Monday, March 21, 2011

[Quick Picks] Women's History Month Suggestions

The month of March, Women's History Month, ends this week. Take a look at our library staff recommendations of books written by, about, and for women. This diverse selection includes heroines from fiction and non-fiction, and a popular relationship book designed to empower as well as entertain.



Title: DEJA DEAD (1st book in series), by Kathy Reichs
Why everyone should read it: Based on the author's real life, the main character Temperance Brennan, a forensic anthropologist turned medical examiner, helps solve the mystery of death and give families peace. This is a great series, different from the television series adaptation, “Bones,” that shows the strength and intelligence that women possess. WARNING: The books contain some violence and gruesome details; not for the faint of heart.
--Beth, Highland Branch Library


Title: I CLOSED MY EYES: REVELATIONS OF A BATTERED WOMAN, by Michele Weldon
Why everyone should read it: Having experienced this lifestyle myself, I found this book to be very helpful and painful as well. It is relevant for one who is searching for personal help or as a general resource.
--Bettie Hall, Central Library

Title: JUBILEE, by Margaret Walker
Why everyone should read it: I first read Margaret Walker's Jubilee in 1971 as an undergraduate student in upstate New York where I was writing a paper titled "The Function of Literature as a Supplement to Historical Survey" and Walker's book depicting the life of Vyry in the South during slavery and Reconstruction became central to my construction of a concept of discerning history in relationship to how it was lived by everyman and everywoman. Readers of Jubilee also owe themselves Ms. Walker's 1942 poem, "For My People."
--Robert Bain, Randolph Branch Library


Title: THE ROAD OF LOST INNOCENCE, by Somaly Mam
Why everyone should read it: This is a haunting, powerful retelling of Somaly Mam’s ten-year nightmare in Cambodia’s human trafficking system and her struggles to rescue other young girls from prostitution. Somaly Mam courageously reopened old wounds, detailing her horrific experiences with unapologetic candor. Readers should read this eye-opening memoir to learn about human trafficking, as a sign of support for an end to this global plague.
--Darletha Matthews, South Branch Library



Title: SAVAGE BEAUTY: THE LIFE OF EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY by Nancy Milford
Why everyone should read it: Edna St. Vincent Millay plowed through the literary world at the age of 20 to become a bohemian superstar writer in early 20th century Greenwich Village. Milford lushly portrays Millay as a feminist poet with a pedigree in literature and love affairs. This is a rich and lovely biography.
--Ashley Roach, Central Library


Title: THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES, by Sue Monk Kidd
Why everyone should read it: This book is brimming with strong female characters. Fourteen-year old Lily Owens learns about the ways of life and is inspired by her caretaker, Rosalee, as they journey to escape racial tensions. They are led to the "Calendar sisters," who teach Lily about true motherhood. The Secret Life of Bees is a story of hope and survival that will uplift us all.
--Keshia Williams, Central Library


Title: STRAIGHT TALK, NO CHASER: HOW TO FIND, KEEP, AND UNDERSTAND A MAN, by Steve Harvey
Why everyone should read it: I think this book is an excellent read for all women, regardless of age or if a person is single, married, or in-between. It’s an easy read, very informative, and comical.
--Stephanie Town, Hollywood Branch Library

Do you have any books you would like to recommend? Leave us a comment.

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Comments:
I also want to add The Naked Truth by Marvelyn Brown. As a 20-something who talks about how her life changed after an HIV diagnosis, this was one of the best books I've ever read.
 
I would like to add THE GLASS CASTLE by Jeannette Walls. This true story about the author and her family living in absolute squallor is a real eye-opener. Although this memoir is only 5 years old, it has been deemed a classic. After reading this heartbreaking tale, I can see why. Very well-written.
 
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