2014 TBR Reading Challenge: Women Who Dared

As part of Wendy Crutcher's 2014 TBR Challenge, here are my brief comments on Women Who Dared by Evelyn Beilenson and Lois Kaufman.

An inspiring look at women throughout western society (with very brief forays into other nations) who took courageous leaps of faith in their respective fields and succeeded despite heavy odds. It's a mini book with a page devoted to each woman, a quote by her, and may include her photo on the facing page.

Well-known women, such as Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks, Coco Chanel, Helen Keller, Jane Goodall, Clara Barton, Mother Teresa, Golda Meir, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Amelia Earhardt take pride of place.

Controversial women, such as Hilary Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, Madonna, and Oprah Winfrey also figure in the pages of the book.

Lesser known but just as vital women are also featured. It were these women who I found most interesting, because if I had not read this book, I would not have learned about them anywhere else. And their stories deserve to be told and to be heard. They are: Marian Anderson (legendary classical singer and civil rights trailblazer), Margaret Bourke-White (first woman war correspondent), Rachel Carson (founder of the modern environmental movement), Shirley Chisholm (first black woman elected to the Congress), Katharine Graham (first female media mogul), Martha Graham (pioneer of American modern dance), and Mary Lyon (founder of the first women's college). This is but a small listing of the pioneering women; the book covers many more.

The book dust jacket says: "Countless daring women have paved the way for future generations by pursuing their passions, however humble or outrageous. On the road to achieving your own dreams, be bold, be ambitious, and be inspired by those who came before you."