WOMEN UNBOUND READING CHALLENGE

I was over at Wendy's place Caribousmom and noticed this reading challenge. So I followed her link to Eva's place Women Unbound. Sounds like a great reading challenge. So I'm going to join in.

This is a blog devoted to the reading challenge Women Unbound. The challenge runs from November 2009-November 2010, but you may join in the fun whenever you wish! Participants are encouraged to read nonfiction and fiction books related to the rather broad idea of ‘women’s studies.’ The definition according to Merriam-Webster

the multidisciplinary study of the social status and societal contributions of women and the relationship between power and gender.

For nonfiction, this would include books on feminism, history books focused on women, biographies of women, memoirs (or travelogues) by women, essays by women and cultural books focused on women (body image, motherhood, etc.). The topics I’ve listed aren’t mean to be exhaustive; if you come across a nonfiction book whose subject is female-related, it counts! Of course, if you’re not sure you can always ask about it in a comment. And if you need some ideas for specific books, check out the ‘Reading Lists’ page.

It’s trickier to say what is applicable as fiction. Obviously, any classic fiction written by a feminist is applicable. But where do we go from there? To speak generally, if the book takes a thoughtful look at the place of women in society, it will probably count. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to explain in your review why you chose this for the challenge and its connection to women’s studies. Once again, if you need some specific ideas, check out the ‘Reading Lists’ page.

One quick note about author gender. There isn’t a rule if a book’s written by a woman it counts and if by a man it doesn’t count. I firmly believe that men can be feminists and that not all women are feminists. As long as the book adheres to the definition of women’s studies I’ve shared above, it counts.

Interested in participating? Great! There are three levels you can choose as a reader:

* Philogynist: read at least two books, including at least one nonfiction one.
* Bluestocking: read at least five books, including at least two nonfiction ones.
* Suffragette: read at least eight books, including at least three nonfiction ones.

I am going to shoot for the Suffragette level, here is my list of books.

1. On Account of Conspicuous Women - Dawn Sharp
[Women unite in friendship during the Women's Suffrage Movement.]
2. Delusion - Peter Abrahams
[A woman's world is turned upside down when the murderer she put behind bars is released from prison.]
3. Women of the Civil War- Stephen Currie
[The impact of the Civil War on womens's lives.]
4. We Are our Mother's Daughters - Cokie Roberts
[Essay on woman's roles and experiences.]
5. Secrets on 26th Street - Elizabeth McDavid Jones
[A young girl becomes involved in the Suffrage Movement.]
6. Sisters - Tim Stafford
[Finding out what it means to be a woman in changing times.]
7. The World Split Open - Ruth Rosen
[how the modern women's movement changed America]
8. Ladies of Liberty - Cokie Roberts
[the women who shaped our nation]