The Witches Are Coming by Lindy West Summary
Overview of The Witches Are Coming
In "The Witches Are Coming," NYT writer Lindy West brilliantly dismantles misogyny in American culture with razor-sharp essays that redefined post-#MeToo feminist discourse. Nominated for Goodreads Choice Award, this collection turns "witch hunt" accusations into a battle cry for truth-tellers everywhere.
- Lindy West reframes "witch hunt" as feminist reckoning with patriarchal power structures
- #MeToo backlash exposes America’s addiction to protecting mediocre white male dominance
- Pop culture critiques reveal how Adam Sandler-style humor normalizes sexist oppression
- Truth-telling becomes radical witchcraft against Trump-era propaganda and historical lies
- White male mediocrity flourishes through distorted myths of American exceptionalism
- Body positivity battles intersect with systemic misogyny in beauty standard enforcement
- Joan Rivers’ career demonstrates female comics navigating toxic masculinity minefields
- Goop’s wellness empire mirrors elitist disconnection from working-class healthcare realities
- Abortion rights battles unveil continued patriarchal control over bodily autonomy
- Collective female anger fuels progress against racist-sexist political infrastructures
- Rejecting "niceness politics" demands unapologetic truth-telling for societal transformation
- Historical witch hunts foreshadow modern attempts to silence marginalized voices
About the Author of The Witches Are Coming
Lindy West, New York Times bestselling author and feminist cultural critic, explores systemic injustice, pop culture, and gender politics in her incendiary essay collection The Witches Are Coming. A defining voice in modern feminism, West merges sharp wit with unflinching social critique, drawing from her experience as a Guardian columnist, This American Life contributor, and co-founder of the reproductive rights movement #ShoutYourAbortion.
Her debut memoir, Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman, a New York Times bestseller adapted into a Hulu series, cemented her reputation for dismantling fatphobia and misogyny in media. West’s work has been featured in Jezebel, GQ, and her Butt News newsletter, where she critiques film and culture.
A Stranger Genius Award winner and Esquire Best Book honoree, she co-hosts the comedy podcast Text Me Back and lives on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Shrill has been translated into 12 languages and streamed globally via Hulu’s acclaimed adaptation.
FAQs About The Witches Are Coming
What is The Witches Are Coming by Lindy West about?
The Witches Are Coming is a sharp, humorous essay collection critiquing modern societal norms through a feminist lens. West tackles post-2016 political backlash, misogyny, toxic masculinity, and pop culture’s role in normalizing oppression, using references from Ghostbusters to Donald Trump. The title metaphor challenges patriarchal fearmongering, declaring, “Yes, we are witches—and we’re hunting you.”
Who should read The Witches Are Coming?
This book appeals to feminists, social justice advocates, and readers seeking incisive cultural criticism blended with humor. Fans of West’s prior work (Shrill) or writers like Rebecca Solnit will appreciate her unapologetic analysis of gender, power dynamics, and media. It’s ideal for those exploring intersectional feminism or disillusioned by post-Trump political rhetoric.
Is The Witches Are Coming worth reading?
Yes—readers praise its quotable prose, laugh-out-loud snark, and timely insights. Goodreads reviewers highlight its “biting wit” and “scholarly rhetoric,” calling it a standout in feminist literature. West balances levity with urgent critiques, making complex topics accessible while offering actionable optimism.
What are the main themes in The Witches Are Coming?
- Accountability: Examines systemic complicity in oppression, from #MeToo to racist media narratives.
- Pop culture critique: Analyzes films, TV, and public figures (e.g., Adam Sandler, Forrest Gump) as vectors for harmful ideologies.
- Witch symbolism: Reclaims “witch” as a label for women resisting patriarchal control.
How does The Witches Are Coming address feminism and politics?
West argues that 2016’s political shifts exposed existing societal fractures, particularly misogyny and white supremacy. She critiques both conservative policies and liberal complacency, urging collective action over “individual fixes” to systemic issues. Essays dissect abortion rights, rape culture, and media’s role in shaping public perception.
What iconic quotes are in The Witches Are Coming?
While direct quotes are restricted in reviews, readers highlight lines like:
- “We’re not melting—we’re burning shit down.”
- “The truth is not an algorithm; the truth is a searchlight”.
These encapsulate West’s blend of defiance and clarity, often cited for social media shares.
How does this book compare to Lindy West’s Shrill?
While Shrill focuses on personal essays about body positivity and identity, The Witches Are Coming adopts a broader sociopolitical scope. Both use humor, but the latter emphasizes systemic critique over memoir, reflecting West’s evolution from individual to collective advocacy.
What criticisms exist about The Witches Are Coming?
Some readers note West’s sarcastic tone may alienate those unfamiliar with her style, and her focus on U.S.-centric issues limits global applicability. However, most praise her ability to 平衡 wit with substantive analysis.
How does Lindy West use pop culture references in the book?
West dissects films like The Lion King and public figures (e.g., Bill Cosby) to reveal embedded sexism and racism. For example, she critiques Forrest Gump as a vehicle for romanticizing ignorance, linking it to anti-intellectual political trends.
Does The Witches Are Coming offer solutions to its critiques?
Yes—West advocates for collective activism, urging readers to reject apathy and confront systemic inequities. She emphasizes storytelling as a tool for change, exemplified by her #ShoutYourAbortion campaign co-founded in 2015.
Why is the “witch” metaphor central to the book?
The witch symbolizes marginalized people (especially women) persecuted for challenging power structures. West subverts the trope, framing witches not as villains but as truth-tellers dismantling oppressive systems.
How does The Witches Are Coming relate to current events?
Though published in 2019, its themes resonate with 2025 debates about reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ discrimination, and media disinformation. West’s critique of “both-sides-ism” remains relevant amid polarized political discourse.
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Key Themes in The Witches Are Coming
Quotes from The Witches Are Coming
White men failing upward has become so normal it distorts our perception of quality.
Institutional benefit of the doubt is monstrously powerful, turning lies into truth through incantation.
If someone is universally likable, I don't trust them.
A witch has power, and power in women isn't likable.
From romantic comedies I learned stalking means he loves you.
Characters in The Witches Are Coming
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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