2021: I knew this book was going to be a slam dunk, and IT WAS

Don't be thrown off by the idea that you might not be "into data" or think that this book will be too tech-y for you. It absolutely will not be; Pérez tackles tangible issues that directly relate to your life, no matter your gender. Also, this book is super timely - I was screaming at the audiobook while Pérez was discussing the importance of paid family leave. COME ON JOE EFFING MANCHIN

I loved that Pérez wrote this with a much more universal approach than I was expecting going into it. She is Brazilian by birth, but has lived in many countries, and currently resides in the United Kingdom. I thought her sourcing of data was very well-rounded, including almost as many stories from developing countries as developed.

My biggest criticism here is that Pérez is specifically advocating for the world not being set up for one "standard, default, one size fits all" human, while avoiding any mention of non-binary people. If Step One is to complete these studies using a "standard" male population, this book points out the many ways the world has not yet even completed Step Two, including women in their studies. However, I'd really love to see us already at Step Three, including how these studies might affect those who fall outside the gender binary.

There are a couple of great Leslie Knope references that were a joy to find. But most important are the takeaways that literally everyone will be able to find a use for in their own lives. For example, it was not until I was listening to this book while at work that I realized that my own office did not have the required private space for breastfeeding mothers. And I pay attention to these things! Love when a book helps me to confront my own unconscious biases.