Search

Search only in certain items:

First In The Fight: 20 Women Who Made Manchester
First In The Fight: 20 Women Who Made Manchester
Helen Antrobus | 2019 | Biography, History & Politics
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book concentrates on Influential women from Manchester, who fought for women rights and tried to make our life more equal to men. We can find many biographies that inspire and left me more determined to fight for my rights. It also shares quite a lot of history of Manchester and how these women changed it. I really loved the illustrations of every single woman who’s biographies were shared, as well as plenty of photographs from statue reveals, rallies, and other important events that happened in this fine city. I really loved the research done for this book, there are tons of facts, and I applaud the dedication.

I liked the writing style, but it was quite suffocating sometimes with all the facts and historical terms, and it wasn’t the easiest of reads for me. The chapters are short, and that helped to cope with the style of this book. To conclude, I think it is a very important book to read, and I am very happy that this book was published and we have a chance to know more about all these icons, that moulded our country and it’s society. If you would like to get inspired and feel low on self-esteem, do read this book, it will weak up the warrior in you!
  
As someone who is prochoice and not religious, I could have lived without the "God doesn't want you to kill your baby bits". Other than that, the story was pretty riveting. I do wish that Maryanne would have gotten a rape kit done at the hospital. Like many women, she was too afraid and was afraid of having to give her history out to her coworkers (she was a nurse). I was also a little sad that we didn't find out who Emma's father was in the end. I have a sneaking suspicion that it was Barry's child, since he worked so hard to "get rid of the evidence".
  
The Subway Girls
The Subway Girls
Susie Orman Schnall | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Clever story, great characters, interesting TRUE history! (0 more)
Nothing - I loved it! (0 more)
Charming, interesting and Girl Power!
Soooo charming and loads of girl power!!

The Subway Girls had me roped in from the second I heard about the story. Being in advertising, having lived in Brooklyn, and ALL about being a strong, independent and confident chick - I soared through this book and cannot believe I didn't know about this campaign before! Now, I'm gobbling up every book and article across the internet about it!

The Miss Subways campaign was basically a beauty/modeling contest, which translated into posters of beautiful women splashed across subway as advertising to encourage New Yorkers to ride. But it was also so much more than that. It opened doors for these women, when there weren't many available. Some went on to modeling careers, while others went back to their quiet lives at home with their family - thrilled to have such an exciting experience, even if just once in their lives. One contestant even received 278 marriage proposals!

The book is told by two women: one in the past, one present day. Both strong and ambitious, trying to find and make their way in the world. A world as we know - basically ruled by men.

Charlotte, dreams of a career in advertising - not an easy feat in the 1940's for a woman. Her boyfriend Sam supports her ambitions, while her family, for the most part - does not. She strives to get into any position at these prestigious firms, but when her efforts fail, she aims for a new way of achieving opportunity - the Miss Subways contest. Swept up in the whirlwind of beauty contests, meeting glamorous new friends, all the while fighting with her father - her struggle between doing what's expected of her and what is in her heart threatens to upend all her dreams.

Fast forward 70 years to Olivia, an advertising exec workaholic, desperate for a normal family and steady, loving relationship. While just like Charlotte - she has lofty ambitions to make her mark in the world - but struggles to make herself shine in a (still, of course!) man's world. When Olivia's firm gets a chance to land the NYC subways account - she dives into researching the history of the Miss Subways campaign. The juxtaposition of these two amazing women's lives is so clever and interesting!

I totally understand the personal and professional juggle struggle! And also the strength it takes to accomplish some things that come WAY easier in this world to men. The power of the story in this book is pleasantly overwhelming and so creatively done. I fell in love with Charlotte, her spunk and determination. And Olivia's history is a bit painful, but she never gives up. The girl power is real here, and I loved the story from beginning to end!
  
40x40

Becka (82 KP) Jul 9, 2018

You make me want to read this. So I added it to my list of books to read.

40x40

Becka (82 KP) Jul 9, 2018

You make me want to read this. So I added it to my list of books to read.