Her Flowers Top 10 of 2021
You’ve probably heard us mention before that we send WhatsApp voice notes back and forth, all day, every day. We really should just start a podcast.
And so, here are some of our most discussed items! Books, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and more! Let us know what you think.
Understanding Patriarchy, bell hooks
Since this essay was recommended by a Her Flowers teen, we have not stopped referencing it. Listen to the audio version, or read the PDF here. A stand-out resource from the late feminist leader.
-Dani & Julie
The Daily, The Facebook Whistle-Blower Testifies
After listening, I shared this episode with friends, family, clients. You name it. I found it so upsetting I had to pause multiple times. Let’s get off social media 👏 (read more about our decision to get off Instagram here).
-Julie
For the Love of Men, Liz Plank
One of my fave journalists and authors, Liz Plank, has given me a new perspective to understand how strict gender roles have damaging effects on men too. She’s made me a better daughter, sister, and friend.
-Dani
Anything for Selena, WBUR
For all of you who grew up with Selena and un poco de Bidi bidi bom bom, then this is the podcast for you! Growing up being Latina was sometimes a lonely experience, but after listening to this podcast I learned more about myself and the wider Latinx community in the US.
-Dani
What Happened to You, Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey
This is one of the most digestible and easy-to-understand overviews of trauma that I’ve come across. It’s great in the audio format because it’s written in conversation style and Bruce Perry and Oprah narrate the whole thing! They do a great job of weaving in the impacts of racism and implicit bias throughout the book.
-Julie
Woman
By far one of the most beautiful, authentic films I have seen in a long time. It captures the complex experience of being a woman through the voices of thousands of women across 50 countries. A MUST see.
-Dani
An American Marriage, Tayari Jones
Published in 2018, I finally got around to reading this novel a few months ago. It’s one of those books that will stay with me for a while. I loved how real it was.
-Julie
Maid Soundtrack, Netflix
My mind was blown by how REAL the storyline was of Netflix’s Maid. The soundtrack is just as incredible. I have been listening to it nonstop on long walks. It takes me through a lot of emotions.
-Dani
NYT Magainze: The Lockdown Showed How the Economy Exploits Women. She already Knew, Jordan Kisner
A quotable, impactful, well-researched long-form essay on the unpaid labor of women. The audio version is great!
-Julie
Pen15
And finally, we’re ending with a laugh-out-loud, hysterically funny, nostalgic, “cringe comedy” series. Two adult women play themselves as middle schoolers, with a cast of actual middle schoolers alongside them 😂. They do a great job of weaving in sexism, racism, and microaggressions throughout the show. If you went to middle school in the early 2000s, you must watch!
-Julie
