Make Trouble

Publisher's Summary

Instant New York Times best seller

“Richards offers practical advice and inspiration for aspiring leaders everywhere.” (Hillary Rodham Clinton) 

“An enthralling memoir.” (Booklist, starred review) 

To make change, you have to make trouble.

From Cecile Richards - the president of Planned Parenthood, daughter of the late Governor Ann Richards, featured speaker at the Women's March on Washington, and "the heroine of the resistance" (Vogue) - comes a story about learning to lead and make change, based on a lifetime of fighting for women's rights and social justice. 

Cecile Richards has been an activist since she was taken to the principal's office in seventh grade for wearing an armband in protest of the Vietnam War. Richards had an extraordinary girlhood in ultra-conservative Texas, where her hell-raising parents - her civil rights attorney father and political activist mother - taught their kids to be troublemakers. In the Richards household, the "dinner table was never for eating - it was for sorting precinct lists." 

She watched her mother, Ann, transform herself from a housewife to a force in American politics who made a name for herself as the straight-talking, truth-telling governor of Texas. But Richards also witnessed the pitfalls of public life that are unique to women and the constant struggle to protect and expand equal rights - both exemplified by her marathon congressional testimony, where she held her own against hostile questions for five hours.

As a young woman, Richards worked as a labor organizer alongside women earning a minimum wage and learned that those in power don't give it up without a fight. Now, after years of advocacy, resistance, and progressive leadership, she shares her story for the first time - from the joy and heartbreak of activism to the challenges of raising kids, having a life, and making change, all at the same time. She shines a light on the people and lessons that have gotten her through good times and bad and encourages listeners to take risks, make mistakes, and make trouble along the way. Richards has dedicated her life to taking on injustice, and her memoir will inspire listeners to hope and action. 

©2018 Cecile Richards (P)2018 Simon & Schuster

Critic Reviews

"While not a professional narrator, Richards is a practiced public speaker who reads with energy, enunciation, excellent pacing, and emotion.... Richards is fierce, funny, and pulls no punches, which will offend some and motivate many for whom this stirring audiobook will serve as a call to action." (AudioFile)

A MUST READ FOR EVERY WOMAN!!!!!

The fascinating life of Cecile Richards and her advocacy is a something I hope every woman will read. Cecile is unpretentious without political posturing or self aggrandizement. She speaks in a straight forward manner of honesty, truthfulness, and determination. What would we have done without her as the Director of Planned Parenthood when the "white men on the Hill" wanted to decimate the funding for Planned Parenthood? She is a true feminist leader for this third wave of the Women's Movement and the demand for the rights of equality for all women. I am recommending it to all my female friends and those women who are brave enough to run for office. Oh, and let's get the men reading it too!

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

like she was talking just to me

i LOVED hearing the BTS stories. how Cecile got started. and Ann ... i loved her momma! election night and the Women's March brought tears but we ended with hope.

Tune in and then vote, y'all!!

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

SO INSPIRING

I just finished listening to this book and the very next thing I'm going to do is listen to the whole thing all over again. It was that good.

No wait, before I listen to the book all over again I'm going to go sign up to volunteer for Planned Parenthood.

I'm in awe of Cecile Richards and her career. The number of profound political movements she's been apart of, and sometimes the leader of, in her lifetime is astounding. The stories she tells are fascinating and she tells them exceptionally well.

My one tiny criticism is that the stories are told in nothing resembling chronological order. But that one small flaw does not mar an exceptional book.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

To the troublemakers ...

... who are, should be, used to be or wanna be - do not miss this book. It’s inspiring, provocative, and a glorious reminder that each of us can make change happen. Thanks Cecile!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Important Listen in this Time of President Tweetster!!

Excellent work, Cecile, in your career full of courage& strength and in your autobiography about your life dedicated to service. I thank you for this important work. America needs more people like you with the courage to work for change and the smarts to learn from yours/others mistakes and to keep moving ahead strategically. Kudos!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I needed a wake up call

Thank you Cecile for writing this book and to all of the strong women out there who have been fighting for women’s rights. I made a $100 contribution to Planned Parenthood last night And plan to make more. We can not lose our rights to make a choice and go back to illegal abortions in horrible condition. We all need to wake up and this book definitely A reminder and a wake up call for me. I remember when A family member had an illegal abortion back in 1969. I remember how terrible it was for her.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Totally inspiring

Loved every word of this book. I’m embarrassed to admit I did not realize that Cecile is Ann Richards’ daughter. What an amazing career. I won’t be surprised if she runs for office in the near future. She’ll have my vote!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I liked this

This was great in a surprising way. I highly recommend it to everyone interested in making trouble.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

LOVED!

I loved listening to Cecile tell her story. It was both entertaining and educational. I cannot wait to see where else her career takes her!

She is a powerhouse

Cecile tells it like it is and inspires us to work for a better future when women have access to affordable care that is non-judgemental and not restricted by conservative ideologues. As a male physician who worked for Planned Parenthood I applaud Cecile’s work and advocacy. This is a well written book for anyone who needs inspiration to fight against the current administration. Let freedom ring!