Wow. This book is very well written and covers so many important topics. It provides an in-depth examination that aids in untangling the deep roots of American patriarchy, which includes both sexism and racism. I appreciate how the author brings together history and policy to explain how our current systems of oppression have been maintained, but she also provides hope for the future by discussing what we can do about it.

I have learned and read about many of the topics covered here before but this book is unique in how it insightfully weaves so many topics together; these include things like lost histories and the erasure of women's contributions, the intersection of patriarchy with racism and mental health, the maternal health crisis, etc.

Overall, it made me feel angry, sad, and hopeful. I greatly appreciate the call to dismantle patriarchy, reclaim history, and build a better future for generations to come.

This book captured my attention right away because while you have a vague idea of what is going on, some kind of group therapy or grief counseling, you want to figure out how these people will manage to heal. The characters are interesting, mostly likable, and relatable. The author does a good job sharing their stories and their grief from their unique perspectives. And while they are all very different, they have a lot in common and form a very strong bond within the first couple meetings. I enjoyed the theme around the importance of human connection and telling one's story in order to heal and move on from grief. "Perception is reality" is a saying I have heard before and it rings true here in so many way as this book does an excellent job of walking you through different dimensions of truth.

I enjoyed how this book allowed the reader to dive deep into 12 significant days in Isaac's long life, starting from his childhood and going well into his old age. This was a unique and insightful way to get to know someone and see their development over the course of a life. The author also did a great job incorporating real and interesting events in history throughout, along with developing the characters and their relationships. I found myself invested in both Isaac and his story as well as the historical events and settings from the 1920s to the 2010s. The format give you a deeper appreciation for how people change and think at different stages in their lives. I am not sure if Isaac's life was truly strange, but it surely was interesting.