You Too?: 25 Voices Share Their #MeToo Stories

by Janet Gurtler Narrated by Allyson Ryan

Overview

A timely and heartfelt collection of essays inspired by the #MeToo movement, edited by acclaimed young adult and middle-grade author Janet Gurtler. Featuring Beth Revis, Mackenzi Lee, Ellen Hopkins, Saundra Mitchell, Jennifer Brown, Cheryl Rainfield, and many more.

When #MeToo went viral, Janet Gurtler was among the millions of people who began to reflect on her past experiences. Things she had reluctantly accepted — male classmates groping her at recess, harassment at work — came back to her in startling clarity. She needed teens to know what she had not: that no young person should be subject to sexual assault, or made to feel unsafe, less than, or degraded.

You Too? was born out of that need. By turns thoughtful and explosive, these personal stories encompass a wide range of experiences and will resonate with every reader who has wondered, "Why is this happening to me?" or secretly felt that their own mistreatment or abuse is somehow their fault — it's not. Candid and empowering, You Too? is written for teens, but also an essential resource for the adults in their lives — an urgent, compassionate call to listen and create change.

Editorial Reviews

JANUARY 2020 - AudioFile

Narrator Allyson Ryan delivers a visceral, sincere performance of this diverse collection of essays inspired by the #MeToo movement. Contributors include several well-known authors, all with the message that no one should have to experience sexual assault and that victims are not at fault for what happens to them. Ryan’s narration captures the blunt writing style of authors who detail their experiences with candor but provides emotional balance with softer, gentler tones that help listeners better process the intensity of what they’re hearing. Though this audiobook is intended for teens, adults will also find this collection relevant. An essential listen for anyone looking to gain awareness of sexual assault, especially those who feel alone in their trauma. A.K.R. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

From the Publisher

A timely and important essay collection that deserves a spot on library shelves.”-School Library Journal, starred review


“This collection of 25 stories is diverse, compelling, and deeply haunting as YA authors share wise insights and relate real-life horrors...A necessary and empowering anthology.” –Kirkus Reviews

School Library Journal

★ 02/01/2020

Gr 9 Up—Crystal Kite Award Finalist Gurtler has gathered 25 people willing to share their experiences with sexual harassment, rape, and sexual assault. Of these 25 voices, only one identifies as male, but they all represent different races, sexual orientations, and various backgrounds. Some of these #MeToo stories happened when the authors were children or teens, while some experiences occurred when they were adults. Some took place over multiple periods in their life. The alleged assailants were not limited to strangers. They were neighbors, teachers, family members, other adults, and peers. Each contributor bravely and powerfully shares their experiences, and how they were affected. They also explain why they did or didn't speak up at the time. Words of encouragement and support are tastefully woven into the stories. YA author Mischa Thrace states, "The silence isn't forever. But it's okay if it is." Many essayists provide facts about the subject at hand and disprove the beliefs of critics and skeptics. Each of the featured narratives will have varying levels of impact. Some of the content could be triggering. Readers may find themselves questioning why some voices were included and some were left out. However, these types of questions prove that sharing these deeply personal experiences is all the more necessary. VERDICT A timely and important essay collection that deserves a spot on library shelves.—Amanda Borgia, Uniondale Public Library, NY

JANUARY 2020 - AudioFile

Narrator Allyson Ryan delivers a visceral, sincere performance of this diverse collection of essays inspired by the #MeToo movement. Contributors include several well-known authors, all with the message that no one should have to experience sexual assault and that victims are not at fault for what happens to them. Ryan’s narration captures the blunt writing style of authors who detail their experiences with candor but provides emotional balance with softer, gentler tones that help listeners better process the intensity of what they’re hearing. Though this audiobook is intended for teens, adults will also find this collection relevant. An essential listen for anyone looking to gain awareness of sexual assault, especially those who feel alone in their trauma. A.K.R. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

Kirkus Reviews

2020-02-17
Familiar voices address issues of harassment, exploitation, and gender equality.

This collection of 25 stories is diverse, compelling, and deeply haunting as YA authors share wise insights and relate real-life horrors. The situations range from verbal harassment to rape, misogyny, and pedophilia. The anthology begins with the harrowing child molestation experienced by Patty Blount at the age of 5. There are personal stories about harassment in the workplace, assault on the playground, and predatory victim grooming in high school. Others muse about sexual orientation and the impact of toxic masculinity on both straight and gay encounters. Many writers, such as Saundra Mitchell and Ellen Hopkins, offer dark, introspective cautionary tales and lessons in empowerment. Mackenzi Lee’s modern take on the biblical tale of Bathsheba is an entertaining, defiant standout. Given the staggering breadth of material, the book is guaranteed to hit a nerve. Readers will applaud the brave honesty and the senses of community, support, and inclusivity that have been the aspirations of the #MeToo movement. These stories hit pretty hard and editor Gurtler acknowledges in her introduction that the experience may be triggering but argues that the dialogue is essential and ultimately healing. Contributors include people who are queer and writers of color.

A necessary and empowering anthology. (resources, about the authors) (Nonfiction. 13-18)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173539199
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	01/07/2020
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

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