There was recently a show on PBS about women in World War II. From that I learned of a book: Our Mother's War: American Women at Home and at the Front During World War II, by Emily Yellin. It took a while to find a copy, but I did and it was a good read. At the time, women were not expected to be all that bright, to even want to work away from home and so on ... all thoughts from men, of course. (To be fair, not all men). The war would change everything. From the factories where women built planes, to those who flew them to their final destination before heading overseas, to building munitions and more. They were nurses and aides, serving both at home and on the front lines. They drove ambulances. On the lighter side (but still in war zones) they were entertainers and musicians in jazz bands and dance bands. And yes, there were prostitutes, too. Familiar images were created: Betty Crocker, Rosie the Riveter, pin up girls. This was an all encompassing read ... a bit dense, actually, so I read other books 'in between'. It is well written, with a wonderful index, bib and notes at the back. Give it a try!

And, because of the 'theme' of strong women, I'm partnering it with one sent up by Wandering Reader: Women to Reckon With: Untamed Women of the Olympic Wilderness, by Gary Peterson and Glynda Schaad. (It's local history, and was found 1000 miles away!) Wonderful pictures along with the histories of many of the women who first settled what became the state of Washington. There are farmers, ranchers, preachers, teachers ... these women could take care of themselves!

Reading Hermit With Dog