the sister of a Sandy Hook victim.
It was not until I searched for this in Goodreads in ...more
It was not until I searched for this in Goodreads in ...more
I really loved the idea behind this book and I was very intrigued when I first saw it in the library. It was kind of a split-second decision to pick this up because those are the kinds of decisions I make when in a library. It took me about three weeks to get through the whole thing because I was reading two stories a day. And while some of them struck a chord with me and I really enjoyed them, I found most of them rather forgettable, which is exactly the reason this book is getting 3.5 stars. T
...more
A collection of stories well worth reading.
I read this again for bookgroup - great discussion, though people didn’t enjoy the book. This was actually not a surprise.
I read this again for bookgroup - great discussion, though people didn’t enjoy the book. This was actually not a surprise.
Like any collection, this grouping of essays is a mixed bag. There are some excellent essays and some really important ideas in this collection, particularly those that discuss intersectional identity and how various identities are privileged. This is definitely geared toward a YA audience with many of the authors discussing moments in childhood or adolescence. In fact, I find that many of these would be very powerful essays in a classroom setting.
However, as someone that teaches the essay form, ...more
However, as someone that teaches the essay form, ...more
Nevertheless, We Persisted is a collection of powerful essays about overcoming obstacles that stand in the way of your dreams. The essays are written by athletes, actors, activists, politicians, writers, teenagers, musicians, and more. Even though this book is geared toward young adults, people of all ages will be inspired by these essays.
From the foreword to the very last page, this book is full of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration.
In this world where we are defined by our limitations and ...more
From the foreword to the very last page, this book is full of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration.
In this world where we are defined by our limitations and ...more
Jan 21, 2019
Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book*
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
high-school,
non-fiction
Nevertheless, We Persisted: 48 Voices of Defiance, Strength, and Courage by Amy Klobuchar, 275 pages. Alfred A. Knopf (Random House Children’s Books), 2018. $18.99
Language: R (12 swears, 4 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13
BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
The 48 contributors who have shared their stories have done so to help readers know that they are not alone, that they can overcome the obstacles in their paths, and that they can accomplish anything they want. These m ...more
Language: R (12 swears, 4 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13
BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
The 48 contributors who have shared their stories have done so to help readers know that they are not alone, that they can overcome the obstacles in their paths, and that they can accomplish anything they want. These m ...more
Nevertheless, We Persisted: 48 Voices of Defiance, Strength, and Courage is an anthology of personal essays collected and edited by In This Together Media with a Forward by Amy Klobuchar. This anthology explores the disenfranchised and how they through defiance and courage persisted despite what is happening around them. It covers heavy topics of prejudice, racism, sexism, and targeted to children and middle graders.
For the most part, I really like most of these entries – if not all of them. Eac ...more
For the most part, I really like most of these entries – if not all of them. Eac ...more
Nov 13, 2018
Carro Herdegen
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
kiss-the-book
Language: R (12 swears, 4 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13
The 48 contributors who have shared their stories have done so to help readers know that they are not alone, that they can overcome the obstacles in their paths, and that they can accomplish anything they want. These men and women have faced biases and bigotry, war and injury, divorce and disability, discouragement and more—and they have chosen to come out of all those hardships on top. They rally around their readers to help ea ...more
The 48 contributors who have shared their stories have done so to help readers know that they are not alone, that they can overcome the obstacles in their paths, and that they can accomplish anything they want. These men and women have faced biases and bigotry, war and injury, divorce and disability, discouragement and more—and they have chosen to come out of all those hardships on top. They rally around their readers to help ea ...more
2020 has struck again—what, with my not being able to get any substantial reading done in some months, though the irony isn't lost on me that starting and coordinating the reading of five books at one time in a strenuously busy portion of the year—all traumas inflicted by the year 2020 aside—isn't the most advantageous or efficient practice in reaching my (now newly adjusted) yearly reading goal.
With this anthology of voices—brave voices, diverse voices, impactful voices that testify to beautifu ...more
With this anthology of voices—brave voices, diverse voices, impactful voices that testify to beautifu ...more
Everyone has a story. Whether that story has paved the path for their future or not, it is up to them to share their story with the world to inspire others. This is one of the things I learned from reading the book ¨Nevertheless, We Persisted¨ written by Amy Klobuchar. This autobiography told the stories of 48 people from around the world who work hard and change the world for the better. The author, Senator Amy Klobuchar shares her story about how she has become the first women representative f
...more
This collection of essays highlights the experiences of a variety of individuals from politicians to professional athletes to teen activists. These are real people telling real stories in their own words. As a result, these essays are often a little less polished than those in similar anthologies (recent release Hope Nation for instance). However, these stories are still powerful. Two standouts include a letter written from an older sister to her younger brother who was a victim of the Sandy Hoo
...more
Yes, Amy Klobuchar seized upon Elizabeth Warren's gumption and published a book with the rallying call that resulted from her intended censure as the title.
No, there is not even anything from Warren within these pages. (Missed opportunity much?)
And yet, nevertheless, this is an inspiring collection of essays. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for some good right now. The topics may seem scattered, but they do indeed revolve around American politics - namely social politics - and the impres ...more
No, there is not even anything from Warren within these pages. (Missed opportunity much?)
And yet, nevertheless, this is an inspiring collection of essays. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for some good right now. The topics may seem scattered, but they do indeed revolve around American politics - namely social politics - and the impres ...more
Nov 04, 2018
eb
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
memoirs,
print,
young-adult,
essays,
non-fiction,
multiple-viewpoints,
history,
feminism,
poc-author,
race
Wow. This was great. I don't know what else to say about it other than I think this was a book I would have needed when I was younger. The breadth of voices that are pulled together here, and the fact that each of them struggled in a different way when they were teenagers (this is key!), is humbling to read, and a great empathy-builder. It's non-fiction with short narratives, there are recognizable figures in it from across a wide swath of profession and cultures, and I can see it being easy to
...more
I loved this book, as it said the book has 48 inspiring stories that range from people overcoming racism to people overcoming disabilities or coming out as gay, lesbian, and more. Though this book has some stories that may not be considered very kid appropriate all of them has a strong sense of strength from the person telling them. They have people that feel so real and relatable. Because they are. The people in this book have experienced all of these things and they persisted they trived. They
...more
While this book is filled with amazing stories of perseverance by a diverse range of individuals, I found myself feeling just okay about it. With the amount of contributors to the collection it resulted in pieces that were fairly short and that didn't feel complete in a way. I wanted more from most of these and would have liked to spend longer with each author instead of a quick blurb. However, I don't want to take away from the really moving and inspiring stories that these people did share. Th
...more
Jan 08, 2020
Christine
marked it as did-not-finish
DNF @ 32%
This was not the type of book I would normally choose to read, but I requested it on Netgalley and ordered it for my library's collection so decided to try it. I thought 48 voices was too many considering the book barely had 300 pages. I would have preferred fewer stories with more depth. I also did not know any of the anthology's contributors by name. There was a brief biography at the end of their contribution, but I would have preferred to read the brief biography before their story ...more
This was not the type of book I would normally choose to read, but I requested it on Netgalley and ordered it for my library's collection so decided to try it. I thought 48 voices was too many considering the book barely had 300 pages. I would have preferred fewer stories with more depth. I also did not know any of the anthology's contributors by name. There was a brief biography at the end of their contribution, but I would have preferred to read the brief biography before their story ...more
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Amy Jean Klobuchar is the senior United States Senator from Minnesota. She is a member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, an affiliate of the Democratic Party. She is the first woman to be elected as a senator for Minnesota and is one of twenty female senators serving in the 113th United States Congress.
She previously served as the county attorney for Hennepin County, Minnesota, the m ...more
She previously served as the county attorney for Hennepin County, Minnesota, the m ...more
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