Legends: Women who Have Changed the World - the Perfect gift for Women (book review)
Posted: Sunday, May 31, 2009
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
Last year, my daughter gave me an incredible book entitled "Legends" - "Women Who Have Changed The World: Through The Eyes of Great Women Writers."
Since then, I have been reading through it, researching further information on several of the women mentioned – very inspiring, to say the least.
From Colette (1873 - 1954), a French author, to Imogen Cunningham (1883 – 1976), chemist and business owner, to more recent women such as Lucille Ball (1910 – 1989), and Oprah Winfrey, this book if filled with fascinating women who were leading pioneers of change in their time. They are fine examples of grace, glamour, and intelligence whose legacies continue to inspire young women of today.
Just as inspiring are the women who wrote these tributes. To me, they are legends in their on right. Following are two excerpts from the writers who are inspired by the women of whom the write.
Amelia Earhart – by Camille Paglia
"In 1961, at age 14, I saw an article about Earhart in a Syracuse newspaper and had a stunning conversion experience. Marooned in a desert of perky blondes (Doris Day, Debbie Reynolds, Sandra Dee), I was in wild adolescent revolt against American sex roles. Earhart's life was a revelation." Paglia goes on to say she spent 3-years in an obsessive search for anything she could find on this woman, also known as "Lady Lindy" in 1928, after becoming the first woman to cross the Atlantic by air.
Camille Paglia is a professor at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She is the author of Sexual Personae and Vamps and Tramps.
Indira Gandhi – by S. Susan Jane
"Indira, the only child of Jawaharlal and Kamala Nehru, was greatly influenced by her parents-as well as by stories about Joan of Arc. By the age of twelve, she had established the Monkey Brigade, a children's organization engaged in the struggle for independence. In 1947, India won its independence fromm Great Britain, and Jawaharlal Neru became the country's first prime minister. Indira Gandhi acted as "first lady," accompanying her father on international travels, attending coronations, summits, and meetings with world leaders."
Jane completes her tribute by walking us through key points of Gandhi's life – trials and accomplishments.
S. Susan Jane holds a doctorate in political science from the University of Hawaii. She works with the International Conference on Women and Power.
Other tributes include Anne Frank – by Live Ullman, Angela Davis – by Kathleen Thompson, and Helen Keller – by Mary Jo Salter.
In all, we are given a snapshot into the life and legacy of 50 incredible women.
As a result, I have been inspired to utilize the gifts that God has given me, not settling for mediocre, but to listen, learn, and do all that I can to perfect my lot in life. It also leaves me with one final prayer – that I may leave a legacy for my children that will inspire them to go after their dreams without compromise and live a life that spreads love wherever they go.
I highly recommend, "Legends" – Introduction by Anglelica Huston and edited by John Miller.
© Teresa Ortiz
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Sounds like a book worth reading, Sis. But, to be complete, you should be in it. You have changed a lot of "worlds," including mine.Hi Ken, wow - I have no words. Thank you, and may God continue to strengthen you and yours! Hugs!
I like the woman warriors; that changed the world; that and the political leaders of times past that were woman.Their are so many woman in our world in the past that made what the future is today. They sacrificed a lot so we could be where we are.Thanks Maximum, I agree 100% many blessings to you! Teresa
Great article. Well done.I love history and as a result shall read this book - just once I have read the hundreds of others I want to read.Hi Connor, thanks for reading. I bet you half a pile a mile high. :-) Blessings, Teresa
Hi Teresa, I concur......very informative information. I enjoyed it immensely.Keep up the good work lady! Have a great day!Hi Jena, glad you liked it, it is a great book, I am learning so much! Blessings, Teresa
Teresa,Good article. Not sure if these women are in there, but as I read your article I was thinking of other super important women like like Susan B. Anthony (a righteous Christian ;=)and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who women can thank for getting them most of the rights they now have: social and political. I'd also throw in one of my heroes, Eleanor Roosevelt who overcame great shyness to do a lot of groundbreaking work for women, the poor and underprivileged. Then there's Sojourner Truth (love the name!), a woman of great intelligence, truth, and courage who helped keep the ignorant in their place during very difficult times for blacks. Then there's Mother Teresa, of course, Mother Jones who helpe laborers, especially young children, get their rights. I've often taught my students about the many overlooked great women of the past who never got their proper due. Too many of those damn men not writing and speaking enough on their behalf, so you go girl! ;=)Good article.Hi Jeff, actually these women are in the book, and it was hard to decide who to put in this article.You are right, unfortunately, there are still many men who don't give women proper credit due. I am looking foward to learning more about some of the women I am unfamiliar with.Blessings! Teresa
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