I’m a few weeks late but I’ve decided to join in on the Women Unbound Challenge. The goal of this reading challenge is to read fiction and non-fiction books related to the broad idea of ‘women’s studies.’ What is women’s studies? According to Merriam-Webster, it is . . .
the multidisciplinary study of the social status and societal contributions
of women and the relationship between power and gender.
I’ve certainly seen many changes during my lifetime in the area we used to call ‘women’s rights.’ In my late teens my family encouraged my sister and I to go on to college and study to become a nurse or a teacher. At that time, those were acceptable careers for women, in case we weren’t lucky enough to find ourselves a college-educated husband.
During my career in the business world it was very gratifying to see women move into all levels and departments. Advancement in career choices is only one of the many strides women have made. Now, with this challenge, I want to look back at all that we have achieved and then also look ahead. What is the legacy we are leaving our daughters and granddaughters?
I don’t have a list of books to share yet. I know I want to re-read The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan and other key works published during my life time.
There are three levels of participation in this challenge. I’m going to strive for the Bluestocking level which means I will read at least five books, including at least two nonfiction ones. I may be able to do more but I’m committing to five.
The challenge runs from November 1, 2009 to November 30, 2010, but you may join in the fun whenever you wish! So, even though it’s a little past November 1st, there is still plenty of time to catch up. Why not join me and the others in this reading challenge? Go HERE for more information and the complete rules.
Good luck with the challenge!
The diversity of the people signed up for this challenge is part of what grabbed my interest. We’re all ages and from around the world. How many participants remember that there were three things a woman could be: secretary, nurse, teacher.
I’m not sure if I’m going to go back a read books that influenced me or read all new books.
Good for you for going for the Bluestocking level! Can’t wait to read your reviews!
Fine that you bring up this challenge, Margot. I am going to participate, it’s high time I went back to some of all the feminist theory I gobbled up during the 70ies, 80ies and 90ies, in order to evaluate how it has influenced me and/or the society I live in. While I find out about the rules of the challenge, I am going to reread “The Women’s Room” by Marilyn French, published in -77 and described as “So far the best novel about women’s lives” by Betty Friedan. It may bring me on to Wirginia Woolf and . . . . .
Well, I don’t do reading challenges because I get overwhelmed by the rules and deadlines. But I do have Gloria Steinem’s book “Revolution From Within” sitting at home. I saw her speak and had her autograph it for me. But then I never read it.
good luck on this one!!!
There seem to be a lot of people in this challenge. Good luck!
You may be late, but I may be even later. I’ll be interested to find out what you read and what you think.
I am so glad to hear you are participating and I look forward to your thoughts on the books you read AND re-read.
I’m happy you will be joining in on this one – I will look forward to the books you choose!
Thanks for playing! I’m really excited about this challenge!