YOU TOO?

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.