Honoring over 420 years of signal achievements by American Women
If the purpose of "Her Story" was to impress the reader with the enormous number of talented and courageous women who have often passed unnoticed in American history, the authors have succeeded remarkably well. Each of the book's 220+ pages is crammed with 10 or more vignettes describing remarkable women who have changed history, whether we knew it or not. The books is laid out in chronological order, starting in 1587with the settling of Roanoke Island by Virginia Dare, among others and stretching to 2007, with the naming of Drew Gilpin Faust to the presidency of Harvard..
This is not a book about the wives and mothers of famous men, though such can be found here as well. The women in the book have each achieved some lasting fame on their own. Dolly Madison is included for saving paintings from a burning White House, not for being First Lady. The same goes for Jackie Kennedy, who is lauded for her efforts to highlight the place of the arts. There are many lesser-known women to celebrate as well. One surprise was to learn that the person behind the Apgar test given to newborns was Dr. Virginia Apgar. Women are positioned chronologically at the pinnacle of their careers, whether at the time of a great achievement or when their achievements were recognized. Nearly every one of the 2000+ descriptions here are accompanied by photographs or paintings made at the time of he women's work. The women included are artists and entrepreneurs, athletes and aesthetes, scientists and executives, cooks and advocates.
Criticisms? By necessity, the descriptions are very short, reducing a woman's life to one or two peak achievements. The progressive side of the ledger is also heavily represented. You will find Mother Cabrini (noted for her work among the poor) but not EWTN's Mother Angelica, Anita Bryant or Tammy Faye Bakker. Too, some may dislike honoring those who advocate for women's reproductive rights. Conservatives (and I believe progressives too) are lauded not for their views, but for the positions they held or the work they performed. If that bothers you, so be it.
"Her Story" is not meant to "include the ladies" for the mere sake of politically correct inclusion. These women have made tremendous achievements, often in a climate of male doubt about their worthiness. The end of the books contains two indices -- one for names and one that groups women by professions, from abolitionist to youth group founder. A wonderfully eye-opening book that speaks volumes about the ability of women to contribute to human experience. An inspiration for anyone -- female or male, old or young -- who needs reminding of the enormous potential of women.
