In Gloria Steinem’s last book, stories of hope and a wish to live to 100

Gloria Steinem passed away just weeks before the publication of her latest memoir, "An Unexpected Life," at the age of 92. In the introduction of the book, she expressed that she was happier than she ever imagined and had formed friendships with chosen family members from around the world. She planned to live until the age of 100.

Steinem's memoir traces her life from her childhood in Ohio during the 1940s and 1950s, when women were expected to marry and have children, to her political awakening and rise in the second-wave feminist movement. She discusses her time living in India after college, which challenged her Western romantic illusions and introduced her to nonhierarchical thinking.

The memoir highlights her belief in the power of gathering with others around a shared space, such as a kitchen table or living room, to communicate and share thoughts honestly. Steinem also reflects on her relationships with men and women, noting that women who marry men can sometimes harbor resentment towards them.

In the book, Steinem also shares some regrets, including spending too much time fulfilling societal expectations and not enough pursuing her passions. She encourages herself and others to remain hopeful by reflecting on the leaps of consciousness experienced during the women's movement. Steinem's memoir is set to be released on September 22, 2021.