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She Will Rise: Becoming a Warrior in the Battle for True Equality
Former Congresswoman Katie Hill shares her experience with misogyny and double standards in politics to help women topple the longstanding power structures that prevent them from achieving equality.
Powerful women who dare to make mistakes still face swifter and more brutal consequences than men, as the events that precipitated Congressional representative Katie Hill's resignation, in which she was the victim of revenge porn, clearly demonstrate. But Katie Hill does not want women to be discouraged from taking positions of power -- in fact, the rampant misogyny we see is all the more reason for women to lead, to work to change the systems that have kept old, wealthy, white men in power for far too long.
In this book, to be published on the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment (which gave women the right to vote), Katie Hill looks back on the progress we've made and outlines her battle plan for our future. She details how we can overcome the obstacles holding women back from achieving equal representation in positions of power to create the change we want for the next century. What challenges do women face in the modern era, and what battles will we need to fight in the years to come? Katie Hill is ready to equip readers for the front lines of leadership in all arenas, to guide women in becoming the warriors we need to shape this country for the better.
Powerful women who dare to make mistakes still face swifter and more brutal consequences than men, as the events that precipitated Congressional representative Katie Hill's resignation, in which she was the victim of revenge porn, clearly demonstrate. But Katie Hill does not want women to be discouraged from taking positions of power -- in fact, the rampant misogyny we see is all the more reason for women to lead, to work to change the systems that have kept old, wealthy, white men in power for far too long.
In this book, to be published on the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment (which gave women the right to vote), Katie Hill looks back on the progress we've made and outlines her battle plan for our future. She details how we can overcome the obstacles holding women back from achieving equal representation in positions of power to create the change we want for the next century. What challenges do women face in the modern era, and what battles will we need to fight in the years to come? Katie Hill is ready to equip readers for the front lines of leadership in all arenas, to guide women in becoming the warriors we need to shape this country for the better.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published August 11, 2020
21 people are currently reading
1737 people want to read
About the author
Katie Hill
1 book9 followersKatie Hill served as the U.S. Representative for California's 25th congressional district from January to November 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 12, 2020
Part memoir, part essay and manifesto, “She Will Rise: Becoming a Warrior in the Battle for True Equality” (2020) was courageously written by Katie Hill, who was elected to the California 25th Congressional District in 2018. Ms. Hill candidly recalls the knowledge, educational and employment opportunities that led to her service as a congresswoman in the House of Representatives and the harrowing betrayal originating from her personal life that led to her resignation in October 2019.
The truth is, that it may have been more beneficial for Ms. Hill’s public image if she had navigated and solved the complexities of personal problems with her husband Kenny Heslep (m.2010-19) before she ran for office. It wasn’t clear why he was unemployed, and Ms. Hill was their sole support. Choices made within her marriage may have put Ms. Hill in the venerable positions that fueled the sex scandals that derailed her political career. According to Ms. Hill, Heslep was extremely controlling, mentally and physically abusive. When she cautiously sought a marital separation, Heslep threatened her multiple times, warning that he would ruin her life if she left him.
The conservative blog, Red State published online nude/sexually explicit photos of Ms. Hill, and the British tabloid Daily Mail followed with an article/photo-op. Afterword, the emotional breakdown and depression that Ms. Hill experienced led to one of the darkest periods of her personal, family life and career. Ms. Hill observed that this form of criminal cyber-exploitation has been identified as Revenge Porn and has mainly victimized tens of thousands of women. This is a newer serious felony crime in many states, though difficult to prove/prosecute, as the photos are often taken by a trusted intimate partner without the victim’s knowledge. The demands for these online graphic images are endless, and we need unified strict enforceable laws to prevent this crime and protect those victimized..
Clearly, the ramifications of scandals involving men and women have very different meanings and results. Ms. Hill writes about the misogyny that too often prevails in our culture shaping a corrupt political climate of ideology and laws. The subject matters regarding women’s stories, historic reference, inequality, economic, health, domestic, political and social injustice and crimes against women are covered in great detail. This is truly an engaging informative read. Ms. Hill encourages more women particularly women of color, LGBTQ, to run for political office and openly speak their truth. ** With thanks to Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley for the DDC for the purpose of review.
The truth is, that it may have been more beneficial for Ms. Hill’s public image if she had navigated and solved the complexities of personal problems with her husband Kenny Heslep (m.2010-19) before she ran for office. It wasn’t clear why he was unemployed, and Ms. Hill was their sole support. Choices made within her marriage may have put Ms. Hill in the venerable positions that fueled the sex scandals that derailed her political career. According to Ms. Hill, Heslep was extremely controlling, mentally and physically abusive. When she cautiously sought a marital separation, Heslep threatened her multiple times, warning that he would ruin her life if she left him.
The conservative blog, Red State published online nude/sexually explicit photos of Ms. Hill, and the British tabloid Daily Mail followed with an article/photo-op. Afterword, the emotional breakdown and depression that Ms. Hill experienced led to one of the darkest periods of her personal, family life and career. Ms. Hill observed that this form of criminal cyber-exploitation has been identified as Revenge Porn and has mainly victimized tens of thousands of women. This is a newer serious felony crime in many states, though difficult to prove/prosecute, as the photos are often taken by a trusted intimate partner without the victim’s knowledge. The demands for these online graphic images are endless, and we need unified strict enforceable laws to prevent this crime and protect those victimized..
Clearly, the ramifications of scandals involving men and women have very different meanings and results. Ms. Hill writes about the misogyny that too often prevails in our culture shaping a corrupt political climate of ideology and laws. The subject matters regarding women’s stories, historic reference, inequality, economic, health, domestic, political and social injustice and crimes against women are covered in great detail. This is truly an engaging informative read. Ms. Hill encourages more women particularly women of color, LGBTQ, to run for political office and openly speak their truth. ** With thanks to Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley for the DDC for the purpose of review.
October 16, 2020
I’m grateful Katie Hill shared her story. More thoughts to come.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
July 16, 2020
Katie Hill is an excellent writer, weaving statistics and context into her personal narratives. She is honest about her inappropriate consentual relationship she had with her staffer and double downed on the consistency we need to apply to all people in power, particularly the many repeat offending men who have not resigned, who run for higher positions of power and get appointed. Double standards abound. This work ends with the gobs of sources she references throughout. I walked away from this feeling more empowered and inspired.
*I received an eARC copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read and review in advance of publication.
*I received an eARC copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read and review in advance of publication.
August 21, 2020
5 stars just for continuing to push through so much adversity, without giving up, even though she was on the brink more than once.
Her story is inspiring and devastating all in one. It's inspiring that she and other women are truly beginning to not only believe in what they can do, but to also push for what they deserve, without taking no for an answer.
It's devastating for several reasons. The stories of how women have been and continue to be treated unfairly and cruelly at all levels of society, including in their own homes, should be more than enough to galvanize all moral peoples together to declare that enough is enough.
While reading this book, I went from thinking that all girls need to read this to thinking all boys need to read this. I also may never vote a man again if there's a female candidate.
Her story is inspiring and devastating all in one. It's inspiring that she and other women are truly beginning to not only believe in what they can do, but to also push for what they deserve, without taking no for an answer.
It's devastating for several reasons. The stories of how women have been and continue to be treated unfairly and cruelly at all levels of society, including in their own homes, should be more than enough to galvanize all moral peoples together to declare that enough is enough.
While reading this book, I went from thinking that all girls need to read this to thinking all boys need to read this. I also may never vote a man again if there's a female candidate.
August 30, 2020
SHE WILL RISE is an interesting combination of memoir and essays. Katie Hill resigned from office after a series of events that she lays out in the book at the beginning. She then goes on to examine gender and the concerns facing women in the current age. She talks about bodily autonomy, double standards, domestic violence, and sexual abuse/assault. Each chapter/section brings both personal stories and facts/research to the topic.
This was a highly informative and well composed read. It contains many important topics to women and society at large. It is not always an easy read, and I would definitely direct readers to the content warnings at the beginning of the book (for suicidal ideation, abortion, sexual assault, domestic violence, etc.). This is more than just Hill's story, though it certainly does contain her experiences and thoughts on the topics. The book is full of research on the topics that lend an extra level of information.
SHE WILL RISE is an engaging collection of topics around women that combines memoir and essay to provide an interesting discussion. Recommend for people who like to delve deep into topics around gender equality.
Please note that I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This was a highly informative and well composed read. It contains many important topics to women and society at large. It is not always an easy read, and I would definitely direct readers to the content warnings at the beginning of the book (for suicidal ideation, abortion, sexual assault, domestic violence, etc.). This is more than just Hill's story, though it certainly does contain her experiences and thoughts on the topics. The book is full of research on the topics that lend an extra level of information.
SHE WILL RISE is an engaging collection of topics around women that combines memoir and essay to provide an interesting discussion. Recommend for people who like to delve deep into topics around gender equality.
Please note that I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
March 16, 2022
Katie Hill provides historical and current context as well as data and research regarding women and the workplace. She also provides detailed roadmaps for change as well as organizations committed to advancing women.
Want to read
July 13, 2020Whenever a book shows up on my to-read shelf because I entered the Goodreads Giveaway for it despite finding it or its author problematic, I always feel like I should write a little disclaimer. Here’s this one’s:
I am very interested – and personally invested, obviously – in this subject matter, but oy, is Katie Hill a questionable purveyor of the material. The book description makes it sound like she was forced to resign from Congress for being the victim of revenge porn, but she completely omits the bulk of the story, which I find rather shady and disingenuous.
I am very interested – and personally invested, obviously – in this subject matter, but oy, is Katie Hill a questionable purveyor of the material. The book description makes it sound like she was forced to resign from Congress for being the victim of revenge porn, but she completely omits the bulk of the story, which I find rather shady and disingenuous.
September 7, 2020
This is an excellent book. Well written and engaging. I like how Katie Hill gives some background at the beginning of the book for those not familiar with her story or what happened to her. Her full story and how she came to run for office is at the end of the book - which works.
The heart of the book is a blueprint, a battle plan, a clarion call to action to do something about greater political representation for women. That representation, which is currently well below 50 percent in nearly every measure in federal and state legislatures, executive offices, the judiciary and political appointments.
To reach a place where women have fundamental equality in the workplace, at home, in pay, safety and public policy - we must VOTE. In much greater numbers than women have voted previously and for WOMEN CANDIDATES.
She correctly identifies that we must foment a movement - just like the suffrage movement that changed the perception of what women were able to do - willing to do - in order to demand a voice as citizens in this democracy. Culture and deeply held perceptions and beliefs are difficult to change. But change they must and that starts with changing who is sitting at the table making public policy.
I highly recommend this book. Katie Hill has learned some hard lessons, made mistakes, suffered through poor decisions, long term intimate partner abuse, the most savage public shaming and she's not going to waste what she's learned by stepping away from the public spotlight. She knows how to use influence and resources and she's determined to make a difference. Brava! And may she inspire more women to do the same.
The heart of the book is a blueprint, a battle plan, a clarion call to action to do something about greater political representation for women. That representation, which is currently well below 50 percent in nearly every measure in federal and state legislatures, executive offices, the judiciary and political appointments.
To reach a place where women have fundamental equality in the workplace, at home, in pay, safety and public policy - we must VOTE. In much greater numbers than women have voted previously and for WOMEN CANDIDATES.
She correctly identifies that we must foment a movement - just like the suffrage movement that changed the perception of what women were able to do - willing to do - in order to demand a voice as citizens in this democracy. Culture and deeply held perceptions and beliefs are difficult to change. But change they must and that starts with changing who is sitting at the table making public policy.
I highly recommend this book. Katie Hill has learned some hard lessons, made mistakes, suffered through poor decisions, long term intimate partner abuse, the most savage public shaming and she's not going to waste what she's learned by stepping away from the public spotlight. She knows how to use influence and resources and she's determined to make a difference. Brava! And may she inspire more women to do the same.
September 19, 2020
I received this book through #Goodreadsgiveaway. Thank you for this opportunity.
This was a mentally heavy book. Powerful, painful...empowering! I would love to read a comparable book from a young woman in Canadian politics. I’m aware that we are very different countries, but I’m afraid we have more similarities to the US than I care to admit sometimes too.
Thank you, Katie Hill, for writing this book, for putting yourself out there, for fighting for a better USA and world, for owning your mistakes and taking responsibility for your part - and ONLY your part - of negative situations, and for encouraging other women to use their voice and actions to fight for equality. Thank you.
This was a mentally heavy book. Powerful, painful...empowering! I would love to read a comparable book from a young woman in Canadian politics. I’m aware that we are very different countries, but I’m afraid we have more similarities to the US than I care to admit sometimes too.
Thank you, Katie Hill, for writing this book, for putting yourself out there, for fighting for a better USA and world, for owning your mistakes and taking responsibility for your part - and ONLY your part - of negative situations, and for encouraging other women to use their voice and actions to fight for equality. Thank you.
September 13, 2020
Wonderful memoir. Gritty and truthful, no holds barred. A must for every lover of feminist nonfiction!
May 9, 2022
Difficult to stomach at times, but an important discussion to have. Well worth the read, much to take away, although focused on her experiences in the States, lessons are equally applicable anywhere
September 4, 2020
This book is about female empowerment- showing that women are capable of entering a male dominated arena and the need for us to if we want to pass laws in our best interest. This book was both a personal narrative as well as a plan of action. Katie’s writing style is easy to relate to and easy to understand. She has a brave, female role model (there’s a twist y’all, and this was some good storytelling throughout the book), yet she also knows of men who are great influences in her life too. It’s finding that balance of equality where both voices can be heard and treatment of both sexes considered when passing legislation. I felt lots of sympathy for her when she revealed her husband’s treatment of her, but I do wonder about the other issue surrounding her resignation that was somewhat glossed over in the book. We’re all human and make mistakes, but becoming a public figure exposes every minutiae of your lives sometimes. Although her husband using revenge porn against her is by no means her fault, knowing just the bare minimum about another part of her story seems a little suspect.
full review here
full review here
April 11, 2021
Katie Hill was a top student in my high school classroom for 3+ years. I knew then that she had great potential, so I was happy to support her efforts in getting elected to Congress. I was equally dismayed by the end of her time in Washington D.C. caused by forces outside her control as well as some mistakes on her own part. In her book she not only recounts her personal story, but also tells of how other women have been treated by an overwhelmingly male “ruling class.” Her book also provides facts and statistics of how many women are treated in our society , as well as how people can access help on line and by phone. It is a very well-written and cohesive work that I strongly recommend to all.
December 1, 2020
Freshman congresswoman Katie Hill deserved the official censure she got, and she’d be the first one to admit it. But judging by this book, it seems that not only has she learned from her mistakes, she hasn’t forgotten or abandoned her fight and devotion for equality which won her her seat in the first place. Second chances, anyone?
Good for audio, as Katie delivers her treatise and ideas on progressive legislative reform-and the value of taking a good hard look at yourself on occasion-with every bit of the passion she evidently feels. Includes good grassroots directives, as well as a good list of specific feminist legislative initiatives and demands.
Good for audio, as Katie delivers her treatise and ideas on progressive legislative reform-and the value of taking a good hard look at yourself on occasion-with every bit of the passion she evidently feels. Includes good grassroots directives, as well as a good list of specific feminist legislative initiatives and demands.
November 30, 2020
This was much better written than I expected. Granted, Hill does mention a ghost writer in the acknowledgements, but it’s a far cry from the boilerplate ghost style found in most political autobiographies. I was really impressed by the parts where Hill talks about her own experience. The rest of the book is more Feminism 101. It’s coherent and well articulated, and the information is valuable, but we’ve been living and breathing this stuff for at least the past 4 years. It feels as if someone is showing me around my own house.
November 4, 2020
I like Katie Hill, and after reading an interview with her in the NY Times, I was excited to read her book. But to be honest, this read was a slog. I would've liked to see more memoir and learn more about her life, and less progressive manifesto. And this is coming from someone who leans far left. Maybe because it was very "preaching to the choir" personally. Her writing isn't dry or anything, I just found it kind of boring, as empowering as she tried to be.
January 4, 2021
This is a fantastic memoir of Katie Hill's promising and, ultimately, short-lived political career. She is impressively vulnerable and honest, and at the same time offers hope and advice for other women already in or interested in joining politics.
November 20, 2020
I liked the way this blended her personal story, the history/current status of feminism in America, and next steps to ensure progress.
January 11, 2021
Made me feel ok about the work I’m doing, but left me wondering what more I can do.
September 7, 2021
Fantastic. Katie’s store is heartfelt, eye-opening, and inspirational. Every man should read this. Women too.
June 30, 2024
Many women are victims of domestic abuse, that’s the sad reality and we still fight for equality. But why women stay in a toxic relationship for many years? I know why, I have been there. Our traumas are the reason. If we grew up in a toxic family, it won’t help to find a healthy partner later unless we do lot of therapies. I isolated myself a lot because of this and I just don’t understand how Katie had the courage to be in politics with no sign of PTSD, she seemed so confident. I still struggle today from a toxic childhood. What is her secret?
Yes I agree that we have to speak our truth. It is also the moment to acknowledge it is still also our fault we let these boyfriend/husband hurt us because we were broken inside or that we think that everyone has a good heart. Misogynist men like vulnerable women. It is our job to take our time to saw the red flags. To heal our traumas before entering a relationship. Because yes bad relationship can kills us, physically and mentally. But criminals, those who rape, kill, abuse women, are criminals and we need justice!
It is also sad that she stayed too long with a toxic man and that she didn’t win in court against him. This is also why I never went in court because we still don’t have justice. And now in time where Trump want to be a president again, we fear the future. But will we stop fighting? Never!
Yes I agree that we have to speak our truth. It is also the moment to acknowledge it is still also our fault we let these boyfriend/husband hurt us because we were broken inside or that we think that everyone has a good heart. Misogynist men like vulnerable women. It is our job to take our time to saw the red flags. To heal our traumas before entering a relationship. Because yes bad relationship can kills us, physically and mentally. But criminals, those who rape, kill, abuse women, are criminals and we need justice!
It is also sad that she stayed too long with a toxic man and that she didn’t win in court against him. This is also why I never went in court because we still don’t have justice. And now in time where Trump want to be a president again, we fear the future. But will we stop fighting? Never!
January 4, 2021
This book was very well written but her perspective still comes from a deep place of victimhood. I understand how horrible it was to go through what she went through especially with her husband and the photos but there is also another side to this story (the innocent young staffer) that just isn't covered, it's so glossed over. She was a public figure who knew better and absolutely took advantage of her position, she caused this girl major trauma that she has to carry for years, but this isn't covered or taken responsibly for which is just very disappointing. This book, and her version of the story, is very hard to stand behind. If you're going to tell the story, tell the WHOLE story, otherwise it's a waste of time.
November 30, 2021
I’m pretty conflicted about this read. Though I feel Katy was genuine in her book, and I do believe that she believes everything she states happen to her, I’m just not convinced that it actually happen as she didn’t give one shred of evidence. I mean, not one shred.
The book was 100% based on opinion no facts. Her liberalism (as I already expected) was too much. I didn’t really get to know Katy. Learned more on her political agenda. Which in the end, was her downfall. Her resignation from congress was just the beginning of that downfall. I’m not quite sure she is aware of that yet.
Move on Katy. 2 stars.
The book was 100% based on opinion no facts. Her liberalism (as I already expected) was too much. I didn’t really get to know Katy. Learned more on her political agenda. Which in the end, was her downfall. Her resignation from congress was just the beginning of that downfall. I’m not quite sure she is aware of that yet.
Move on Katy. 2 stars.
May 18, 2023
An excellent read that uplifts women and encourages men to uplift women. I applaud the author for sharing her story despite the hardships endured to tell it. My only reservation is that the book did not speak enough of the women of color who are in politics or power positions. These women's stories are different because, undoubtedly, they look different. A few interviews of these women would have closed the gap...
October 2, 2020
Whew. I don't want to trade places with the author, but I am glad that she is finding her way and telling her story. Thank you for sticking up for women, especially biwomen!
Read
October 7, 2020DNF
December 14, 2020
I received this book via Goodreads Giveaways and did not finish it. I believe in complete transparency. and this just wasn't what I expected at all.
Read
March 15, 2021Listened to this as an audio book on Audible.
January 13, 2025
Guys need to read this book. Get to it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews