I've actually written a more formal review of this for a history journal--but who am I kidding? I don't even subscribe to that journal! But I can be a bit more honest here, perhaps.

Like most essay books, parts of this book were simply grand while other parts felt more like a 11th grade history paper. The research was wonderful, some great stories, but some were written poorly and just had no transitions or connections between the stories within--or state and national stories.

However, a few essays were certainly worth reading and definitely added wonderful things to my knowledge of Texas women's history. This may not be a book to read cover to cover, but definitely worth dipping into.

I wish Dallas had a book such as this. . .

Since I've been attending a few parties lately inhabited by debs, a friend sent me this slight little book. Some small chuckles and fun 30s style illustrations (it was first published in the 1930s), it's not deep, but fun.

A collection of some of the writings of Susan B. Anthony, one of the grande dames of the suffrage movement. It was slow going, but fascinating stuff. I really felt like I got to know her--her tenacity and courage and wit and just sheer stubbornness. Highly recommended, especially for those interested in women's history.

An examination of the birth of the juvenile court system. Some really interesting stuff, especially regarding the ways in which fairly conservative (anti-suffrage) women worked in very public and very political ways to help children. For the women's history nerd.

A collection of essays, historical bits, sketches, and a few fiction pieces concerning my other home state, North Carolina. Biggest problem with this book? I want to go back to NC! Not a bad collection, and it gives a good flavor and overview of the history of the state. I didn't enjoy it as much as Lone Star Literature, but still a fun read.

Rather academic (and somewhat dry) expxloration of feminsim and its changes after suffrage. Interesting stuff (and I love reading about people that resist social change), but definitely a dissertation turned book and definitely academic.

Published by a former employer, it's a useful exploration of local history--and stories that people enjoy telling. But not the most exciting book. Still, it's a good thing for me to have read, adding to that whole Texas history pool of knowledge.

a friendship biography of two women who are some of the best rare book dealers ever, along with pretty amazing literary scholars (Stern discovered Louisa May Alcott's blood and thunder tales). However, the book itself was somewhat disappointing. I wanted to hear more about the books!