In addition to reading 54 books in 2015, I had a secondary goal. I wanted to read a biography a month of an interesting and influential woman. This turned out to be an excellent, though slightly challenging goal. It turns out the collection of biographies of diverse women available through my library's ebook database is quite small. It took a lot of searching to find titles available to me. In the end, I read more memoirs than biographies because they were easier to access.
Here are the titles:
January - Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Hirsi Ali went from a traditional Islamic childhood in Somalia and Kenya to political life in the Netherlands. She is an outspoken critic of Fundamentalist Islam based upon her personal experiences. I found myself cheering for Hirsi Ali but also feeling some discomfort at her harsh words. Her opinions are strong and wide sweeping and do not always match the experiences of other Muslim women I know.
Hirsi Ali went from a traditional Islamic childhood in Somalia and Kenya to political life in the Netherlands. She is an outspoken critic of Fundamentalist Islam based upon her personal experiences. I found myself cheering for Hirsi Ali but also feeling some discomfort at her harsh words. Her opinions are strong and wide sweeping and do not always match the experiences of other Muslim women I know.
February - Why Be Happy When You Can Be Normal by Jeanette Winterson
One of those books that makes you want to go hug your mother. Jeanette Winterson grew up queer in a strict Pentecostal household in the north of England. A story of identity, heartbreak, and the search for acceptance from those who are supposed to love you the most.
One of those books that makes you want to go hug your mother. Jeanette Winterson grew up queer in a strict Pentecostal household in the north of England. A story of identity, heartbreak, and the search for acceptance from those who are supposed to love you the most.
March - Margaret Fuller: A New American Life by Megan Marshall
A Transcendentalist we should know more about. She was a premier thinker of her time, a war journalist, a social activist, and died tragically in a shipwreck. This one took a little work to get through but was excellent.
A Transcendentalist we should know more about. She was a premier thinker of her time, a war journalist, a social activist, and died tragically in a shipwreck. This one took a little work to get through but was excellent.
April - Just Kids by Patti Smith
I wish I had never read this book so I could read it again for the first time. I've never had much interest in New York City until reading this book. I literally wanted a time machine. Highly recommended.
I wish I had never read this book so I could read it again for the first time. I've never had much interest in New York City until reading this book. I literally wanted a time machine. Highly recommended.
May - Girl in a Band by Kim Gordon
I've never been a fan of Sonic Youth but felt compelled to read Gordon's memoir nonetheless. I'm always amazed by people who just do their thing and that thing turns into *the thing*. I enjoyed reading about Gordon's experiences in NYC so shortly after reading about Smith's experiences there a few decades prior.
I've never been a fan of Sonic Youth but felt compelled to read Gordon's memoir nonetheless. I'm always amazed by people who just do their thing and that thing turns into *the thing*. I enjoyed reading about Gordon's experiences in NYC so shortly after reading about Smith's experiences there a few decades prior.
This memoir reads like an informercial for the word determination. It's basically impossible to feel sorry for yourself after reading this. You've had a challenge come your way? Get over it. Sirleaf was abused and imprisoned yet still managed to become the first female president in Africa. Recommended.
Before reading this book, I only knew the name Gypsy Rose. This biography reveals the woman, as well as the world of burlesque and the business of fame. You'll want to hug your mom after this one too. Recommended.
August - Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune by Bill Dedman
The fascinating story of a very rich and very quirky recluse. I found myself spending her money in my head while reading.
The fascinating story of a very rich and very quirky recluse. I found myself spending her money in my head while reading.
September - Iran Awakening by Shirin Ebadi
I liked this book because in addition to learning Ebadi's story, you learn much more about the history of the conflict in Iran. I admire Ebadi's strength, determination and pursuit of justice.
I liked this book because in addition to learning Ebadi's story, you learn much more about the history of the conflict in Iran. I admire Ebadi's strength, determination and pursuit of justice.
October - Lakota Woman by Mary Crow Dog
The story of growing up poor on Indian land in North Dakota and later joining the American Indian Movement. Crow Dog's depiction of reservation life was eye-opening and heartbreaking.
The story of growing up poor on Indian land in North Dakota and later joining the American Indian Movement. Crow Dog's depiction of reservation life was eye-opening and heartbreaking.
November - The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector's Story by Hyeonseo Lee
This book gave me a much richer picture of what life is like in North Korea. Lee grew up near at the border between NK and China. One day she decided to visit relatives in China, crossed the border, and found out days later that she could never go back.
This book gave me a much richer picture of what life is like in North Korea. Lee grew up near at the border between NK and China. One day she decided to visit relatives in China, crossed the border, and found out days later that she could never go back.
December - Mary McGrory: The First Queen of Journalism by John Norris
The story of a pioneer in journalism beginning in the 1950s. McGrory was intelligent, determined, and more than a little feisty. Very enjoyable.
The story of a pioneer in journalism beginning in the 1950s. McGrory was intelligent, determined, and more than a little feisty. Very enjoyable.
I did happen to read other memoirs over the year, but these 12 were the official picks.
I loved working on this goal over the year. For this year, I've decided to have another sub-goal focusing on female writers. I'm planning to read all of the writer's on Powell's 25 Women to Read Before You Die list.
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