Review by cora_alvina -- DeFacto Feminism: Essays Straig...

[cora_alvina]

[Following is a volunteer review of "DeFacto Feminism: Essays Straight Outta Oakland" by Judy Juanita.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The journey Judy Juanita takes the reader on in her novel De Facto Feminism: Essays Straight Outta Oakland , a mixed media memoir invokes irreplaceable emotions that are felt throughout reading the novel. It combines emails, essays, poems, and images to render a portrayal of the author's life beginning from her childhood in east Oakland to her experience as an adult with a reputable spirit guide. With raw candor and humor she's able to describe her childhood, her decision to join the Black Panther Party as a junior in college, and her [ongoing] experiences as a journalist, playwright, poet, and novelist in the black literary fiction genre.

The only thing I wholeheartedly didn't like about this book was that I hadn't read it sooner. It seemed to always flow beneath my radar. I loved the fluidity between the chapters - especially the ending, there was so much love and it made me keep wishing the novel wouldn't end. To say the least, the ending was beautiful, it was one of those endings that left you feeling complete.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.Juanita's unique perspective given throughout the entirety of the novel as a member of the original Black Panther and as a black women and writer. I found her version of a memoir to be quiet refreshing, she poured her whole heart into it, and it's felt throughout the entirety of the novel.

As for typographical errors, I found none throughout the novel. Though, there is a small typo in the table of contents - the last essay is listed on page 17 versus 175.

This book would most definitely appeal to a wide range of readers, though mostly females in my opinion. Those interested in the Black Panther Party would find this quite interesting and enjoyable. Feminist will without a doubt, love this.

I don't recommend anyone to avoid reading this, it's truly a hidden gem. Though you, as a person, know yourself best. If this genre doesn't appeal to you, by all means don't force yourself. Anyone who reads this will walk away with a sense of connection, compassion, and understanding with the words on every single page.

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DeFacto Feminism: Essays Straight Outta Oakland
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