A Renaissance of Our Own

A Memoir & Manifesto on Reimagining

By: Rachel E. Cargle

Narrated by: Rachel E. Cargle

From a highly lauded modern voice in feminism and racial justice comes a deeply personal and insightful testament to the power of reimagining to dismantle the frameworks and systems that no longer serve us while building new ones that do.

“Powerful . . . You will leave these pages changed for the better.”—Gabrielle Union, New York Times bestselling author of We’re Going to Need More Wine

There are breaking points in all our lives when we realize that the way things have been done before just don’t work for us anymore, be it the way we approach our relationships, our belief systems, our work, our education, even our rest. For activist, philanthropist, and CEO Rachel E. Cargle, reimagining—the act of creating in our minds that which does not exist but that we believe can and should—has been a lifelong process. Reimagining served as the most powerful catalyst for Cargle’s personal transformation from a small-town Christian wife to an incisive queer feminist voice of a generation.

In A Renaissance of Our Own, we witness the sometimes painful but always inspiring breaking points in Cargle’s life that fostered a truer identity. These defining moments offer a blueprint for how we must all use our imagination—the space that sees beyond limits—to live in alignment with our highest values and to craft a world independent of oppressive structures, both personal and societal. Cargle now invites you to acknowledge ways of being that stem from societal expectations instead of your personal truth, and to embark on a renaissance of your own. She provides the very tools and prompts that she used to unearth her own truth, tools that opened her up to being a more authentic feminist and purpose-driven matriarchal leader.

A Renaissance of Our Own gives us the courage to look at the world and say “I want something different.” It serves as a reminder of the power and possibility of reimagining a life that feels right, all the way down to the marrow of your bones.

Revolutionary Brilliance

Rachel’s story and evolution is amazing and inspiring - as a fellow autodidactic, I appreciate Rachel’s passion, curiosity and innovation. I hope to learn and make a difference to the never-ending battle of white supremacy.

Life Changing

Such a beautiful read. As a Black woman going through her own renaissance, I feel refreshed, and ready to reimagine my life.

Inspirational

So many relevant points would render this "tldr"
I was touched and impressed by the fact that at the age of 67 Dr. Cooper obtained her Phd during a time of slavery and lived til 105. Gives one a different perspective.

Beautiful

I enjoyed this book so much that it became the November pick for my book club. There were several relatable topics and takeaways that I’ve started taken action on to further my understanding on subjects I’ve overlooked as a woman. I’m lucky to get to listen to this book a second time!

I love it!

Inspiring. Encouraging. Just what I needed. Her voice is soothing and the story is relatable.