Era of Ignition (Amber Tamblyn)

This post will essentially be Spoiler Free, however comments by other users may possibly contain information that spoils portions of the plot, so read at them your own risk.

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What it's about:

Era of Ignition: Coming of Age in a Time of Rage and Revolution is, in a sense, Amber Tamblyn's life work. Detailing her experiences acting from an early age through her teen years and young adulthood, to her years as a mother and producer, Tamblyn discusses being a strong female in a male-driven world. Told through essays, letters, and interviews, Tamblyn re-examines what it means to be a feminist, and why it's so important now to stand up for women everywhere.

Why it's worth a read:

• If you're looking for some current feminist literature that doesn't come off as man-hating, this one fits the bill. The focus is more on educating people (men and women alike) about their different experiences and the privileges they have had and how it relates to feminism while also sharing her own story.
• Tamblyn is completely and totally open. She admits her own mistakes and failures, not only in her general life, but even within her views and actions in the feminist movement. Since many novels of this type can come off rather righteous, it is refreshing to find someone who fully admits they don't have all of the answers, and are learning and growing themselves.
• Not only socially relevant, it's also politically relevant. Tamblyn covers everything from her earlier roles to Hilary Clinton's run for presidency, her pregnancies, the #MeToo Movement, and her directorial and writing efforts. Throughout all of this, she does not selfishly discuss only her thoughts and opinions, and instead features other voices and perspectives from different walks of life.
• Although not ground-breaking, this fresh perspective will make you think. If you are very educated in the current concerns and ideas of feminism, then many of the things in this book will simply confirm what you know. Yet, whether you are or not, there will be a few things that will open your eyes. 
• Tamblyn's book is deeply personal. All at once a confession, an apology (and a refusal to apologize), an open letter to her daughter, a warning, a wake up call, and a call to action, something in this book will resonate with you.

Where it disappoints:

• It isn't very concise. Although it is a short book, there are some times when Tamblyn can feel a little like she is rambling. Her passion is evident, and overall this only happens a few times, but it can occasionally drag a little.
• The format and content are not always consistent. The book is mostly written in a essay sort of format, and it generally feels as though she is speaking to you. However, there is a letter and an interview as well, and although they feature good content, the format lost me a few times. It didn't feel as though it fit with the rest of the book.
• If you don't really understand anything about feminism, or feel strongly about it, this book won't be a good place to start. If you know a bit here and there, then you will be able to understand some of the ideas in greater detail, but it definitely isn't an effective introduction. It is also geared more towards women, and will not be as effective for male readers. Yes, they will get something important out of it, but I doubt that they will find it overly impactful either, as it is more anecdotal regarding female experiences.

Final Thoughts:

I am very glad I read this book - it was an effective and well-written perspective on feminism that few people talk about. Yes, Tamblyn is frustrated, angry, and upset - and it shows - but she is not an all-consuming man-hater. She believes in equal rights for all females, and discusses this candidly, as well as her own faults and failings in life as well as with her feminist ideals. I did not think this book was perfect (in fact, sometimes I was honestly bored), but I do think that it is an important piece to read. The ideas were not particularly new to me, however some of her points and perspectives were, and they absolutely made me think and analyze more in-depth the things I knew (or thought I knew). All in all, a winner in my books.