Books about women, by women, but not just for women.

Three books about three women.  Two memoirs and one biography, all penned by women.  It was a coincidence that these were the books I had to read this week but they juxtaposed nicely, examining lives of varied types of women at different eras.


Her: A Memoir by Christa Parravani (2013)

As evidenced by my relationship with my sister, siblings may share a special bond, a unique love, but it can never compare to that shared by twins.  In fact, when one twin dies, regardless of circumstances, even accident, it is 50% more likely that the surviving twin will pass away within the following two years.  Chilling.

Christa Parravani, upon losing her twin Cara, was no less than paralyzed by her young sister's death.  This heartwrenching memoir chronicles their bond, their devotion to one another, their imperfect love and what happened when Christa could not save Cara from her demons.

Born to an insecure mother and a father who was not interested in raising one girl, much less two daughters, they had a less than ideal childhood.  Later saddled with a second father figure in their step-dad who was no better than the first, they continued to struggle in poverty.  In spite of this start in life they went on to Bard College, together, and studied the arts.

Finding their way in the world together, it seemed happiness would be in their grasp.  Until a horrifying rape ended life as both twins knew it--although physically, it happened only to Cara.  The downward spiral could not be stopped and Christa was left alone.


My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor (2013)

This smart memoir by about a gifted lady is at once informational and inspirational.  By no means was Sonia a perfect child living in a idyllic world.  Having nothing handed to her except a brilliant mind, this woman worked hard for everything she became.

Regardless of what political team you bat for, it is difficult to imagine someone reading this and not having enormous respect for the ambition and diligence with which Sotomayor approached everything she tried.  Her integrity is impressive but she was also honest about the role affirmative action played in her life and how without it she would not have even known about Ivy league schools because she was too busy just trying to get homework done in her widowed mother's household where they lived paycheck to paycheck, eating rice and beans in her poor Bronx neighborhood.

Seeking an ADA placement right out of Yale Law instead of vying for a coveted, moneyed, firm position because of her commitment to public service, Sotomayor saw her commitment to people and the law as more vital than dollars.  Even when she later left private practice for the Federal bench, her own mother was proud but confused since she would be surrounded by less savory individuals and take a large cut in salary.

Diagnosed with Juvenile (Type 1) Diabetes as a young child, Sonia Sotomayor had a precarious existence as a youth, with an alcoholic but loving father and a hard working, always supportive mother.  She rose to the top and is living a life worth reading about.  Smartly, the book is also published in Spanish.


Margaret Fuller: A New American Life by Megan Marshall (2013)

This well-researched, thorough biography chronicles the life of Margaret Fuller, early feminist, transcendentalist, book reviewer, author and correspondent.  Her family life, relationships with other famed contemporary transcendentalists, her aspirations, romantic life and experiences in Rome as a correspondent during the revolution are fully explored.


I read, therefore I am,
the lowercase b