Had I Known: Collected Essays

by Barbara Ehrenreich
Had I Known: Collected Essays cover
Good Books rating 4.12
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  • ID: 5433
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 2
Reviews
the-tls.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
insightful 4.50

Barbara Ehrenreich's 'Had I Known' is a collection of essays that delve into her personal experiences and political views. The essays are thought-provoking and insightful, offering a unique perspective on various social and political issues.

Barbara Ehrenreich's 'Had I Known' is a compelling collection of essays that span her career and personal life. Each essay is a blend of personal narrative and political commentary, making the book both intimate and intellectually stimulating. The essays cover a wide range of topics, from her experiences as a journalist to her thoughts on class and gender. They are written with a sharp wit and a deep sense of empathy, making them both engaging and thought-provoking. The book is a testament to Ehrenreich's ability to weave personal stories with broader social and political issues, offering readers a unique perspective on the world.

Quick quotes

    The essays are a blend of personal narrative and political commentary

    They are written with a sharp wit and a deep sense of empathy

    The book is a testament to Ehrenreich's ability to weave personal stories with broader social and political issues

nytimes.com · Unknown · 2020-04-29
good 3.75

The book is praised for its inspiring story of courage and determination against societal oppression. Readers appreciate the thought-provoking themes and well-written narrative, though some find the initial chapters slow and the character development lacking depth.

Readers find 'The Slummer: Quarters Till Death' to be an inspiring tale of courage and determination, particularly resonating with those who enjoy running or appreciate underdog stories. The book's themes of societal oppression, hope, and determination are thought-provoking and leave a lasting impression. The narrative is well-written, with engaging characters and recognizable locations that add to the enjoyment for those familiar with the setting. However, some readers note that the initial chapters are slower and the character development could be deeper. The book's exploration of classism, racism, and genetics is appreciated, though some feel the world-building could be more descriptive. Overall, the book is seen as a must-read for those interested in dystopian fiction and sports.

Quick quotes

    Excellent! I loved this book! As a runner I appreciate the story, as an American I find it’s potential a little surreal. This is so well written and inspiring. It is a reminder that we can do hard things and little movements change worlds. I encourage you to read this book and start running the race!

    Just read this a second time. This is by far the best running novel… About society, classism, racism, and genetics. I will certainly be reading this over and over again through the years!

    Disney Movie Adaptation. I felt like the whole book was a Disney movie and much too syrupy for a dystopian novel. I did not see a lot of depth with the characters as they were clearly very good or very bad with no one in-between.

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