cover image Era of Ignition: Coming of Age in a Time of Rage and Revolution

Era of Ignition: Coming of Age in a Time of Rage and Revolution

Amber Tamblyn. Crown Archetype, $25 (272p) ISBN 978-1-984822-98-7

Actress Tamblyn (Any Man) addresses the #MeToo movement in this part-memoir, part-call-to-action collection. Across essays, anecdotes, and lists, Tamblyn discusses her abusive relationships, her struggles with “getting a seat at the table” in a patriarchal Hollywood, and her work as an activist for women’s rights. Opening with an emotional account of her decision to terminate her first pregnancy with her husband, David, Tamblyn establishes a fiercely unapologetic stance on feminism. Along the way, she argues that “‘innocent until proven guilty’ is often used as a weapon of mass destruction for aggressors,” and urges men to take accountability for their own actions. Tamblyn frequently name-drops and has a tendency to stereotype (she calls out all “two of her cis male readers” who “took time away from playing Destiny on Xbox” to read her book), though women looking to commiserate will find a lot to like here, including a Male Ally Manifesto, which encourages men to “be proactive peers and help create a more balanced world.” While Tamblyn’s tone may alienate some readers, her message is certainly thought-provoking and energizing. [em](Mar.) [/em]