Women’s History Month 2023 Reading Recommendations
Women’s History month, an annual month that highlights the contributions of women in history and contemporary society. We at Three Rooms Press are proud supporters of our female authors sharing their stories and having their voices heard. To show our appreciation, here are some of our book recommendations by and about women. Click on any book to order your copy directly from Three Rooms Press on our Women’s History Month 2023 Shop SPECIAL OFFER: 25% off any book in this category. Use code WOMEN2023
The Last Boat to Yokohama: The Life and Legacy of Beat Sirota
by Nassrine Azimi and Michel Wasserman
Gordon
LAST BOAT TO YOKOHAMA tells the story of Beate Sirota, a remarkable woman that secretly helped create Japan’s new constitution in 1946, contributing a revolutionary article advocating for equality in Japan regardless of race, sex, creed, social status and family origin. This extraordinary biography takes us through the life of a 22-year-old, Vienna-born, naturalized American woman of Ukranian Jewish decent who had grown up in Japan, and her work introducing dance, theater, and music of the Far East to American audiences. Yoko Ono says on the book that “all of us have a lot to learn from Beate Gordon—a woman with the courage to match her convictions.” Tom Koh, Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore; and Chairperson, Water Leaders Summit rave that it is “an inspiring book bout an inspiring woman.”
Japanthem
by Jillian Marshall
Throughout a decade traveling between America and Japan, Jillian Marshall researches the history and culture around Japan’s vibrant music scene. Her witty first-hand narrative explores the magic, frustrations, life-lessons, and ventures into Japanese society. Marshall offers a nuanced portrait of Japan while encouraging her readers to look under the surface. Publishers Weekly raves that “in awe-filled vignettes, she juxtaposes the “inescapable” noise of Tokyo—and its “manically happy” train station jingles—with the “quiet,
formal, ritualistic atmosphere” of a music festival in the rugged mountain town of Akita . . . this transportive work is a thrilling escape.” Aaron A. Fox, Associate Professor of Music, Columbia University on JAPANTHEM writes: “Marshall closely observes Japanese musical culture and yet holds it at a certain distance, seen honestly through her outsider’s eyes. Throughout, Marshall’s writing crackles with wit and humor and emotional honesty, richly drawn characters and complicated situations.”
Womentality: Thirteen Empowering Stories by Everyday Women Who Said Goodbye to the Workplace and Hello to Their Lives
edited by Erin Wildermuth
WOMENTALITY is a collection of inspiring personal essays from women around the world that chose to break free from societal constraints of the cooperate structure, and peruse their aspirations. It is their persistence to reclaim autonomy over their work life that will propel them to fulfill their lifelong goals. Publisher’s Weekly says “this inspiring collection makes a strong case for how women can design their work lives to meet both personal and professional needs.” Booklist writes “In the future, people will be able to work from any location, at any time, and live life completely on their own terms. What if the future is now? [Erin] Wildermuth lets thirteen women who found success as freelancers tell their encouraging stories here. . Striking out on your own can seem imposing, but women seeking a professional change may find a biography that resonates in this book.”
by Nicca Ray
the last hours of his life surrounded by a film crew. Author Peter Trachtenberg writes that “Nicholas Ray invented the meme of teenage anguish. His daughter Nicca lived it. The first miracle is that she survived. The second is that she created this beautiful, heart-breaking book. ” The Library Journal comments that “in this intimate blend of memoir and biography, [Nicholas Ray’s] daughter, Nicca, a filmmaker and writer, explores her father’s complex life and artistic legacy as well as their own complicated relationship and his impact on her life . . . This contemplative, deeply personal portrait of both Rays will appeal to readers interested in mid-century Hollywood.”
Yippie Girl: Exploits in Protest and Defeating the FBI
by Judy Gumbo
Lifelong activist Judy Gumbo, an original member of The Yippies, a 1960s anti-war satirical protest group, offers an insider feminist memoir of her involvement with the Yippies, Black Panthers, Chicago 7 Conspiracy Trial defendants, and her work in protest, women’s rights, environmental actions, and a life of activism. In 1968, a 24-year-old woman moved to Berkeley, California and immediately became enmeshed in the Youth International Party, aka The Yippies, an anti-war satirical protest group. In the next few years, Judy Gumbo (a nickname given her by Eldridge Cleaver), was soon at the center of counter-cultural activity—from protests in People’s Park, to meetings at Black Panther headquarters, to running a pig for President at the raucous Democratic National Convention in Chicago, a protest that devolved into violent attacks by the police and arrests that led to the notorious conspiracy trial of the Chicago 7. Midwest Book Review calls the book “an extraordinary memoir of an extraordinary woman in extraordinary times.” Jonah Raskin, Counterpunch raves that it is “a fun read and a valuable political document, long overdue. It’s cause for celebration.”
No Stopping Us Now
by Lucy Jane Bledsoe
As we wrap up the 50th anniversary year of Title IX—the revolutionary US bill mandating equality at public schools—it’s important to remember how profound this landmark legislation was. NO STOPPING US NOW fictionalizes the true story of author Lucy Jane Bledsoe in as a high schooler in 1974 with the story of Louisa. Title IX passed two years previously, but Louisa’s high school still refuses to fund an all girls’ basketball team. After hearing Gloria Steinem speak, Louisa learns an important lesson: “The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.” Now what can she do but stand up and fight back? The School Library Journal writes that “this autobiographical novel, with richly developed bold, courageous characters, and raw emotion, deftly captures the period of transition, not just for Louisa but for women’s rights in the 1970s.” Foreward Reviews calls NO STOPPING US NOW “a timeless and triumphant story of courage in the face of opposition, as well as a glimpse into the early days of Title IX’s implementation.”
Far Away From Close to Home
by Vanessa Baden Kelly
Vanessa Baden Kelly, known for her Emmy-winning performances on screen, steps into the literary world with her debut Spring 2021 essay collection. Kelly explores modern adult life and love—from homeownership to assessing intimate relationships to new motherhood—in essays that are approachable and informal, but in no way lacking in powerful insights. Kelly’s personal essays also do amazing work of tracking and the break-neck shift in American life and culture seen throughout 2020 (as she was writing), especially early covid isolation separating communities trying to come together and advocate for Black lives and protest the excuse brutality cutting those very lives short. The New York Times chose FAR AWAY FROM CLOSE TO HOME as a “New and Noteworthy” selection and said, “Kelly’s Contemplative personal essays draw on current events and cultural criticism to explore the meaning of ‘home’ for Black people.” Publishers Weekly also gave praise to Kelly’s debut, applauding it for being “full of heartfelt insight, [and a] powerful collection.”
