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We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America
A vivid portrait of the unsung American women from 1776 to today who changed the course of history in their fight for freedom and helped shape a more perfect union
“This terrific book reveals the central, though often hidden role that women have played at every stage of our country’s history.”—Doris Kearns Goodwin
Over a decades-long, distinguished career, award-winning journalist Norah O’Donnell has made it her mission to shed light on untold women’s stories. Now, in honor of America’s 250th birthday, O’Donnell focuses that passion on the American heroines who helped change the course of history.
We the Women presents a fresh look at American history through the eyes of women, introducing us to inspiring patriots who demanded that the country live up to the promises made 250 years ago in the Declaration of “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Since the signing of that document, the pressing question from women has Why don’t those unalienable rights apply to us?
Through extensive research and interviews, as well as historical documents and old photos, O’Donnell curates a compelling portrait of these fierce fighters for freedom. From Mary Katherine Goddard, who printed the first signed Declaration of Independence, to the Forten family women, who were active in the abolition and suffrage movements and were considered the “Black Founders” of Philadelphia, to the first women who served in the armed forces even before they had the right to vote, O’Donnell brings these extraordinary women together for the first time, and in doing so writes the American story anew.
“This terrific book reveals the central, though often hidden role that women have played at every stage of our country’s history.”—Doris Kearns Goodwin
Over a decades-long, distinguished career, award-winning journalist Norah O’Donnell has made it her mission to shed light on untold women’s stories. Now, in honor of America’s 250th birthday, O’Donnell focuses that passion on the American heroines who helped change the course of history.
We the Women presents a fresh look at American history through the eyes of women, introducing us to inspiring patriots who demanded that the country live up to the promises made 250 years ago in the Declaration of “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Since the signing of that document, the pressing question from women has Why don’t those unalienable rights apply to us?
Through extensive research and interviews, as well as historical documents and old photos, O’Donnell curates a compelling portrait of these fierce fighters for freedom. From Mary Katherine Goddard, who printed the first signed Declaration of Independence, to the Forten family women, who were active in the abolition and suffrage movements and were considered the “Black Founders” of Philadelphia, to the first women who served in the armed forces even before they had the right to vote, O’Donnell brings these extraordinary women together for the first time, and in doing so writes the American story anew.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published February 24, 2026
1180 people are currently reading
11434 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
January 26, 2026
I read to 47% and just could not get myself to finish the rest!
I was hoping that each of these women’s stories would be told in a more story like fashion, but they read almost completely as factual, dictionary, excerpts of a lot of dates and information about their lives, but they did not feel emotionally compelling at all.
While I enjoyed getting to hear about little known women throughout the history of the United States, who had a massive impact on its development, I didn’t feel like their stories were told in an emotionally compelling way I felt like I was mostly given the facts and the details of what they did and when and I wanted this to be a more evocative emotional experience.
But maybe my expectations were off in starting this book because I don’t typically read history. However, even the biographies & memoirs I have read had a much more story like and emotional connection than this one did. I felt like I was reading out of a history textbook and I just got bored very easily with that
I would still recommend to my audience based on just the powerful little known stories that were being pulled to the light to give empowerment to women’s strong role in our nations history, but since I did not love this myself, and it’s not really the type of book format that I enjoyed I’m giving it three stars..
I was hoping that each of these women’s stories would be told in a more story like fashion, but they read almost completely as factual, dictionary, excerpts of a lot of dates and information about their lives, but they did not feel emotionally compelling at all.
While I enjoyed getting to hear about little known women throughout the history of the United States, who had a massive impact on its development, I didn’t feel like their stories were told in an emotionally compelling way I felt like I was mostly given the facts and the details of what they did and when and I wanted this to be a more evocative emotional experience.
But maybe my expectations were off in starting this book because I don’t typically read history. However, even the biographies & memoirs I have read had a much more story like and emotional connection than this one did. I felt like I was reading out of a history textbook and I just got bored very easily with that
I would still recommend to my audience based on just the powerful little known stories that were being pulled to the light to give empowerment to women’s strong role in our nations history, but since I did not love this myself, and it’s not really the type of book format that I enjoyed I’m giving it three stars..
February 27, 2026
In the introduction the author says she does not focus on the most well known women in American history like Abigail Adams because, well, they're already pretty well known. She focuses on the women that she never heard of, or knew little about. As a seasoned news correspondent she presumes that we haven't heard of them either, or know little about them if we have. That's pretty much true.
The glaring exception is Eleanor Roosevelt. Because nobody who focuses on women in American history can resist writing about her, right?
The book is structured chronologically by roughly 50-year time periods, with each period offering sketches of a few pages per woman. This means we get a summary of each life, not much in depth detail. But this is made up for by the copious numbers of women she gets into this book.
The sketches read as a little breezy, with the author inserting bits of exclamatory commentary at different points in italics. Like this!
This conversational style, and the brevity of each sketch, would make this an excellent book to give to a teenager or young woman to provide a quick survey of the different periods of the development of women's rights in America. Roughly speaking, we move from the Revolutionary period, to the mid-19th century and Seneca Falls Convention, to the Suffragists in the late 19th and early 20th century, to Second Wave Feminism in the mid-20th century. There's also a final section on more contemporary women that covers the author's lifetime.
The glaring exception is Eleanor Roosevelt. Because nobody who focuses on women in American history can resist writing about her, right?
The book is structured chronologically by roughly 50-year time periods, with each period offering sketches of a few pages per woman. This means we get a summary of each life, not much in depth detail. But this is made up for by the copious numbers of women she gets into this book.
The sketches read as a little breezy, with the author inserting bits of exclamatory commentary at different points in italics. Like this!
This conversational style, and the brevity of each sketch, would make this an excellent book to give to a teenager or young woman to provide a quick survey of the different periods of the development of women's rights in America. Roughly speaking, we move from the Revolutionary period, to the mid-19th century and Seneca Falls Convention, to the Suffragists in the late 19th and early 20th century, to Second Wave Feminism in the mid-20th century. There's also a final section on more contemporary women that covers the author's lifetime.
April 21, 2026
One of the impressive things is the research the author had to put into each person featured in the book. Norah came up with some great quotes for all the women she featured in her book. One of her stories was about Kitty Wright, who was so instrumental in helping the Wright Brothers get their company off the ground. One person commented, "There would have been no Kitty Hawk without Kitty Wright," and the author goes on to explain how Kitty Wright handled much of the company's administration and marketing, while her brothers handled the development and engineering of the Wright Flyer.
March 10, 2026
We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America
So those who know me well will ask,
“why did you pick a book that is
a. Non-Fiction
b. over 900 pages
c. so far from your favorite genre?”
Answer: Because I needed to satisfy the last reading challenge requirement in the winter series and no other book caught my interest.
This book by Norah O’ Donnell highlighted all the women that have helped shape our country in the last 250 years. Many of the women at the beginning of the book I had never heard of but their contribution was incredible. I learned a lot and even took notes (in case I needed some answers while playing Jeopardy)! At the halfway mark I recognized many more and found out more about their accomplishments. They all were very brave and would not give up. I found myself caring so much more about the issues they fought so hard for. However, I got a bit tired. Towards the end I hurried through because I wanted to move to another book. There was so much information that I wasn’t retaining the names and stories. But I am proud of myself that I committed to a challenging read. I am giving this 3 stars but I think anyone who loves history and 250 years of incredible women, and a long attention span, would give it 5 stars!
So those who know me well will ask,
“why did you pick a book that is
a. Non-Fiction
b. over 900 pages
c. so far from your favorite genre?”
Answer: Because I needed to satisfy the last reading challenge requirement in the winter series and no other book caught my interest.
This book by Norah O’ Donnell highlighted all the women that have helped shape our country in the last 250 years. Many of the women at the beginning of the book I had never heard of but their contribution was incredible. I learned a lot and even took notes (in case I needed some answers while playing Jeopardy)! At the halfway mark I recognized many more and found out more about their accomplishments. They all were very brave and would not give up. I found myself caring so much more about the issues they fought so hard for. However, I got a bit tired. Towards the end I hurried through because I wanted to move to another book. There was so much information that I wasn’t retaining the names and stories. But I am proud of myself that I committed to a challenging read. I am giving this 3 stars but I think anyone who loves history and 250 years of incredible women, and a long attention span, would give it 5 stars!
April 7, 2026
Emmy Award-winning journalist O’Donnell, assisted by Brower, pays homage to scores of women who played a decisive role in the nation’s history. In 35 chapters, she focuses on five periods: 1776-1826, America’s first 50 years; 1826-76, encompassing the Seneca Falls Convention and the Civil War; 1876-1926, the Gilded Age and Progressivism; 1926-76, marked by war and social unrest; and 1976 to the present.
An inspiring contribution to the 250th celebration of the nation’s founding.
An inspiring contribution to the 250th celebration of the nation’s founding.
Read
March 29, 2026I love women’s history and I love Norah O’Donnell. I learned dozens of new names of women who shaped American history and it made me so proud to be a woman but also deeply heartbroken knowing what every woman before me had to go through. I appreciated that this book didn’t just focus on the typical suspects of women’s history like Eleanor Roosevelt or Elizabeth Cady Stanton but instead I got to learn about architects like Emily Warren Roebling, medical pioneers like the Blackwell sisters, as well as athletes, warriors, judges, businesswomen… I had no idea that the Wright brothers had a sister who was basically their PR manager through their early expeditions but of course a woman had to organize all of their exhibitions and press for their experiments to be a success!
So good as an audiobook too
So good as an audiobook too
April 4, 2026
We the Women by Norah O’Donnell was such an inspiring, amazing, and fascinating book to close out Women’s History Month. I listened to the audiobook through Spotify Premium, but I loved every second of this book so much that I found a signed copy of We the Women online through an indie bookseller to have on my shelf and refer back to when needed!
There were two things I really loved about this book. The first is that Norah O’Donnell not only chose trailblazing women that most of us have never heard of (or some like Eleanor Roosevelt that we’ve heard of but may not know all the details of her life and contributions to American society), but she chose women from all different racial backgrounds. I thought this was great because women might see themselves in some of these biographical stories. The second thing I loved about this book is the progression starting at the Revolutionary War era to modern day.
I wish I were back in college taking women’s studies courses because I know for a fact this would be one of the class required readings. I think every person, man or woman, should pick this book up. Women contributed a lot more than people might initially think. These stories should be known to everyone!
There were two things I really loved about this book. The first is that Norah O’Donnell not only chose trailblazing women that most of us have never heard of (or some like Eleanor Roosevelt that we’ve heard of but may not know all the details of her life and contributions to American society), but she chose women from all different racial backgrounds. I thought this was great because women might see themselves in some of these biographical stories. The second thing I loved about this book is the progression starting at the Revolutionary War era to modern day.
I wish I were back in college taking women’s studies courses because I know for a fact this would be one of the class required readings. I think every person, man or woman, should pick this book up. Women contributed a lot more than people might initially think. These stories should be known to everyone!
March 3, 2026
We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America
By: Norah O'Donnell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre/tags: History, women time forgot
What I liked:
This non-fiction read like fiction. I listened to it on audio while doing yard work.
Good to know before picking this up:
While there were some new women introduced in this, there were a fair amount I was familiar with because I read a historical fiction of their lives.
By: Norah O'Donnell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre/tags: History, women time forgot
What I liked:
This non-fiction read like fiction. I listened to it on audio while doing yard work.
Good to know before picking this up:
While there were some new women introduced in this, there were a fair amount I was familiar with because I read a historical fiction of their lives.
April 26, 2026
I was so excited throughout this book and loved the variety of women whose stories were shared. That being said, the ending sent me into a blind rage. The mention of Amy Coney Barrett, glossing over her key part in the overturning of Roe v. Wade (literally mentioned in one brief sentence) and instead painting her as a great achievement since she is among 4 current supreme court justices, and then the coverage of Taylor Swift and Greta Gerwig's Barbie Movie without discussing their harmful and beyond mediocre white feminism as if these are monumental achievements made me rage. The author covered historical women with attention to their harmful beliefs (minus any mention of Margaret Sanger's racism) so we know it is possible for her to study and bring to light women's achievements as well as their harms, so why shy away when it comes to these three very middling women (their greatest achievement seems to be their relation to wealth, which is more to do with the circumstance of their birth and thus their ability to weaponize this relationship to wealth and accumulate more is hardly an accomplishment, if anything it is a disgrace). The end seemed to me a parade of white feminism as if this is the crowning jewel, and undermined the message of the book until this point.
March 28, 2026
Reading this book right now felt that much more meaningful. Learning about the ways in which the women featured here fought for their rights, fought for equal opportunities, it was a strong reminder of how much they did to pave the way for women today, and how much we cannot take what they won for us for granted. I enjoyed reading these short vignettes about the lives of so many women across the history of the United States, with just enough information given to inspire you with what they achieved. I also so greatly appreciated how O’Donnell and Brower do not shy away from showing all aspects of these women—reminding readers that white suffragettes often excluded women of color, or that Margaret Sanger was linked with eugenics, or that Grimké sisters maintained ties with enslavers. They do not try to make these women into mythological heroes or put them on a pedestal, but instead show them for what they were: human and flawed. And by seeing this, the reader can feel empowered, knowing that they too can be trailblazers for the next generations because they are just as human and flawed.
April 25, 2026
Attention, all American women: READ THIS BOOK NOW!!! 🚺📖
I’ve always been a big fan of Norah O’Donnell. I didn’t know about this book until I saw it at Half Price Books last month, and thankfully, the wait for the audiobook wasn’t as long as I’d anticipated! 🙌🏻 Women have been getting overlooked by history for too long, so much so that I’d never even heard of half the ones in this book. Yet they all contributed something important to the way we function as a society today. History can’t be rewritten, but it’s due for a second look. Men and women should both read this book, for that matter. It’s history, not politics, so it doesn’t matter what party you align with. People of all sides can stand to learn a thing or two about the little secrets of our country.
I’ve always been a big fan of Norah O’Donnell. I didn’t know about this book until I saw it at Half Price Books last month, and thankfully, the wait for the audiobook wasn’t as long as I’d anticipated! 🙌🏻 Women have been getting overlooked by history for too long, so much so that I’d never even heard of half the ones in this book. Yet they all contributed something important to the way we function as a society today. History can’t be rewritten, but it’s due for a second look. Men and women should both read this book, for that matter. It’s history, not politics, so it doesn’t matter what party you align with. People of all sides can stand to learn a thing or two about the little secrets of our country.
March 29, 2026
One of the best nonfiction books I’ve ever read! If not the best! Spanning from the American Revolution to present day, Norah O’Donnell (who you MUST listen to on audiobook - you won’t regret it,) shares about women who shaped America’s success. These women did not work for recognition, but because they love their country. Some of my favorite stories were about the Hello Girls of World War II and Frances Perkins. I was also planning to trudge through the chapter on Eleanor Roosevelt, but it actually made me want to learn more about her!
April 14, 2026
We stand on the shoulders of every woman who has come before!! I'm ever so grateful and proud of my heritage, to identify as a feminist, and I endeavor to carry on the fight. Every woman should read. And every man would benefit from reading. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and honestly don't understand those who gave poor ratings (especially women!). This book has inspired me to search out more in depth books on the many inspirational, and often lesser known/lauded, women featured in Nora's book. Well done!
May 1, 2026
Women are amazing and im glad I was able to learn about the forgotten names in this book. I was googling them and putting a face to the name as they came up. We cannot change how they were treated when all of them were changing and adding to history but we can listen to their story and make sure that we correct the narratives going forward.
May 7, 2026
Five stars! 🌟
Each chapter is about a different woman in U.S. history. Some stories brought me to tears. The suffragists, the civil right activists, etc.
These are some incredible women who went through so much to open doors for the generation after them.
This was an excellent audio book, narrated by Norah O’Donnell, the author.
Each chapter is about a different woman in U.S. history. Some stories brought me to tears. The suffragists, the civil right activists, etc.
These are some incredible women who went through so much to open doors for the generation after them.
This was an excellent audio book, narrated by Norah O’Donnell, the author.
March 11, 2026
Why don’t those unalienable rights apply to women?
We loved Norah on the news, and I was excited to read her book. And, wow, was I inspired by the strong, smart, amazing women featured here!
I was also pleased to see names of women about whom I’d read and seen in movies.
Perfect for America’s 250th anniversary.
We loved Norah on the news, and I was excited to read her book. And, wow, was I inspired by the strong, smart, amazing women featured here!
I was also pleased to see names of women about whom I’d read and seen in movies.
Perfect for America’s 250th anniversary.
March 14, 2026
This was fantastic. A collection of biographical sketches of American women from our founding to today. I hadn’t heard of most of the women featured in this book and really appreciated hearing about so many trailblazers.
April 5, 2026
Loved learning about the women that are not as well known in American history and their stories, each chapter features a different person. The only complaint I have is that it reads like a history book, very factual and informative, but not the best storytelling narrative.
March 6, 2026
This was so informative but a little too history book for me. I still loved learning about all the women, though!
March 9, 2026
4.5 ⭐️s…great her-story of amazing women throughout our country’s 250 years. Despite having a degree in history and an interest in sharing these types of historical accounts with my own girls, I had not heard of many of these remarkable women, but I have a great roadmap to learn more.
March 26, 2026
Very well written and interesting!!
March 28, 2026
I cannot recommend this book enough! from the first page to the last, I learned a million things about a billion fabulous people in American history! I listened to the audiobook, which the author narrates, and it is a pleasure to listen to. I am a history teacher, and even I still found people that I really didn't know about or know much about in these pages! truly a wonderful work of art! definitely put this on your list!
April 6, 2026
I love the way Norah tells stories, so I was thrilled to learn she wrote a book.
its crazy that in all my history lessons in school, the stories were all male-dominated. and now reading this seeing that there was a woman behind most of these stories...but I hadn't learned a thing?! insane.
my favorite stories I included
Elizabeth Ellet
Deborah sampson
Patience lovell Wright
Hello Girls
Agnes Meyer driscoll
Katharine McCormick
Eleanor Roosevelt
Pat Schroeder
its crazy that in all my history lessons in school, the stories were all male-dominated. and now reading this seeing that there was a woman behind most of these stories...but I hadn't learned a thing?! insane.
my favorite stories I included
Elizabeth Ellet
Deborah sampson
Patience lovell Wright
Hello Girls
Agnes Meyer driscoll
Katharine McCormick
Eleanor Roosevelt
Pat Schroeder
April 15, 2026
I love women and that includes Norah O’Donnell! Happy 250th, America!
March 21, 2026
LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!
Read
April 30, 2026Since there isn't a unlimited star review, I won't do stars. This book just shows the power of women. We are incredible human beings.
March 18, 2026
A very informative easy read with small chapters about world changing women in history
March 22, 2026
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Presentation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Editing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Let me start first with my known biases:
1- I ADORE Nora O’Donnell. Like wish I could’ve crossed paths with her assignments in my time as a 46. Like wish I could sit at her lunch table, soak up all her knowledge and then go with her to get wine and charcuterie on a Thursday night. Her ability to orchestrate interviews and command a news desk is beautiful to watch. So, I inherently will love anything she produces.
2- I’m a print journalist. Writing for a newsmagazine or print publication is different than the style used by broadcasters. And with that being said, I also turn into an editor sometimes when I read and I just simply cannot help it.
So I’ll get the editing part out of the way. Broadcasters write in a “here and now” voice because they use video imagery alongside the voice over, and it is sometimes live, but always there is action happening in front of your eyes as you watch. So, you write like you would speak to someone actively. A lot of that comes through inside this print edition which just makes me sigh loudly. There were a few times I had to read things over. But that also could be because I read late at night.
I need to also give an honorable mention for her clever use of “drop quotes” sprinkled throughout the text. I’ve tagged corners of pages where I hope to use these quotes on my own projects in the future. Little ears turned down throughout the 300+ page hardback. This will be a go-to for me for years to come.
O’Donnell presents these amazing historical figures in five parts:
- 1776-1826
- 1826-1876
- 1876-1926
- 1926-1976
- 1976-Today
In each of these time periods, O’Donnell introduced me to at least three heroines who American History classes failed the introduction of. This is a point she brings up more than once — the sad fact that so much of out history isn’t just white washed, but also draped in the cloak of misogyny.
I know that line is going to make many uncomfortable. As it should. But it’s what we do with that discomfort that counts. You can shrug off this review as some “snowflake feminist,” or you can sit down with a cup of your favorite drink and learn something new about this country in its 250th year.
Think back to what you learned in your American History classes, who the prominent figures were on The Declaration of Independence: were we ever taught how the copies came to be for each colony? Think back to when you THOUGHT the first woman ran for President- if your answer isn’t 1872 …
There are 3,450 people who received the Medal of Honor. Only one is a woman, awarded in 1866. She was stripped of it in 1917, but the Army Board of Correction restored it in 1977.
Or that the first Congresswoman was sworn to Congress four years before the 19th Amendment.
This list could go on and on. I’m not telling you who these women are because I want YOU to read about them for yourselves. Understand the fight they put up for our rights today. We are so amazingly blessed to know their stories.
O’Donnell gives us a brief introduction to 35+ dreamers, fighters, pioneers of their time. Simply standing up for this country and the idea of Life and Liberty.
I cannot think of a better way to honor their memory than with this book this Women’s History Month.
After you read it, come on back here for discussion about what shocked you, your favorite quote or something you may even know more about and can offer.
Because this country cannot run without We The Women. ❤️🤍💙
Content: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Presentation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Editing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Let me start first with my known biases:
1- I ADORE Nora O’Donnell. Like wish I could’ve crossed paths with her assignments in my time as a 46. Like wish I could sit at her lunch table, soak up all her knowledge and then go with her to get wine and charcuterie on a Thursday night. Her ability to orchestrate interviews and command a news desk is beautiful to watch. So, I inherently will love anything she produces.
2- I’m a print journalist. Writing for a newsmagazine or print publication is different than the style used by broadcasters. And with that being said, I also turn into an editor sometimes when I read and I just simply cannot help it.
So I’ll get the editing part out of the way. Broadcasters write in a “here and now” voice because they use video imagery alongside the voice over, and it is sometimes live, but always there is action happening in front of your eyes as you watch. So, you write like you would speak to someone actively. A lot of that comes through inside this print edition which just makes me sigh loudly. There were a few times I had to read things over. But that also could be because I read late at night.
I need to also give an honorable mention for her clever use of “drop quotes” sprinkled throughout the text. I’ve tagged corners of pages where I hope to use these quotes on my own projects in the future. Little ears turned down throughout the 300+ page hardback. This will be a go-to for me for years to come.
O’Donnell presents these amazing historical figures in five parts:
- 1776-1826
- 1826-1876
- 1876-1926
- 1926-1976
- 1976-Today
In each of these time periods, O’Donnell introduced me to at least three heroines who American History classes failed the introduction of. This is a point she brings up more than once — the sad fact that so much of out history isn’t just white washed, but also draped in the cloak of misogyny.
I know that line is going to make many uncomfortable. As it should. But it’s what we do with that discomfort that counts. You can shrug off this review as some “snowflake feminist,” or you can sit down with a cup of your favorite drink and learn something new about this country in its 250th year.
Think back to what you learned in your American History classes, who the prominent figures were on The Declaration of Independence: were we ever taught how the copies came to be for each colony? Think back to when you THOUGHT the first woman ran for President- if your answer isn’t 1872 …
There are 3,450 people who received the Medal of Honor. Only one is a woman, awarded in 1866. She was stripped of it in 1917, but the Army Board of Correction restored it in 1977.
Or that the first Congresswoman was sworn to Congress four years before the 19th Amendment.
This list could go on and on. I’m not telling you who these women are because I want YOU to read about them for yourselves. Understand the fight they put up for our rights today. We are so amazingly blessed to know their stories.
O’Donnell gives us a brief introduction to 35+ dreamers, fighters, pioneers of their time. Simply standing up for this country and the idea of Life and Liberty.
I cannot think of a better way to honor their memory than with this book this Women’s History Month.
After you read it, come on back here for discussion about what shocked you, your favorite quote or something you may even know more about and can offer.
Because this country cannot run without We The Women. ❤️🤍💙
March 15, 2026
In this admirable book, Norah O’Donnell presents amplification of her many years of exploring and extolling the roles that women have played in the creation of a country that claimed honors as “We the People,” while often forgetting or ignoring the fact that women are people. Written with the assistance of Kate Andersen Brower, WE THE WOMEN depicts and reflects upon the sensitivity, intellect and anger of those who shaped the nation from its earliest years.
Phillis Wheatley came to her new homeland from Africa in a voyage of such squalid conditions that many of its passengers did not survive. Shortly after becoming a servant in the Wheatley home, her intelligence and talents were noted and encouraged. As a teenager, she began writing poems calling for America’s freedom from Britain. Her works were recognized by George Washington, John Hancock and Benjamin Franklin. O’Donnell reports that she is now known as “the founding mother of African American literature.”
We learn that Orville and Wilbur Wright had a sister, Katharine, who not only managed their aviation innovations behind the scenes, but once saved Orville’s life after an injury during a flight in 1908. Her social skills underpinned her brothers’ success. While they were highly reserved, Katharine was gregarious and became their “public face” by meeting royalty and negotiating business contracts.
Mildred "Babe” Didrikson Zaharias, possibly “the greatest athlete who ever lived,” discovered her strengths in adolescence within a company that promoted national basketball teams. She was accepted after practicing daily, running and jumping over hedges. Babe won multiple prizes, shattered records in the 1932 Olympics, and later became a world champion golfer. She earned nearly every sports title available to women by the 1950s and was publicly praised by President Eisenhower.
O’Donnell, an award-winning journalist and longtime CBS anchor and correspondent, believes it’s her honor and duty to share these dynamic profiles, bringing to light accomplishments achieved despite barriers of race, national origin, and the stark discrimination that women have borne over centuries. Along with lesser-known people, included are some highly recognized revolutionaries. Among them are Eleanor Roosevelt, who is known as “the great agitator” for women’s rights; Margaret Sanger and Katharine McCormick, pioneers in the field of birth control; and the suffragists who risked physical harm as they campaigned for women’s voting rights.
WE THE WOMEN contains rare and commendable photographs of its heroes and incorporates thorough, diligent research to support O’Donnell’s well-chosen, strongly stated accounts. Her absorbing assemblage gives much-needed new life to the women of America’s history, offering satisfaction and, in some cases, pleasant surprises for contemporary readers across a wide spectrum.
Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott
Phillis Wheatley came to her new homeland from Africa in a voyage of such squalid conditions that many of its passengers did not survive. Shortly after becoming a servant in the Wheatley home, her intelligence and talents were noted and encouraged. As a teenager, she began writing poems calling for America’s freedom from Britain. Her works were recognized by George Washington, John Hancock and Benjamin Franklin. O’Donnell reports that she is now known as “the founding mother of African American literature.”
We learn that Orville and Wilbur Wright had a sister, Katharine, who not only managed their aviation innovations behind the scenes, but once saved Orville’s life after an injury during a flight in 1908. Her social skills underpinned her brothers’ success. While they were highly reserved, Katharine was gregarious and became their “public face” by meeting royalty and negotiating business contracts.
Mildred "Babe” Didrikson Zaharias, possibly “the greatest athlete who ever lived,” discovered her strengths in adolescence within a company that promoted national basketball teams. She was accepted after practicing daily, running and jumping over hedges. Babe won multiple prizes, shattered records in the 1932 Olympics, and later became a world champion golfer. She earned nearly every sports title available to women by the 1950s and was publicly praised by President Eisenhower.
O’Donnell, an award-winning journalist and longtime CBS anchor and correspondent, believes it’s her honor and duty to share these dynamic profiles, bringing to light accomplishments achieved despite barriers of race, national origin, and the stark discrimination that women have borne over centuries. Along with lesser-known people, included are some highly recognized revolutionaries. Among them are Eleanor Roosevelt, who is known as “the great agitator” for women’s rights; Margaret Sanger and Katharine McCormick, pioneers in the field of birth control; and the suffragists who risked physical harm as they campaigned for women’s voting rights.
WE THE WOMEN contains rare and commendable photographs of its heroes and incorporates thorough, diligent research to support O’Donnell’s well-chosen, strongly stated accounts. Her absorbing assemblage gives much-needed new life to the women of America’s history, offering satisfaction and, in some cases, pleasant surprises for contemporary readers across a wide spectrum.
Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott
March 22, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing a free e-copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Book Summary
We the Women presents a fresh look at American his¬tory through the eyes of women, introducing us to inspiring patriots who demanded that the country live up to the prom¬ises made 250 years ago in the Declaration of Independence: “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Since the signing of that document, the pressing question from women has been: Why don’t those unalienable rights apply to us?
My Bookish Thoughts
We the Women is split into five parts. Part One is 1776-1826, the Revolutionary War and the first fifty years of the United States. Part Two starts with the Seneca Falls Convention (1826) and goes through the Civil War (1876). Part Three starts in 1876-1926. Part Four covers 1926-1976, and Part Five is 1976-today. Each part covers 50 years and introduces the reader to influential women of that particular era.
Many of the women I’d heard about—Phillis Wheatley, Mercy Otis Warren, the Blackwell Sisters, Emily Warren Roebling, Eleanor Roosevelt, Frances Perkins, The Six Triple Eight, Babe Didrikson, and Pat Schroeder. But We the Women introduced many women I’d never heard of—Mary Katherine Goddard, Patience Lovell Wright, the Grimké Sisters, Anna Dickenson, Inez Milholland, Agnes Meyer Driscoll, the New Orleans Four, and Romana Acosta Bañuelos, to name a few.
O’Donnell’s short chapters sparked my curiosity. I would stop reading to search the internet to find out even more about the woman I was reading about. Sometimes those short chapters would seem too short. I had to remind myself this book isn’t a comprehensive biography about one woman. It is an introduction to many women who’ve played influential roles in United States’ history but aren’t mentioned in the history books. O’Donnell’s writing is engaging. Her research is thorough. According to my Kindle, almost a quarter of the book is O’Donnell’s source notes and photo credits.
My Bookish Conclusion
Read We the Women if: you’re interested in the role women have played in shaping this country, if you enjoy reading biographies or memoirs, if you enjoy history in general. By reading about these women, you also learn about the societal expectations and restraints placed upon many of them. About how many of these women had to fight for rights that came automatically to their male counterparts. About how far women have come and have yet to go. About how those hard-won rights are now threatened by the current political climate. Once I started reading We the Women, it was difficult to put down.
5/5 stars.
Book Summary
We the Women presents a fresh look at American his¬tory through the eyes of women, introducing us to inspiring patriots who demanded that the country live up to the prom¬ises made 250 years ago in the Declaration of Independence: “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Since the signing of that document, the pressing question from women has been: Why don’t those unalienable rights apply to us?
My Bookish Thoughts
We the Women is split into five parts. Part One is 1776-1826, the Revolutionary War and the first fifty years of the United States. Part Two starts with the Seneca Falls Convention (1826) and goes through the Civil War (1876). Part Three starts in 1876-1926. Part Four covers 1926-1976, and Part Five is 1976-today. Each part covers 50 years and introduces the reader to influential women of that particular era.
Many of the women I’d heard about—Phillis Wheatley, Mercy Otis Warren, the Blackwell Sisters, Emily Warren Roebling, Eleanor Roosevelt, Frances Perkins, The Six Triple Eight, Babe Didrikson, and Pat Schroeder. But We the Women introduced many women I’d never heard of—Mary Katherine Goddard, Patience Lovell Wright, the Grimké Sisters, Anna Dickenson, Inez Milholland, Agnes Meyer Driscoll, the New Orleans Four, and Romana Acosta Bañuelos, to name a few.
O’Donnell’s short chapters sparked my curiosity. I would stop reading to search the internet to find out even more about the woman I was reading about. Sometimes those short chapters would seem too short. I had to remind myself this book isn’t a comprehensive biography about one woman. It is an introduction to many women who’ve played influential roles in United States’ history but aren’t mentioned in the history books. O’Donnell’s writing is engaging. Her research is thorough. According to my Kindle, almost a quarter of the book is O’Donnell’s source notes and photo credits.
My Bookish Conclusion
Read We the Women if: you’re interested in the role women have played in shaping this country, if you enjoy reading biographies or memoirs, if you enjoy history in general. By reading about these women, you also learn about the societal expectations and restraints placed upon many of them. About how many of these women had to fight for rights that came automatically to their male counterparts. About how far women have come and have yet to go. About how those hard-won rights are now threatened by the current political climate. Once I started reading We the Women, it was difficult to put down.
5/5 stars.
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