Happy International Women’s Day!

If you’re a lady or wanna be a lady, I hope you’re doing something good for yourself today. If you appreciate the women in your life, I hope you’ll let them know. And no, not by whistling as they walk by (unless they like that?).

We thought we’d take this day as an opportunity to highlight some of the women-related books that we love.

Katie here :

I’d like to start with Nancy Drew. Could there be a better role model for young women? I still have the best memories of being set free in the bookstore at the beach to pick out a few books. Fortunately, the Nancy Drew books were on the bottom shelf, and I could sit there for what seemed like hours deciding which mystery to read next. She was an intelligent problem solver. I liked having insight into her logical brain, and I loved her independence. The Babysitter’s Club didn’t stand a chance against the intrigue of a Nancy Drew Mystery.

I definitely credit her, and many hours spent watching Gorilla’s in the Mist, with pointing me in the direction of wanting to be one of those science-focused, critically thinking, do-it-yourself individuals following their passions.

And I think that some combination of those traits are present in the women I’m going to mention today. Of course, they aren’t perfect. Perhaps there was too much focus on Nancy’s looks, and Georgia could definitely be a bit snooty in her old age, but just like a dear loved one, I don’t focus on their faults.

~

• Portrait of an Artist : A Biography of Georgia O’Keeffe  by Laurie Lisle – I picked up my copy of this book at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, NM. I badly wanted to leave the museum with something, and since her art was out of the question, at least I could take her life’s story. Admittedly, it’s been years since I’ve read the book, and I can’t remember many of the details, just that I loved the book. I’m drawn to American artists, but there’s something other-worldly about O’Keeffe’s paintings of flowers, bones, and the desert landscapes of the American Southwest. I thought that this was an extremely well-written biography, giving a true sense of O’Keeffe’s life throughout the years, but never boring. I remember being in awe of O’Keeffe’s insistence that she travel and spend so much time in New Mexico to work on her art. I love that she put her needs as an artist above the best wishes of those around her. A room of one’s own, indeed.

• Nothing Daunted by Dorothy Wickenden – The subtitle sums up this book perfectly : The Unexpected Education of Two Society Girls in the West. I am such a sucker for any story that involves women seeking adventure in the American West, especially when it’s true! The author, Dorothy Wickenden, is the granddaughter of one of the women in the story Dorothy Woodruff, and she was able to recreate their journey based off of the letters that the two women had written home to their families while living and teaching in Colorado. Don’t skip the acknowledgments and notes sections in this book; it gives you a sense of the work required to document this adventure that took place a century ago. Having now spent a few years in Colorado, this story is that much more special to me as I imagine them living in the mountains and through the amazing snowstorms that I’ve come to know so well.

• Bedside Book of Bad Girls : Outlaw Women of the American West by Michael Rutter – I’m adding this one for a bit of fun. This book profiles 42 women known through tall tales and rumors as being outlaws of one sort or another. Unfortunately few women live up to what’s been written about them in the fabricated stories of their time. But it’s enjoyable to read about the women and the situations they faced during the early days of the very Wild and sometimes not-so-Wild West. Pro-tip : when you’re done, this book is perfect for a guest bedroom nightstand. Short stories that make for great conversation the next day. 

Sarah here :

Geeze, I gotta admit I didn’t read Nancy Drew or The Babysitters Club. I think I was too busy with my J.A. Jance murder mysteries. Oh, Judith. You really knew how to rope me in with tales of Joanna Brady and J.P. Beaumont’s homicide files.  Now I’m realizing where my current fascination with true crime comes from.

It’s been a decade since I’ve solved a case with Detective Brady, but in the meantime, I’ve read a fair amount of biographies. My favorites from last year are two very different stories both with a healthy dose of struggle. Ms. Pat grew up incredibly poor in America with no support system to speak of while Malala had a loving family, but wasn’t able to thrive under the oppressive rule in her war-torn country.

• Rabbit: A Memoir the story of comedian Ms. Pat’s life growing up black and poor in Atlanta is a story of heartache, hard work, and ultimately success. Ms. Pat was raised by a mom that taught her to steal, hustle, and sell drugs before she was ten years old. She and her siblings were so poor they would go to the ER to snatch sandwiches that were given to waiting families. Ms. Pat grew up selling crack, but also supporting several siblings and cousins. It seemed like she was always supporting someone. I loved reading the story of Ms. Pat’s life because it’s a glimpse into an American community that isn’t often talked about. Ms. Pat’s story cultivates compassion and empathy for impoverished communities of color that are consistently pushed to the edges of our American cities, communities that rarely have a chance to have their stories told. Not only is Rabbit an insatiable read, Ms. Pat’s comedy shows sell out too.

• I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban was my final (and one of my favorite) read of 2017. This book is as much about Malala’s upbringing as it is about the history of Pakistan, Islam, and the uprising of the Taliban. I loved reading about her relationship with her father and the very real impact and significance a male’s role can have when it comes to uplifting and empowering the women around him. I Am Malala also offers a view of the U.S. war and involvement from a place that’s not as comfortable as America. I Am Malala is an eyeopening cultural and historical lesson that completely enveloped me and the entire world for that matter. Malala has since been named the youngest Nobel Laureate and she has started The Malala Fund, an organization dedicated to sending girls to school.

I think if nothing else, this post highlights just how awesome, badass, unique and yet familiar all of these stories are. If you know a stellar queen who is kickin’ life’s ass you should probably tell her so. xo

Images : O’Keeffe, Calamity Jane, Malala