Melanie enjoys reading historical fiction and biographies of historical figures. Since March is Women's History Month, here are two books she recommends about women worthy of recognition.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Here's what Melanie had to say:
One of the sources the author used in writing this novel is The Midwife’s Tale by Lauren Thatcher Ulrich (who wrote one of my favorite quotes, “Well behaved women seldom make history”). Also inspired by her diaries, we are drawn into the life and times of Martha Ballard. Martha definitely lives up to Ulrich’s quote. A mother and midwife in late 18th century Maine, she is a woman ahead of her time. She never lost a woman in childbirth! This is a fascinating glimpse into the life of an unrecognized woman in American history.
My Friend Anne Frank by Hannah Pick-Goslar
Here's what Melanie had to say:
A must-read account by Hannah Goslar of growing up in Amsterdam with her best friend Anne. She goes on to recount the experiences of her family, and many others, in Westerbork and Bergen-Belsen. After the war she immigrated to Israel where she studied, raised a family, and spoke around the world as a witness to the genocide of European Jewry until her death in 2022. Powerful. I highly recommend this book.