Welcome to Litsy!

In the newest episode of Unabridged podcast, we have a wide-ranging conversation with RuthAnn Deveney. We talk about fighting against human trafficking, the importance of seeing the dignity in all humans, and the best books to read to learn more about this important social issue. You can also find out more about Dressember and how you can help support RuthAnn's fundraising efforts.⠀
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What books about human trafficking would you recommend?

Tanya Lee Stone's Girl Rising: Changing the World One Girl at a Time is such a compelling and accessible look at the plight of girls around the world. Through a focus on individuals, Stone reveals the dangers inherent in lack of access to education, poverty, and early marriage.

#AMonthOfSongs Day 26: I have the #roar of girl rising in this nonfiction title featuring voices from young people coming from Cambodia, India, Sierra Leone, Nepal, Egypt, Haiti, Nepal, Peru, Uganda, Ethiopia, among others. This is an unforgettable book, one that would remain with the reader for a long time. I am glad that this has been one of my first three reads in 2019. #WomenReadWomen2019. My full review: https://wp.me/pDlzr-jEs

This collection of biographical essays about girls from developing nations who are fighting for their right to education is equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring.

There is an excellent chapter encouraging young people to get involved in activism to make the world a better place. I‘m not young, but I‘ll be looking for more information about a nonprofit called Room to Read. #readathon

“In many places, violence—and he threat of violence—is directed at girls BECAUSE they go to school. It is a warning, a punishment, a deterrent. The message: if you want to be educated, if you try, there will be a steep price to pay.”

This shares vital stories of girls in developing countries as they struggle and fight for their education. It also shares advice about what to reader can do for the cause. Unfortunately it often takes this weird tone of like... "Can you even believe these girls were ever happy again after all the tragedy they went through?" The stories and information is important. The attitude is pitying and a little gross?

"There are more than 20 million victims of slavery today -- a higher number of enslaved people than at any other time in world history...Human trafficking is a modern term for the slave trade."

I am so excited to finally have some time to dive into this book. I love books that get me fired up and this looks just like it will do it!

This was a really great introduction to some of the issues that plague girls around the globe. Its written for a younger audience and as an introduction, so it wasn't new information for anyone who has read Half the Sky, but its great for what it actually intended to do. This is where I'd direct any YA readers looking into this subject first.

Not-so-still life: Bedtime reading and a cat very obsessed with catching her tail.

In spite of the terrible formatting of the eARC, this book works as a good accompaniment to a documentary. The stories are presented without an inspiration porn spin. I liked that in addition to the stories, there's a section that urges and offers readers ways to engage in actionable steps after reading about these girls. The author's note was also insightful. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the ARC.

Seriously publishers need to be better about their digital galley formatting. This is painful to read.

I love this dedication. I'd been looking forward to this book but didn't quite expect it when it came in.