Book Review: That’s What She Said: Wise Words From Influential Women by Kimothy Joy
Media Type: Print Book
Title: That’s What She Said: Wise Words From Influential Women
Author: Kimothy Joy
Publisher: Harper Wave
Pages: Hardcover; 128
Release Date: April 3, 2018
Source: Publisher / TLC Book Tours
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Genre: Non-Fiction
HDB Rating: 5 Keys to My Heart
Recommended to: Readers looking for a simple way to share influential women with their young counterparts, or anyone looking for a fun, inspirational read!
Add it on: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
An artist and activist committed to the empowerment of women and girls has created a gorgeous illustrated volume, blending watercolor and short biography to showcase the contributions of more than fifty influential female leaders whose words and actions are a passionate call to arms.
Distraught by the results of the 2016 election and the realization that the nation was not ready for its first female president, Kimothy Joy found herself poring over the biographies of brave women throughout history—those who persisted in the face of daunting circumstances—to learn from their experiences.
Turning to art, Joy channeled her feelings to the canvas, bringing these strong women to life in bold watercolor portraits surrounded by inspirational hand-lettered quotes. With each creation, Joy found catharsis and hope. She shared her watercolors with her online community and encouraged everyone to raise their own voices and recharge for the battles ahead.
Now, in this beautiful gift book, Joy has gathered her stunning illustrations and quotes and paired them with surprising, illuminating biographies of her subjects to inspire women of all ages, races, and backgrounds. That’s What She Said honors a powerful and diverse group of over fifty women—from Maya Angelou, Gloria Steinem, and Virginia Woolf to Sojourner Truth, Malala Yousafzai, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg—role models whose words and insights remind us that we must never give up the fight for a more just and equitable society.
Reclaiming the derogatory cultural barb “that’s what she said,” this stunning book celebrates strong female leadership throughout history and empowers current and future generations to find their voices and inspire change in their communities.
I fear that my review is going to be wholly inadequate, and not do this book the justice that it deserves. That’s What She Said: Wise Words From Influential Women is a gorgeous, timely book that should be in the house of every person out there! The use of script and artwork create pages that are a joy to look at, and the quotes themselves just add to the complete package that is this book. You’ll find wise words from women of all creeds, all colors, and all backgrounds. It’s a beautiful reminder that we’re all connected and, of course, that women should feel empowered!
Honestly, I feel a bit badly that it took me this long to get to this review. I actually devoured this whole book, eyes roving over each perfect page, the day I received it in the mail. It, quite fittingly, came at a time when I was feeling like my anxiety was going to overwhelm me again. There was something comforting in looking at the wise words of some many amazing women, and it grounded me again. It’s amazing what a simple book like this can do. Each and every page is a delight, and that’s truthfully the highest praise I can give this book. The whole thing is a work of art.
So if you haven’t already added this book to your TBR, please do. Otherwise simply go buy a copy! You won’t regret it. I settled on labeling this as a YA book, but in truth it’s a book that spans all age groups. On those days when you need a little reminder of the goodness and the wisdom in the world, Kimothy Joy’s book will be there for you.
FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.
