Voices from the "twentysomething" generation explore the future of the "Women's Movement" © Paula Kamen 1991 

Widely noted and praised as the first Generation X "Third Wave" or young feminist book, published by Donald I. Fine/Penguin, 1991. It is now out of print, but you can order it from the author directly.

Written when the author was 23 years old, this book explores a central conflict of Generation X women: resistance to the label of "feminist," but then support of the ideals of the women's movement. Like Her Way, it is based on hundreds of original issues with a diversity of young women and incorporates current research and pop culture trends.

Feminist scholar bell hooks calls the book "one of the most well researched and thoughtful discussions of the factors that shape responses to feminist thinking among younger women." Also praised by Susan Faludi and Naomi Wolf, the book was widely covered and reviewed, in such publications as the Washington Post, Elle, Los Angeles Times, Ms. and Time Magazine. The book's analyses of young women's conflicts with -- and hopes for -- feminism are still resonant and politically relevant today. 

Reviews:

School Library Journal, April 1992
 LA Times, October 20, 1991
Kirkus Reviews, September 1, 1991

Media Mentions: Interview, Chicago Tribune, Sunday, March 29, 1992

Chapters:

• Introduction (personal essay)
• Basic Perceptions of Feminism
• The Roots of Our Perceptions
• Feminism in 'Real Life'
• Today's Issues
• Current Feminist Influences and Activism
• Conclusion
• Resource Guide

"Paula Kamen is a gutsy young woman who isn't afraid to say she is a feminist. In a much-needed defense of feminism's basic message, the author spells out for young women why the women's movement is essential to their lives and why their refusal to identify with feminism only undermines their fundamental rights, dignity and sense of self-respect. If there were more women like Paula Kamen who were willing to speak up for the cause of women's equality, perhaps feminism wouldn't have been dubbed a dirty word."— Susan Faludi, author of Backlash and Stiffed

"She [Kamen] blends intelligence, sophistication and youthful energy into a quest for how the women's movement might grow."— Washington Post"

An honest, well-documented image of familiar issues from a singularly intelligent point of view."—Los Angeles Times

"Earnest and well informed¦will hopefully provide the impetus to further studies. Recommended."—Library Journal

"If we don't understand young women's resistance to feminism, we can not begin to understand our own future. With Feminist Fatale, Paula Kamen has provided a map to chart the survival of the women's movement into the next generation."—Naomi Wolf, author of the Beauty Myth and other books