Moxie

By: Jennifer Mathieu

Narrated by: Suzy Jackson

Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's Summary

Punk rock zines inspire a feminist revolution at a small-town Texan high school in the new novel from Jennifer Matheiu, author of The Truth About Alice.

Moxie girls fight back!

Vivian Carter's mom was a Riot Grrrl in the 1990s, but now she and Viv live a pretty quiet life in a small Texas town. When Viv witnesses a series of sexist incidents at her high school, she takes a page from her mom's past and makes a feminist zine that she distributes anonymously to her classmates. Viv is just blowing off steam, but before she knows it she's started a revolution.

The latest novel from Jennifer Mathieu offers everything fans love about her writing - a relatable protagonist with a distinct voice, a conflict relevant to current events, and, ultimately, a story that is both heartbreaking and hopeful.

©2017 Jennifer Mathieu (P)2017 Recorded Books

Loved it!

<strong>Loved it!</strong>

It was a little forced with the messaging, but all together this was a great book. The message is important and valid... I just wish it had blended into the story a little better. The character of Seth was awesome, but felt almost like a caricature of a male feminist supporter. Still, it was nice of the author to show what a healthy relationship looks like in a YA novel. Audible 20 Review Sweepstakes Entry

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Everyone Should Read!

This is a new favorite book. It reads like a story of my own high school years. A great book for girls who are frustrated with the sexism they witness daily, and for boys to understand why it is that girl’s behave the way they do or why they are so angry about what’s going on. It may even inspire you. Moxie girls fight back!

Pretty Fun Feminist Read

I liked this — it wasn’t like a great work of complex feminist theory, but it was a nice little piece of wish-fulfillment.

Cute and inspiring

This book felt more on the younger side of YA than I'd usually go for. But I still loved it. It had likable characters, and Viv was genuine and kinda just "average", in a good way. I mean, she wasn't particularly brave or anything, but she still wanted to do what was right, and please the people she was around, even though she did not know exactly how to achieve either.

The plot is not heavy and the characters are not incredibly developed, but I loved the story and the message. I love how it shows that feminism is not a bad thing, although many communities can be touchy to the topic. Mathieu approached every-day-girl-life very well, and with enough care that it'd be interesting (but still relevant and important) to the target audience. This sometimes can be triggering, and whereas I think it's important to discuss all the bad stuff girls and women go thru, here i was able to enjoy the story and still think of the current/past feminism in a light manner. I hope the people who read this will be inspired to learn more about women's history :)))

Great Story about Young Activism/ Feminism

I enjoyed this book so much! The main character was sweet and relatable. This book is full of strong "girl power" moments that actually gave me goosebumps (as corny as that sounds). This book fills you with all of the warm, fuzzy feminist feels!

Moxie Girls Fight Back!

I’m not normally one of those people who is easily riled. But this time? I’m riled. Screaming from the rooftop. Telling you to read this book. And to tell everyone you know to read this book.

As an adult, especially as an adult without kids, I’m always outraged when I read that another teenage girl being told to cover up because some stupid boy can’t control himself. But then, I do nothing. Because what really am I supposed to do? Well, this is what I’m doing. Reviewing this book, and spreading the word.

Vivian is the main character in Moxie. She’s the daughter of a former Riot Grrrl from the 90’s. I like to think of Viv’s mom as Kat from 10 Things I Hate About You, listening to Bikini Kill, getting into trouble.

But Viv? She’s the good girl. The quite one, sitting in the back of the classroom, uncomfortable with speaking out in school, not wanting to make a scene. This is what really strikes me as important about Vivian. That even the quiet girls can make a difference. Especially quiet girls who are outraged. And I loved every minute I was with her, reading her story. Throughout the novel, she discovers her inner-strength and feminism.

“it occurs to me that this is what it means to be a feminist. Not a humanist or an equalist or whatever. But a feminist. It’s not a bad word. After today it might be my favorite word. Because really all it is is girls supporting each other and wanting to be treated like human beings in a world that’s always finding ways to tell them they’re not.”

And more importantly, she discovers that girls should be supporting each other. Not pushing each other down.

The plot of Moxie both amazes and outrages me. I am amazed at how Ms. Mathieu plots the novel. Viv grows as a character, finding confidence in herself. Her relationships with her mother, friends, and boyfriend develop and flourish. I’m outraged that teenage girls have these experiences every day. That is insane. The girls of Moxie band together and take a stand against the boys who treat girls as objects and the administration who turn a blind eye. There is one scene in particular (that I won’t spoil) I had CHILLS while listening. CHILLS people. That’s real feelings. And takes an impressive author to make me feel so strongly.

The narration of Moxie is amazing. Ms. Jackson has a knack for capturing each of the characters. Her voices range from teenage girls, parents, teachers and administrators, to teenage boys. Seth (Viv’s boyfriend) is especially well done, with the lower register and inflection that really feels like a teenager.

Turn up some angry music and go out and get yourself a copy of this book, pronto. And share it with everyone you know. That’s what I’m going to do. And always remember

"Moxie Girls Fight Back!"

Adorable feminist novel

I thought this was a bit cheesy and predictable at times but it was a quick read (the time flew) with a wonderful message. Great for high school or college aged people or anyone looking for a light, positive read.

An Absolute Must Read

There is a new wave of YA books in which every day high schoolers know what they have to do, are aware of the social consequences of doing what is right, face their fears, and go for it. Moxie joins the rank of books such as All-American Boys and The Hate U Give. It promotes social change as its characters tackle toxic school culture.

So cute

This was a fun and sweet book. It is obviously not for those that aren't ok with feminism.

Riots not Diets

An engaging story of practical feminism and a narrator who is a joy to listen to.