I tend to stay away from books about political figures. Not because they’re not interesting, but because there’s a hopeful quality to them that I don’t often see play out in the same way in real life. They tend to be idealistic and told in such a way that portrays the figure as something more than human. However, this book changed my mind on all of that. I, as well as the world, have watched Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rise into power with the odds stacked against her at every turn, and seen her persevere. This book of essays talks about all of that and more. These writers look at her in an introspective way, talking about the pride they have seeing a fellow Latina rise to step toe to toe with white men who think they dominate the field. They speak to their worries based on being shamed for their culture and so much more. It usually takes me days to read non-fiction, but I read this in a few hours. Each essay is profound and unique to them. I encourage you to read this, especially if you want to know how meaningful it is to have this powerhouse of a woman leading where it counts the most.
Seventeen writers explore the history the youngest woman in congress has made, and what this means. These writers span a variety of voices and ranges, each exploring the significance of AOC to them. How Alexandria is willing to use her imperfect bilingualism to champion for others as well as how she’s joined the long history of Puerto Rican activism. It’s amazing how a young woman of thirty represents so much of the generation of millennials. She’s from the working-class, Democratic Socialist, of Puerto Rican descent, a social media whiz, feminist, from the Bronx, and an amazing dancer.
I’m not sure where to start with this review, but the beginning seems like a decent place. The preface of this book is given by Keegan Michael-Key, and he sets such an excellent tone for what is to come. He’s eloquent, but also very real. There’s real admiration in his words, and it pulls you right in. From there, each essay poignantly tells the reader just what AOC means to them. For some, it’s like calling to like, because of the way they are having to forge their paths through years of discrimination against people of colour. For others, it’s her history of activism that drives that admiration.
My favourite essay has to be In No Uncertain Terms by Natalia Sylvester. This essay speaks to growing up with parents who expect you to speak Spanish in a country that fights to erase that part of you away. There’s a judgement that comes from both communities. One that discriminates against you for simply speaking another language, and the other for not speaking it well enough. However, still using that imperfect language to help strangers you don’t know, no matter the circumstance. AOC does this in the media constantly with honesty and acknowledging that while her Spanish may be flawed, she’s still here to be a voice for those that the government would overlook because of a language barrier.
While many of the essays talk about how AOC defeated her opponent, my favourites are the ones that look deeper. The ones that picked apart each political move her opponent made because he thought that he could simply win without a battle, and never realising that she was going to battle everyday, and the people made it clear who they thought would represent them best in congress. What really speaks to me is just how powerful this move is. I loved seeing the historic roots of Puerto Rican political activism and how that has played a part in shaping AOC.
Time and time again, there are mentions of how today’s government, and even president have tried to undermine what this incredible woman is accomplishing, and each time she manages to turn it around and make an even more powerful statement. To me, each of these essays shows that AOC is here to stay. She’s not making ripples. She’s making waves. And damned if that’s not the Latina way to do it. These essays not only emphasise what an important figure she is, but just how important it is to continue to follow her journey. Please read this book, especially if you want to understand why AOC is so relevant and meaningful to the communities she’s a champion for.
AOC: The Fearless Rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and What It Means for America is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
In the vein of Notorious RBG, seventeen writers explore the multiple meanings of a young Latina politician who has already made history.
From the moment Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez beat a ten-term incumbent in the primary election for New York’s 14th, her journey to the national, if not world, stage, was fast-tracked. Six months later, as the youngest Congresswoman ever elected, AOC became one of a handful of Latina politicians in Washington, D.C. Just thirty, she represents her generation, the millennials, in many groundbreaking ways: proudly working class, Democratic Socialist, of Puerto Rican descent, master of social media, not to mention of the Bronx, feminist—and a great dancer.
AOC investigates her symbolic and personal significance for so many, from her willingness to use her imperfect bi-lingualism, to the threat she poses by governing like a man, to the long history of Puerto Rican activism that she joins. Contributors span a wide range of voices and ages, from media to the arts and politics:
