Fifty Years of Exponent II (Signature Books, August 2024) by Katie Ludlow Rich & Heather Sundahl—with an afterword by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich—is weeks away from release and is open to preorders!
Book Teaser:
On a sweltering day in June 1974, a group of housewives, graduate students, and young professionals gathered in the Boston suburbs. Their mission: to produce the first issue of Exponent II, a “humble yet sincere” newspaper “poised on the dual platforms of Mormonism and Feminism.” They viewed their work as an act of devotion, not rebellion, and were naïve of the cold reception they would soon receive from LDS Church leaders. Nevertheless, the paper became a national platform connecting Mormon feminists. It provided a vital space for them to question and integrate different aspects of their dual—and sometimes dueling—identities. From the Equal Rights Amendment to queer identity, Exponent II has hosted some of the most urgent conversations of its time while also embracing life’s dailiness.
This comprehensive history and anthology celebrate five decades of Exponent II. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, the authors chronicle the organization’s evolution from a kitchen-table-style newspaper to a quarterly magazine, blog, and annual retreat. Its transformative impact on the lives of its participants stands as a testament to the power of connection, resilience, and community over ideological purity.
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I can’t overstate what a gift this book is to this community and the history of feminism. Each page is filled with gems, love, and incredible stories with big, universal themes that resonate in a thousand ways. I’m changed forever because I read Fifty Years of Exponent II. Read a review of the book by blogger Lavender, who says, “the words and pages and history in this book feel sacred to me.”
You do not want to be late to this party:
Preorder at B&N
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