Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions

By: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Narrated by: January LaVoy

Length: 1 hr and 1 min

Publisher's Summary

From the best-selling author of Americanah and We Should All Be Feminists comes a powerful new statement about feminism today - written as a letter to a friend.

A few years ago, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie received a letter from a dear friend from childhood, asking her how to raise her baby girl as a feminist. Dear Ijeawele is Adichie's letter of response.

Here are 15 invaluable suggestions - compelling, direct, wryly funny, and perceptive - for how to empower a daughter to become a strong, independent woman. From encouraging her to choose a helicopter and not only a doll as a toy if she so desires; having open conversations with her about clothes, makeup, and sexuality; debunking the myth that women are somehow biologically arranged to be in the kitchen making dinner and that men can "allow" women to have full careers, Dear Ijeawele goes right to the heart of sexual politics in the 21st century. It will start a new and urgently needed conversation about what it really means to be a woman today.

©2017 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (P)2017 Random House Audio

Critic Reviews

"January LaVoy's narration of this short work is intentional, assertively warm, and grounded.... There is wisdom in her voice conveying a lived experience." ( AudioFile)

Love, love, love!!!

Chimamanda busted the lid of female expectations. Reading/listening was a breath of fresh air. I am going to make my children listen to this.

Distracting narrator choice

I wish Chimamanda was able to narrate the book herself. This narration lacked life behind the words. It was simple read and not felt, almost taking away entirely from the book. I still recommend this book overall. Please watch Chimamanda speak if you get the chance (she was fantastic on Trevor Noah’s show).

Feminism 101

Amazing. This is an absolute must read for all parents, moms and dads to boys and girls.

This should be required reading for all humans.

This book should be required reading, not just for the parents of baby girls, but for all adult humans. I bought both the Kindle and Audible versions of this book, and I know I'll refer to both versions regularly.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie dispenses some serious wisdom with honesty, warmth, and compassion. I can't recommend this more highly. Loved it.

Awesome

I chose this rating because the craft of the writing is so clear and valuable to know who you are as a Feminist
Just Awesome!!!

I am Ijeawele

This is the book I never knew I needed. Prior to reading this book I knew virtually nothing about feminism and would cringe at the word. Turns out I am the epitome of a feminist. This book articulated feelings I never thought I could put into words.

Awesome.

This is my first book to ever read and be so intrigued, inspired and feel like I mattered. thanks Chimamanda

Must Read

loved it so much I bought a printed copy. This is definitely a must read

Thought provoking

A slim volume that packs a powerful punch - this book should be read slowly and carefully considered. I am a fan of the author’s work and I highly recommend this book. This is the first book that I read this year (I listened to it on audio while on the treadmill), and it has given me a lot to think about for 2020. I know that I will refer to it again in the future.

A book for every woman

I am just young enough, 55, to have missed the feminist pushes of the 1970’s, and so “feminist” and “feminism” have always seemed to be terms for a different generation.

Yet, “I matter” and “I matter equally” are ideas for every woman to take into her heart and contemplate. Better still, take into her heart and live.

May it be so!