The San Benito County Free Library invites the community to discover the following books (and many, many more) on display throughout the library in celebration of Women’s History Month during the month of March.
Behind the Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy by Seymour Reit
In 1861, when war erupted between the states, President Abraham Lincoln sent an impassioned plea for volunteers. Determined not to remain on the sidelines, Emma Edmonds cropped her hair, donned men’s clothing and enlisted in the Union Army.
Historians estimate that over 400 women poising as men fought in the Civil War, but none of the others had a military career as unusual as that of Emma. First disguised as Private Franklin Thompson, Emma worked long, hard hours in a tent hospital. Then, assuming a second disguise on top of the first, the young woman slipped behind Confederate lines as a spy.
Posing in turns as a slave, peddler, washer woman, and fop, Thompson (Emma) became a cunning master of disguise, risking discovery and death to secure valuable information. Even back in the hospital tent, the young spy was in danger; illness, injury or a slip of the tongue could reveal Thompson’s true identity and Emma’s secret had to be kept at all costs.
Using Emma’s memoirs, U.S. Army records, and files from the National Archives, Seymour Reit has recreated this stirring tale of Emma Edmonds, a woman who refused to be defined by traditional 19th century gender roles and became the Civil War’s most incredible spy.
This book can be found at the San Benito County Free Library on the Women’s History Month display table or in the Juvenile Non-Fiction collection, call number j973.7 REI.
Grace: The Secret Lives of a Princess by James Spada
Grace: The Secret Lives of a Princess is a well-researched book, giving a very clear portrait of a beloved Hollywood actress. Grace Kelly was scandalous (reputedly) in her Hollywood days having liaisons with her leading men, such as Ray Milland! Grace’s father is painted as being very remote, thus Grace may have been searching for a father figure in her older co-stars.
Grace transitioned from living a playful life into a respectable princess behind the palace walls. It is a well-known rumor that Grace’s marriage to Prince Rainier was very unhappy. Rainier, or “Ray” as he was affectionately called, would not permit Grace to star in any movie, once she was married. In comparison to her Hollywood days, Grace had a restricted life, curtailed and disappointed, Grace continued to live in the Monaco palace (allegedly) for the sake of her children. Grace had signed a contract that she could not take her children from the tiny principality of Monaco.
The mystery of Grace’s royal life carried on to her untimely death. Princess Stephanie has never divulged a word about the car crash that killed Grace of Monaco. There are still unanswered questions that surround the crash on the hairpin bend of the road, made famous in the movie “Goldfinger.”
This book can be found at the San Benito County Free Library on the Women’s History Month display table or in the Biographies Collection, call number 944.949 SPA.
The Art of Tough: Fearlessly Facing Politics and Life by Barbara Boxer
Barbara Boxer retired in 2016 after dedicating more than thirty years of her life to representing California as a United States congresswoman. In her memoir, The Art of Tough: Fearlessly Facing Politics and Life, Boxer details her political tenure, including making history as half of the first female duo ever elected to the United States Senate from any state and being one of only six female senators at the time, as well as her political dedication to women’s rights and equality, children and families, world peace, and protection of the environment. Boxer also explores the influences of her childhood and college life and later, her experience balancing family life with career and political goals. What stands out throughout this inspiring biography is the senator’s toughness in standing up for her convictions and her drive to live a meaningful life, regardless of political or personal circumstances.
This book can be found at the San Benito County Free Library on the Women’s History Month display table or in the New Books Collection, call number BIO 328.73 BOX.