That Takes Ovaries!: Bold Females and Their Brazen Acts

By Rivka Solomon

Book Overview

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

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0609806599
• ISBN13: 9780609806593
• Release Date: April 2002
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group, The
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.2" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Showing what is possible...

Solomon collected stories from hundreds of women about their impulsive, taking charge, life risking, heroic, and in your face acts. These stories show women that do not always follow standards perscribed by our society. There is so much to learn from each story. They teach that it is ok to be unique, stand up for oneself, do something outrageous, and just be yourself. Examples of stories include girls that outsmarted a pimp, a woman traveling through a war zone to understand the rebels and hopefully start the talks that would establish peace, a sky surfer, lesbian step mother, a fat girl that wore a tank top and was proud of her body, a woman who opened a vibrator store in the 70s, hardships of an immigrant woman crossing from El Salvador to the US, and many many more stories. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially girls and women because these stories can inspire and show that it is ok to be yourself.

Yeah For Bold Women

The work Rivka Solomon put into this book is amazing. She breathed life into difficult topics such as abusive relationships, sexism, and racism, to name a few. I have attended "Ovaries" open mics where the pages of her book came to life and were told first hand by those who have experienced similar events, men and women. This book belongs in all womens study teachings around the world as it captures the raw essence of female empowerment. Rivka has forever made a positive impression on me and my life. Thank you!

WHAT AN INSPIRATION!

The premise of THAT TAKES OVARIES is excellent: an email is sent out by Rivka Solomon to women friends and acquaintances asking them to recount instances where they boldly crossed the barriers of gender conventions of how a `proper' woman should act and behave. Surprisingly this same email was forwarded to other woman around the country. Responses flooded her in-box and Rikva had enough material to publish a book. The short stories included in this collection are remarkable. I was pleasantly surprised on the varied topics covered from women of all ages. Not only was I entertained but I was also enlightened by many of these women's contributions. No story stands out as being my favorite as there are simply too many to choose from! I enjoy reading short story compilations and it's rare that quality is dispersed throughout the book as in THAT TAKES OVARIES. Simply put, this book is one of the best short story compilations I have read in a long time. But more importantly, after reading this book I am filled with a renewed urge to fight against the gender conventions that limit me every day. I celebrate my unique women-ness and strength to fight for the causes I believe in. Kudos to Rivka for publishing this book!!

Grrrl power at its best!!!

Rivka's book is a wonderful collection of stories of women and grrls who aren't afraid of: taking control, overcoming adversity and self empowerment. The raw emotion is heartfelt, moving and playful. I hope there is a place for this book in women's studies across the country as it shows the true spirit of women at their very best.Five cheers!!!!!

Putting a great idea into action

We're always hearing about the importance of women and girls speaking out, taking action, and otherwise getting empowered, but how, realistically, in our world of ingrained traditions and unwritten rules about being female, is that done? This excellent book answers that question in spades. The women activating the power of their ovaries are incredibly inspiring, and some of them make you raise your eyebrows and go, 'wow, what guts!' I was especially intrigued by the stories of women who not only made their point, but did it in a way that brought about some positive new awareness. For example, the woman who challenged a group of catcallers was able to start a dialog with them. The woman confronting a burglar was able to possibly help redirect his burgling career while also preventing the crime. The women and girls featured in this book are paving the way for the rest of us to be whomever we want to be. And if by chance you think you should have been in the book too, it's not too late, because Rivka and others (you, if you're interested) are organizing open-mike events to buoy the message and include ALL women and girls who want to share their brave and empowering tales. It's not just a book, it's an adventure.Women's activist and support groups, women's studies departments, and regular folks of all genders, ethnic backgrounds, ages, and orientations are likely to scarf up this book the first chance they get. I hope the publisher is planning a second print run so we can all get a copy!