More Than Words

by Kirsten Anderson

In More Than Words: Turn #MeToo into #ISaidSomething, Kirsten Anderson shares her remarkable journey from the debilitating despair of harassment to hope. After years of employment in a verbally abusive environment at the Iowa Statehouse, she lost her identity as an assertive, career-minded, confident, and empowered woman. Her relationship with her toxic employer ended when she was fired just hours after issuing a formal complaint. A legal and personal journey ensued.

Anderson won her case. Since then, she has made it her mission to educate others about the complexities of sexual harassment, bullying, and retaliation in the workplace. By sharing the realities targets of harassment face, she intends to educate readers, help targets move forward and initiate change in toxic work environments to eliminate harassment once and for all.

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism

182 pages, Paperback

Published September 27, 2022

Reviews

[Bharath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Kirsten Anderson who worked as a communications specialist for the State of Iowa, and legally fought the sexual harassment she faced at work.

Kirsten had a boss who frequently made lewd remarks, gestures & jokes – many of the examples she cites are definitely disturbing. She complained about it a few times and found that no action followed. As she points out, the powerful, especially those perceived to produce results are never acted against. This, of course, is a mirage as other than the purely unacceptable environment, the human costs are also extremely high. She came to be scrutinized and criticized for her work quality after her complaints. She found herself finding ways to cope by somehow adjusting to a toxic environment for 5 years. After another complaint, she was fired from her job almost immediately. She was lucky to find a considerate attorney to argue her case which she won and received an award.

There are takeaways and scenarios at the end of each chapter to prompt introspection on how abuse can be handled. The statistics she quotes are troubling – 81% of women and 41% of men have faced abuse at work, and moreover a vast majority do not report the abuse they face. Though the writing could have been better, this is a story of bravery and is inspiring.

My rating: 4.25 / 5.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author & publisher for an electronic review copy.

[Lisa Horsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren and I picked this one up at the Des Moines Book Fair. Kirsten has a very important message to share, and her advocacy in sharing her story is part of her healing process. I can’t imagine going through what she did where your sense of self-worth is negatively affected and that extends into all factors of your life including your interactions with your family and friends. I had some childhood bullying instances but nothing long-term as an adult. I loved the format of the book where she tells her story, gives a list of things to think through, and an example in a work situation with follow-up questions. There are a few editorial/print mistakes that are annoying, including a repeated paragraph which means a paragraph is missing.
Take-aways: Those being harassed are not victims, they are targets. Those targeting them believe nothing is wrong and will not feel remorse. Targets must eventually find closure without heartfelt apologies which will not be made. “When people offer grace, understanding, and respect to one another, the world becomes a better place.” We need to teach people how to have tough conversations and express feelings appropriately in the work place. Does this need to start with K-12 schools? And finally, to see that our current governor did nothing for this author just reinforces my sad feelings about the state of affairs in Iowa government starting with the top leader.

[Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, Kirsten Anderson and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

More Than Words is a powerful account of sexual harassment in the workplace. It's an immense issue that needs to be talked about more, and I think this book is the perfect way to do so. I loved how educational it was. I learnt a lot, and I'm sure a lot of others will. I'm glad books like this exist.

[Liva's reading antics · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirsten Anderson worked as a communication specialist for the State of Iowa. In this book, the author tells her story about fighting sexual harassment and bullying at her workplace.

This book is so much more than the author's personal experience. The author has included various examples of harassment cases. (I admit, I felt very helpless while reading those). There are thought-provoking questions, statistics, advice, and hope.

While I have been lucky to have a great workplace where none of this is accepted, and strict HR rules are in place, I have no illusion that this is the norm for everyone else. And for that, my heart is breaking. Therefore, please educate yourself, and guide your spouse, kids, friends, colleagues, and neighbors whenever possible. Please do not stand by and watch in silence when it is happening. Even if you think it will get worse if you speak up, trust me when I say to you - in that situation, you are already at your worst. It could only get better one way or the other.

❗️Sexual harassment in the workplace is an immense issue that needs to be addressed more. I think this book is the perfect way to do so.
✔️This book needs to be available in every workplace.
✔️This book needs to be available in every school.
✔️Everyone on the earth needs to read this book to become a better version of themself.
✔️We need to teach our children to not make the same mistakes we continue to make.

Greatest thanks to the author for writing this book. I am glad books like this exist!

Thanks to Netgalley, Kirsten Anderson and Indigo River Publishing for providing an advanced copy in exchange for my review!

[Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

More Than Words is a nonfiction work by Kristen Anderson [ Release2022]. The author tells the plight of workers in hostile workplaces. She suffered varying degrees of sexual harassment, most of it verbal. She tells of the devastating effect of being on the receiving end of such taunts. Furthermore, she expresses how her self-worth filtered through her fingers from every foul word she heard directed towards her. She even suffered more when she reported the uncomfortable events.

I liked the message the book is sending across the globe. Everyone deserves respect and dignity. I also like the courage displayed in the writing. Kristen suffered like a sacrificial lamb in and out of the office, but she took it upon herself to protest against sexual harassment at the workplace. I also enjoyed the short stories involving fictional characters. The book is engaging by asking questions at the end of each chapter.

The work expresses a lot of pain, even at the time of writing. It shows that healing is a process and every target should focus on healing as soon as possible.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. The book is educative and a proactive step. The work is a self-help that will enable targets to keep moving.

I recommend this book to everyone who has suffered sexual harassment and workplace abuse. The book will be a guide to getting back on their feet and facing the future. Relatives of the targets should also go over the book to understand the suffering targets undergo. The bullies should also read to see how the target feels and reflect on their actions.

[Rosa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m giving this book one star not because of the topic but because of the audacity. More Than Words: Turn #MeToo into #ISaidSomething is another attempt to undermine Black women’s work in activist spaces and their accomplishments. Anderson's story could inspire aspiring women who want to work in sectors that are male-dominating except she spends too much time trying to "up one over" the #MeToo movement created by a Black woman.

Quoted from her interview, "We cannot simply move on from this. We must move forward with the knowledge we’ve gained and support each other. We must educate those who have not experienced it and those who are abusing their positions of power. We can turn #metoo into #Isaidsomething. Start a conversation today."

So she's actively trying to give the #MeToo movement a republican white woman rebrand. That's foul but underwhelming not surprising. I can imagine her book tour will equally be trash as she will use #MeToo as something that needs to be critiqued and will whitewash it with her hashtag as a less-offensive and right-wing alternative. The audacity of white women and their never ending need to step and disrespect Black women as they sprout pink pu$$y hat white feminism is the most heinous, diabolical thing I've had to witness.

Again, this book could have stood on its own without the comparison or the need to bring #MeToo into it, let alone putting it in your title to intentionally start controversy by pandering to right-wing readers.

[Rae's Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

"If we want to live and work in spaces and places free from sexual harassment, bullying, and retaliation, we must discuss it; the good, bad and ugly."

This was actually such a good book that as well as telling Kirsten's POV of how she won her legal case against the people who harassed and belittled her in the workplace, also provided tips and examples of different scenarios of harassment occurring in the workplace and asked how we would deal with the issue.

When reading it, there is a lot to consider and take away from this book. Standing up to harassment in the workplace or honestly anywhere in your life can be a journey that may take an emotional toll on you. It is not an easy process, as Kirsten recounts the four years it took for her case to be won, But in the end, it is almost always worth it.

This book helped in educating me on the realities of facing harassers and I truly hope that this book does so for others, and is a guideline to help change and correct the toxicity in some workplaces. No person should have to face any sort of harassment in their place of work, whether it be by another colleague, their employer or a customer.

Rules should be set to ensure that any harassment will be dealt with and that the victims are always in the forethought of it happening.

Thank you so much to the publishers for providing me with an eArc in exchange for my honest review

[Rae's Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

"If we want to live and work in spaces and places free from sexual harassment, bullying, and retaliation, we must discuss it; the good, bad and ugly."

This was actually such a good book that as well as telling Kirsten's POV of how she won her legal case against the people who harassed and belittled her in the workplace, also provided tips and examples of different scenarios of harassment occurring in the workplace and asked how we would deal with the issue.

When reading it, there is a lot to consider and take away from this book. Standing up to harassment in the workplace or honestly anywhere in your life can be a journey that may take an emotional toll on you. It is not an easy process, as Kirsten recounts the four years it took for her case to be won, But in the end, it is almost always worth it.

This book helped in educating me on the realities of facing harassers and I truly hope that this book does so for others, and is a guideline to help change and correct the toxicity in some workplaces. No person should have to face any sort of harassment in their place of work, whether it be by another colleague, their employer or a customer.

Rules should be set to ensure that any harassment will be dealt with and that the victims are always in the forethought of it happening.

Thank you so much to the publishers for providing me with an eArc in exchange for my honest review.

[KDRBCK · Rating 3 out of 5]

More Than Words by K. Anderson is a stand-alone, non-fiction. I read the blurb and was intrigued.
Blurb:
In More Than Words: Turn #MeToo into #ISaidSomething, Kirsten Anderson shares her remarkable journey from the debilitating despair of harassment to hope. After years of employment in a verbally abusive environment at the Iowa Statehouse, she lost her identity as an assertive, career-minded, confident, and empowered woman. Her relationship with her toxic employer ended when she was fired just hours after issuing a formal complaint. A legal and personal journey ensued.

Anderson won her case. Since then, she has made it her mission to educate others about the complexities of sexual harassment, bullying, and retaliation in the workplace. By sharing the realities targets of harassment face, she intends to educate readers, help targets move forward and initiate change in toxic work environments to eliminate harassment once and for all.
I was intrigued and had highj hopes but this book wasn't what I expected. I don't want to be unkind, lets just say, a me me me doesn't do it for yours truly. I couldn't connect with storyline or characters, I tried so hard, but it just didn't happen. So this one is one of my very, very few dnf busts.

[Vendija · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's hard to rate this book, because I didn't conect with it (and for my sake that's a good thing). But just because it wasn't helpful to me, doesn't mean that it won't be helpful to someone else who is in that kind of situation.

Kirsten Anderson very smoothly goes through the story telling how she dealth with the situation that accoured at her workplace. Not hiding her own actions, like telling jokes that went too far, just to try to fit in. She tells about steps she took before going to the court, how this experience not only changed and affected her, but also her husband and everyone close to her.

My favourite part in the book followed after each chapter with a few simple questions, that made you stop for a while and think "What would I do?" "How would I react?" etc.

And if we think about it, men should be the one's reading this book, so no one would have to go through this.

[Helen Priest · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heavy subject matter, but a valuable resource. What I really liked about this book is that at the end of each chapter there are questions and scenarios for the reader to think through, so this book can easily be read in sections and activities worked on, which gives you time to digest such a heavy topic.

I'd recommend this book to everyone to have those discussions, to think about how they treat people and reflect on previous actions.

Kirsten's story is one that many people go through - in fact she opens the book by telling us that 81% of women and 43% of men have been sexually harassed in their lifetimes - and she shows how we can all make changes to no matter if we're the 'targeted' (not victim), the abuser or the bystander.

To say I enjoyed this book seems the wrong wording, I value this book and the messages it gives.

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written from a place of privilege. The author understands that the average person simply does not have the wherewithal to withstand a lengthy legal battle. Her story is still inspiring.

It is difficult for the average person to remain hopeful when it feels like there is nothing we can do to protect ourselves. The author is passionate, well spoken and shows real empathy. They advocate for change and understanding.

I'm still unsure what the average "little people" can really do, without jeopardising their livelihoods - most people aren't in a position where they can take that risk. I'm still very glad the author had the courage to stand up and also to tell their story.

I hope this book inspires more people, who are in a position where they can stand up, to gain the courage to do so.

*Free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[TaniaRina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate how the author uses the word “target” rather than “victim”. She also seemed pretty honest about her participation in the “good ole boys’ club”. I think this is important to acknowledge as it shows how much the perpetrators (in many cases) use their targets’ actions against them.

The author not only SaidSomething; she DIDSomething.

[Umi Arenas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it’s not the best book, or the best written, I believe this book should be read by everyone. We all need to understand and create safe spaces for everyone, specially in the workplace and this book can help you get a better perspective on how to tackle it, along with a few ideas to put it in practice.

[Jos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge thanks to NetGalley for lending me an advanced reader's copy of the book in exchange of a honest review. All thoughts are on my own.

This was an amazing an necessary book towards sexual harassment, how to deal with it, how to support people that are suffering and mainly, to do something about it and don't stay quiet. I encourage everyone to read this book, it makes you think and it also helps you to have more empathy towards people in toxic environments. It's a very important book that tells a true life story, everyone should read it.

[TBHONEST · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Than Words is a heavy but necessary read, that will resonate powerfully with many who read it, and will hopefully inspire and give others the courage to come forward and talk about what has happened to them.

[Allison Kutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt as though I was reading my own autobiography. As someone also in the midst of a lawsuit, it is comforting (yet incredibly frustrating) to know others have been where I am today. In sharing her journey, Kirsten has provided a glimpse of hope through “More Than Words”.

[Kimberly Tierney · Rating 2 out of 5]

As much as I wanted to read this, the writing was difficult to get through so I had to stop. These stories need to be told, so please keep writing them.

[Heather Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. Absolutely love this book. Took alot of lessons from this book that I will use in my life. Absolutely amazing.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A large part of my disappointment in this book, while still a good book, came from mismatched expectations. I went into this book expecting a memoir of her experiences and while that forms about 40% of this book, the remainder does not fit those expectations. Instead, the remainder of the book, a good 60% falls more into the category of self-help. I suppose that more careful attention to the title and synopsis from me prior to reading the book would have helped me hedge my expectations. However, after reading the synopsis subsequent to reading the book, only my knowledge of the contents of the book would have prepared me for what I actually received in this book.
I think that this story needs to be shared and that people need this help and these tools. However, I think that the marketing needs some adjustment so that the main focus of the book can reach more readers.

[Ravenclaw Library Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

More Than Words by Kirsten Anderson tells the personal struggle of the author who worked in a toxic environment and the start of the #MeToo movement. This is a powerful and touching book that sadly is far too common place in today's world.
I did find this really educational and liked the questions at the end of every chapter.

[Lauren pavey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly thank you for Netgalley and indigo river publishers for this ARC.

I wish this book had been a resource for me when I was younger as it’s a lot harder now to relearn how to respect yourself and know your value.
I have recently worked in a toxic workplace and it doesn’t leave you. I was lucky to have someone new join my workplace and see that the pattern of bullying language was not limited to me which showed me that it was not a problem with me but a problem with the wider work force/management and both me and my new colleague quickly left after raising the issue with HR

This book should be a resource for all workplaces , schools , to be honest this book is for all.

It bounces between facts/statistics and situation examples (so you can reflect on how to put what you have read into a real setting) to personal experiences and her own feelings.

I loved the discussion on respect and couldn’t agree more that respect to others is not valued as much as it should be in our social media world where instant personal gratification is much more widespread . The customer is not always right and everyone in every role should be valued with respect.

My only criticism is that I wish it had delved deaper into the authors own emotions and how the situation she found herself in had effected her at the time.
As I am from the UK I was unfamiliar with her story and of how the structure of us politics works so a bit more background context in her story would have really helped.

This book will make you feel smart, strong and valued . The message of hope and respect is palpable on every page .
I would highly recommend!

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh I don't know how i feel about this book so the review is going to be a little all over the place. The topics of the book are important and there are some thought provoking questions and scenarios in it. However, the author had a big court case regarding her treatment at work and that formed the majority of the book which sometimes missed the mark.

For example, towards the end she writes something along the lines of i know what i am doing is worth while because people stop me in the street and thank me. I want to give her a huge and send her back to therapy because after that whole book the sum up of advocacy still relied on external validation!?

Also with the scenarios i wish there was some answers i know they were open ended questions to make me think but also some just left me stumped in what the person should do and if there was hope for their situation.

Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Paige Glidden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roughly seven hours after reporting ongoing sexual harassment and workplace toxicity in the Iowa Republican Senate, Kirsten Anderson was fired from her job.
Apparently they assumed she’d be so gutted and defeated that she’s just walk away and quietly sulk.

They assumed wrong.

Anderson’s account of the grueling court battles, political mudslinging, and personal attacks is infuriating.
The way she used them as fuel to expose the harassment and toxicity in the State House is harrowing!

The story of everything she’s been through could have been enough to sell books. However Anderson uses the meat of the book to expose how this toxicity has been allowed to spread throughout our society, and shines a light on what each of us can do to rid this disgusting behavior and culture from the workplace.

[Tyler Granger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!