Hillary and Chelsea realized the importance of having someone to look up to, and they realized that there aren’t enough books featuring women who have paved the way for us, our daughters and their daughters to follow. They decided to feature some of the strongest women in The Book of Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of Courage and Resilience, and I am learning so much as I read their stories.
Nancy Drew was my first hero, and although she was fictional, she demonstrated a strength that little girls needed to see. While other girls were simpering over their boyfriends, she was telling Ned what he needed to do to help her solve the cases she undertook. She taught me a great deal about being a strong woman, and I thank the Clintons for adding her to their collection.
Anne Sullivan, and her work with the indomitable Helen Keller made me realize the difference that a patient teacher can make in the lives of his/her students, and it was Annie, as much as my own mother (a college grad and teacher when most women were housewives) who sent me down my own path. When I lost patience in the classroom, I would think of Annie Sullivan and get my own act together. The Clintons addition of Helen and Annie was a no-brainer.
I like the way both women contributed throughout the book. Seeing things from both perspectives made for an interesting read. They chose women from all walks of life, some famous and some not, to show the reader the strength that women display. I enjoyed the quotes they presented from various women as each was introduced to us. It is so important for young girls to see role models that they can emulate. Astronaut Sally Ride’s quote, “you can’t be what you can’t see” is true for so many young people, even though many in this book broke ceiling after ceiling in their quest to the top.
This is a well written book that is fun to read. Unfortunately politics will stop some from purchasing this book, and that is a shame. My suggestion...a great book for every teen girl on your list.
- Beverly
Publisher - Simon & Schuster; First Edition edition
Date of Publication - October 1, 2019