Wild Women of Michigan: A History of Spunk and Tenacity

by Norma Lewis

Countless Michiganian women performed extraordinary acts that challenged and improved the world. Madame Marie-Therese Cadillac served as the medicine woman in the frontier that became Detroit. Annie Taylor survived rolling over Niagara Falls in a barrel. After suffragist Anna Howard Shaw fought to vote, the state saw an influx of women running for office. In the 1970s, East Lansing's Patricia Beeman aided in efforts to end apartheid in South Africa. Suellen Finatri showcased an extreme side of equestrian sports by riding more than four thousand miles from St. Ignace to Skagway, Alaska. And World War II army flight nurse Aleda Lutz evacuated more than 3,500 wounded soldiers and is still recognized as one of America's most decorated servicewomen. Author and historian Norma Lewis commemorates the women who boldly left their marks.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography, Book Club

144 pages, Paperback

Published September 4, 2017

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Positives: this was a really cute book about women throughout Michigan history. There were many women, such as Sojourner Truth, that I had no idea that had lived in Michigan. That was cool. Most of the vignettes were really well flushed out, and were a good readable chunk. There was a good deal of tongue-in-cheek humor, and the author definitely let her personality shine through. Because it is such a unique book and understudied topic, it was definitely a worthwhile read.

Negatives: this could have definitely been a better book. There was some sloppy editing, and overall it did feel really rushed. There was a choppiness too. The transitions were clunky. There were definitely times where I did not realize that she'd gone on and tangentially moved on to the next person. The categories felt altogether too wide. I'm not sure criminal women was the best place the end the book either.

If the subject matter appeals to you, it's worth it. Otherwise, it's probably not the best piece of nonfiction.

[Emily Malek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today is International Women’s Day. What a better way to celebrate it than reviewing a book that celebrates the women who defied expectations and changed the world. Coincidentally, I have one that just happens to fall into that category, and these women lived in Michigan at some point. It’s called "Wild Women of Michigan: A History of Spunk and Tenacity" by Norma Lewis. Even though it could have been written better, this book is a highly informative text that honors women who performed extraordinary acts that challenged the world.

To see more of this review, click on this link: https://chick-who-reads-everything.co...

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think calling this "Wild Women" was a little bit of a stretch. It was more about women who did things throughout history that at one point lived in Michigan.

There were some interesting stories, but there desperately needed to be an editor before this was published. There were a lot of tangents and the things weren't very cohesive. Also, there were places where there were a lot of tidbits of information but other places where the reader is in great need of more information to fully understand the situation.

[Sue Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the title Wild Women doesn't quite fit what is in this book, it is still a brief and interesting read. Norma Lewis talks about women with connections to the state of Michigan who did something unusual or noteworthy. They often went unnoticed because they were women in a time when women were not recognized.

Some examples include Betty Ford who as the wife of a President made breast cancer a speakable topic thereby probably saving some lives. I also had no idea that Sojourner Truth the abolitionist had any connection to Michigan. The author talked about comedians like Gilda Radner and even about dare devils like Annie Edson TySon who went over the Niagara Falls in a barrel, and many more.

The book was short and factual and included some pictures. It wasn't very detailed but was amusing to read. Not one woman would be considered wild but they each did something noteworthy.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5🌟s for me. Mostly interesting, a bit disjointed at times. I was disappointed with the use of "wild" in the title. These women were smart, brave, tenacious, and broke new ground and forged the way But to call them wild was a stretch. Not all these women were "from" Michigan but lived here at done point. My favorite woman in this book was Sojourner Truth, I had no idea she was a Michigander! I enjoyed reading about Betty Ford and Gilda Radner too. An OK book about some wonderful but not wild woman.

[Terri Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. There was a lot of interesting history and most of the women and their adventures were new to me. This book did a great thing by getting exposure to these amazing stories. I just wish it had been better organized, maybe by time periods. The stories jumped around--and some small tales were tossed on at the end of other stories--and it was hard to see how or why they were linked. I think a sequel is in order!

[Dominique King · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and quick read about interesting women throughout the ages in Michigan.
Women like pioneering aviatrix Harriet Quimby (and her famous purple flight suit, presidential spouse and activist Betty Boomer Ford, Comedian Gilda Radner, Sojourner Truth, dare-devil Annie Edson Taylor (who became the first person to survive a trip over Niagara Falls in a barrel), early blues singer Sippie Wallace, and many more!

[Edy Gies · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book indeed but I wonder at the "Wild Women" title. Most of these women were hard workers who wanted some kind of change and sought to improve the lives of others through their life's work. I thoroughly enjoyed the stories, but sometimes found myself getting lost because of the author's confusing writing style.

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The women are interesting and inspiring but the attempts at humor by the author are an unwelcome distraction. A highlight: I was surprised to learn that Pearl Kendrick and Grace Elderling of Grand Rapids developed the DPT vaccine, all but eliminating diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus around the world.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A crazy assortment of stories, definitely wild!!! There was a lack of organization sometimes, and poor grammar from time to time. But the stories were so amazing and intriguing, I just kept reading.
Often short anecdotes, some only a paragraph, the book moved fast. Quick read, very interesting.
If you homeschool like we do, this would be a safe and fun book to add for Michigan History.

[Jacquie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story of women who beat the odds of their time. This doesn't need to be read straight through, chapters are short with a couple pictures. Several of the chapters could have been longer, or made into stand-alone books. Good book for Women's History Month. Easy, quick read.

[Diane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting group of women are represented here but the book is a hot mess. Many editing errors and poorly organized. Love that blues legend Sippie Wallace was included but I question some like Betsy DeVos.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting overview of female contributions to Michigan history, from lesser-known feminists to infamous murderers. I was left craving more details after many a snippet.

[Amygibbs · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not impressed with the writing in this book.

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting subject matter but not very well written

[Susana Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This light sampling of spunky, strong, famous, and infamous Michigan women was passed to me by my mother. The book is interesting and gave me som ideas for women I’d like to know more about.

[Diana Duell · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some very interesting women from Michigan.

[Carleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting women... not great writing or editing.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually don’t like short stories within a broader subject. This was an exception. The thumbnails were well done and I enjoyed them for the most part. Well done.,

[Cynthia ChadekWalker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read with short biographies of notable women who have lived in Michigan. It is somewhat organized by profession/why they were interesting which was nice.

[Celene Swagler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read. Needs to be re-edited. Sloppy writing and organization and random misplaced paragraphs. The subject matter was interesting but felt like it was a rushed essay paper that’s due tomorrow.

[Julieanna Frost · Rating 2 out of 5]

Several historical inaccuracies.

[Alice Bottje · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. Learned a lot about the women of Michigan.