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Women of Courage: Florence Nightingale: Compassionate Care for People Who Need It Most
They're bold. They're fearless. They're adventurous. They have a faith that can move mountains. They're women of courage.
This series of easy-read biographies celebrates the lives of women who lived lives committed to changing the world for better. What set them apart? The willingness to live courageously for Christ, even in the midst of impossible situations.
In Florence Nightingale, you’ll meet “The Lady with the Lamp” who found her calling in the foul, disease-ridden medical camps of the nineteenth century British military. What set Florence Nightingale apart? Her willingness to live courageously for Christ—comforting wounded soldiers, fighting for their rights, and turning the medical world upside down by serving people who needed it most.
Get inspired by her story, celebrate her legacy, and learn that God can use each of us for mighty things. . .if we have courage.
This series of easy-read biographies celebrates the lives of women who lived lives committed to changing the world for better. What set them apart? The willingness to live courageously for Christ, even in the midst of impossible situations.
In Florence Nightingale, you’ll meet “The Lady with the Lamp” who found her calling in the foul, disease-ridden medical camps of the nineteenth century British military. What set Florence Nightingale apart? Her willingness to live courageously for Christ—comforting wounded soldiers, fighting for their rights, and turning the medical world upside down by serving people who needed it most.
Get inspired by her story, celebrate her legacy, and learn that God can use each of us for mighty things. . .if we have courage.
208 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2020
3 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 21, 2020
I didn't know a lot about Florence Nightingale besides that she was a nurse, and I really wanted to know more about her story. This biography about her life, include some letters that she wrote and parts of her journal, it is not hard to read and it's very interesting.
Florence was born on May 12, 1820 in a wealthy familly, she was the second and last child of the familly, she had an older sister Parthenope.
Florence felt that she was called by God to serve Him, her utmost desire was to be useful and help people around her.
Florence had to fight some opposition from her familly regarding the path the she had chosen but opportunities came allowing her to have a training in an institution in Germany and then to work with wounded soldiers during the Crimean war.
I really like this book, and I like Florence heart's for others, she stayed focus on the call that God has for her even if it took time the door eventually opened for her. She care about people and their wellfare, she was very humble. She died in 1910.
I received a copy of this book and this is an honest review.
Florence was born on May 12, 1820 in a wealthy familly, she was the second and last child of the familly, she had an older sister Parthenope.
Florence felt that she was called by God to serve Him, her utmost desire was to be useful and help people around her.
Florence had to fight some opposition from her familly regarding the path the she had chosen but opportunities came allowing her to have a training in an institution in Germany and then to work with wounded soldiers during the Crimean war.
I really like this book, and I like Florence heart's for others, she stayed focus on the call that God has for her even if it took time the door eventually opened for her. She care about people and their wellfare, she was very humble. She died in 1910.
I received a copy of this book and this is an honest review.
June 18, 2020
Beautiful book Women of Courage
Florence Nightingale by Sam Wellman. This one is a homage, a tribute at Nightingale.The existence of Florence, born in Florence! was an exclusive one. Her family was part of that elite who made the difference in the UK. Her education, and knowledge of many foreign languages, from French to Italian, including old greek and latin, philosophy, art, had to prepare her at a radiant future. Florence established a best connection with her father, with which she discussed of philosophy, politics. Not only: since she was a kid, she became an avid letter writer, and started to write short compositions.
She was educated by people who remained in her heart.
Although Florence loved her environment she was also a big christian.
She understood that she had received a call and that her path had to be different from the one decided by the society where she lived in.
Still young, once in Paris at the house of a more adult friend, not yet married, she understood the freedom and acceptance that that lady was experiencing although she could not be classified as a common lady.
Departures and lessons learned from her domestics or tutors let her understand that there is always a tomorrow, also when many disgraces touches the existence of a person; she later decided for a drastic choice that would have put down a lot the entire family: she wanted to become a nurse. Her existence has been absolutely a complete adventure.
She passed to the history because she was the one who, firstly, introduced statistics.
This book is written dreamingly. You will be introduced in the existence of Nightingale under many aspects; poems, written stuff of the author or poets and writers she entered in contact with, and that made the difference to her or she appreciated and it is pretty colloquial.
Trips, relatives, parents, houses, her sister, holidays, work, social conditions, history, nothing is hidden.
Beautiful.
Highly recommended.
I thank NetGalley and Barbour for this ebook.
Anna Maria Polidori
Florence Nightingale by Sam Wellman. This one is a homage, a tribute at Nightingale.The existence of Florence, born in Florence! was an exclusive one. Her family was part of that elite who made the difference in the UK. Her education, and knowledge of many foreign languages, from French to Italian, including old greek and latin, philosophy, art, had to prepare her at a radiant future. Florence established a best connection with her father, with which she discussed of philosophy, politics. Not only: since she was a kid, she became an avid letter writer, and started to write short compositions.
She was educated by people who remained in her heart.
Although Florence loved her environment she was also a big christian.
She understood that she had received a call and that her path had to be different from the one decided by the society where she lived in.
Still young, once in Paris at the house of a more adult friend, not yet married, she understood the freedom and acceptance that that lady was experiencing although she could not be classified as a common lady.
Departures and lessons learned from her domestics or tutors let her understand that there is always a tomorrow, also when many disgraces touches the existence of a person; she later decided for a drastic choice that would have put down a lot the entire family: she wanted to become a nurse. Her existence has been absolutely a complete adventure.
She passed to the history because she was the one who, firstly, introduced statistics.
This book is written dreamingly. You will be introduced in the existence of Nightingale under many aspects; poems, written stuff of the author or poets and writers she entered in contact with, and that made the difference to her or she appreciated and it is pretty colloquial.
Trips, relatives, parents, houses, her sister, holidays, work, social conditions, history, nothing is hidden.
Beautiful.
Highly recommended.
I thank NetGalley and Barbour for this ebook.
Anna Maria Polidori
June 12, 2024
I have always wanted to find out more on the life of Florence Nightingale & this book was an easy read with quite alot of interesting facts on her life.
April 5, 2020
An inspirational and informative book about a remarkable woman, whose life still has an impact today!
"Yes! This was her calling— caring for the suffering."
Overall, this was an interesting read. The first half felt a bit tedious with all of the social details, but it made sense in the second half when Florence finally realized her gifts and calling. I learned a lot about her life and found it incredible. I love how God uses even the details of our personalities in ways that bring about His plan. This would be a good addition to a homeschool curriculum, appropriate for older children and teens.
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.)
"Yes! This was her calling— caring for the suffering."
Overall, this was an interesting read. The first half felt a bit tedious with all of the social details, but it made sense in the second half when Florence finally realized her gifts and calling. I learned a lot about her life and found it incredible. I love how God uses even the details of our personalities in ways that bring about His plan. This would be a good addition to a homeschool curriculum, appropriate for older children and teens.
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.)
May 12, 2020
Florence Nightingale (called Flo by friends and family) was a conundrum. She did so much good in the world of medicine but was never content and often dipped into depression that she hadn't done more.
I was continually confused whether this was a biography or a creative nonfiction. There were many times that a scene was given a taste of drama by speech tags. “'One is Ethelred!' she gasped... she cried out at another.” How do we know she gasped and cried out unless Flo wrote those words herself in her diary?
I think the problem was because Flo kept such meticulous diaries and wrote so many letters that there was just an abundance of information to condense for this biography. I appreciate getting to know her as a restless, aimless, brilliant but repressed young girl. But I think maybe some of that could have been streamlined a bit more, especially the historical details that didn't directly affect her life, like wars and literary giants she met or was influenced by. Maybe one small section could have been used to show the literary, spiritual, and political influences on her thinking.
I also was confused as to what age group this was meant for. The easy language made me think of middle-grade at first. The subject matter sure seemed like a coming-of-age YA for the majority of the book. But then some of the adult subjects seemed a little mature for middle-grade readers, especially the details of the horrible hospital conditions in the Crimea War.
This book also deals with heavy subjects like death and depression. The ideals of feminism and spirituality and political intrigue were hammered over and over again with no real conclusion.
I think I can recommend this biography only to those who already enjoy history. Someone just wanting the salient points about Flo's life and influence will not want to slog through all this.
Favorite quotes:
“Why not write of your own exciting life?” asked Clemence in French. “Exciting life” seemed a preposterous exaggeration, but slowly Flo warmed to the notion. To allow Clemence to read it, Flo wrote her “Life of Florence Nightingale” in French... in 1829.”
“Shortly after their departure, Flo learned that Hilary's older brother had died. Flo was consoled by the comfort Bonny himself had recently found in the Lord's words in chapter fourteen of the book of John: 'Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me... I go to prepare a place for you.'”
“Miss Christie [her beloved tutor] tried hard to keep the girls busy so they would not brood over Bonny's death. She devised projects for the girls to earn their own money so they could help the poor.”
“It might seem strange that Flo, at age ten, could engage in such sophisticate conversations. But by now she had experienced many such discussions with her father and had overheard others discourse about the machinations of power. She was curious [sic] and her mind was like a sponge.”
“Such was Flo's world, an odd, rich mixture of imaginative children's games, adult discussions of history or politics, an the privilege of guided tours of the city.”
“Your grandmama says you have the qualities of 'both Martha and Mary, two excellent characters blended'... You are very active like Martha, but you are also very contemplative like Mary.”
“The more refined the lady, the more she was expected to faint.”
“Mama's attitude was that the girls should be thankful they were born into privilege. Yet, that was not satisfying to Flo—or Aunt Julia.”
“Oh, how wonderful she felt when she was useful.”
“And she began to think that her grief for Miss Christie had become an indulgence, her woe actually self-pity. 'Well,' she asked herself, 'do I believe in heavenly bliss or not?'”
“Slowness is not gentleness.”
“Mortality had dropped markedly where they had been allowed to make improvements. But the improvements were not universal. And so much remained to be done.”
“People say that time heals the deepest griefs. It is not true.”
“Flo saw the new century in. So did Queen Victoria, who by now had reigned for more than sixty years! Flo herself had passed into legend as 'the lady with the lamp.'” Even Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalized her in his poem “Santa Filomena.”
(I received this book for free from the author. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own, as was my decision to write a review.)
I was continually confused whether this was a biography or a creative nonfiction. There were many times that a scene was given a taste of drama by speech tags. “'One is Ethelred!' she gasped... she cried out at another.” How do we know she gasped and cried out unless Flo wrote those words herself in her diary?
I think the problem was because Flo kept such meticulous diaries and wrote so many letters that there was just an abundance of information to condense for this biography. I appreciate getting to know her as a restless, aimless, brilliant but repressed young girl. But I think maybe some of that could have been streamlined a bit more, especially the historical details that didn't directly affect her life, like wars and literary giants she met or was influenced by. Maybe one small section could have been used to show the literary, spiritual, and political influences on her thinking.
I also was confused as to what age group this was meant for. The easy language made me think of middle-grade at first. The subject matter sure seemed like a coming-of-age YA for the majority of the book. But then some of the adult subjects seemed a little mature for middle-grade readers, especially the details of the horrible hospital conditions in the Crimea War.
This book also deals with heavy subjects like death and depression. The ideals of feminism and spirituality and political intrigue were hammered over and over again with no real conclusion.
I think I can recommend this biography only to those who already enjoy history. Someone just wanting the salient points about Flo's life and influence will not want to slog through all this.
Favorite quotes:
“Why not write of your own exciting life?” asked Clemence in French. “Exciting life” seemed a preposterous exaggeration, but slowly Flo warmed to the notion. To allow Clemence to read it, Flo wrote her “Life of Florence Nightingale” in French... in 1829.”
“Shortly after their departure, Flo learned that Hilary's older brother had died. Flo was consoled by the comfort Bonny himself had recently found in the Lord's words in chapter fourteen of the book of John: 'Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me... I go to prepare a place for you.'”
“Miss Christie [her beloved tutor] tried hard to keep the girls busy so they would not brood over Bonny's death. She devised projects for the girls to earn their own money so they could help the poor.”
“It might seem strange that Flo, at age ten, could engage in such sophisticate conversations. But by now she had experienced many such discussions with her father and had overheard others discourse about the machinations of power. She was curious [sic] and her mind was like a sponge.”
“Such was Flo's world, an odd, rich mixture of imaginative children's games, adult discussions of history or politics, an the privilege of guided tours of the city.”
“Your grandmama says you have the qualities of 'both Martha and Mary, two excellent characters blended'... You are very active like Martha, but you are also very contemplative like Mary.”
“The more refined the lady, the more she was expected to faint.”
“Mama's attitude was that the girls should be thankful they were born into privilege. Yet, that was not satisfying to Flo—or Aunt Julia.”
“Oh, how wonderful she felt when she was useful.”
“And she began to think that her grief for Miss Christie had become an indulgence, her woe actually self-pity. 'Well,' she asked herself, 'do I believe in heavenly bliss or not?'”
“Slowness is not gentleness.”
“Mortality had dropped markedly where they had been allowed to make improvements. But the improvements were not universal. And so much remained to be done.”
“People say that time heals the deepest griefs. It is not true.”
“Flo saw the new century in. So did Queen Victoria, who by now had reigned for more than sixty years! Flo herself had passed into legend as 'the lady with the lamp.'” Even Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalized her in his poem “Santa Filomena.”
(I received this book for free from the author. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own, as was my decision to write a review.)
June 15, 2020
A classic! This is a story of a strong, bold woman full of courage who wasn't afraid to face anyone, or anything. Florence Nightingale was a force to be reckoned with. She left behind a lagacy that, in my opinion, everyone should know about. But, not everyone liked her attitude. There was a doctor who put down everything she tried to accomplish, and he showed how much he was against her all through the book. But she did not let that stop her. In my opinion, that just made her stronger. Even though she was born in a time where women did not have the right to vote, Flo still wanted to be able to speak her own mind, and do her own thing. But in that time period women weren't really alowed to speak up. Whether she wanted to or not, she still listened to her mother when she talked to her about things she wanted to do. Every time they had an argument, instead of her Dad taking sides he would walk away. That made Flo feel sad. She wanted him to take her side. But when Flo got older in years, she learned to speak up against her mother and wanted to do what Flo wanted to do and decided she wanted to help people; especially the sick. Just imagine what she could have accomplished in this day and time. I don't think anything could have stopped the woman. She was a real fighter for what she believed in. And because of her great courage, she became a great woman in history.
Later Flo was to be known as The Lady With The Lamp. She was that small ray of sunshine in a sea of pain for those wounded soldiers. She was well known in high society for what she had accomplished. Even Queen Victoria was her friend. I liked that!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Later Flo was to be known as The Lady With The Lamp. She was that small ray of sunshine in a sea of pain for those wounded soldiers. She was well known in high society for what she had accomplished. Even Queen Victoria was her friend. I liked that!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
September 21, 2020
The story of Florence Nightingale is beautifully inspiring. This particular biography is written for middle grade children. I recommend it for boys and girls alike. I love that Barbour Publishing has started publishing biographies for children with a faith connection. This book, like the one I shared on Sojourner Truth, is loaded with stories of courage and faith as these women traversed the obstacles of their particular place in history and how they still made a difference despite attitudes toward women during their lifetimes.
This book takes us from Florence’s childhood through to her death. She lived a long life beginning before the Victorian era in 1820 and died in 1910. We see the early influences in her life and how they shaped her for a greater purpose later in her life. She had a heart for people from all walks of society and her mission was to help others every opportunity she got. We see the hardships she faced and the challenges of her time that taught her to trust God more and more.
I would highly recommend this book for school libraries or classroom use, homeschool and private school groups or just anyone wanting to know more about historical figures that lived for Christ. The world needs to hear these stories. I am excited to find out about more courageous women from this series in the months to come.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
This book takes us from Florence’s childhood through to her death. She lived a long life beginning before the Victorian era in 1820 and died in 1910. We see the early influences in her life and how they shaped her for a greater purpose later in her life. She had a heart for people from all walks of society and her mission was to help others every opportunity she got. We see the hardships she faced and the challenges of her time that taught her to trust God more and more.
I would highly recommend this book for school libraries or classroom use, homeschool and private school groups or just anyone wanting to know more about historical figures that lived for Christ. The world needs to hear these stories. I am excited to find out about more courageous women from this series in the months to come.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
May 19, 2020
Women of Courage: Florence Nightingale
Compassionate Care for People Who Need It Most
by Compiled by Barbour Staff
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Barbour Books
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Biographies & Memoirs
Christian
Pub Date 01 May 2020
I am reviewing a copy of Women of Courage: Florence Nightingale through Barbour Books and Netgalley:
This series tells the stories of women who were bold, fearless, adventurous. And they have a faith that can move mountains. These are women of courage.
This series of biographies are easy to read and would make great teaching tools. These biographies celebrate the lives of women, like Florence Nightingale who lived lives committed to changing the world for better. What set these women apart? They lived courageously through Christ even in the midst of impossible situations.
In this biography of Florence Nightingale you will be introduced to “. The Lady with the Lamp” A woman who found her calling in the foul and disease ridden medical camps of the nineteenth century British Military. Florence Nightingale was set apart by her willingness to live bravely for Christ. She comforted injured soldiers, fought for their rights and turned the medical world upside down by treating those who were in the most need of it.
I give Women of Courage: Florence Nightingale five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Compassionate Care for People Who Need It Most
by Compiled by Barbour Staff
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Barbour Books
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Biographies & Memoirs
Christian
Pub Date 01 May 2020
I am reviewing a copy of Women of Courage: Florence Nightingale through Barbour Books and Netgalley:
This series tells the stories of women who were bold, fearless, adventurous. And they have a faith that can move mountains. These are women of courage.
This series of biographies are easy to read and would make great teaching tools. These biographies celebrate the lives of women, like Florence Nightingale who lived lives committed to changing the world for better. What set these women apart? They lived courageously through Christ even in the midst of impossible situations.
In this biography of Florence Nightingale you will be introduced to “. The Lady with the Lamp” A woman who found her calling in the foul and disease ridden medical camps of the nineteenth century British Military. Florence Nightingale was set apart by her willingness to live bravely for Christ. She comforted injured soldiers, fought for their rights and turned the medical world upside down by treating those who were in the most need of it.
I give Women of Courage: Florence Nightingale five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
April 21, 2020
Florence Nightingale inspired me as a young nursing student. Above my desk were written her words, "Nursing is an art; the finest of the arts." Thus, I was keen to read this new book about her in the Women of Courage series. Her deep faith was so evident in its pages, how she wrestled with it, seeking God's will to fulfill his calling on her life to care for others. It was insightful to see how God gave the unique traits that made her a compassionate, knowledgeable caregiver, and nursing administrator amidst intense conflict from the medical establishment. I found the childhood of Florence to be rather long and tedious and skimmed over much of it. Those who are involved in the Nursing community will especially enjoy this recounting of Florence's life. My thanks to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC for my honest review.
July 24, 2020
This biography is written specifically for ages 12-16.
This was an interesting biography of Florence Nightingale. This book is very readable, and it includes many details from Florence’s life and career. Florence was quite a letter writer and also journaled her thoughts throughout her life. I liked that all throughout the book, we were reading many of Florence’s own words about her life. I learned some things about her that I did not know, especially about her devotion to her faith and what she felt was her calling from God. I found the section on her childhood especially of interest. As a retired teacher, I also have to mention that this would be a good biography for a book report for junior high and high school students.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This was an interesting biography of Florence Nightingale. This book is very readable, and it includes many details from Florence’s life and career. Florence was quite a letter writer and also journaled her thoughts throughout her life. I liked that all throughout the book, we were reading many of Florence’s own words about her life. I learned some things about her that I did not know, especially about her devotion to her faith and what she felt was her calling from God. I found the section on her childhood especially of interest. As a retired teacher, I also have to mention that this would be a good biography for a book report for junior high and high school students.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
February 17, 2020
Inspiring biography of a real-life hero. I have been nurse for over 20 years and Florence Nightingale has left a significant impression on me and my career. I am well versed in her impact on the nursing profession, and this biography does a great job of explaining this from various people’s firsthand perspectives. In addition, I was thrilled to hear of her life in her own words. Flo was an avid writer and recorded so much of her life. I was moved by her faith and steeled resolve to fulfill her calling. I was challenged by her dedication and perseverance. This is an excellent book for young women, nursing students, nurses, teachers and faculty.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are solely my own.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are solely my own.
May 2, 2020
While I found this book informative, I have to admit I struggled with the writing style. It was written in third person, and fell somewhere between historical fiction and a biography. In the very first paragraph we find Florence, known to her family as Flo, at breakfast at her grandmother's house. There's a conversation between the adults in the room, and I figured I was settling in to read historical fiction. To my surprise, the narrative then shifts to a more formal biographical style, full of facts and social/historical context, then back to imagined conversations.
I think this was a decent book that didn't quite know what it wanted to be. Unfortunately, for this reason alone, I did not enjoy it very much.
I think this was a decent book that didn't quite know what it wanted to be. Unfortunately, for this reason alone, I did not enjoy it very much.
April 3, 2020
The Barbour Publishing Staff, as part of their Women of Courage series, compiled this book on Florence Nightingale in recognition of the way in which she changed the world for the better. It is also a reflection on Florence’s commitment to her faith, Christianity.
It is jam-packed with information of both a qualitative and quantitative nature. It has several excerpts from Florence’s diaries and her correspondence. What she achieved in her nursing work is contrasted against an unhappy life. She doesn’t fit well with her family, she experiences several bouts of depression and is brutal with her friends. Whilst I found her care of the sick, injured or invalid remarkable, I ended the book with a far more human and less saintly view of Miss Nightingale.
I found the writing style jarring though, it flipped from first narrative to documentary-style frequently. For example, the passage below is from the opening chapters
“Other astonishing things happened that winter. Sir Nicholas Tindall came to their estate in a hot air balloon, the first Flo had ever seen. Then Mama took the girls south to enjoy the warm breezes off the English Channel.” - From “Florence Nightingale” by Barbour Staff
And this one from near the end of the book, quite different from the one above.
“Flo’s letter crossed a letter in the mail from Sidney Herbert. On October 15, she read his appeal to her to take a group of nurses to the Crimea: “There is but one person in England that I know of who would be capable of organizing and superintending such a scheme. . . . Would you listen to the request to go and superintend the whole thing? . . . Deriving your authority from the Government, your position would secure the respect and consideration of everyone. . . together with a complete submission to your orders. I know these things are a matter of indifference to you, except so far as they may further the great objects you have in view.” - From “Florence Nightingale” by Barbour Staff
In light of COVID-19, Florence’s work in the Crimea war is far too relevant to today. With little more the good hygiene and kindness, she decreased the death rate in her hospital from 50% to 10%. The volume of patients she cared for is astonishing! Her systemisation and leadership would be amazing in today’s world, in her time it was revolutionary and mind-blowing. There is no doubt she was a woman of great faith and great courage and I am grateful I spent time learning her story.
It’s a three out of five on the enJOYment scale solely because of the disjointed writing style. If you are looking for a book to learn more about Florence, this is one to read!
It is jam-packed with information of both a qualitative and quantitative nature. It has several excerpts from Florence’s diaries and her correspondence. What she achieved in her nursing work is contrasted against an unhappy life. She doesn’t fit well with her family, she experiences several bouts of depression and is brutal with her friends. Whilst I found her care of the sick, injured or invalid remarkable, I ended the book with a far more human and less saintly view of Miss Nightingale.
I found the writing style jarring though, it flipped from first narrative to documentary-style frequently. For example, the passage below is from the opening chapters
“Other astonishing things happened that winter. Sir Nicholas Tindall came to their estate in a hot air balloon, the first Flo had ever seen. Then Mama took the girls south to enjoy the warm breezes off the English Channel.” - From “Florence Nightingale” by Barbour Staff
And this one from near the end of the book, quite different from the one above.
“Flo’s letter crossed a letter in the mail from Sidney Herbert. On October 15, she read his appeal to her to take a group of nurses to the Crimea: “There is but one person in England that I know of who would be capable of organizing and superintending such a scheme. . . . Would you listen to the request to go and superintend the whole thing? . . . Deriving your authority from the Government, your position would secure the respect and consideration of everyone. . . together with a complete submission to your orders. I know these things are a matter of indifference to you, except so far as they may further the great objects you have in view.” - From “Florence Nightingale” by Barbour Staff
In light of COVID-19, Florence’s work in the Crimea war is far too relevant to today. With little more the good hygiene and kindness, she decreased the death rate in her hospital from 50% to 10%. The volume of patients she cared for is astonishing! Her systemisation and leadership would be amazing in today’s world, in her time it was revolutionary and mind-blowing. There is no doubt she was a woman of great faith and great courage and I am grateful I spent time learning her story.
It’s a three out of five on the enJOYment scale solely because of the disjointed writing style. If you are looking for a book to learn more about Florence, this is one to read!
March 30, 2020
This book is rich with a detailed history of Florence Nightengale's life. Evidently, she was an avid diarist and letter-writer. Learning her upbringing experiences, cultural and political climates, and family relationships all explain her interests and pursuit in her future endeavors. This book though extensive with facts, is somewhat lacking in warmth and character development. Still, this resource offers a great amount of factual information about a great woman of history.
May 5, 2020
As a girl, I was absolutely fascinated with biographies of famous people and checked out every single one my school library had to offer. Florence Nightingale was a favorite. As a young woman from a wealthy family who gave her life in service as a nurse and helping others, she was a true and courageous woman. Recommended.
I received this book from Barbour Publishing via Net Galley and was not required to leave a review. The opinion here is my own.
I received this book from Barbour Publishing via Net Galley and was not required to leave a review. The opinion here is my own.
May 9, 2020
From an inquisitive, eager to learn young child, to caregiver of the needy, Florence Nightengale strove to make a difference in the world. Though raised in wealth, she cared for those others would leave behind. In this book, we see her, even in her younger years, seeking for her place and purpose. Once she found her calling, she carried it out with a fever we all can admire. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
May 6, 2020
I have always admired Florence Nightingale, the "Lady with the Lamp." I became a nurse as she did to care for people but luckily we have advanced since Florence's time in medicine and sanitation because I am not near as tough as those ladies we're to work in the conditions they did in Scutari. However, I am ahead of myself.
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May 11, 2020I've always admired Florence Nightingale for her bravery and fortitude, but I loved learning about her background and history and what shaped her into the wonderful woman she became! Great job Barbour Staff!
Thank you to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for my copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for my copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
May 12, 2020
Interesting book exploring the life of Florence Nightingale. From her childhood to her death, Florence was an extraordinary person. Her thoughts, dreams, emotions and goals are shared in this story. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
June 3, 2020
Women of Courage: Florence Nightingale: Compassionate Care for People Who Need It Most was a wonderful read. I enjoyed learning about this important woman in history.
Five stars.
Five stars.
April 6, 2023
I enjoyed reading about Florence Nightingale, but the book was not particularly well written.
April 1, 2025
listened to for school.
April 3, 2025
it was educational
April 29, 2020
What a fantastic read! I thought I knew a lot about Florence but this was such an in-depth and interesting read. I particularly enjoyed the context of Zeitgeist and how Florence broke the social moulds, forging not only a new way of nursing but a new role for women. Well written, well researched. I look forward to more books in the series.
October 24, 2020
This is a biography style book which dips in and out of narrative and quotes.
We meet Florence Nightingale (Flo) as she grows into a young woman. She knows she has a calling but doesn't know exactley what that calling is and, worse still, how she can put this calling into action. An overbearing mother and sister, require her to entertain house guests, rather than be the woman she longs to be.
I really became engaged in the book when “The Lady with the Lamp” found her calling in the foul, disease-ridden medical camps of the Crimean War, working to support the British military. Against the odds and against the wishes of the doctors on the ground, she formed a workforce who turned the care of soldiers around.
Comforting wounded soldiers, fighting for their rights, and turning the medical world upside down by serving people who needed it most. Coming from the Upper class, Florence is no snob and gets her hands dirty and advocates for the less fortunate.
She worked tirelessly and was never content....her hardest critic being herself.
Thank you Netgalley and Barbour Books for this book.
We meet Florence Nightingale (Flo) as she grows into a young woman. She knows she has a calling but doesn't know exactley what that calling is and, worse still, how she can put this calling into action. An overbearing mother and sister, require her to entertain house guests, rather than be the woman she longs to be.
I really became engaged in the book when “The Lady with the Lamp” found her calling in the foul, disease-ridden medical camps of the Crimean War, working to support the British military. Against the odds and against the wishes of the doctors on the ground, she formed a workforce who turned the care of soldiers around.
Comforting wounded soldiers, fighting for their rights, and turning the medical world upside down by serving people who needed it most. Coming from the Upper class, Florence is no snob and gets her hands dirty and advocates for the less fortunate.
She worked tirelessly and was never content....her hardest critic being herself.
Thank you Netgalley and Barbour Books for this book.
July 8, 2020
Having chose nursing as my career it was a given that I would choose to read a book about Florence Nightingale. I enjoyed that parts that I presume were direct quotes from her writings and the overall story. I did not realize until looking back that the staff compiled this book.My only problem was trying to discern if I was reading a biography or historical fiction. I'm still not sure. At any rate, I found it for the most part easy reading and informative. If these are her words and possibly her thoughts I suppose I never realized she felt she had a calling from God and was such a strong Christian lady. Not a book you can whiz through, it takes a little time to read and be in that frame of mind. Interesting read.
I received this book as a complimentary copy and was under no obligation to provide review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I received this book as a complimentary copy and was under no obligation to provide review. The opinions expressed are my own.
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