Fire with Fire: The New Female Power and How It Will Change the 21st Century

by Naomi Wolf

Book Overview

Most women embrace equality, but reject "feminism." In clear and brilliant prose, the author of the best-selling The Beauty Myth shows how this rift came about, and how to close it. A practical and inspiring road map for personal and political equality in our time.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 067942718X
• ISBN13: 9780679427186
• Release Date: November 1993
• Publisher: Random House (NY)
• Length: 373 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.5" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

READ THIS BOOK

This is a great book! We so often overlook the simple decisions we make everyday that could change our situation. Little things like letting the manager at the bookstore know that we don't enjoy having Maxim next Newsweek. It is an imperfect but eye opening book. Recognizing the power you already have is critical to advocating change. This book is inspiring in a way feminist literature hasn't been since the 1970's.

Outstanding

This book changed my life. When I read this book in college it opened a whole new world of feminism to me. Prior to this book, feminists were women who didn't shave their legs, or who were lesbians, or who didn't like men. But this book really revealed the power of all women, the unity that just being a woman provides and the opportunities to work towards that unity. I truly loved this book and recommend it to all.

She's controversial BECAUSE SHE GETS IT!

Naomi Wolf understands the importance of balance. She understands that women have in many ways been deprived of (or at best, discouraged from claiming) our rights, and that we have a responsibility now to stand up for ourselves and claim them, and to use them with our own AND others' interests in mind when we have claimed them. Speaking out about victimization is useful because it is the first step toward concrete action to reverse the situation - but glorying in one's identity as a victim is not productive.Because she refuses to shove feminism into a rigid dogmatic paradigm and promotes balancing rights and responsibility, she gets criticism from both sides. Those on the sociopolitical right are afraid of her because she is a popular feminist who wants women to have all the resources they deserve. Some of those on the staunchly ideological left are afraid (somewhat understandably, but unfortunately) that her deviations from their dogma will undermine their efforts. This criticism is really a good thing, as it means she understands the complexity of these issues. Feminism is supposed to be about choices and balance, and Wolf espouses both. The book (like any book ever written) is not without its weak points, but these are minor in comparison to the validity of the underlying message.

Terrific Insight

I have read all of Naomi Wolf's books and feel this is one of her best. Her knowledge and insight is truly astounding. She makes you wonder why we don't question or challenge the way women are perceived in modern society. She raises valid points that give credibility to the title, Fire with Fire. Great book ... I highly recommend it.

Inspiring and refreshing.

This is one of the most captivating books I have read on the subject of women's studies. The message was so strong and exciting and completely tangible. I am a man and enjoyed it immensely...no doubt other men and women will enjoy it too.