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Literati Book Club

"We the Women" by Norah O'Donell

The League of Women Voters of Broward County meet the second Friday of each month to discuss books centered around strong women of diverse backgrounds.

About We the Women by Norah O'Donell

Over a decades-long, distinguished career, award-winning journalist Norah O'Donnell has made it her mission to shed light on untold women's stories. Now, in honor of America's 250th birthday, O'Donnell focuses that passion on sharing the stories of American heroines who helped change the course of history. We the Women presents a new and extraordinary retelling of American history through the eyes of women, introducing us to inspiring patriots who demanded that the country live up to the promises made 250 years ago in the Declaration of Independence: that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among those are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." The pressing question from women since the signing of the document has been: Why don't those unalienable rights apply to us? Through extensive research and interviews, as well as old photos and historic documents, O'Donnell curates a compelling portrait of these fierce fighters for freedom. From Mary Katharine Goddard, who printed the first signed Declaration of Independence, to the Forten family women, considered the "Black Founders" of Philadelphia who were active in the abolition and suffrage movements, to the first women who served in the Armed Forces even before they had the right to vote, O'Donnell brings these extraordinary women together for the first time, and in doing so, writes the American story anew.

Reviews:

“We the Women is a book that not only adults will love, but young readers as well. Norah O’Donnell makes history feel immediate and alive. By helping young people see themselves, and the girls around them, in these stories, We the Women expands how we imagine what women have done and what they can do. The result is a book essential for our moment.”—Frédérique Irwin, president and CEO of the National Women’s History Museum.

“A vital reminder of the importance of women’s contributions to our history—and a call to action for anyone committed to carrying forward the work that they began.”—Melinda French Gates.

The League of Women Voters of Broward County (LWVBC) began the Literati Book Club in August 2019 as a prelude to the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. Led by Bradette Jepsen, a Past President of LWVBC and published author, the book club first selected titles focused around the Suffragists and the movement they created but quickly expanded to include stories of strong women of many diverse backgrounds, both past and present. Selected titles have included bestsellers, works of nonfiction, and even a graphic novel. Discussion is informal and all are encouraged to participate - or just listen. Both league members and members of the public are welcome.

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