I graduated from Wheaton College, MA, at the time, a women’s college where I developed a heightened appreciation of the power of women’s abilities to strive for more and achieve more. After learning about an ancestor’s involvement in founding the first women’s only medical school, I knew those graduates’ stories needed to be unearthed from the shadows of history by writing my book. Every March, to coincide with Women’s History Month, I celebrate these women, other glass-ceiling smashers, and the authors who write about them through my list of #31titleswomeninhistory. I have presented to the American Medical Women’s Association, local chapters of AAUW, ADK sorority, and Soroptimist International, among others.
Wow, wow, wow. I never knew the first woman to run for president, pumped full of audacity and ambition, placed her name on a ballot over 150 years ago! This book dives into the life of Victoria Woodhull, a pioneering figure whose radical views shook 19th-century America.
The book doesn't just recount the historical 1872 election; I walked back into a vividly described past to embrace and celebrate the struggles and triumphs of women fighting for their rights with a new appreciation of those challenges. I read this novel with my book club as an apt choice to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. Now, in 2024, I find that Woodhull’s gutsy moves are even more relevant.
Forty-eight years before women were granted the right to vote, one woman dared to run for President of the United States, yet her name has been virtually written out of the history books.Rising from the shame of an abusive childhood, Victoria Woodhull, the daughter of a con-man and a religious zealot, vows to follow her destiny, one the spirits say will lead her out of poverty to “become ruler of her people.”But the road to glory is far from easy. A nightmarish marriage teaches Victoria that women are stronger and deserve far more credit than society gives. Eschewing the conventions…
In this book, I admired author Stephanie Dray's ability to portray Frances Perkins, the first female US cabinet member, as a multifaceted woman who defied societal expectations driven by her determination and intellect to set her apart in a political world dominated by men.
My respect for Perkins grew as Dray revealed the complexities Perkins faced in balancing her public career with the responsibilities of marriage and motherhood. I felt connected to this aspect of Perkins' life; understanding her personal struggles made her an even more relatable character and her accomplishments even more remarkable.
Beyond the personal narrative, I discovered the inner workings of FDR's administration and the crucial contributions Perkins made in shaping policies that still affect us today, earning her place in history.
She took on titans, battled generals, and changed the world as we know it…
New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray returns with a captivating and dramatic new novel about an American heroine Frances Perkins.
Raised on tales of her revolutionary ancestors, Frances Perkins arrives in New York City at the turn of the century, armed with her trusty parasol and an unyielding determination to make a difference.
When she’s not working with children in the crowded tenements in Hell’s Kitchen, Frances throws herself into the social scene in Greenwich Village, befriending an eclectic group of politicians, artists, and activists,…
Although I knew of Hattie McDaniel’s groundbreaking achievement as the first African American woman to win an Academy Award for her iconic role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind, I knew little about Hattie’s life before, during, and after the film’s release.
Through this book, I learned why McDaniel's victory marked such a pivotal moment in the history of cinema. More importantly, I appreciated how Tate moved beyond that singular moment to unveil the deeper layers of McDaniel's life, painting a vivid portrait of her struggles, triumphs, and the indelible mark she left on the entertainment industry, including the challenges she faced in a racially segregated Hollywood.
I applaud Tate for transforming Hattie McDaniel from a recognizable name into a three-dimensional, inspiring figure.
Bestselling author ReShonda Tate presents a fascinating fictional portrait of Hattie McDaniel, one of Hollywood's most prolific but woefully underappreciated stars-and the first Black person ever to win an Oscar for her role as Mammy in the critically acclaimed classic film Gone With the Wind.
It was supposed to be the highlight of her career, the pinnacle for which she'd worked all her life. And as Hattie McDaniel took the stage in 1940 to claim an honor that would make her the first African-American woman to win an Academy Award, she tearfully took her…
This book is a compelling and powerful WWII novel that vividly captures the chaos and courage of December 7, 1941, the day the first woman, Lieutenant Annie Fox, was awarded the Purple Heart.
I was particularly moved by how it balanced the heroism of Annie’s relentless dedication in her role as Chief Nurse at Hickam Field with the harsh reality of prejudice that she faced later. Page after page, I was pulled into this gripping read that sheds light on both the valor of these unsung heroes and the darker sides of history.
Based on the real life of Lieutenant Annie Fox, Chief Nurse of Hickam Hospital, The Woman with a Purple Heart is an inspiring WWII novel of heroic leadership, courage, and friendship that also exposes a shocking and shameful side of history.
Annie Fox will stop at nothing to serve her country. But what happens when her country fails her?
In November 1941, Annie Fox, an Army nurse, is transferred to Hickam Field, an air force base in Honolulu. The others on her transport plane are thrilled to work in paradise, but Annie sees her new duty station as the Army's…
I sincerely thank Ruth P. Watson for sharing Maggie Lena Walker's story to celebrate Walker’s accomplishments, including being the first African American woman to charter a bank and serve as a bank president.
I stood in awe learning about this unknown woman of history: an entrepreneur, civic leader, philanthropist, and visionary who believed in the power of people. I love historical fiction because a talented author like Watson can also weave in references to other people and historical events.
Watson succeeds in this respect when she mentions other influential African Americans like W. E. B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington as she highlights Walker’s role in challenging Jim Crow-era norms.
In the vein of The Personal Librarian and The House of Eve, a “remarkable and stirring novel” (Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author) based on the inspiring true story of Virginia’s Black Wall Street and the indomitable Maggie Lena Walker, the daughter of a formerly enslaved woman who became the first Black woman to establish and preside over a bank in the United States.
Maggie Lena Walker was ambitious and unafraid. Her childhood in 19th-century Virginia helping her mother with her laundry service opened her eyes to the overwhelming discrepancy between the Black residents and her mother’s affluent…
Meet a “New Woman” of the 20th century: educated and career-minded. In 1897, Eliza Edwards rejected her mother’s wishes for a society debut in Philadelphia by entering medical college. With the support of a circle of women and driven by a determination to conquer curriculum demands, battle sexism, and overcome doubts, Eliza charts her new life path.
Organic Chemistry may slay her if the strain of endless study, odoriferous labs, and gruesome surgeries don’t claim her first. As a young intern, she asserts her abilities to those mistrustful of a woman doctor. Working with poverty-stricken patients, she defines her version of suffrage work to champion women’s rights. Eliza renews her vow to help and heal when global events devolve into chaos.
This book tells the inspiring story of Norvel Lee, an Olympic gold medalist who overcame tremendous adversity. Born in segregated Virginia, Lee faced racial discrimination, limited education, and a speech impediment. Despite these challenges, he became a Tuskegee Airman, educator, and mentor. The book chronicles Lee's journey from the mountains of Virginia to Olympic glory, showcasing his unwavering determination and resilience.
Readers will be captivated by Lee's courageous fight against Jim Crow laws and his groundbreaking civil rights case. This powerful narrative not only highlights Lee's remarkable achievements but also serves as a testament to the human spirit's capacity to…
NORVEL: An American Hero tells the incredible story of Norvel Lee, a man whose unwavering determination and courage allowed him to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. Born in a time of racial discrimination. Norvel faced numerous challenges early in life. However, he refused to be defeated and used his intelligence and athletic abilities to propel himself towards success. As he grew into a young man, Norvel continued to face adversity but his commitment to his community, country, and family never waivered. His unprecedented achievements in business, sports, and military service makes him a true representation of the American dream. This…
