Necessary Trouble: Growing Up at Midcentury

As an admirer of Drew Faust and her work, I was eager to jump into this memoir, which is getting lots of good press. I learned much about her background, and I'm even more impressed with her. I was disappointed that it ended with the 1960s, as I would have been especially interested to read about her life and work in academia. Maybe there will be another volume. I appreciated the way that she turns an historian's eye on her own story, and I was inspired by her use of her old family letters. As I process my own, I would be interested in her approach.

“Necessary Trouble” by Drew Gilpin Faust is an insightful and thought-provoking examination of the social movements that have shaped America over the past century. Through in-depth research and analysis, Faust delves into the history of political activism in America, from the labor movements of the early 20th century to the civil rights, feminist, and LGBTQ rights movements of more recent decades.

One of the book's greatest strengths is Faust's ability to weave together the personal stories of individual activists with the larger historical and political context in which they were operating. This gives readers a sense of the human faces behind the movements, and helps to bring to life the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for social change.

Another key aspect of the book is Faust's examination of the intersectionality of various movements and how they have influenced each other. The author demonstrates how the Civil Rights movement, for example, served as a catalyst for the feminist and LGBTQ rights movements.

Faust's writing style is clear, engaging and well-researched. She presents a balanced perspective and does not shy away from critiquing the movements and the people involved. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history of political activism in America, and the role that social movements have played in shaping the country's political landscape.

Faust loved shool since the beginning of kindergarten at the age of four and at Bryn Mawr, she had become engrossed not only in the act of learning but also in the issues surrounding higher education, including its structure and future. Could it provide enough relevance to the social and political questions that preoccupied them? She had proven to herself that it was indeed possible.

Overall, “Necessary Trouble” is a well-written, informative and thought-provoking book that provides a valuable perspective on the history of social movements in America. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history of political activism in America.

(ARC copy from Netgalley)