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Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance
A young adult anthology featuring fictional stories of everyday resistance.
You might be the kind of person who stands up to online trolls.
Or who marches to protest injustice.
Perhaps you are #DisabledAndCute and dancing around your living room, alive and proud.
Or perhaps you are the trans mentor that you wish you had when you were younger.
Maybe you call out false allies, or stand up to loved ones.
Maybe you speak your truth and drop the mic, or maybe you take it with you when you leave.
This anthology features fictional stories--in poems, prose, and art--that reflect a slice of the varied and limitless ways that readers like you resist every day. TAKE THE MIC's powerful collection of stories features work by literary luminaries and emerging talent alike, including Newbery-winner Jason Reynolds, New York Times bestseller Samira Ahmed, anthologist and contributor Bethany C. Morrow, Darcie Little Badger, Keah Brown, Laura Silverman, L.D. Lewis, Sofia Quintero, Ray Stoeve, Yamile Mendez, and Connie Sun, with cover and interior art by Richie Pope.
You might be the kind of person who stands up to online trolls.
Or who marches to protest injustice.
Perhaps you are #DisabledAndCute and dancing around your living room, alive and proud.
Or perhaps you are the trans mentor that you wish you had when you were younger.
Maybe you call out false allies, or stand up to loved ones.
Maybe you speak your truth and drop the mic, or maybe you take it with you when you leave.
This anthology features fictional stories--in poems, prose, and art--that reflect a slice of the varied and limitless ways that readers like you resist every day. TAKE THE MIC's powerful collection of stories features work by literary luminaries and emerging talent alike, including Newbery-winner Jason Reynolds, New York Times bestseller Samira Ahmed, anthologist and contributor Bethany C. Morrow, Darcie Little Badger, Keah Brown, Laura Silverman, L.D. Lewis, Sofia Quintero, Ray Stoeve, Yamile Mendez, and Connie Sun, with cover and interior art by Richie Pope.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2019
About the author
Bethany C. Morrow
11 books1,317 followersA somewhat-recovering expat living in the American Northeast (with one foot still firmly planted in Quebec), Bethany C Morrow writes speculative fiction for both the adult and the young adult market.
Her adult debut, MEM, was an ABA 2018 Indies Introduce pick, and a June Indie Next pick, and was featured/reviewed in: Locus Magazine, the LA Times, Buzzfeed, Book Riot, Bustle, and Tor.com, among others.
She was editor and contributor to TAKE THE MIC: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance, which released with AAL/Scholastic in October 2019.
Bethany's YA debut,, A SONG BELOW WATER is a contemporary fantasy, and releases in June 2020.
Her adult debut, MEM, was an ABA 2018 Indies Introduce pick, and a June Indie Next pick, and was featured/reviewed in: Locus Magazine, the LA Times, Buzzfeed, Book Riot, Bustle, and Tor.com, among others.
She was editor and contributor to TAKE THE MIC: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance, which released with AAL/Scholastic in October 2019.
Bethany's YA debut,, A SONG BELOW WATER is a contemporary fantasy, and releases in June 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
October 29, 2019
Average Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.6
This anthology has been on my highly anticipated releases list since the exact day it was announced. And I’m so so glad that I finally got the opportunity to read it. This was powerful, nuanced, thought provoking, made me very emotional or enraged at times, but also gave me hope. We all need some hope in our lives.
As the world around us gets increasingly divided and marginalized people have to fight for their rights even harder every day, this is a very powerful collection of poems and stories about young people who are also fighting to get their voices heard. There are a lot of important themes and messages discussed in this book but the one thing I found very relevant and impactful was that protesting physically at a march or a rally isn’t the only form of resistance, and everyone should try to do whatever they can in their sphere of influence; but sometimes, it’s okay to take a break when you are exhausted and spend some time on self care without feeling guilty that you aren’t doing enough. Every form of resistance counts.
Below are my individual reviews, wherever I was able to write one.
GRACE: A SHORT STORY BY DARCIE LITTLE BADGER
The story of a young indigenous girl, this is about her standing up for herself and not allowing anyone to disrespect her. It may feel like a very small thing but I thought what Grace does is very powerful and I loved it. There is also the underlying theme of wanting to find the one place you can call home and what it would actually feel like to have one. Very very moving.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SHIFT: A POEM BY JASON REYNOLDS
I’m not very good at understanding poems and that was the case here. It was very short and I didn’t know what the author was trying to say. But I will leave it unrated because it’s just not my thing and not a fault of the poem itself.
Rating: Unrated
THE HELPERS: A SHORT STORY BY L. D. LEWIS
I think this story really captured the guilt that some people might feel who want to fight the injustices they see everyday but are unable to participate in protests for whatever reason; it wonderfully depicts that anything you can do during adversity counts as resistance and you don’t always have to put yourself in physical danger to show your solidarity and standup for your beliefs.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
FIGHTING THE BLUES: A COMIC BY CONNIE SUN
This might just be a small comic strip but it’s message is very universal - a lot of things that happen around you can bring you down but it’s important to remember that you are not alone and you shouldn’t give up. And the art really captured that essence of despair.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARE YOU THE GOOD KIND OF MUSLIM?: A POEM BY SAMIRA AHMED
As you can guess from the title of this poem, it was heartbreaking to read - how very young, brown, Muslim children are asked pointed questions about their faith which seem innocuous on the surface but are seeped full of racism and Islamophobia. And however old these young kids grow up to be and feel they are ready to handle these bad faith questions, it’s never easy. This particular line from the poem just destroyed me 😭😭
“You want to go home. Even when Home doesn’t
always want you”
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
AURORA RISING: A SHORT STORY BY YAMILE SAIED MÉNDEZ
This one was full of micro aggressions, and how a white passing young woman of Argentinian immigrants just tries to ignore it all because she doesn’t want to lose her friendships or want her friends to think she is making a big deal about her race. Her eventual realization that she doesn’t need to apologize for existing or for standing up for herself is written very thoughtfully and I loved it.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
RUTH: A SHORT STORY BY LAURA SILVERMAN
It’s always amazing to read a story about a book blogger and this was no different. As a young Jewish woman who is vocal on social media, she is targeted by the expected anti-Semitic troll bots and the avalanche of horrifying tweets makes her want to just shut it all off - but her realizing that allowing the trolls to control the narrative is counter productive, and she should use her platform to make her voice heard in the best way she can (through books) is beautifully described and I loved the way Ruth handled it all.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I AM THE REVOLUTION: A POEM BY KEAH BROWN
The underlying meaning (that I understood) of this poem is that when the world is hostile to you just because you want to live free and happy, even your existence is an act of resistance. Written along the backdrop of the Black Lives Matter movement, this poem is short but full of depth and meaning and very powerful.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
AS YOU WERE: A SHORT STORY BY BETHANY C. MORROW
The author mentions in the preface that this story is based on something that happened in real life and that just makes it even more horrifying. The way the story goes from the joy a young Black woman feels while marching with her band to excitement about asking her crush for Homecoming to the absolute dread of being stopped while driving, this one shook me completely and I still have no words to describe what I’m feeling.
No one should have to live in a world where a small thing like being stopped for speeding becomes a life or death situation and the stuff of nightmares just because of the color of your skin, but unfortunately it’s the world we live in and I sometimes feel so hopeless. I don’t want to say much to spoil the story but the emotions it evokes are powerful and I think everyone should read it, but also be mindful of the content if you have ever been in such a situation before.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
THE REAL ONES: A SHORT STORY BY SOFIA QUINTERO
This was a very empowering story of how girls should stick together, show solidarity towards each other and never fight because of a guy. I’m all for the power of girlfriends 👍👍
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
PARKER OUTSIDE THE BOX: A SHORT STORY BY RAY STOEVE
There were just so many important themes discussed in this story that I was amazed, and it was done brilliantly. The ones that particularly struck me were about how even knowing one person who is trans when you are young and exploring your own gender identity can feel very affirming, and how just belonging to the LGBT+ community doesn’t give you the right to speak for any identity other than your own (especially when you are not giving others the chance to speak up for themselves). Very well written with a hopeful and sweet message.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
UNTITLED: A POEM BY JASON REYNOLDS
I’m sorry Jason for not being able to understand the messages behind your poems 😭😭
Rating: Unrated
HOMECOMING: A SHORT STORY BY DARCIE LITTLE BADGER
This brings the first story in the collection a full circle with Grace finding a home, finally feeling connected to her indigenous land and also shutting down any debate about her heritage in the process. I thought the scene where her mom tells her that the best way of being part of the resistance is to love yourself, was simple but very meaningful. A great and powerful way to end the book.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This anthology has been on my highly anticipated releases list since the exact day it was announced. And I’m so so glad that I finally got the opportunity to read it. This was powerful, nuanced, thought provoking, made me very emotional or enraged at times, but also gave me hope. We all need some hope in our lives.
As the world around us gets increasingly divided and marginalized people have to fight for their rights even harder every day, this is a very powerful collection of poems and stories about young people who are also fighting to get their voices heard. There are a lot of important themes and messages discussed in this book but the one thing I found very relevant and impactful was that protesting physically at a march or a rally isn’t the only form of resistance, and everyone should try to do whatever they can in their sphere of influence; but sometimes, it’s okay to take a break when you are exhausted and spend some time on self care without feeling guilty that you aren’t doing enough. Every form of resistance counts.
Below are my individual reviews, wherever I was able to write one.
GRACE: A SHORT STORY BY DARCIE LITTLE BADGER
The story of a young indigenous girl, this is about her standing up for herself and not allowing anyone to disrespect her. It may feel like a very small thing but I thought what Grace does is very powerful and I loved it. There is also the underlying theme of wanting to find the one place you can call home and what it would actually feel like to have one. Very very moving.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SHIFT: A POEM BY JASON REYNOLDS
I’m not very good at understanding poems and that was the case here. It was very short and I didn’t know what the author was trying to say. But I will leave it unrated because it’s just not my thing and not a fault of the poem itself.
Rating: Unrated
THE HELPERS: A SHORT STORY BY L. D. LEWIS
I think this story really captured the guilt that some people might feel who want to fight the injustices they see everyday but are unable to participate in protests for whatever reason; it wonderfully depicts that anything you can do during adversity counts as resistance and you don’t always have to put yourself in physical danger to show your solidarity and standup for your beliefs.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
FIGHTING THE BLUES: A COMIC BY CONNIE SUN
This might just be a small comic strip but it’s message is very universal - a lot of things that happen around you can bring you down but it’s important to remember that you are not alone and you shouldn’t give up. And the art really captured that essence of despair.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARE YOU THE GOOD KIND OF MUSLIM?: A POEM BY SAMIRA AHMED
As you can guess from the title of this poem, it was heartbreaking to read - how very young, brown, Muslim children are asked pointed questions about their faith which seem innocuous on the surface but are seeped full of racism and Islamophobia. And however old these young kids grow up to be and feel they are ready to handle these bad faith questions, it’s never easy. This particular line from the poem just destroyed me 😭😭
“You want to go home. Even when Home doesn’t
always want you”
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
AURORA RISING: A SHORT STORY BY YAMILE SAIED MÉNDEZ
This one was full of micro aggressions, and how a white passing young woman of Argentinian immigrants just tries to ignore it all because she doesn’t want to lose her friendships or want her friends to think she is making a big deal about her race. Her eventual realization that she doesn’t need to apologize for existing or for standing up for herself is written very thoughtfully and I loved it.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
RUTH: A SHORT STORY BY LAURA SILVERMAN
It’s always amazing to read a story about a book blogger and this was no different. As a young Jewish woman who is vocal on social media, she is targeted by the expected anti-Semitic troll bots and the avalanche of horrifying tweets makes her want to just shut it all off - but her realizing that allowing the trolls to control the narrative is counter productive, and she should use her platform to make her voice heard in the best way she can (through books) is beautifully described and I loved the way Ruth handled it all.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I AM THE REVOLUTION: A POEM BY KEAH BROWN
The underlying meaning (that I understood) of this poem is that when the world is hostile to you just because you want to live free and happy, even your existence is an act of resistance. Written along the backdrop of the Black Lives Matter movement, this poem is short but full of depth and meaning and very powerful.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
AS YOU WERE: A SHORT STORY BY BETHANY C. MORROW
The author mentions in the preface that this story is based on something that happened in real life and that just makes it even more horrifying. The way the story goes from the joy a young Black woman feels while marching with her band to excitement about asking her crush for Homecoming to the absolute dread of being stopped while driving, this one shook me completely and I still have no words to describe what I’m feeling.
No one should have to live in a world where a small thing like being stopped for speeding becomes a life or death situation and the stuff of nightmares just because of the color of your skin, but unfortunately it’s the world we live in and I sometimes feel so hopeless. I don’t want to say much to spoil the story but the emotions it evokes are powerful and I think everyone should read it, but also be mindful of the content if you have ever been in such a situation before.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
THE REAL ONES: A SHORT STORY BY SOFIA QUINTERO
This was a very empowering story of how girls should stick together, show solidarity towards each other and never fight because of a guy. I’m all for the power of girlfriends 👍👍
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
PARKER OUTSIDE THE BOX: A SHORT STORY BY RAY STOEVE
There were just so many important themes discussed in this story that I was amazed, and it was done brilliantly. The ones that particularly struck me were about how even knowing one person who is trans when you are young and exploring your own gender identity can feel very affirming, and how just belonging to the LGBT+ community doesn’t give you the right to speak for any identity other than your own (especially when you are not giving others the chance to speak up for themselves). Very well written with a hopeful and sweet message.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
UNTITLED: A POEM BY JASON REYNOLDS
I’m sorry Jason for not being able to understand the messages behind your poems 😭😭
Rating: Unrated
HOMECOMING: A SHORT STORY BY DARCIE LITTLE BADGER
This brings the first story in the collection a full circle with Grace finding a home, finally feeling connected to her indigenous land and also shutting down any debate about her heritage in the process. I thought the scene where her mom tells her that the best way of being part of the resistance is to love yourself, was simple but very meaningful. A great and powerful way to end the book.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 22, 2019
4.5 stars
I don't have reviews of individual stories for y'all because I'm a dumb bitch who didn't take notes while she was reading, but I will say that this is one of my favorite anthologies that I've read in a while. I have a somewhat rocky relationship with anthologies in that I usually never end up finishing them, but I actually ended up finishing this one! Because I was really enjoying all of the stories and didn't want to stop reading!
I think some of it was due to the fact that I was really interested in the premise of the anthology, but also the way it was executed was absolutely brilliant. Every single story had something new to offer and I was immediately invested in all of them and I just,, I love it so much. I read it almost a month ago and I still cannot stop thinking about some of the stories and I just. I really love it. Wow.
I don't have reviews of individual stories for y'all because I'm a dumb bitch who didn't take notes while she was reading, but I will say that this is one of my favorite anthologies that I've read in a while. I have a somewhat rocky relationship with anthologies in that I usually never end up finishing them, but I actually ended up finishing this one! Because I was really enjoying all of the stories and didn't want to stop reading!
I think some of it was due to the fact that I was really interested in the premise of the anthology, but also the way it was executed was absolutely brilliant. Every single story had something new to offer and I was immediately invested in all of them and I just,, I love it so much. I read it almost a month ago and I still cannot stop thinking about some of the stories and I just. I really love it. Wow.
March 1, 2019
I can't wait for the world to read all the beautiful stories and poems in this anthology. I'm so honored to be part of it.
November 13, 2019
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Review can be found here at Booked J.
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the publisher or author in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.
This year has been full of many thought-provoking, realistic forms of fiction, but this anthology is one of the biggest standouts in YA. This isn't fictionalized idea of resistance--this is the very sort of fiction that inspires, gives us hope, and is highly insightful. Take The Mic succeeds in all the ways that so many other collections fails; never once treating its audience as if they were watching a watered down after school special. Instead, it all feels very organic and brilliantly honest.
The stories and poems featured in Take the Mic are each thought-provoking, emotional, hopeful and at times heartbreaking in their own rights. Everything in Take the Mic reflects the world we live in and it is definitely an engaging, beautifully written collection for all ages. It should be at the top of everyone's TBR list, because it will certainly strikes a chord in its readers.
I think that the biggest reminder, and message to take away from Take the Mic, is that as individuals and as groups: resistance comes about in many forms. What resistance means to you, is not always what resistance means to others. Much like with our emotional complexities and coping mechanisms, it's all subjective to the person or the situation. Whether you're raising your voice or marching for your life, there are countless ways to resist the cruelty of our world.
Overall, the messages within Take the Mic are too good to pass up on and timely given our political climate. By the end of the anthology you will be left feeling optimistic and completely enamored with the writers featured in its pages.
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the publisher or author in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.
This year has been full of many thought-provoking, realistic forms of fiction, but this anthology is one of the biggest standouts in YA. This isn't fictionalized idea of resistance--this is the very sort of fiction that inspires, gives us hope, and is highly insightful. Take The Mic succeeds in all the ways that so many other collections fails; never once treating its audience as if they were watching a watered down after school special. Instead, it all feels very organic and brilliantly honest.
The stories and poems featured in Take the Mic are each thought-provoking, emotional, hopeful and at times heartbreaking in their own rights. Everything in Take the Mic reflects the world we live in and it is definitely an engaging, beautifully written collection for all ages. It should be at the top of everyone's TBR list, because it will certainly strikes a chord in its readers.
I think that the biggest reminder, and message to take away from Take the Mic, is that as individuals and as groups: resistance comes about in many forms. What resistance means to you, is not always what resistance means to others. Much like with our emotional complexities and coping mechanisms, it's all subjective to the person or the situation. Whether you're raising your voice or marching for your life, there are countless ways to resist the cruelty of our world.
Overall, the messages within Take the Mic are too good to pass up on and timely given our political climate. By the end of the anthology you will be left feeling optimistic and completely enamored with the writers featured in its pages.
June 3, 2020
I learned something from every single story in this collection. I recommend this to everyone.
April 25, 2020
Age: 7th grade-college
Exemplary short story collection about microaggressions enacted against people of color and people in religious minorities.
Exemplary short story collection about microaggressions enacted against people of color and people in religious minorities.
June 11, 2020
An absolutely amazing YA short story collection. I loved every single story and was so moved by them.
April 1, 2021
All these stories and poems are great. Some of them made me tear up.
July 30, 2020
Not something I would normally pick up, but I signed up for a summer book club with my university. "Everyday resistance" really is the underlying theme; you won't find earth-shattering acts of rebellion or sweeping epiphanies, but you will find simply (but well) written stories of teenagers from marginalized groups making small realizations, standing up for themselves, and fighting back against -isms in personal ways.
The story that stood out most for me from this collection was "As You Were" by Bethany C. Morrow. It's one of the few stories that doesn't have an upbeat ending, and it really struck me with how heartbreaking it is compared to the other stories, which, with the exception of one of the first stories which involves a bomb going off in a city filled with riots, generally end with our protagonists and their friends high-fiving and feeling good about what they've done. There's nothing wrong with that, of course -- but "As You Were" made my heart ache in a way the other stories didn't.
If I were a teenager when I read this book (which wouldn't have been possible, alas, time!), this would've gotten me amped up. I hope kids find this collection and these stories and know that they're represented, they're not alone, and not every resistance needs to be huge, loud, or earth-shattering. Just existing is enough.
The story that stood out most for me from this collection was "As You Were" by Bethany C. Morrow. It's one of the few stories that doesn't have an upbeat ending, and it really struck me with how heartbreaking it is compared to the other stories, which, with the exception of one of the first stories which involves a bomb going off in a city filled with riots, generally end with our protagonists and their friends high-fiving and feeling good about what they've done. There's nothing wrong with that, of course -- but "As You Were" made my heart ache in a way the other stories didn't.
If I were a teenager when I read this book (which wouldn't have been possible, alas, time!), this would've gotten me amped up. I hope kids find this collection and these stories and know that they're represented, they're not alone, and not every resistance needs to be huge, loud, or earth-shattering. Just existing is enough.
February 28, 2019
In the age of YA anthologies, TAKE THE MIC stands firm on on its topic of everyday resistance. Anthologist and contributor Bethany C Morrow steals the show with her story about a marching band rivalry turned almost romance, and Laura Silverman's story about online abuse is also a standout. This collection is thoughtfully written and will resonate with anyone who feels the burnout of present-day politics. Resistance isn't always a blaring megaphone; sometimes, it's someone grabbing the mic for just a minute to let you know how they really feel.
May 5, 2020
I enjoyed some of these stories/poems more than others, but all together they were beautiful and held such an important message. Some of my favorites were "Are You the Good Kind of Muslim" by Samira Amhed (SO POWERFUL AND MOVING!!!), "Grace" Darcie Little Badger, and "Aurora Rising" by Yamile Saied Méndez.
June 10, 2020
This book was fantastic. I started it this morning, thinking I'd read a couple of stories here and there over the next few days, but I couldn't put it down. It's such a great blend of different styles and voices.
There is much perspective to be found in these pages.
There is much perspective to be found in these pages.
February 9, 2020
3.5, rounded up because most of the stories are incredibly strong.
I wish authors would stop trying to write what they think are believable text and social media interactions between teens. They cause me to cringe and screech on the inside.
I wish authors would stop trying to write what they think are believable text and social media interactions between teens. They cause me to cringe and screech on the inside.
January 11, 2020
One of the most consistently excellent collections I’ve read in a while. I immediately ordered a copy for my classroom!
January 10, 2021
Favorites were by Dr. Darcie Little Badger ("Grace" and "Homecoming," which bookended the... well... book), Yamile Saied Méndez ("Aurora Rising"), Laura Silverman ("Ruth"), and Ray Stove ("Parker Outside the Box").
These in particular shared messages of activism and boundaries, and of selfhood and allyship (including failures of allyship) that I look forward to teaching!
These in particular shared messages of activism and boundaries, and of selfhood and allyship (including failures of allyship) that I look forward to teaching!
July 11, 2020
"Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented."
"I can't let them stay out there alone, saying these hateful and false things, without someone countering them. Because if they're the only voice out there, then they're right by default."
"I can't let them stay out there alone, saying these hateful and false things, without someone countering them. Because if they're the only voice out there, then they're right by default."
December 29, 2019
Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance, edited by Bethany C. Morrow, 272 pages. Arthur Levine (Scholastic), OCTOBER 2019. $18
Language: R (25 swears, 5 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: HS, MS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Take the Mic needs to be read by everyone age 10 or above, as far as I’m concerned. Each story contains a vital truth about empowerment, about race relations, that can be read and discussed in any Language Arts classroom. Morrow’s own As You Were was like a punch to my gut. Ahmed’s poem, Are You The Good Kind of Muslim? is also a touchstone. Even long-time members of the LGBT community can learn from Stoeve’s Parker Outside the Box. Really – each offering should be read again and again.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
Language: R (25 swears, 5 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: HS, MS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Take the Mic needs to be read by everyone age 10 or above, as far as I’m concerned. Each story contains a vital truth about empowerment, about race relations, that can be read and discussed in any Language Arts classroom. Morrow’s own As You Were was like a punch to my gut. Ahmed’s poem, Are You The Good Kind of Muslim? is also a touchstone. Even long-time members of the LGBT community can learn from Stoeve’s Parker Outside the Box. Really – each offering should be read again and again.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
April 22, 2020
I have mixed feelings about this book. I usually love anthologies and this one is all about resistance! But oof... I didn't like most of the stories, some of them were just okay, writing didn't work, or the tone.
The stories that saved this anthology for me:
*Aurora Rising by Yamile Saied Mendez. all about standing up against your friends, stepping out of your quiet life to defend your community and family. i really like Yamile's writing and the hint of growing romance.
*As Your Were by Bethany C. Morrow. freaking amazing and breathtaking read, a cute romance taking a terrifying turn. the power of that last paragraph!
*The Real Ones by Sofia Quintero. hands down, my favorite. the power of destroying girl hate and laughing at dumb boys. we stan stories about sisterhood.
This is not a book I would necessarily reread, but I'm glad I read it.
The stories that saved this anthology for me:
*Aurora Rising by Yamile Saied Mendez. all about standing up against your friends, stepping out of your quiet life to defend your community and family. i really like Yamile's writing and the hint of growing romance.
*As Your Were by Bethany C. Morrow. freaking amazing and breathtaking read, a cute romance taking a terrifying turn. the power of that last paragraph!
*The Real Ones by Sofia Quintero. hands down, my favorite. the power of destroying girl hate and laughing at dumb boys. we stan stories about sisterhood.
This is not a book I would necessarily reread, but I'm glad I read it.
October 28, 2020
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Grace by Darcie Little Badger- 5 stars
Shift by Jason Reynolds- 3 stars
The helpers by L. D. Lewis- 5 stars
Fighting the blues by Connie Sun- 4 stars
Are you the good kind of Muslim? by Samira Ahmed- 5 stars
Aurora rising by Yamile Mendez- 5 stars
Ruth by Laura Silverman- 5 stars
I am the revolution by Keah Brown- 3 stars
As you were by Bethany C. Morrow- 4 stars
The real ones by Sofia Quintero- DNF
Parker outside the box by Ray Stoeve- 3 stars
Untitled by Jason Reynolds- 2 Stars
Homecoming by Darcie Little Badger- 2 Stars
Grace by Darcie Little Badger- 5 stars
Shift by Jason Reynolds- 3 stars
The helpers by L. D. Lewis- 5 stars
Fighting the blues by Connie Sun- 4 stars
Are you the good kind of Muslim? by Samira Ahmed- 5 stars
Aurora rising by Yamile Mendez- 5 stars
Ruth by Laura Silverman- 5 stars
I am the revolution by Keah Brown- 3 stars
As you were by Bethany C. Morrow- 4 stars
The real ones by Sofia Quintero- DNF
Parker outside the box by Ray Stoeve- 3 stars
Untitled by Jason Reynolds- 2 Stars
Homecoming by Darcie Little Badger- 2 Stars
June 11, 2019
I consider it an honor to be in this book. I can’t wait for the world to read it.
January 22, 2020
Take the Mic- Diverse shirt stories and poems for 2019
Grace by Darcie Badger -native Americans girl leaves her land as her mama marries a bride and they try to find a stable life. They decide to return to their land and step up for their land and beliefs.
Shift by Jason Reynolds -bottle rocket babies. (???not sure)
The Helpers by LD Lewis- in a city of violence a young girl finds inner strength in helping those trapped or injuries by the explosions. She surprises herself and finds confidence and pride in her strength and abilities when they mattered most.
Fighting the Blues comic by Onnie Sun- comic about depression and not having to be alone
Are you the Good Kind of Muslim? By Samir’s Ahmed - a poem through the ages of a young girl in America who is constantly basked what kind of Muslim she is. Troublesome response by those influenced by 911 attacks and how she continues to stay positive, strong and confident. (Held my breath as I read it- intense)
Aurora Rising by Yamile Mendez-A Hispanic girl and her American friend figure out the lines of friendship versus nationalities, race and economics. Sadie can’t understand why Aurora won’t wear a borrowed t-shirt that reads a political slogan “clean this house”- meaning clean out any immigrants. Their friendship is tested and fails.
Ruth by Laura Silverman - a blogger of diverse books gets cyber bullied by an anti Semite. Hiding behind the anonymity of the internet someone types Jew and Kike on her page. However, after Ruth calls him out she receives an outpouring of support for the community. Lesson is speaking up for yourself and not letting bullies get away with their cowardice.
I am the Revolution by Keah Brown- abstract poem about being a disabled, cute, black feminist.
As You were by Bethany Morrow- a band girl leaves practice with her crush in her car. She (Ebony) gets pulled over by a policeman is so scared. She lies face down for a search and sets her pants. When she gets up it’s a prom posal. All the band members are there and excited- only they don’t understand how humiliating that situation was. She denies the proposal despite her previous crush on Josiah. (White boy)
The Real Ones by Sofia Quintero- Girls are peer pressured into fighting over a guy. The social media posts , hash tags and all the “he said- she saids” cause lots of drama. A trusted aunt explains how fights were settled back in the day and advises her niece how to get out of this fight. Told in texts, slang written blogs and an hourly timeline this one day story feels a lot longer. It ends with main character reaching out to Kate and they decide no guy is worth fighting over, most of it isn’t true and girls need to stick up for each other.
Parker Outside the Box by Ray Stoeve- Parkerbis no longer a cis girl. She is now a non bionary high school senior in need of community service hours to graduate. She gets paired with a trans gender 12 year old Xavier. They build a relationship and help each other. It’s important for Xavier to have someone to talk to about his identity. There are scenes about the bathroom signage and the challenges of public bathrooms. Appropriate for all interested readers.
Untitled by Jason Reynolds-abstract poem about heritage and being caught in the wind
Homecoming by Darcie Badger -Follow up story from Grace, as she acclimated to her homeland in Texas and deals with controversy at Hugh school regarding the change in school mascot from an Indian Brave to a ram. She takes a stand and makes a speech at the rally in favor of her native land.
Grace by Darcie Badger -native Americans girl leaves her land as her mama marries a bride and they try to find a stable life. They decide to return to their land and step up for their land and beliefs.
Shift by Jason Reynolds -bottle rocket babies. (???not sure)
The Helpers by LD Lewis- in a city of violence a young girl finds inner strength in helping those trapped or injuries by the explosions. She surprises herself and finds confidence and pride in her strength and abilities when they mattered most.
Fighting the Blues comic by Onnie Sun- comic about depression and not having to be alone
Are you the Good Kind of Muslim? By Samir’s Ahmed - a poem through the ages of a young girl in America who is constantly basked what kind of Muslim she is. Troublesome response by those influenced by 911 attacks and how she continues to stay positive, strong and confident. (Held my breath as I read it- intense)
Aurora Rising by Yamile Mendez-A Hispanic girl and her American friend figure out the lines of friendship versus nationalities, race and economics. Sadie can’t understand why Aurora won’t wear a borrowed t-shirt that reads a political slogan “clean this house”- meaning clean out any immigrants. Their friendship is tested and fails.
Ruth by Laura Silverman - a blogger of diverse books gets cyber bullied by an anti Semite. Hiding behind the anonymity of the internet someone types Jew and Kike on her page. However, after Ruth calls him out she receives an outpouring of support for the community. Lesson is speaking up for yourself and not letting bullies get away with their cowardice.
I am the Revolution by Keah Brown- abstract poem about being a disabled, cute, black feminist.
As You were by Bethany Morrow- a band girl leaves practice with her crush in her car. She (Ebony) gets pulled over by a policeman is so scared. She lies face down for a search and sets her pants. When she gets up it’s a prom posal. All the band members are there and excited- only they don’t understand how humiliating that situation was. She denies the proposal despite her previous crush on Josiah. (White boy)
The Real Ones by Sofia Quintero- Girls are peer pressured into fighting over a guy. The social media posts , hash tags and all the “he said- she saids” cause lots of drama. A trusted aunt explains how fights were settled back in the day and advises her niece how to get out of this fight. Told in texts, slang written blogs and an hourly timeline this one day story feels a lot longer. It ends with main character reaching out to Kate and they decide no guy is worth fighting over, most of it isn’t true and girls need to stick up for each other.
Parker Outside the Box by Ray Stoeve- Parkerbis no longer a cis girl. She is now a non bionary high school senior in need of community service hours to graduate. She gets paired with a trans gender 12 year old Xavier. They build a relationship and help each other. It’s important for Xavier to have someone to talk to about his identity. There are scenes about the bathroom signage and the challenges of public bathrooms. Appropriate for all interested readers.
Untitled by Jason Reynolds-abstract poem about heritage and being caught in the wind
Homecoming by Darcie Badger -Follow up story from Grace, as she acclimated to her homeland in Texas and deals with controversy at Hugh school regarding the change in school mascot from an Indian Brave to a ram. She takes a stand and makes a speech at the rally in favor of her native land.
May 28, 2020
Total rating 3.7 stars. What a mixed bag of a collection, I have never had such varying results when reading a short story collection before. But i will break down my thoughts.
1. Grace - 5 stars - This was such a a great story of resistance, power, and standing up for what is right, even when not everyone is on your side.
2. Shift - 3 stars - This was a very sweet poem, but i didn't feel it packed a punch. The imagery was beautiful.
3. The Helpers - 5 stars - A story of hope, and desperation. This story made me cry, and very few books make me cry. The description of adrenaline during a disaster was astounding, by far my favourite story in this collection.
4. Fighting the Blues - 1 star - I have no idea why this was in here. It was a short comic that was basically a motivational poster. Very sweet message, but not executed well.
5. Are you the good kind of Muslim? - 5 stars - This is the type of poem that would make people stand up and shout. This is the type of poem that makes you want to read it again and again. I wish i could shove this poem in the face of bigots and racists.
6. Aurora Rising - 5 stars - "It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends." Albus Dumbledore. This story was so hard to read, because everyone was awful, I wanted to shake Sadie's mother.
7. Ruth - 3 stars - I am obviously a massive book lover, and I regularly access lists for specific book tastes. This story was important as a stand up for your self and your beliefs. But i didn't feel overly connected to Ruth. I believed in her cause, but I didn't learn much about her as a character.
8. I am the Revolution - 4 stars - gorgeous poem.
9. As You Were - 5 stars - this story broke my heart. I nearly shed a tear for this story, but mostly i was angry. The guy in this story is an absolute idiot, and I was hurt by what he did. I actually had to put the book down for a few minutes to process the actual idiocy of his proposal.
10. The Real Ones - 2 stars - Maybe it is because I would never fight for a boy, maybe it is because I am no longer in high school, maybe it is because I was hugely unpopular in school, but I will never understand catfighting over a guy. But if we take my bias away, the characters were not developed. I feel the author expected you to understand a lot more about the back story then we did. There was a big plot hole of why the girls fell out of contact. I did love the ending though.
11. Parker Outside the Box - 5 stars - I loved this story. It was just a beautiful story of friendship and standing up for what you believe in, even if it is going against people you love. Oh! This story was gorgeous.
12. Untitled - 3 stars - beautifully written poem.
13. Homecoming - 3 stars - ending the book with the same character we started with was a gorgeous end to this roller coaster of the book. But this time around, I wasn't as invested in the story.
1. Grace - 5 stars - This was such a a great story of resistance, power, and standing up for what is right, even when not everyone is on your side.
2. Shift - 3 stars - This was a very sweet poem, but i didn't feel it packed a punch. The imagery was beautiful.
3. The Helpers - 5 stars - A story of hope, and desperation. This story made me cry, and very few books make me cry. The description of adrenaline during a disaster was astounding, by far my favourite story in this collection.
4. Fighting the Blues - 1 star - I have no idea why this was in here. It was a short comic that was basically a motivational poster. Very sweet message, but not executed well.
5. Are you the good kind of Muslim? - 5 stars - This is the type of poem that would make people stand up and shout. This is the type of poem that makes you want to read it again and again. I wish i could shove this poem in the face of bigots and racists.
6. Aurora Rising - 5 stars - "It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends." Albus Dumbledore. This story was so hard to read, because everyone was awful, I wanted to shake Sadie's mother.
7. Ruth - 3 stars - I am obviously a massive book lover, and I regularly access lists for specific book tastes. This story was important as a stand up for your self and your beliefs. But i didn't feel overly connected to Ruth. I believed in her cause, but I didn't learn much about her as a character.
8. I am the Revolution - 4 stars - gorgeous poem.
9. As You Were - 5 stars - this story broke my heart. I nearly shed a tear for this story, but mostly i was angry. The guy in this story is an absolute idiot, and I was hurt by what he did. I actually had to put the book down for a few minutes to process the actual idiocy of his proposal.
10. The Real Ones - 2 stars - Maybe it is because I would never fight for a boy, maybe it is because I am no longer in high school, maybe it is because I was hugely unpopular in school, but I will never understand catfighting over a guy. But if we take my bias away, the characters were not developed. I feel the author expected you to understand a lot more about the back story then we did. There was a big plot hole of why the girls fell out of contact. I did love the ending though.
11. Parker Outside the Box - 5 stars - I loved this story. It was just a beautiful story of friendship and standing up for what you believe in, even if it is going against people you love. Oh! This story was gorgeous.
12. Untitled - 3 stars - beautifully written poem.
13. Homecoming - 3 stars - ending the book with the same character we started with was a gorgeous end to this roller coaster of the book. But this time around, I wasn't as invested in the story.
May 20, 2022
Take the Mic
Take the mic has several short stories about people’s lives. This book features short stories, poems, and sometimes art. Some are about saving people others are about racism and prejudice.
A couple of the stories that stuck with me is the one about a trans mentor and one about a promposal.
The trans mentor had to get a certain amount of community service hours before she could graduate. She applied to be a trans mentor since she is trans herself and understand what its like. She was a mentor to a young trans boy. She played games with him and most importantly the boy caught her how to skate.
The boy loved having a mentor. He felt as if someone understood him and wont judge him for who he is. However, a couple weeks later he found out that his mentor was only hanging out with him for community service hours not because she wants to. She never told him how much she enjoyed hanging out with him. He felt as if he was betrayed and lied to. His mentor ended up apologizing to him and they continued there friendship even after they graduated.
The other story was about a promposal. There was this white football that this black girl has been wanting to ask him out for prom. Even though their friends she was extremely nervous to ask him. Afraid that he might reject her. One night after football and cheerleading practice, she offered him a ride home. As they were driving home a police car stopped them.
She is a black woman afraid of what might happen to her at any given moment. She doesn’t know who this cop is and if he or she is racist or not. The cop pulled both out of the car. As the cop was talking to her friend she was been held on the floor. In her mind all she could think of was that she might die.
Minutes later she looked up and saw her friend standing with a promposal sign.
This was all apart of his promposal.
The cops.
Being handcuffed to the ground.
Feeling as if your being suffocated.
Everyone was watching her. Waiting for her to say yes. But instead, she got up, went into her car, and drove away. Those were just some of the short stories that stuck with me. Take the Mic shares peoples voices and their experiences.
Take the mic has several short stories about people’s lives. This book features short stories, poems, and sometimes art. Some are about saving people others are about racism and prejudice.
A couple of the stories that stuck with me is the one about a trans mentor and one about a promposal.
The trans mentor had to get a certain amount of community service hours before she could graduate. She applied to be a trans mentor since she is trans herself and understand what its like. She was a mentor to a young trans boy. She played games with him and most importantly the boy caught her how to skate.
The boy loved having a mentor. He felt as if someone understood him and wont judge him for who he is. However, a couple weeks later he found out that his mentor was only hanging out with him for community service hours not because she wants to. She never told him how much she enjoyed hanging out with him. He felt as if he was betrayed and lied to. His mentor ended up apologizing to him and they continued there friendship even after they graduated.
The other story was about a promposal. There was this white football that this black girl has been wanting to ask him out for prom. Even though their friends she was extremely nervous to ask him. Afraid that he might reject her. One night after football and cheerleading practice, she offered him a ride home. As they were driving home a police car stopped them.
She is a black woman afraid of what might happen to her at any given moment. She doesn’t know who this cop is and if he or she is racist or not. The cop pulled both out of the car. As the cop was talking to her friend she was been held on the floor. In her mind all she could think of was that she might die.
Minutes later she looked up and saw her friend standing with a promposal sign.
This was all apart of his promposal.
The cops.
Being handcuffed to the ground.
Feeling as if your being suffocated.
Everyone was watching her. Waiting for her to say yes. But instead, she got up, went into her car, and drove away. Those were just some of the short stories that stuck with me. Take the Mic shares peoples voices and their experiences.
January 18, 2021
I highly recommend purchasing a copy for all the young adults in your life, with the head’s up that this could be a triggering read for folx from marginalized groups. There are stories that include instances of racism, violence, religious persecution, misogyny, police brutality, and ally failures. This anthology is so powerful, you can practically feel it pulse when you read it. I wish I’d read something like this when I was a young adult! Books like this are why I never turn my back on or nose up at YA books, even though I’m about to turn 33—if it wasn’t around when I was young and it’s a great read, why should I miss out?
I only recently started my journey towards being an anti-racist; I think a lot of folx began that journey in 2020. I wish I’d started sooner. I absolutely recommend adding this to your library if you’re working on 1) listening more to marginalized voices and 2) examining your own biases. Nonfiction is definitely important for those goals, but fiction has a crucial role to play, as well. Reading these “Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance” gave me pause to think a lot, I usually only read a story or poem a day so I could let my thoughts . . . marinate? percolate? . . . so I could really absorb each story’s messages and questions.
A must-read for all. A must-add to your Anti-Racist library.
[Whose perspective are you getting on this, anyway? I’m white, cis, highly educated, middle class, neurotypical, and able-bodied, but I’m also bisexual, of a religious minority, chronically mentally ill x3, and a woman.]
I only recently started my journey towards being an anti-racist; I think a lot of folx began that journey in 2020. I wish I’d started sooner. I absolutely recommend adding this to your library if you’re working on 1) listening more to marginalized voices and 2) examining your own biases. Nonfiction is definitely important for those goals, but fiction has a crucial role to play, as well. Reading these “Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance” gave me pause to think a lot, I usually only read a story or poem a day so I could let my thoughts . . . marinate? percolate? . . . so I could really absorb each story’s messages and questions.
A must-read for all. A must-add to your Anti-Racist library.
[Whose perspective are you getting on this, anyway? I’m white, cis, highly educated, middle class, neurotypical, and able-bodied, but I’m also bisexual, of a religious minority, chronically mentally ill x3, and a woman.]
September 8, 2019
While standing up for what we believe and joining protest marches and filling the street with our signs and voices in solidarity are certainly ways to resist the status quo and make ourselves heard, there are other ways to do so. In this anthology, thirteen different stories showcase other ways to combat injustice. Maybe it's by simply speaking up when someone's passive aggressive actions, the result of having romantic intentions rebuffed, are causing problems in class as in "Grace." Or perhaps as in "Aurora Rising," it's embracing one's heritage, holding friends accountable for offensive comments or t-shirt slogans. It might even be calling someone out for what was considered to be a "humorous" prank but cuts so close to real life as to lose any element of amusement as in "As You Were." All of these eye-opening offerings, some cartoon strips, some poems, and some short stories, all covering a wide terrain, will make readers think about the small ways that they might resist practices that are problematic. Many middle grade and high school readers will come away from this collection impressed, inspired, and ready to resist in their own ways. After all, it is little by little, one by one, person to person, story by story, that we are most likely to change the world and make a difference.
November 30, 2019
Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance is an anthology of thirteen short stories, prose, and graphic story, which was collected and edited by Bethany C. Morrow. In this Baker's dozen of short stories, whose central themes of courage, bravery, and a refusal to be silenced, which are written by diverse and representative group of authors.
For the most part, I rather like most if not all of these contributions. Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance is an anthology of thirteen wonderful and thought-provoking entries. It tackles issues of courage, bigotry, race, sexuality, Islamophobia, and Anti-Semitism in varied literary art forms from short stories, prose, poetry, and graphic novel.
Like most anthologies there are weaker contributions, but Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance may be the exception. It is far from perfect and some entries are more successful than others, but overall this is a solid and relevant anthology in which readers of many backgrounds will see their lives mirrored.
All in all, Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance is a wonderful and solid collection of short stories, prose, poetry, and graphic stories about standing for what one believes in and the power of activism.
For the most part, I rather like most if not all of these contributions. Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance is an anthology of thirteen wonderful and thought-provoking entries. It tackles issues of courage, bigotry, race, sexuality, Islamophobia, and Anti-Semitism in varied literary art forms from short stories, prose, poetry, and graphic novel.
Like most anthologies there are weaker contributions, but Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance may be the exception. It is far from perfect and some entries are more successful than others, but overall this is a solid and relevant anthology in which readers of many backgrounds will see their lives mirrored.
All in all, Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance is a wonderful and solid collection of short stories, prose, poetry, and graphic stories about standing for what one believes in and the power of activism.
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March 1, 2023Take the Mic, edited by Bethany C. Morrow, is an anthology composed of pieces of prose and poetry by various people who are typically considered to be of marginalized populations. This book is about the resistance given against the systems of oppression which have oppressed and are oppressing select populations. The text begins with an introduction to the anthology and its central premise followed by a short story by Darcie Little Badger which is concerned with her identity as a Lipan Apache. After this, there is a brief poem written by Jason Reynolds which seems to be an abstract form of expressing that the youth of today are blamed for faults they do not create but are capable of mining their own "fire" though they seem docile and immature. This is why they are named bottle rocket babies.
This is a quality text because it uses all the traditional techniques of the forms of texts utilized in this book. In particular. this book is very engaging and it does well in this respect. However, the text doesn't seem to be particularly empathetic in that sublime manner of forgiveness for which I am particularly inclined but this is no major fault of the book. I sincerely enjoyed reading this book.
This is a quality text because it uses all the traditional techniques of the forms of texts utilized in this book. In particular. this book is very engaging and it does well in this respect. However, the text doesn't seem to be particularly empathetic in that sublime manner of forgiveness for which I am particularly inclined but this is no major fault of the book. I sincerely enjoyed reading this book.
July 11, 2020
It's clear that this is a book that is meant to be IMPORTANT and some of the stories have that weight to them. I feel, however, that overall it is not as strong as intended. The one story that still sticks in my brain is about the girl driving her crush home, trying to get up the courage to ask him to Homecoming, when they are pulled over by the cops. There was too much marching band in that one for non-marching band people, but the resolution and the cluelessness of her friends about what has happened is powerful. The other strength of the book for me is the message that resistance can take many forms, not just marching in the streets. With so many protests happening in the past few years - the past two months even more so - it can definitely feel like you are not doing enough to fight against social injustice if you're not part of those. I appreciate being told that resistance can sometimes be just continuing to move forward without a huge gesture. For those who are on the more privileged side of things, there are some lessons to take from this book about the "jokes" you are making or the "small" comments you make and how hurtful those can be.
February 1, 2022
Take the Mic is so satisfyingly, earnestly, hopefully transformative. It includes short stories and poems about teens and their acts of "everyday resistance." It's definitely a YA book, but as an adult, I still found it inspiring and informative. These own-voices authors clearly express the thoughts and feelings teens might have about the discrimination and microaggressions they experience in today's world. As a white cis woman, I learned more about how well-meaning people can make mistakes in their ally-ship and how to avoid those mistakes by amplifying, not assuming. I feel like I really inhabited these characters as I read and I think I better understand why people feel and act certain ways.
I also need to mention how well-crafted the book itself is. The first and last stories create a beautiful bookend to the other stories. The placement of each story and poem in the middle keeps the variety going and makes you want to keep reading. Everything about this book is well-done.
I also need to mention how well-crafted the book itself is. The first and last stories create a beautiful bookend to the other stories. The placement of each story and poem in the middle keeps the variety going and makes you want to keep reading. Everything about this book is well-done.
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