One of the best books I read in 2018 was Little, Edward Carey’s fictional book based on the early life of Anna Maria Grosholtz, who was later known as Madame Tussaud. This book details the life of Tussaud as a child through the French Revolution. I had no idea who Tussaud was other than the fact that her name is on wax museum signs. I was thrilled to find out what a kickass woman she … Continue reading Kickass Women in History: Madame Tussaud
This month’s Kickass Women is brought to you by Hilda Matheson, a woman who essentially invented talk radio. Hilda was a charismatic British woman who is best known for her work with the then-brand new British Broadcasting Company (BBC). As the Director of Talks, she developed the BBC’s first news section and increased radio’s style and prestige. Matheson was born in 1888. Like many women, Matheson’s employment prospects rose with the start of WWI. She … Continue reading Kickass Women in History: Hilda Matheson
Eighty Days: Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland’s History-Making Race Around the World is a nonfiction book without a single boring moment in it. It’s a great portrait of the two women and of a world experiencing change at a dizzying rate. In 1873, Jules Verne published Around the World in Eighty Days. In this novel, Phileas Fogg and his servant Passpartout make a bet that they can go all the way around the world in … Continue reading Eighty Days by Matthew Goodman
TAKE COVER. THE SQUEE CANNON IS SET TO KNOCK OUT LEVEL 7.8, WHICH IS JUST ABOVE LEVEL 7 WHEREIN LL COOL J’S MAMA DEMANDS THAT YOU BE KNOCKED OUT. Seriously, I could not have enjoyed this book more, and the first book as well. I heard about it when several readers and reviewers I follow on Twitter were exclaiming about it (and of course I can’t find that conversation now, dang it, so apologies that I can’t … Continue reading The Undoing by Shelly Laurenston
March is Women’s History Month, and though it’s the last day of the month, it’s a topic that’s near and dear to our hearts. Every month Carrie tells us about a Kickass Woman in History, but here we thought we’d all take some time to tell you about historical women that are personally important to each of us. RHG: One of my favorite women is Abigail Adams- take-no-shit, John while you’re creating your new nation … Continue reading Women’s History Month at the Bitchery
Ladies of Literature Vol. 2 is the product of a Kickstarter I backed. I cannot remember how I came across this awesome project, but I’m pretty sure it was some perfect storm of social media. LoL (love that acronym) is a gorgeously illustrated anthology of female authors and characters from over a hundred talented artists. I’m all for supporting kickass, creative individuals who want to celebrate their love of literature, especially the female characters who’ve inspired … Continue reading Ladies of Literature: Volume 2 by Arielle Jovellanos and Janet Sung
