By Public Service Associate & Content Coordinator Hannah
I knew I wanted to write a Women’s History Month post, but I didn’t know how to go about it. After all, this month is an opportunity to celebrate the vast accomplishments of women throughout history and the ongoing contributions we make. It’s a time to acknowledge the resilience, creativity, and courage of individual women and the communities that empower them. It’s also a moment to honor and encourage women to support one another on our journeys whether on a grand scale or in quieter, more personal ways. So, with all that in mind, I turned to the library, a natural source of inspiration, and it came through.
While inventorying a section of the Library’s Fiction collection, I came across Isadora by Amelia Gray, and it immediately reminded me of an image I’d long held: a dancer on the beach, paired with a quote I’ve saved in my journal: “You were once wild here. Don’t let them tame you.” Though I knew little about Isadora Duncan at the time, her words have resonated with me for years. Gray’s writing is lyrical and introspective, diving deep into Duncan’s inner world as she grapples with trauma, art, and her place in life. Isadora is less about her legacy as the “mother of modern dance” and more about her experience as a grieving mother. The portrayal is unflinching and vivid, capturing both Duncan’s artistic brilliance and the chaos of her personal life with deep sympathy. This reading has inspired me to add Isadora Duncan’s autobiography, My Life, to my to-be-read pile.
Around the same time, a reader’s advisory newsletter popped up in my inbox with the subject “Memoirs of Girlhood.” With perfect timing, it led me to T Kira Madden’s memoir, Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls. Madden’s voice is raw and powerful as she delves into the loneliness of being “other”—the daughter of a Chinese Hawaiian mother and a Jewish father. She boldly recounts her experiences with abuse, trust, and the skewed perceptions of sex, dating, and power—subjects that are as universal as they are uniquely hers.
Madden’s story transcends fatherlessness, shining a light on the strength and unity of the women who shaped her, while challenging traditional roles and expectations. As someone close in age, who has also spent time in Miami, I found it especially poignant to reflect on the contrast between our lives. While place names and locations were familiar to me, they represented a profound, emotionally charged history for her. This memoir is both a eulogy and a love letter to the complicated relationships that shape us and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of telling our own stories and, perhaps even more importantly, of listening to those of others.
While checking in returned library materials, Juliana and I began discussing Pamela Anderson’s new lifestyle cookbook, I Love You: Recipes from the Heart. As a longtime fan, I’ve watched Pamela evolve through different eras of her life, so indulge me for a moment. As C.J. Parker on Baywatch, she was known for her looks, athleticism, and undeniable charisma. But beyond that, I’ve always believed her character’s kindness was genuinely heartfelt.
Pamela’s relationships, particularly her marriages to Mötley Crüe’s Tommy Lee and Kid Rock, thrust her into a period of intense media scrutiny. Her physical image was amplified in tabloids, movies, and pop culture, often overshadowing her true self. However, throughout it all, she’s remained a fierce advocate for animal welfare, fighting against animal cruelty, particularly concerning fur, and supporting the conservation of endangered species. Her journey serves as a reminder that women are multifaceted and resilient.
This brings us back to the book. Pamela has faced her past head-on, sharing her story through a Netflix documentary and memoir, Love, Pamela, which brought her makeup-free face back into the public eye. I, for one, am glad she’s regained control over her narrative, embraced a grounded life back home in Canada, and is sharing her healing journey and inspirational endeavors. No one is perfect, but we can use creativity and passion to educate and inspire others—whether by learning from women’s stories, supporting their causes, or embracing our own multifaceted identities.
I recently purchased Swimming Pretty: The Untold Story of Women in Water by Vicki Valosik as a gift. While I may be more of a floater myself, it’s a perfect read for Women’s History Month, as it shines a spotlight on the often overlooked or belittled contributions of women like Annette Kellerman and Esther Williams. I was captivated by how Valosik dives into the historical struggles and triumphs of women in the water, while also sharing her own journey to become a master of artistic swimming. These women not only helped shape the development of swimming as a sport but also advocated for water access, education, functional swimwear, and safety, leaving a lasting impact. (Have you heard of wartime swimming?) Their achievements emphasize the vital role women have played in shaping sports and demonstrate their far-reaching influence in saving lives and inspiring future generations.
One of my Personalized Picks patrons mentioned she was looking for more books like Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This book exemplifies the themes of Women’s History Month through Kimmerer’s profound contributions as a scientist, educator, and author. In Braiding Sweetgrass, she beautifully intertwines Indigenous wisdom with scientific knowledge, offering a powerful narrative about the interconnectedness of nature and culture. Kimmerer’s reflections highlight the nurturing roles that women play—not only in our communities but also with the natural world. Her writing is a celebration of women’s wisdom and the essential role we play in shaping a sustainable future.
Last but not least, in our nonfiction collection I’ve often noticed a striking book cover featuring a woman with an eye patch, so I finally picked it up! A Private War: Marie Colvin and Other Tales of Heroes, Scoundrels, and Renegades by Marie Brenner tells the story of the courageous war correspondent who gave her life reporting from conflict zones. Colvin focused on the human cost of war, especially the experiences of women and children, and her mission was to document “humanity in extremis,” ensuring the stories of war’s most vulnerable were heard. Women’s History Month is a chance to celebrate figures like Colvin and recognize the vital role of women in the media. Our unique perspectives challenge stereotypes, broaden narratives, and authentically reflect the world.
Whether from the worlds of art, literature, sports, activism, or beyond, I hope my journey of letting the library guide me this Women’s History Month inspires you to explore the stories of women. These women have shown us what it means to stand tall in the face of adversity and stay true to oneself. As we honor their achievements, let’s also take a moment to reflect on how we can support and uplift the women in our lives, creating a world where every woman has the space and encouragement to thrive. Thank you!
