Happy Women’s History Month! Women’s History (or Herstory, if you’re so inclined) Month is a time to celebrate awesome ladies and the fantastic things they have done. So, get ready for two non-fiction books that are different but equally cool.
Also, feel free to comment with some of your favorite non-fiction pieces about stellar women to celebrate Women’s History Month!
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Jane Addams and the Dream of American Democracy: A Life
Jane Addams is what I would call the Oprah of the early 1900s. She won a Nobel Peace Prize, was deemed honorary president for life of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, and suffragette. Her father was close friends with Abraham Lincoln, and Lincoln became her biggest role model as she championed for human rights. When she died in 1935 she was known as the most best known female public figure. (I know what you’re thinking: why haven’t I heard of this super cool lady before?)
This book was given to me by a friend, and it proved to be a truly inspiring read. It’s a really good look at some of the history they gloss over in school. Whether or not you agree with Addams’s philosophies, believes, or political views, one has to admit that Addams was an awesome woman for daring to not only believe that women could make change, but going out and making change in the world.
Quote: “Each of us imagines the life we might have lived but did not, knowing as we do this imagining that we have one life only.”
You’ll like this if: you liked the HBO movie Iron Jawed Angels, you’re interested in the history behind the suffrage movement, and you want to find an awesome lady role model.
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A Little Bit Wicked: Life, Love, and Faith in Stages
I’m a big fan of anyone who can be perky, adorable, and also incredibly smart. That’s why I love Kristin Chenoweth. In this autobiography, Chenoweth, who you may know from Wicked, Pushing Daisies or her new show GCB, details her beginnings in Oklahoma and follows her path to fame. What I found fascinating about her book is that she maintains a really positive outlook throughout her journey. There are some heartwarming stories, hilarious tales, and a dash of adventure. After you finish reading the book, it’s as satisfying as lunch with a friend who breathlessly told you her entire life story.
I listened to her story on audiobook, and I really loved her narration. Her adorable personality makes the story that much more full of life. Plus there are guest appearances from some of the people she mentions in her tale.
You’ll like this if: you’re a fan of Broadway, Chenoweth, and want to read a really great feel good story.
Quote: “There’s the beauty of life beyond the bubble. It’s possible for someone to see your wicked bits and still love you”
Images Via Better World Books and B&N
Oh my, I think you are all just gonna love Ninja Fact # 2, debuting rrootmow.Kim, the requests could keep this one going for some time. She’s already working on Ninja the sequel (after the first series, pirates, and princesses, of course). Perhaps there is some cross-over appeal that could be worked in there. It works for the networks, right?David, so glad to see you again. Yes, you can say ass. We say it here quite a bit. ASS. also: BAD-ASS. It’s my party. We don’t squelch language here at scatterbeams, but I would shut someone down who was shitting in someone else’s soup. Cause we know what that makes, right? We’d have to ask the resident Ninja expert about the cookie. I think some ninjas could be cuddly some of the time.
Great Post! Jane Addams was indeed a tireless humanitarian who also co-founded Hull House, an acheivement, in and of itself, worthy of a lasting fame. The book I would like to suggest for Women’s History Month is, Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay by Nancy Milford. What a life. I tell ya, there are some amazing role models for women out there, past and present, I wish focus wasn’t so highly placed on the plasticine television world. Cheers ladies!