What do you think?
Rate this book
Mary Edwards Walker: America's Only Female Medal of Honor Recipient
In the history of America, only one woman has ever received the Medal of Honor: Dr. Mary Edwards Walker.
However, Mary’s life was more than just a medal. Not only was Mary a leading suffragist, the first female surgeon to serve in the United States Army, and an advocate of women’s dress reform, she was a woman who put the lives of others before hers. She sacrificed her personal happiness, her comforts, and her reputation in order to fight for the ideals she believed in, both during and after her service in the American Civil War. Mary was a nonconformist in every way, refusing to bow down to society’s establishments. When society towered above her, demanding her to surrender, Mary planted herself like a tree and stood her ground. Mary’s life is a testament to the idea of selflessness. Today, many Americans stand on her shoulders.
This book is more than a simple biography of Mary's life. Instead, this book seeks to understand the woman behind the medal. It seeks to discover the core of Mary's being and the inspirations that turned her into who she was. People may know Dr. Walker. The question is: who was Mary?
However, Mary’s life was more than just a medal. Not only was Mary a leading suffragist, the first female surgeon to serve in the United States Army, and an advocate of women’s dress reform, she was a woman who put the lives of others before hers. She sacrificed her personal happiness, her comforts, and her reputation in order to fight for the ideals she believed in, both during and after her service in the American Civil War. Mary was a nonconformist in every way, refusing to bow down to society’s establishments. When society towered above her, demanding her to surrender, Mary planted herself like a tree and stood her ground. Mary’s life is a testament to the idea of selflessness. Today, many Americans stand on her shoulders.
This book is more than a simple biography of Mary's life. Instead, this book seeks to understand the woman behind the medal. It seeks to discover the core of Mary's being and the inspirations that turned her into who she was. People may know Dr. Walker. The question is: who was Mary?
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2020
131 people are currently reading
14376 people want to read
About the author
Ammar Habib
31 books1,393 followersAmmar is an award-winning & bestselling author from Lake Jackson, Texas. Ammar enjoys crafting stories that are entertaining and inspirational. Ammar presently resides in his hometown.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,287 reviews
March 7, 2020
Simply Incredible
As the famous Dr. Bertha Van Hoosen proclaimed upon Mary's dead in 1919: “Dr. Mary’s life should stand out to remind us that when people do not think as we do, do not dress as we do, and do not live as we do, that they are more than likely to be half a century ahead of their time, and that we should have for them not ridicule but reverence.”
This incredible book gave me a whole new perspective on American history, and it brings to light a woman upon whose shoulders many of us stand today: Dr. Mary Edwards Walker. Mary's story is not only touching and motivating, it is one of the greatest biographies I've ever read about overcoming and serving the world around you. As the author states many times, her life cannot be summarized in one achievement or act she did, not even an accomplishment as great at receiving the Medal of Honor. No, her life transcends that. She was a woman who always put others before herself, even if she did not personally know those she was helping and even if that led to her ridicule or defamation.
This book pulls back the veil and gives us a glimpse of Mary's incredible life. We see how she fought against society's blatant sexism and double standard. We see how she achieved such great heights during the war and her empathy for the soldiers she cared for. We see her dedicate her life to fighting for women's rights and minority rights, even when other activists and organizations, such as the NWSA, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Stanton, betrayed her. We see her fight through the slanders she received from the media.
Nevertheless, she persisted.
Nothing could break Mary. Nothing.
This book shows us the "mosaic" of her life, as the author puts it. Readers can't help but walk away from this book with a deep appreciation for Mary and a sense that she is just like any of us. She had her fears, doubts, and weaknesses. But she never let them slow her down, and she never let her past failures hurt her hopes for a brighter tomorrow. To me, this is the true essence of Mary. Thank you to the author, Ammar Habib, for writing this amazing book!
As the famous Dr. Bertha Van Hoosen proclaimed upon Mary's dead in 1919: “Dr. Mary’s life should stand out to remind us that when people do not think as we do, do not dress as we do, and do not live as we do, that they are more than likely to be half a century ahead of their time, and that we should have for them not ridicule but reverence.”
This incredible book gave me a whole new perspective on American history, and it brings to light a woman upon whose shoulders many of us stand today: Dr. Mary Edwards Walker. Mary's story is not only touching and motivating, it is one of the greatest biographies I've ever read about overcoming and serving the world around you. As the author states many times, her life cannot be summarized in one achievement or act she did, not even an accomplishment as great at receiving the Medal of Honor. No, her life transcends that. She was a woman who always put others before herself, even if she did not personally know those she was helping and even if that led to her ridicule or defamation.
This book pulls back the veil and gives us a glimpse of Mary's incredible life. We see how she fought against society's blatant sexism and double standard. We see how she achieved such great heights during the war and her empathy for the soldiers she cared for. We see her dedicate her life to fighting for women's rights and minority rights, even when other activists and organizations, such as the NWSA, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Stanton, betrayed her. We see her fight through the slanders she received from the media.
Nevertheless, she persisted.
Nothing could break Mary. Nothing.
This book shows us the "mosaic" of her life, as the author puts it. Readers can't help but walk away from this book with a deep appreciation for Mary and a sense that she is just like any of us. She had her fears, doubts, and weaknesses. But she never let them slow her down, and she never let her past failures hurt her hopes for a brighter tomorrow. To me, this is the true essence of Mary. Thank you to the author, Ammar Habib, for writing this amazing book!
May 28, 2020
Outstanding Biography
This biography stands out of the crowd. Dr. Mary Walker was a real-life "Wonder Woman" in so many different ways. Though she's most remembered for her Medal of Honor, her life was SO much more than just a single achievement. I'm amazed to have never heard of her before, and more amazed at how the author put together her life in a book that is easy to read, yet authentic to the time she lived in.
I loved that the book didn't seem in any way salacious. It felt "real" and presented Mary's life in a way that is more of a narrative nonfiction than it is a textbook biography. I felt like I began to understand not only her personality, but the factors that morphed her psyche, worldview, and personality. The goal of this book was to show the inspirations behind Mary, and the author accomplished just that!
In terms of Mary's life, I've never read of a woman with more accomplishments than her. She strove for so many ideals, and many of them were accomplished. Even when nothing seemed to be working, even when so many people were against her, she continued to push forward. She continued to risk her reputation, well-being, and even her life in pursuit of what she knew was right.
I'm amazed at how so many suffragists, like Susan B. Anthony & Elizabeth Stanton, turned against Mary. They let their jealousy toward Mary make them betray the cause they claimed to believe in. I can't understand why textbooks make Susan and Elizabeth seem to be the figureheads of the movement when those two women actually tried to tear down so many women who they saw as "threats," including Mary Walker.
Nonetheless, no matter what she was faced with, Mary always persisted.
This book is a testament to the people who really helped turn our country into a place of tolerance. Mary Walker laid the foundation for so many of us, yet most of us don't even know her name. We should. We need to. Mr. Habib's book allows us to get a perfect glimpse of her and all she stood for.
I am a changed person after having read this book. I can't stop thinking about it and plan to read it several more times this summer. Thank you to Mr. Habib for putting this amazing work together and bringing the spotlight onto the life of Mary Walker!
This biography stands out of the crowd. Dr. Mary Walker was a real-life "Wonder Woman" in so many different ways. Though she's most remembered for her Medal of Honor, her life was SO much more than just a single achievement. I'm amazed to have never heard of her before, and more amazed at how the author put together her life in a book that is easy to read, yet authentic to the time she lived in.
I loved that the book didn't seem in any way salacious. It felt "real" and presented Mary's life in a way that is more of a narrative nonfiction than it is a textbook biography. I felt like I began to understand not only her personality, but the factors that morphed her psyche, worldview, and personality. The goal of this book was to show the inspirations behind Mary, and the author accomplished just that!
In terms of Mary's life, I've never read of a woman with more accomplishments than her. She strove for so many ideals, and many of them were accomplished. Even when nothing seemed to be working, even when so many people were against her, she continued to push forward. She continued to risk her reputation, well-being, and even her life in pursuit of what she knew was right.
I'm amazed at how so many suffragists, like Susan B. Anthony & Elizabeth Stanton, turned against Mary. They let their jealousy toward Mary make them betray the cause they claimed to believe in. I can't understand why textbooks make Susan and Elizabeth seem to be the figureheads of the movement when those two women actually tried to tear down so many women who they saw as "threats," including Mary Walker.
Nonetheless, no matter what she was faced with, Mary always persisted.
This book is a testament to the people who really helped turn our country into a place of tolerance. Mary Walker laid the foundation for so many of us, yet most of us don't even know her name. We should. We need to. Mr. Habib's book allows us to get a perfect glimpse of her and all she stood for.
I am a changed person after having read this book. I can't stop thinking about it and plan to read it several more times this summer. Thank you to Mr. Habib for putting this amazing work together and bringing the spotlight onto the life of Mary Walker!
April 26, 2020
A Quintessential Biography
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an incredible review. I had never even heard the name Mary Edwards Walker before, but now I simply cannot stop thinking about her.
This book has absolutely rocked me. It's not only the story of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, but the great way that is is presented by Mr. Ammar Habib. In terms of Mary's actual life, there are so many things I can say. She is the definition of the word "persistent" and her life is the definition of awe-inspiring. She was faced with so many challenged and so many obstacles throughout her life. Whether it was the Civil War or the last half of her life as she worked as an activist for many ideals, Mary never had a shortage of enemies. And no matter what she faced, she somehow found a way to rise above adversity.
You could fill an entire page with Mary's accomplishments. She was the first female physician/surgeon in the US Military, one of the first female doctors in America, and the first MEDAL OF HONOR recipient in America's history (and the only recipient as of 2020). No matter what she faced, she kept her focus on what was important.
One thing that amazes is her attitude toward life, specifically her empathy. No matter what she was faced and how badly she was treated by the government, people, the NWSA (especially Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Stanton), Mary never lost her empathy for her fellow humans and she never lost her patriotism for her nation. This patriotism always led her to continue trying to better her nation. Even toward her enemies, she always showed empathy no matter how they treated her. She did what she did because she believed it was RIGHT!
This book is a biography, but it is anything but dull. It pulls you in, pulling you into the life of Mary. The book is not just a retelling of Mary's life and events. No, it's mission is to peel back the layers and show us what made Mary into the icon she became. Who is the lady behind the legends? What drove her to be so different and to stand out of the crowd in an era when women were told to stay in the background? This angle is what sets this book apart and gives in an essence that most biographies never possess.
Mr. Habib's writing is superb. He truly shines a light on Mary's life, showing us both her strengths and her weaknesses, her triumphs and failures. Her story is brought to life. The writing is rich and paints images in the minds of the reader, and the book truly deserves 5 stars!
I recommend this to any reader!
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an incredible review. I had never even heard the name Mary Edwards Walker before, but now I simply cannot stop thinking about her.
This book has absolutely rocked me. It's not only the story of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, but the great way that is is presented by Mr. Ammar Habib. In terms of Mary's actual life, there are so many things I can say. She is the definition of the word "persistent" and her life is the definition of awe-inspiring. She was faced with so many challenged and so many obstacles throughout her life. Whether it was the Civil War or the last half of her life as she worked as an activist for many ideals, Mary never had a shortage of enemies. And no matter what she faced, she somehow found a way to rise above adversity.
You could fill an entire page with Mary's accomplishments. She was the first female physician/surgeon in the US Military, one of the first female doctors in America, and the first MEDAL OF HONOR recipient in America's history (and the only recipient as of 2020). No matter what she faced, she kept her focus on what was important.
One thing that amazes is her attitude toward life, specifically her empathy. No matter what she was faced and how badly she was treated by the government, people, the NWSA (especially Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Stanton), Mary never lost her empathy for her fellow humans and she never lost her patriotism for her nation. This patriotism always led her to continue trying to better her nation. Even toward her enemies, she always showed empathy no matter how they treated her. She did what she did because she believed it was RIGHT!
This book is a biography, but it is anything but dull. It pulls you in, pulling you into the life of Mary. The book is not just a retelling of Mary's life and events. No, it's mission is to peel back the layers and show us what made Mary into the icon she became. Who is the lady behind the legends? What drove her to be so different and to stand out of the crowd in an era when women were told to stay in the background? This angle is what sets this book apart and gives in an essence that most biographies never possess.
Mr. Habib's writing is superb. He truly shines a light on Mary's life, showing us both her strengths and her weaknesses, her triumphs and failures. Her story is brought to life. The writing is rich and paints images in the minds of the reader, and the book truly deserves 5 stars!
I recommend this to any reader!
February 18, 2020
This is not the story of Dr. Walker; it's the story of Mary
The story blew me away. Ammar Habib gives us a great glimpse of Mary as a historical figure and Mary as a human being. We see every side of her life, professional and private. It helps us understand her as a person and really see how she was just a normal human being. She was like any of us: flawed. Habib never makes her seem like some pristine or infallible person; he keeps her human. He shows us both her strengths and weaknesses, both her victories and mistakes/defeats. This helps keep her on the reader's level so that we can see ourselves in her, and we can therefore be inspired.
Mary is a true testament to heroism. It's not about being more than you are. It's about becoming who you are supposed to become. She didn't complain about the injustices she saw. Instead, she chose to embody the change she wanted to see, and she then spoke out and fought against the injustices of society. No matter who the injustice was against, Mary fought it however she could.
This story truly brings Mary's story to life. We get to see just who the woman behind the Medal of Honor is, and we get to travel alongside her through her life. What a wonderful read.
5/5 stars.
I appreciate the ARC I received.
The story blew me away. Ammar Habib gives us a great glimpse of Mary as a historical figure and Mary as a human being. We see every side of her life, professional and private. It helps us understand her as a person and really see how she was just a normal human being. She was like any of us: flawed. Habib never makes her seem like some pristine or infallible person; he keeps her human. He shows us both her strengths and weaknesses, both her victories and mistakes/defeats. This helps keep her on the reader's level so that we can see ourselves in her, and we can therefore be inspired.
Mary is a true testament to heroism. It's not about being more than you are. It's about becoming who you are supposed to become. She didn't complain about the injustices she saw. Instead, she chose to embody the change she wanted to see, and she then spoke out and fought against the injustices of society. No matter who the injustice was against, Mary fought it however she could.
This story truly brings Mary's story to life. We get to see just who the woman behind the Medal of Honor is, and we get to travel alongside her through her life. What a wonderful read.
5/5 stars.
I appreciate the ARC I received.
April 4, 2020
A ambitious undertaking that is right on the money!
An inspired examination of Mary Walker the person. Never before has biography taken me so deep into the raw personality of a historical figure — and what an achievement by Ammar Habib. One might gripe that Habib’s style is to focus attention on specific moments of Mary's life that allow us to glean the most about the woman himself, as opposed to offering a comprehensive review of his life and every event in it. But this skipping forward to the most resonant events keeps the book short and active, and allows Habib to stay true to his ultimate pursuit — to provide us with a look at the woman behind the medal, unclouded by obscure and unimportant details.
If you’re looking for the real Mary Walker, understand that would have been an impossible task even if you were living in her own time. But Habib reveals her as she was, in all his contradictions, and in all his impossible complexity, better than anyone else ever has.
And one final note: Habib’s prose is damn good. That man can write! I enjoyed the style and little turns of phrase almost as much as the content itself.
An inspired examination of Mary Walker the person. Never before has biography taken me so deep into the raw personality of a historical figure — and what an achievement by Ammar Habib. One might gripe that Habib’s style is to focus attention on specific moments of Mary's life that allow us to glean the most about the woman himself, as opposed to offering a comprehensive review of his life and every event in it. But this skipping forward to the most resonant events keeps the book short and active, and allows Habib to stay true to his ultimate pursuit — to provide us with a look at the woman behind the medal, unclouded by obscure and unimportant details.
If you’re looking for the real Mary Walker, understand that would have been an impossible task even if you were living in her own time. But Habib reveals her as she was, in all his contradictions, and in all his impossible complexity, better than anyone else ever has.
And one final note: Habib’s prose is damn good. That man can write! I enjoyed the style and little turns of phrase almost as much as the content itself.
May 22, 2020
A Rare Gem
It's been a long time since I've read a book as moving, inspirational, and thought-provoking as this one! I'm not a big fan of biographies, and I tend to read more fiction. But this is an exception. The book is about an incredible woman from American history, one who I was not familiar with before reading this book. However, it takes her from a historical figure and brings her down to the human level. Instead of showing us Dr. Mary Walker, the activist and Medal of Honor Recipient, the book shows us Mary as a person and human being. We see her fears, dreams, weaknesses, and strengths. We see the full picture and are therefore able to learn lessons from her life that we otherwise would not see.
The book's goal is to show us what made Mary into the woman she became, and it does so beautifully. Mary's life stands as a testament that when people don't think like us, act like us, or believe like us, they are likely decades ahead of us. Mary stood for what she believed in: the equality and good of all. Though many people only remember her as the only female Medal of Honor Recipient, her life was so much more than this. In fact, the entire second half of the book is about Mary's life AFTER the Civil War. Incredible as it may sound, her life after the war is more astounding than her life during the war because it was in these decades that her true passion and grit is shown.
Mary never had any shortage of enemies. Whether it was the NWSA (specifically Susan B. Anthony or Elizabeth Stanton) who attacked her out of jealousy, the government bureaucrats trying to shun her, or the media ridiculing her and trying to tear down her reputation, Mary never surrendered her ideals. She often found herself without any allies as she stood against society's accepted constructs. But for all the things she was, there is one thing Mary was not: she was not a quitter. She was willing to pay any price she had to pay in order to progress her ideals on equality.
I absolutely loved the way this book presents Mary. It helped me relate to Mary, and I could almost see myself in her at times. I cried when she was ridiculed and defeated. I smiled when she experienced victories and recognition. And I was on the edge of my seat at times when she was in danger. Habib does a great job of showing the story of such an important American woman.
Dr. Mary Walker is a woman who should not be a secret. Her name should be held up alongside many of the other great people from history. I dare say that there are many women from the 19th century that have left as big of an impact as she did. Everyone should read this book. No matter who you are, whether male or female, American or not, there is a good chance that Mary fought for your rights long before you were born. And we should be thankful that she did!!
It's been a long time since I've read a book as moving, inspirational, and thought-provoking as this one! I'm not a big fan of biographies, and I tend to read more fiction. But this is an exception. The book is about an incredible woman from American history, one who I was not familiar with before reading this book. However, it takes her from a historical figure and brings her down to the human level. Instead of showing us Dr. Mary Walker, the activist and Medal of Honor Recipient, the book shows us Mary as a person and human being. We see her fears, dreams, weaknesses, and strengths. We see the full picture and are therefore able to learn lessons from her life that we otherwise would not see.
The book's goal is to show us what made Mary into the woman she became, and it does so beautifully. Mary's life stands as a testament that when people don't think like us, act like us, or believe like us, they are likely decades ahead of us. Mary stood for what she believed in: the equality and good of all. Though many people only remember her as the only female Medal of Honor Recipient, her life was so much more than this. In fact, the entire second half of the book is about Mary's life AFTER the Civil War. Incredible as it may sound, her life after the war is more astounding than her life during the war because it was in these decades that her true passion and grit is shown.
Mary never had any shortage of enemies. Whether it was the NWSA (specifically Susan B. Anthony or Elizabeth Stanton) who attacked her out of jealousy, the government bureaucrats trying to shun her, or the media ridiculing her and trying to tear down her reputation, Mary never surrendered her ideals. She often found herself without any allies as she stood against society's accepted constructs. But for all the things she was, there is one thing Mary was not: she was not a quitter. She was willing to pay any price she had to pay in order to progress her ideals on equality.
I absolutely loved the way this book presents Mary. It helped me relate to Mary, and I could almost see myself in her at times. I cried when she was ridiculed and defeated. I smiled when she experienced victories and recognition. And I was on the edge of my seat at times when she was in danger. Habib does a great job of showing the story of such an important American woman.
Dr. Mary Walker is a woman who should not be a secret. Her name should be held up alongside many of the other great people from history. I dare say that there are many women from the 19th century that have left as big of an impact as she did. Everyone should read this book. No matter who you are, whether male or female, American or not, there is a good chance that Mary fought for your rights long before you were born. And we should be thankful that she did!!
February 17, 2020
Simply Amazing...
Reading this book has given me such a new perspective on many things. Firstly is the life of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker. It is the definition of the word "inspiring." She overcame so much adversity in every phase of her life. It seems like there wasn't a day where she didn't have to face some sort of battle, whether internal or external. The heights she achieved during and after the Civil War are amazing.
Mary's persistence and dogged stubbornness turned her into the U.S. Military's first female physician. She never quit no matter how badly she was treated by other people or bureaucrats. She kept her faith in people and maintained a level of empathy toward others that I've never read about or seen before. When others would have turned around and went back home, Mary only pushed harder and put in more effort. The empathy she showed to Confederate Civilians and the horrors she faced at Castle Thunder make her fully deserving of the Medal of Honor.
The things she faced after the war, from 1865-1919, are an entirely different beast. She worked harder for women's equality and the equality of other minority groups than anyone else I've read about during the 19th Century. She was so ahead of her time in her way of thinking, especially in the areas of dress reform and her ideas on marriage, that it is hard to believe that this is an actual true story and not just some fictitious novel. When Mary did not have enough for herself, she still put others first. She didn't do it for glory or recognition; she did it because it was RIGHT.
The writing is superb. Habib brings Dr. Walker's story to life, and I couldn't help but be pulled into her story from the first page. He writes it like a piece of narrative nonfiction, not a textbook. It makes Dr. Walker's story accessible for any reader.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
Reading this book has given me such a new perspective on many things. Firstly is the life of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker. It is the definition of the word "inspiring." She overcame so much adversity in every phase of her life. It seems like there wasn't a day where she didn't have to face some sort of battle, whether internal or external. The heights she achieved during and after the Civil War are amazing.
Mary's persistence and dogged stubbornness turned her into the U.S. Military's first female physician. She never quit no matter how badly she was treated by other people or bureaucrats. She kept her faith in people and maintained a level of empathy toward others that I've never read about or seen before. When others would have turned around and went back home, Mary only pushed harder and put in more effort. The empathy she showed to Confederate Civilians and the horrors she faced at Castle Thunder make her fully deserving of the Medal of Honor.
The things she faced after the war, from 1865-1919, are an entirely different beast. She worked harder for women's equality and the equality of other minority groups than anyone else I've read about during the 19th Century. She was so ahead of her time in her way of thinking, especially in the areas of dress reform and her ideas on marriage, that it is hard to believe that this is an actual true story and not just some fictitious novel. When Mary did not have enough for herself, she still put others first. She didn't do it for glory or recognition; she did it because it was RIGHT.
The writing is superb. Habib brings Dr. Walker's story to life, and I couldn't help but be pulled into her story from the first page. He writes it like a piece of narrative nonfiction, not a textbook. It makes Dr. Walker's story accessible for any reader.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
February 22, 2020
One of my all-time favorites!
Mary E. Walker: America's Only Female Medal of Honor Recipient surpasses the typical biography. Mary was many things. She was the first (and only) female medal of honor recipient. She was the first female surgeon to be contracted by the army. She was a leading suffragist and a leading advocate for women's equality in America and in Europe. However, more than that she was something else:
She was a person.
That is the focus of this book. Not on the hero of the Civil War, but on the person behind the accolades and medals. Ammar Habib's book looks at Mary as a person. He discusses more than her war record. He discusses every aspect of her life. We see how she was mistreated by the NWSA's leadership, specifically Elizabeth Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. We see how those two women tried to erase Mary from history. We see how she was slandered by the media and mistreated by bureaucrats. But we also see how Mary never gave up and how she rose above this to become a shining light for so many.
This book allows readers to journey with Mary through every stage of her life. As we journey with her, we see who she was as a person. We see her inspirations. Her drive. We see her defeats and setbacks, and we relish in her victories. I feel like I truly know Mary after reading this. Ammar Habib really captures the "mosaic" of her life so beautifully, all the way from the introduction to the conclusion. Excellent!
Mary E. Walker: America's Only Female Medal of Honor Recipient surpasses the typical biography. Mary was many things. She was the first (and only) female medal of honor recipient. She was the first female surgeon to be contracted by the army. She was a leading suffragist and a leading advocate for women's equality in America and in Europe. However, more than that she was something else:
She was a person.
That is the focus of this book. Not on the hero of the Civil War, but on the person behind the accolades and medals. Ammar Habib's book looks at Mary as a person. He discusses more than her war record. He discusses every aspect of her life. We see how she was mistreated by the NWSA's leadership, specifically Elizabeth Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. We see how those two women tried to erase Mary from history. We see how she was slandered by the media and mistreated by bureaucrats. But we also see how Mary never gave up and how she rose above this to become a shining light for so many.
This book allows readers to journey with Mary through every stage of her life. As we journey with her, we see who she was as a person. We see her inspirations. Her drive. We see her defeats and setbacks, and we relish in her victories. I feel like I truly know Mary after reading this. Ammar Habib really captures the "mosaic" of her life so beautifully, all the way from the introduction to the conclusion. Excellent!
February 23, 2020
A true look into the life of Mary Walker
I'd definitely give this 5 stars. It's not only the life of Mary Walker, which is incredible, but it's also the writing of the book that brings the story to life. Even after all her accomplishments, she was never truly appreciated in her life. People like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Stanton, along with numerous editors of newspapers, tried to tear her down because of what she represented: progress. However, she always persisted. She always held an uncanny level of empathy for people, and she always put the good of others before her own. Because of that, her legacy will always live on.
Once story that really shows her empathy toward other men is a story from the Civil War, when she assisted in locating Lieutenant Wren. Just based on the pleading of Wren's mother and wife, she literally rode into an active war zone and wouldn't return until she found him and brought him back. That is just one of many stories that this book shows.
The book itself is EXCELLENT. It shows us Mary the woman, not Dr. Walker the legend. That's a great angle for the author to take.
5 stars.
I'd definitely give this 5 stars. It's not only the life of Mary Walker, which is incredible, but it's also the writing of the book that brings the story to life. Even after all her accomplishments, she was never truly appreciated in her life. People like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Stanton, along with numerous editors of newspapers, tried to tear her down because of what she represented: progress. However, she always persisted. She always held an uncanny level of empathy for people, and she always put the good of others before her own. Because of that, her legacy will always live on.
Once story that really shows her empathy toward other men is a story from the Civil War, when she assisted in locating Lieutenant Wren. Just based on the pleading of Wren's mother and wife, she literally rode into an active war zone and wouldn't return until she found him and brought him back. That is just one of many stories that this book shows.
The book itself is EXCELLENT. It shows us Mary the woman, not Dr. Walker the legend. That's a great angle for the author to take.
5 stars.
February 26, 2020
Should Be Taught in Schools
10/10 stars
Eye-opening. Inspirational. Emotional. Touching. These are the first words that come to mind after reading this book. Mary's life seems to step straight out of a Hollywood movie. She was such an amazing woman who strove for so much that her life seems too good to be true. But it is true.
She fought in the war when she had no compulsion to do so. Even when others didn't appreciate her and she received no recognition, she still fought and served in the war. She didn't just do it for her country. She did it for her fellow countrymen and for what her country represented: freedom and equality.
Mary struggled for the cause of women's rights even when the NWSA, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Stanton turned against her and became some of her worst enemies out of jealousy. Again, she didn't fight the battle for equality for recognition of the spotlight like those other women did. No, Mary fought because it was right. And she never stopped fighting... ever.
I never knew that women like Mary existed until I read an advanced copy of this incredible book. She is a true hero. Not for what she accomplished. But for what she embodied through her character. This book brings Mary's story to life, and every school should have its students read it!
10/10 stars
Eye-opening. Inspirational. Emotional. Touching. These are the first words that come to mind after reading this book. Mary's life seems to step straight out of a Hollywood movie. She was such an amazing woman who strove for so much that her life seems too good to be true. But it is true.
She fought in the war when she had no compulsion to do so. Even when others didn't appreciate her and she received no recognition, she still fought and served in the war. She didn't just do it for her country. She did it for her fellow countrymen and for what her country represented: freedom and equality.
Mary struggled for the cause of women's rights even when the NWSA, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Stanton turned against her and became some of her worst enemies out of jealousy. Again, she didn't fight the battle for equality for recognition of the spotlight like those other women did. No, Mary fought because it was right. And she never stopped fighting... ever.
I never knew that women like Mary existed until I read an advanced copy of this incredible book. She is a true hero. Not for what she accomplished. But for what she embodied through her character. This book brings Mary's story to life, and every school should have its students read it!
February 17, 2020
One word to describe this story: INSPIRING!
Every page held my attention as I learned about this amazing lady. She was the type of figure more people need to know about. It's not about her accomplishments; it's about who she was and what she stood for. Mary stood for the idea of battling for those who did not have a voice, even if doing so would hurt your reputation or make you a target for ridicule. It's an inspiring story that I'd bet most people don't know about. I certainly did not know it before picking up this book and diving into her life story.
The book is more than a simple biography. No, it's a glimpse into who Mary was as a person. What were her inspirations? What were her thoughts and feelings? How did she overcome self-doubt and obstacles that others trembled at the very thought of? Those are the sorts of questions that the book seeks to answer.
Every chapter uncovers the puzzle of Mary's life a little more until you get the full picture at the end. The style of the novel absolutely helps you get lost in the story of Mary's life, and I'm still trying to process everything.
A well-deserved 5 stars!
Every page held my attention as I learned about this amazing lady. She was the type of figure more people need to know about. It's not about her accomplishments; it's about who she was and what she stood for. Mary stood for the idea of battling for those who did not have a voice, even if doing so would hurt your reputation or make you a target for ridicule. It's an inspiring story that I'd bet most people don't know about. I certainly did not know it before picking up this book and diving into her life story.
The book is more than a simple biography. No, it's a glimpse into who Mary was as a person. What were her inspirations? What were her thoughts and feelings? How did she overcome self-doubt and obstacles that others trembled at the very thought of? Those are the sorts of questions that the book seeks to answer.
Every chapter uncovers the puzzle of Mary's life a little more until you get the full picture at the end. The style of the novel absolutely helps you get lost in the story of Mary's life, and I'm still trying to process everything.
A well-deserved 5 stars!
February 29, 2020
5 stars
Thank you to the author for the ARC of this amazing biography. Mary Walker is an inspiring woman. She was mocked. Imprisoned. Tortured. Abused in almost every way. Betrayed by so many allies, including old friends and the NWSA.
...yet she persisted.
Persistence is a word that might as well belong to Mary because her entire life embodies it. She never gave up, no matter how far away her goals seemed. She kept putting her eyes on others and never let her personal struggles hinder her work for the betterment of mankind. What an amazing woman she was.
This book brings her to life. Every chapter starts off with one of her amazing quotes before the writing dives into different phases of her life. The narrative style is perfect for this sort of work, and I'll be rereading it many times along with recommending it to others.
5 stars!
Thank you to the author for the ARC of this amazing biography. Mary Walker is an inspiring woman. She was mocked. Imprisoned. Tortured. Abused in almost every way. Betrayed by so many allies, including old friends and the NWSA.
...yet she persisted.
Persistence is a word that might as well belong to Mary because her entire life embodies it. She never gave up, no matter how far away her goals seemed. She kept putting her eyes on others and never let her personal struggles hinder her work for the betterment of mankind. What an amazing woman she was.
This book brings her to life. Every chapter starts off with one of her amazing quotes before the writing dives into different phases of her life. The narrative style is perfect for this sort of work, and I'll be rereading it many times along with recommending it to others.
5 stars!
May 17, 2020
6 stars!
I'm simply amazed! I never even heard of Dr. Mary Walker's name before picking up this book, and I cannot believe that I'd never heard of her before. The fact that a woman from the mid-19th century is America's only female Medal of Honor recipient is almost hard to believe. This book opened my eyes to a part of American history that I never would've known about.
The writing itself is very good and far above the typical biography. The author, Mr. Habib, really understands Mary's life and that shows in the way he presents her life. He utilizes a variety of sources to give a level of authenticity to his work. This book doesn't come across like a textbook; it is more like a narrative because of the approach that Habib takes in putting it together. It looks at Mary as a woman, not as a historical figure.
This is the sort of book that is meant for all audiences. Regardless of age, cultural background, or education, any type of person would learn so much from the life of Dr. Walker. A part of the reason why is because Dr. Walker advocated for all types of people throughout her life. She did not favor one nation or one people above others. Her life stands as a testament to the idea of selflessness and good character. As Mary says, good character is shown in our actions during tough times, not in our words or ideals. She represented this idea in her life!
I'd give this 6 stars if I could!
I'm simply amazed! I never even heard of Dr. Mary Walker's name before picking up this book, and I cannot believe that I'd never heard of her before. The fact that a woman from the mid-19th century is America's only female Medal of Honor recipient is almost hard to believe. This book opened my eyes to a part of American history that I never would've known about.
The writing itself is very good and far above the typical biography. The author, Mr. Habib, really understands Mary's life and that shows in the way he presents her life. He utilizes a variety of sources to give a level of authenticity to his work. This book doesn't come across like a textbook; it is more like a narrative because of the approach that Habib takes in putting it together. It looks at Mary as a woman, not as a historical figure.
This is the sort of book that is meant for all audiences. Regardless of age, cultural background, or education, any type of person would learn so much from the life of Dr. Walker. A part of the reason why is because Dr. Walker advocated for all types of people throughout her life. She did not favor one nation or one people above others. Her life stands as a testament to the idea of selflessness and good character. As Mary says, good character is shown in our actions during tough times, not in our words or ideals. She represented this idea in her life!
I'd give this 6 stars if I could!
February 17, 2020
Wow! I never knew women like this existed in American history. To think that a woman born in 1832 is America's only female Medal of Honor recipient is astounding. I am grateful for the ARC of this work because it opened my eyes to a whole new part of history that I've never heard of.
The writing itself is spectacular. Ammar Habib really knows his stuff, and he uses many different sources to provide authenticity to his writing. The book reads like a narrative, which I'm sure is due to Habib's work in the fiction realm. You're pulled into this book and it is impossible to put down until the end.
Dr. Walker's life is a work that will touch anyone. Whether you are young or old, male or female, from America or a different part of the world, there is something in her story that touches you. That's because she didn't just fight for women's rights or for her country; no, Dr. Walker was willing to fight for anyone who couldn't fight for themselves. Like Habib writes, Dr. Walker's life is not justified by just one medal or action she did. Her life is the sum of all the people she helped. More so, it is the sum of everything she overcame, both the external battles and the battles she had to fight within herself.
Beautiful writing, and such a moving tale!
The writing itself is spectacular. Ammar Habib really knows his stuff, and he uses many different sources to provide authenticity to his writing. The book reads like a narrative, which I'm sure is due to Habib's work in the fiction realm. You're pulled into this book and it is impossible to put down until the end.
Dr. Walker's life is a work that will touch anyone. Whether you are young or old, male or female, from America or a different part of the world, there is something in her story that touches you. That's because she didn't just fight for women's rights or for her country; no, Dr. Walker was willing to fight for anyone who couldn't fight for themselves. Like Habib writes, Dr. Walker's life is not justified by just one medal or action she did. Her life is the sum of all the people she helped. More so, it is the sum of everything she overcame, both the external battles and the battles she had to fight within herself.
Beautiful writing, and such a moving tale!
February 17, 2020
..... I am speechless after reading this. To think that a woman in the 1800s received the Medal of Honor is almost unimaginable. Why aren't they teaching this in schools? I'd never even heard of Dr. Mary Walker before reading this amazing book. My eyes have been opened, and now I simply want to learn more about this amazing woman. She was a real life 'Wonder Woman,' a lady who could not be moved or forced to obey others. Just Ammar Habib writes in the introduction, when society tried to force her to conform, Mary planted herself like a tree and refused to be moved. She always stood her ground, no matter the abuse that she took. Anyone with an open mind will be inspired by her story.
What I love most about the writing is that it is more than just a biography of facts and figures. Instead, Habib wrote a book with the hopes of discovering who Mary was as a person. What motivated her? What inspired her? What made her become a hero of the Civil war and a hero in many other movements, like women's suffrage and women's rights. This sets the book apart from any simple biography of Dr. Walker's life.
I am grateful for the ARC of this book. It has changed my perspective, and I will be re-reading it again soon! I hope to discover more about Dr. Walker and other like her.
What I love most about the writing is that it is more than just a biography of facts and figures. Instead, Habib wrote a book with the hopes of discovering who Mary was as a person. What motivated her? What inspired her? What made her become a hero of the Civil war and a hero in many other movements, like women's suffrage and women's rights. This sets the book apart from any simple biography of Dr. Walker's life.
I am grateful for the ARC of this book. It has changed my perspective, and I will be re-reading it again soon! I hope to discover more about Dr. Walker and other like her.
March 26, 2020
Eye-Opening
Reading this book, I often imagined that I was literally right there next to Mary. I worked alongside her in the Civil War. I was with her at those NWSA conferences where she stood up against the mobs. I was locked with her in her prison cell at Castle Thunder. Wow... what an incredible story of resilience and courage. A part of me cannot believe that it is a true story. She really seems to step straight out of legend.
No matter what was thrown Mary's way (and there was always some person or group against her), she never backed away from the challenge. She never slipped away into the night. No, she always stood tall and weathered the storms, and she never let fear get the better of her. There is so much that can be learned from her life, and these lessons are much-needed in today's world.
Mary embodied the character of a true hero. She held a level of empathy that is hard to even fathom, and she never turned away from any person who was in need. That is why her life is so much more than just a medal. It can't be defined, just like she can't be defined in a simple sentence. I'll certainly be re-reading this book in the months to come.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Reading this book, I often imagined that I was literally right there next to Mary. I worked alongside her in the Civil War. I was with her at those NWSA conferences where she stood up against the mobs. I was locked with her in her prison cell at Castle Thunder. Wow... what an incredible story of resilience and courage. A part of me cannot believe that it is a true story. She really seems to step straight out of legend.
No matter what was thrown Mary's way (and there was always some person or group against her), she never backed away from the challenge. She never slipped away into the night. No, she always stood tall and weathered the storms, and she never let fear get the better of her. There is so much that can be learned from her life, and these lessons are much-needed in today's world.
Mary embodied the character of a true hero. She held a level of empathy that is hard to even fathom, and she never turned away from any person who was in need. That is why her life is so much more than just a medal. It can't be defined, just like she can't be defined in a simple sentence. I'll certainly be re-reading this book in the months to come.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
February 17, 2020
I was really moved by this story. Dr. Walker's life is a life of sacrifice. She never got to experience comforts or see a lot of the fruits of her labor, but that never stopped her from putting her heart and soul on the line as she went out and fought for other people. Her life was a selfless one, and everything she did was for others. Just her actions in the Civil War alone are enough to etch her into legend. But the second half of her life, the part of her life in which she fought for women's rights and the rights of many other minorities, is even more inspiring than her time in the Civil War.
The author, Ammar Habib, does an excellent job of bringing Mary's story to life. He really puts his heart into the work, and you can see all the great research he did in putting this piece together. The writing is very easy to follow and understand, and it does justice to the life of this amazing woman.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
The author, Ammar Habib, does an excellent job of bringing Mary's story to life. He really puts his heart into the work, and you can see all the great research he did in putting this piece together. The writing is very easy to follow and understand, and it does justice to the life of this amazing woman.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
February 18, 2020
What a mind-blowing book this is. It brings the historical figure of Dr. Mary Walker to life. As the premise suggests, the story is not about Dr. Walker and all her accomplishments. It is instead about Mary, and who she was as a person. It is about the young farm-girl from Oswego and analyzes how she became the legendary figure that she is today.
I absolutely loved that angle. It helped me relate to Mary, and I could almost see myself in her at times. I cried when she was ridiculed and defeated. I smiled when she experienced victories and recognition. And I was on the edge of my seat at times when she was in danger. Habib does a great job of showing the story of such an important American woman.
I appreciate the ARC I received of this incredible book.
I absolutely loved that angle. It helped me relate to Mary, and I could almost see myself in her at times. I cried when she was ridiculed and defeated. I smiled when she experienced victories and recognition. And I was on the edge of my seat at times when she was in danger. Habib does a great job of showing the story of such an important American woman.
I appreciate the ARC I received of this incredible book.
February 17, 2020
I'm in awe of what I've just read. Dr. Mary Edwards Walker is the pinnacle of humanity. Not because of what she accomplished, but because of the ideals she showed and the empathy she had for her fellow human beings. The world needs more Mary Walkers; the world needs more people who embody the ideals of empathy and persistence like she did. She was truly a woman who took the time she was born in and made it her own.
The writing is superb. Mr. Habib goes into a lot of depth to discover not just what Mary Walker did, but who she was as a person. As a reader, I really appreciated that aspect of this work. Great job all-around with how the work was put together.
5/5 stars.
The writing is superb. Mr. Habib goes into a lot of depth to discover not just what Mary Walker did, but who she was as a person. As a reader, I really appreciated that aspect of this work. Great job all-around with how the work was put together.
5/5 stars.
December 28, 2022
Non-fiction. Mary was a surgeon, a journalist (wrote articles
for newspapers & mags,) ran for US Senate & was eliminated
in the primary, thought about being a police officer. And
favored conscription for women. She loved/ married a fellow
MD & they had a medical practice together. She discovered
he was unfaithful & he encouraged her to do likewise. They
separated and eventually divorced. The law required a couple
be separated x 5 years & then they could divorce. Her ex drug
this out even further. And he got 2 of his patients pregnant!
Busy Mary had little time or inclination for any sweethearts.
She authored 2 books.
Susan B. Anthony of the suffrage movement reportedly
became jealous of Mary's popularity & tried to invalidate
Mary's contribution to the cause. Mary took law classes
at Columbia U. School of Law and helped nurses & soldiers
who served in war to obtain pensions, & with other issues
too. Mary lectured in many cities RE health issues and
women's rights, sometimes pd, sometimes she did this,
gratis.
Mary grew up on a farm & her sire was also a carpenter.
He taught his daughter & son as equals & encouraged
creative thinking & solutions.
Mary did well in medical school & became a surgeon. The
military didn't accept Mary as a surgeon. She volunteered
in a nurse capacity helping wounded Civil War soldiers,
in a hospital close to DC. Mary wrote various VIPS ie
Secretary of War, various Generals, US President, asking
to be commissioned as an army surgeon. General Sherman
used his influence to get her appointed as a pd. contracted
army surgeon. She also became a spy for the Union. 3
Confederate soldiers caught her & she became a POW in
a horrid prison for 4+ mos. in 1864. Food was skimpy &
contained maggots, meat was seldom served & the prison
spread diseases & the lighting was poor. Subsequently
Mary had vision problems as a direct result of the prison
stay. (Union generals knew Confederates were in process
of running out of money).
Mary became the only female awarded the (Congressional)
Medal of Honor. Yrs. later they took away the honor b/c
she did not earn it as a battle combatant. Yrs. later, after
her death, in 1977, they restored this honor.
Mary was treated w/ disrespect & hostility by many men
b/c they thought she had no business being a MD. Some
were acrimonious b/c she wanted women to have the vote
and be equal to men. Some men called her skinny and ugly.
She also wrote a book about sexuality & the dangers of STDs,
a taboo subject, way before her time.
The author did a v. good job. However the author dwelled
too much on Mary's "reform dress." For ease in movement,
modesty, and hygiene purposes Mary preferred wearing
a skirt or dress below her knees and underneath that, men's
trousers. Police arrested Mary for wearing this garb in NYC,
Kansas City, New Orleans, DC, Baltimore etc. Once 30 men +
boys chased her & threw items at her, but weren't charged
w/ assault.
The author described Mary as opinionated and stubborn
and attributed this in part to her losing friends and
alienating others.
Revised.
for newspapers & mags,) ran for US Senate & was eliminated
in the primary, thought about being a police officer. And
favored conscription for women. She loved/ married a fellow
MD & they had a medical practice together. She discovered
he was unfaithful & he encouraged her to do likewise. They
separated and eventually divorced. The law required a couple
be separated x 5 years & then they could divorce. Her ex drug
this out even further. And he got 2 of his patients pregnant!
Busy Mary had little time or inclination for any sweethearts.
She authored 2 books.
Susan B. Anthony of the suffrage movement reportedly
became jealous of Mary's popularity & tried to invalidate
Mary's contribution to the cause. Mary took law classes
at Columbia U. School of Law and helped nurses & soldiers
who served in war to obtain pensions, & with other issues
too. Mary lectured in many cities RE health issues and
women's rights, sometimes pd, sometimes she did this,
gratis.
Mary grew up on a farm & her sire was also a carpenter.
He taught his daughter & son as equals & encouraged
creative thinking & solutions.
Mary did well in medical school & became a surgeon. The
military didn't accept Mary as a surgeon. She volunteered
in a nurse capacity helping wounded Civil War soldiers,
in a hospital close to DC. Mary wrote various VIPS ie
Secretary of War, various Generals, US President, asking
to be commissioned as an army surgeon. General Sherman
used his influence to get her appointed as a pd. contracted
army surgeon. She also became a spy for the Union. 3
Confederate soldiers caught her & she became a POW in
a horrid prison for 4+ mos. in 1864. Food was skimpy &
contained maggots, meat was seldom served & the prison
spread diseases & the lighting was poor. Subsequently
Mary had vision problems as a direct result of the prison
stay. (Union generals knew Confederates were in process
of running out of money).
Mary became the only female awarded the (Congressional)
Medal of Honor. Yrs. later they took away the honor b/c
she did not earn it as a battle combatant. Yrs. later, after
her death, in 1977, they restored this honor.
Mary was treated w/ disrespect & hostility by many men
b/c they thought she had no business being a MD. Some
were acrimonious b/c she wanted women to have the vote
and be equal to men. Some men called her skinny and ugly.
She also wrote a book about sexuality & the dangers of STDs,
a taboo subject, way before her time.
The author did a v. good job. However the author dwelled
too much on Mary's "reform dress." For ease in movement,
modesty, and hygiene purposes Mary preferred wearing
a skirt or dress below her knees and underneath that, men's
trousers. Police arrested Mary for wearing this garb in NYC,
Kansas City, New Orleans, DC, Baltimore etc. Once 30 men +
boys chased her & threw items at her, but weren't charged
w/ assault.
The author described Mary as opinionated and stubborn
and attributed this in part to her losing friends and
alienating others.
Revised.
February 18, 2020
So Glad I Read This, 5 Stars
I had never heard of Dr. Walker before, but now I cannot stop thinking about her! She was the type of woman that young girls in the 21st Century need to look up to. Mary never conformed when she saw something wrong; she never stayed silent. Instead, she was always willing to speak up for those who could not, even if it did not benefit her. More than being a war hero and receiving the Medal of Honor, this empathy is what makes her a true hero.
The book itself is very well done. The tone is great, and the organization flows very well. You can't help but turn the page as Ammar Habib narrates the life of this incredible woman. I really enjoyed how it doesn't sound like a textbook; instead, it's almost like a third-person memoir at times (if that makes sense). The research is well documented, which gives everything Mr. Habib writes an extra layer of credibility.
There is a lot of information to process in this book, so I will definitely be reading it again. I highly recommend the book to anyone interested in learning about an amazing woman, one who has shaped much of our nation but has been overlooked by history.
I had never heard of Dr. Walker before, but now I cannot stop thinking about her! She was the type of woman that young girls in the 21st Century need to look up to. Mary never conformed when she saw something wrong; she never stayed silent. Instead, she was always willing to speak up for those who could not, even if it did not benefit her. More than being a war hero and receiving the Medal of Honor, this empathy is what makes her a true hero.
The book itself is very well done. The tone is great, and the organization flows very well. You can't help but turn the page as Ammar Habib narrates the life of this incredible woman. I really enjoyed how it doesn't sound like a textbook; instead, it's almost like a third-person memoir at times (if that makes sense). The research is well documented, which gives everything Mr. Habib writes an extra layer of credibility.
There is a lot of information to process in this book, so I will definitely be reading it again. I highly recommend the book to anyone interested in learning about an amazing woman, one who has shaped much of our nation but has been overlooked by history.
February 22, 2020
5 STARS
Very enjoyable book. As a person, Dr. Walker was truly a role model and a woman who went out and helped her fellow humanity the best she could whenever she could. She is more than just a Medal of Honor recipient. She's a hero. It's a shame to the legacy of other suffragists, like Susan B. Anthony & Elizabeth Stanton for how they mistreated her. It's crazy to think how jealousy drove those two women to try and silence/bully Mary for decades.
Speaking of the book itself, it is not just a list of Mary's accomplishments. Instead, it's much more than that. The book is more of a study of Mary as a person. It peels back the layers while going through her life so the reader can get the full picture of her. This angle is what makes the put stand above many other biographies I've read.
Very enjoyable book. As a person, Dr. Walker was truly a role model and a woman who went out and helped her fellow humanity the best she could whenever she could. She is more than just a Medal of Honor recipient. She's a hero. It's a shame to the legacy of other suffragists, like Susan B. Anthony & Elizabeth Stanton for how they mistreated her. It's crazy to think how jealousy drove those two women to try and silence/bully Mary for decades.
Speaking of the book itself, it is not just a list of Mary's accomplishments. Instead, it's much more than that. The book is more of a study of Mary as a person. It peels back the layers while going through her life so the reader can get the full picture of her. This angle is what makes the put stand above many other biographies I've read.
February 17, 2020
There were so many times that I couldn't help but smile as I read this book. Dr. Mary Walker was a lady who knew her own mind and heart and lived according to her beliefs regardless of what others said or did. She was mocked and gossiped about at all levels of society; she was even put into jail for daring to wear pants at a time when women were expected to wear only long dresses and skirts.
Mary pushed her way through medical school and fought her way into the army to work as a surgeon during the Civil War. Her courage both on the front lines and behind the front lines earned her the Medal of Honor. Not only is this a fascinating story, but a great biography. It's challenging to write a biography this short, but Ammar Habib does a great job giving the reader a glimpse of the brave woman that was Mary Walker as well as a glimpse of a time that isn't as long past as it might seem. This is a must have for schools and public libraries alike.
I appreciate the ARC I was given!
Mary pushed her way through medical school and fought her way into the army to work as a surgeon during the Civil War. Her courage both on the front lines and behind the front lines earned her the Medal of Honor. Not only is this a fascinating story, but a great biography. It's challenging to write a biography this short, but Ammar Habib does a great job giving the reader a glimpse of the brave woman that was Mary Walker as well as a glimpse of a time that isn't as long past as it might seem. This is a must have for schools and public libraries alike.
I appreciate the ARC I was given!
February 21, 2020
This Book Made Me Proud
As am American, reading this book made me proud to know that amazing people like Dr. Walker helped build the country I live in. She is a true inspiration. Her story is more than just receiving the Medal of Honor. It's about how she pushed through so many closed door by just her sheer willpower alone. More than that, she always had an open heart for her fellow humans. No matter how badly she was treated by the NWSA, government, or media, Mary never lost her empathy.
Mr. Habib's book is well organized, taking us from before Mary was born and up to her death. He gives a lot of great information on her parents (Alvah & Vesta), which really sets up the rest of the book. I enjoyed this story quite a bit.
4.5/5 stars!
As am American, reading this book made me proud to know that amazing people like Dr. Walker helped build the country I live in. She is a true inspiration. Her story is more than just receiving the Medal of Honor. It's about how she pushed through so many closed door by just her sheer willpower alone. More than that, she always had an open heart for her fellow humans. No matter how badly she was treated by the NWSA, government, or media, Mary never lost her empathy.
Mr. Habib's book is well organized, taking us from before Mary was born and up to her death. He gives a lot of great information on her parents (Alvah & Vesta), which really sets up the rest of the book. I enjoyed this story quite a bit.
4.5/5 stars!
February 21, 2020
Marvelous
As the title of this review suggests, the book was marvelous. I loved how each chapter started off with a quote by Mary. Those were inspirational by themselves. Learning the context behind each quote made them all the more powerful. Mary was not a woman who just "talked the talk." She was willing to live out the principles she advocated for, and this is why she is so deserving of any recognition she received and continues to receive. I'd never heard of her before, so the book is a real eye-opener.
Ammar Habib, the author, really goes deep into who Mary was, what she stood for, how she acted, and who she was beneath the surface. I enjoyed the angle he took to writing this book, and I'm glad to have received an advanced copy of it.
As the title of this review suggests, the book was marvelous. I loved how each chapter started off with a quote by Mary. Those were inspirational by themselves. Learning the context behind each quote made them all the more powerful. Mary was not a woman who just "talked the talk." She was willing to live out the principles she advocated for, and this is why she is so deserving of any recognition she received and continues to receive. I'd never heard of her before, so the book is a real eye-opener.
Ammar Habib, the author, really goes deep into who Mary was, what she stood for, how she acted, and who she was beneath the surface. I enjoyed the angle he took to writing this book, and I'm glad to have received an advanced copy of it.
February 20, 2020
4/5 stars.
I really loved reading this. It's a great detailed biography of a woman most people aren't familiar with. Many of the accounts of Mary's life are very inspirational, especially about how she was always willing to put others before herself. It was sad to see how other people, like Susan B. Anthony & Elizabeth Stanton, mistreated her. It was also sad to see how the government disregarded her so often and people slandered her. It shows that when you stand for something, people will try to tear you down.
I really loved reading this. It's a great detailed biography of a woman most people aren't familiar with. Many of the accounts of Mary's life are very inspirational, especially about how she was always willing to put others before herself. It was sad to see how other people, like Susan B. Anthony & Elizabeth Stanton, mistreated her. It was also sad to see how the government disregarded her so often and people slandered her. It shows that when you stand for something, people will try to tear you down.
February 17, 2020
Mary Walker's story is one of the most inspirational biographies that I've ever read. She was not just an American hero, but a hero for all. The way that this work breaks down not only different parts of her life, but her mindset and inspirations really lends some great insight into who she was as a person. It helped me relate to her and see her as a human being, not as some far-away historical figure. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone interested in learning about Dr. Walker and American history.
March 3, 2020
“Dr. Mary’s life should stand out to remind us that when people do not think as we do, do not dress as we do, and do not live as we do, that they are more than likely to be half a century ahead of their time, and that we should have for them not ridicule but reverence.” - Dr. Bertha Van Hoosen.
...this quote perfectly captures Mary's legacy and this book. Beautiful.
...this quote perfectly captures Mary's legacy and this book. Beautiful.
February 17, 2020
What a phenomenal read that gave me a whole new perspective on American history. Dr. Walker is such an inspirational figure that I cannot find the words to describe how I feel after reading this work. The gravitas of the writing pulls you into the story, and the book reads more like a narrative than a stuffy biography, which makes the actual reading of this book a breeze. Amazing!
February 18, 2020
An Eye-opener
This book serves as a well-written biography of a remarkable woman. Habib chose to go the route of writing it as a narrative nonfiction more than a traditional biography. I think this really works because we get to almost walk alongside Mary throughout different parts of her life. Habib's flair for fiction and his experience in that genre show in the way that this book is so compelling and can easily be read within a matter of days if not quicker.
It's incredible to know that someone like Mary Walker existed in our nation's history. She is such an inspirational figure that it's hard to see why she isn't talked about more. They need to be making movies and documentaries about her life, so that young girls and women know that there have been trail-blazing women like Mary who we can now stand on the shoulders of.
This book serves as a well-written biography of a remarkable woman. Habib chose to go the route of writing it as a narrative nonfiction more than a traditional biography. I think this really works because we get to almost walk alongside Mary throughout different parts of her life. Habib's flair for fiction and his experience in that genre show in the way that this book is so compelling and can easily be read within a matter of days if not quicker.
It's incredible to know that someone like Mary Walker existed in our nation's history. She is such an inspirational figure that it's hard to see why she isn't talked about more. They need to be making movies and documentaries about her life, so that young girls and women know that there have been trail-blazing women like Mary who we can now stand on the shoulders of.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,287 reviews