Fight like a mother How a grassroots movement took on the gun lobby and why women will change the world

Shannon Watts

Book - 2019

"Shannon Watts was a stay-at-home mom folding laundry when news of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary flashed across the television screen. Heartbroken and fed up, Watts decided to do something about it. [This book] is a riveting account of how one mother's cry for change grew into a national movement, Moms Demand Action, a powerful grassroots network with millions of supporters and local chapters in all fifty states. Watts has been called 'the NRA's worst nightmare'--and her army of moms has bravely gone up against the big guns (literally), showing up in their signature red shirts, blocking the hallways of Congress with their strollers, electing gun sense candidates, and running for office themselves, pro...ving that if the eighty million moms in this country come together, they can put an end to gun violence. Bringing activism into the everyday, Watts explores the unique power of women to enact change--starting with what they have, leading with empathy, asking for help, and doubling down instead of backing down. While not everyone can be on the front lines lobbying Congress, every mom is already an organizer, a multitasker, and a hero going into battle every day for the ones she loves. Fight Like a Mother will show them how to put their skills to use and offer inspiration to get to work transforming hearts and minds, and passing laws that save lives."--Dust jacket.

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Subjects
Published
New York, NY : HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers [2019]
Language
English
Main Author
Shannon Watts (author)
Other Authors
Kate Hanley (author), Julianne Moore (writer of foreword)
Edition
First edition
Physical Description
x, 291 pages ; 22 cm
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages [281]-291).
ISBN
9780062892560
  • Foreword
  • Introduction
  • 1. Use MOMentum
  • 2. Build the Plane as You Fly It
  • 3. Channel Your Inner Badass
  • 4. Losing Forward
  • 5. Use Your Bullhorn
  • 6. Tap into the Priceless Power of Volunteers
  • 7. Be Seen
  • 8. Know Your Numbers
  • 9. Build a Big Tent
  • 10. Let This Mother Run This Mother
  • 11. Keep Going
  • Appendix: Talking to Kids About Guns
  • Acknowledgments
  • Notes
Review by Kirkus Book Review

The founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America offers advice for women looking to take up that causeor any other.When the tragedy at Sandy Hook occurred in 2012, Watts was a stay-at-home mother of five older kids. Initially using her Facebook page, she rallied other mothers to form the organization for which she has been volunteering full-time ever since. In her first book, which she labels as "part manifesto, part memoir, and part manual," the former public relations executive compiles a list of suggestions for would-be activists, including, "be dedicated to the ends, but flexible about the means" and "be devoted to your self-care." The author focuses on the importance of using social media effectively and "branding" a movement, which Moms Demand Action does with its signature red T-shirts. The text veers between generic recommendations for (nonworking) moms who wish to devote their time to volunteering and more specific insights into the conflict between Moms Demand Action and the National Rifle Association, the group's primary opponent, whose "bluster and posturing" Watts finds repugnant. While the author provides a few glimpses into her personal lifeparticularly the challenges her frequent travel and commitment to the cause presented to her marriage and familyfor the most part, she stays peppy and avoids revealing any details her enemies might seize upon. Some may find Watts' use of terms such as "naptivism" (activism achieved while children are napping) cloying and statements such as, "activism equals organizing, and if there's one thing moms know how to do, it's organize," reductive. Others will find her chatty tone and positive attitude inspiring.While the book isn't likely to change many minds, those who share the author's point of view will likely feel encouraged to put their political views into action. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.