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Earlier in July, I announced the launch of the Pin the Map Book Club! I decided to kick off the PTM Book Club with Gloria Steinem’s new book, My Life on the Road. My decision to pick this book was inspired by the newly launched TV series, WOMAN on Viceland, which reports on women’s issues. As a travel journalist, I have been devouring this new TV show that both celebrates women in reporting and focuses on women’s rights issues. The show is hosted by none other than Gloria Steinem, who has been at the forefront of feminism her entire career.
I was inspired to read Gloria Steinem’s novel because of her career as a journalist. Ask any writer what their best advice is and you’ll likely be told to simply read more. In many ways, great writing works like osmosis. The more you read, the better you write. I hoped to walk away from My Life on the Road both inspired by Steinem’s prolific career and a better writer for having read her book.
Book Review: My Life on the Road
My Life on the Road taught me a lot about women’s rights and the birth of the feminism movement. In Steniem’s recollections, you see as she grows from a curious young woman hoping to shrug off her parent’s history to an activist inspired by change.
One of the central themes of the book is the power of conversation. From Steniem’s first trip to India to her many speaking engagements at college campuses around the United States; the power of conversation is always at play. I could not agree more with this idea and I think it’s incredible inspiring to bring people of different backgrounds, faiths and ethnicities together to simply listen to each other. God knows, if we had more conversations like these perhaps Donald Trump wouldn’t be a presidential candidate and wouldn’t be encouraging racism, bigotry and sexism; but I digress.
Overall, I liked My Life on the Road but I’ll admit, I was hoping the book would be more about Steinem’s career in the context of travel. As a travel writer, I’m always drawn to travel memoirs and stories and had hoped that this book would be the same. At times, the book was a bit dry and read like a text book on women’s rights. I loved the chapter on India, loved reading the stories that tied together travel and lessons. While travel does ultimately take a backseat in the book, it remains an important read for women’s rights and Steinem’s stellar writing.
Book Club Questions for My Life on the Road:
1. In the book. Gloria mentions how her accomplishments have often been attributed to her beauty.”A hurtful accusation that would continue into her old age.” As a woman, do you feel that beauty and sexuality affects how your work is received?
2. Gloria says that if she had to pick anywhere to hang out, it will always be a book store. What’s your favorite place to spend time?
3 Throughout the book, Gloria refers to her time in India as life defining. What trip have you taken that you consider life changing?
Stay tuned THIS WEEK for the August Book Club selection. I’m excited to share it!
