In these essays, Roxane Gay takes us through the journey of her evolution as a woman (Sweet Valley High) of color (The Help) while also taking readers on a ride through culture of the last few years (Girls, Django in Chains) and commenting on the state of feminism today (abortion, Chris Brown). The portrait that emerges is not only one of an incredibly insightful woman continually growing to understand herself and our society, but also one of our culture.
This collection prioritizes the notion that society still has a way to go toward full gender equality in all spheres of life. This book positions marginal voices at the center of complex gender issues in today's society. Broad thematic topic areas include parental identities, advice, and self-help: gender performances in media: interacting within organizational and social spaces: negotiations on politics, health, and feminisms.