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Angeline #1
Ride for Rights
In the summer of 1916 women do not have the right to vote, let alone be motorcycle dispatch riders. Two sisters, Angeline and Adelaide Hanson are determined to prove to the world that not only are women capable of riding motorbikes, but they can ride motorbikes across the United States. Alone.
From a dance hall in Chicago to a jail cell in Dodge City, love and trouble both follow Angeline and Adelaide on the dirt roads across the United States. The sisters shout their triumph from Pike’s Peak only to end up lost in the Salt Lake desert.
Will they make it to their goal of Los Angeles or will too many mishaps prevent them from reaching their destination and thus, hinder their desire to prove that women can do it?
From a dance hall in Chicago to a jail cell in Dodge City, love and trouble both follow Angeline and Adelaide on the dirt roads across the United States. The sisters shout their triumph from Pike’s Peak only to end up lost in the Salt Lake desert.
Will they make it to their goal of Los Angeles or will too many mishaps prevent them from reaching their destination and thus, hinder their desire to prove that women can do it?
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2012
4 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Tara Chevrestt
25 books313 followersTara Chevrestt is a deaf woman, aviation mechanic, and dog mom. She loves vintage clothes and period dramas and wishes she could time travel. You’ll never see her without her Kindle or a book within reach. As a child, she would often take a flashlight under the covers to finish the recent Nancy Drew novel when she was supposed to be sleeping.
She no longer writes books, but you can still read her thoughts and opinions on books and movies and articles on women's issues on her blog.
She no longer writes books, but you can still read her thoughts and opinions on books and movies and articles on women's issues on her blog.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 2, 2021
The story is based on characters who truly existed and on events which really happened. There are contemporary snippets from the New York Times throughout the book. However, the author has changed the names of the characters and used her creative license to turn the story into a work of fiction. This makes it much more interesting than a non-fictional presentation would have been and puts the book firmly into the historical fiction genre.
The reader is captured by the action from the very beginning, and I was held captive by the pace of the story to the very end. The dialogue and the development of the characters is superb and there was no huge challenge to my imagination. What I mean by that is that the images were conjured up very vividly by Tara's style of the writing.
The characters Angeline Hanson and her younger sister, Adelaide, are based on the teenage New York society ladies and suffragettes, Adeline and Augusta van Buran. These two young ladies actually did ride their Indian Model F Power Plus bikes from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in 1916, to both publicise the equality of women, promoting the cause of the suffrage movement, and to demonstrate that women should be considered for the role of dispatch rider in the First World War, with the consquence of freeing up more men for front line duties.
The adventures of Angeline and Adelaide are tremendous fun for the most part, although there are a few hairy moments. Twice they are held captive, but I don't want to spoil the read for you by telling you any more than that.
One aspect that really appealed to me were the diary entries of Angeline which were interspersed throughout the book. This was not overdone, which can be a danger, but they definitely added a seemingly personal touch from the heroine herself, and they confirmed the story as was being narrated by the author. A very nice touch!
Another brief, yet delightful inclusion, was when the sisters met up with the dancers, Fred and Adele Astaire. As the author points out in her notes at the end of the book, she made that bit up and it may never have happened, but I loved that piece, anyway.
One addition to the book that I'd like to suggest, which would have been of great benefit to the readers, would be a map of the route that the sisters took. Many of us foreign readers, and even some Americans, are not familiar enough with the geography of the USA to conjure up a picture of their progress on the journey purely from the textual narrative.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend it to all of my friends and family, and I shall look out for Tara Chevrestt's next novel.
The reader is captured by the action from the very beginning, and I was held captive by the pace of the story to the very end. The dialogue and the development of the characters is superb and there was no huge challenge to my imagination. What I mean by that is that the images were conjured up very vividly by Tara's style of the writing.
The characters Angeline Hanson and her younger sister, Adelaide, are based on the teenage New York society ladies and suffragettes, Adeline and Augusta van Buran. These two young ladies actually did ride their Indian Model F Power Plus bikes from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in 1916, to both publicise the equality of women, promoting the cause of the suffrage movement, and to demonstrate that women should be considered for the role of dispatch rider in the First World War, with the consquence of freeing up more men for front line duties.
The adventures of Angeline and Adelaide are tremendous fun for the most part, although there are a few hairy moments. Twice they are held captive, but I don't want to spoil the read for you by telling you any more than that.
One aspect that really appealed to me were the diary entries of Angeline which were interspersed throughout the book. This was not overdone, which can be a danger, but they definitely added a seemingly personal touch from the heroine herself, and they confirmed the story as was being narrated by the author. A very nice touch!
Another brief, yet delightful inclusion, was when the sisters met up with the dancers, Fred and Adele Astaire. As the author points out in her notes at the end of the book, she made that bit up and it may never have happened, but I loved that piece, anyway.
One addition to the book that I'd like to suggest, which would have been of great benefit to the readers, would be a map of the route that the sisters took. Many of us foreign readers, and even some Americans, are not familiar enough with the geography of the USA to conjure up a picture of their progress on the journey purely from the textual narrative.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend it to all of my friends and family, and I shall look out for Tara Chevrestt's next novel.
March 12, 2012
Entertaining, educational, and good, clean fun! The story of the girls' journey across America is interspersed with entries in Angeline's diary and her comments on news headlines from the summer of 1916, and excerpts from news articles chronicling the girls' Ride for Rights--thanks to a quick-thinking young reporter named Joe (who happens to be quite handsome, looks dashing in a fedora, and has a thing for girls on motorbikes), the New York News picks up the girls' story and they become a media sensation as Joe's articles keep the country updated on their adventures.
The story is vibrant and lively and the historical details and period descriptions are excellent! There are quite a few topics covered, with the added challenge of portraying the differing cultures and values across a country as large as America, but the balance is just right here and I loved the references to music and fashion and entertainment. Both of the sisters have distinct personalities, and they are portrayed realistically. My sister and I are completely different in as many ways as we are exactly alike, and that dynamic can be hard to transfer to the page, but Tara does a great job of it here, and creates two worthy heroines in the process. There's a bit of a role reversal by the end too--at first Angeline comes across as the bolder, more independent sister and Adelaide is more cautious and subdued. It was fun to watch the sisters mature with style as they faced adversity and learned some painful lessons.
My only real quibble would be that I think the girls had it a little too easy. Yeah, they got into some tight spots, but someone always showed up just in time to save the day, or else circumstances were rigged rather conveniently for them to get themselves out of a mess. But because this is written with such an upbeat, positive vibe, and it is very clean, it would be a great read for young adults and middle graders, too. It's a charming and infinitely readable story of the women's rights movement, which doesn't get too much attention in fiction. It's well-written, colorful, and at times laugh-out-loud funny. Two thumbs up! In fact, with U.S. involvement in World War I looming, I'd kind of like to see what happens next for Adelaide, Angeline, and Joe...
The story is vibrant and lively and the historical details and period descriptions are excellent! There are quite a few topics covered, with the added challenge of portraying the differing cultures and values across a country as large as America, but the balance is just right here and I loved the references to music and fashion and entertainment. Both of the sisters have distinct personalities, and they are portrayed realistically. My sister and I are completely different in as many ways as we are exactly alike, and that dynamic can be hard to transfer to the page, but Tara does a great job of it here, and creates two worthy heroines in the process. There's a bit of a role reversal by the end too--at first Angeline comes across as the bolder, more independent sister and Adelaide is more cautious and subdued. It was fun to watch the sisters mature with style as they faced adversity and learned some painful lessons.
My only real quibble would be that I think the girls had it a little too easy. Yeah, they got into some tight spots, but someone always showed up just in time to save the day, or else circumstances were rigged rather conveniently for them to get themselves out of a mess. But because this is written with such an upbeat, positive vibe, and it is very clean, it would be a great read for young adults and middle graders, too. It's a charming and infinitely readable story of the women's rights movement, which doesn't get too much attention in fiction. It's well-written, colorful, and at times laugh-out-loud funny. Two thumbs up! In fact, with U.S. involvement in World War I looming, I'd kind of like to see what happens next for Adelaide, Angeline, and Joe...
Read
April 20, 2012I won't rate or review my own work, but I would like to share a blog post in which I discuss the story behind the story. If anyone is interested in knowing more about the fascinating real life women, please follow this link: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2011/...
May 22, 2011
"They have been arrested, abducted, and everything else under the setting sun, they can handle a few nights in the desert by now!"
The story begins in 1916 as sisters Angeline and Adelaide Hanson attend a National Preparedness meeting and getting a bit put out at the attitude that women will be relegated to mending and such in the upcoming war effort (let alone not having a right to vote!). Anyhoo, the well-bred young ladies decide to make a "Ride for Rights" across country on Indian Model F motorcycles, and the reader follows their adventures through Chicago, Colorado, Utah, a side trip with Jose Cuervo and on to the end of the road in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The story is written in the third person, and fleshed out with excerpts from the diary of Angeline as well as news bulletins from reporter Joe Miller who followed the sisters' story from the beginning.
This is a fairly short book at 185 pages (including the author's notes), and as one who likes books with a bit more meat on their bones I'd have preferred to see the sisters and their travels fleshed out a bit more, but since this book is geared towards the YA market I'll just have to live with what I get. According to the author's notes, the Hansen sisters are based upon the real Van Buren sisters who did ride cross country in motorcycles. And speaking of the author's notes, this reader very much appreciated knowing what was real, what was surmised and what was fudged for the sake of the story. Two thumbs up for that.
A very promising start for this new author, and I'm looking forward to what she'll come up with next, and that includes the romance she once promised me ;)
Full disclosure: the author is a friend of mine and sent me an early PDF copy for input only. There was no expectation of a review, and the choice to do so is mine and mine alone.
The story begins in 1916 as sisters Angeline and Adelaide Hanson attend a National Preparedness meeting and getting a bit put out at the attitude that women will be relegated to mending and such in the upcoming war effort (let alone not having a right to vote!). Anyhoo, the well-bred young ladies decide to make a "Ride for Rights" across country on Indian Model F motorcycles, and the reader follows their adventures through Chicago, Colorado, Utah, a side trip with Jose Cuervo and on to the end of the road in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The story is written in the third person, and fleshed out with excerpts from the diary of Angeline as well as news bulletins from reporter Joe Miller who followed the sisters' story from the beginning.
This is a fairly short book at 185 pages (including the author's notes), and as one who likes books with a bit more meat on their bones I'd have preferred to see the sisters and their travels fleshed out a bit more, but since this book is geared towards the YA market I'll just have to live with what I get. According to the author's notes, the Hansen sisters are based upon the real Van Buren sisters who did ride cross country in motorcycles. And speaking of the author's notes, this reader very much appreciated knowing what was real, what was surmised and what was fudged for the sake of the story. Two thumbs up for that.
A very promising start for this new author, and I'm looking forward to what she'll come up with next, and that includes the romance she once promised me ;)
Full disclosure: the author is a friend of mine and sent me an early PDF copy for input only. There was no expectation of a review, and the choice to do so is mine and mine alone.
Read
February 10, 2012I can not give this book a rating, due to the fact this is my daughter. I want all to know even though my daughter is the author I bought this book. I can however, give my thoughts. I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the spunk of the two ladies in this book. Reminds me of someone, I like the fact of following them across country and joining them on there journeys. I found it funny and yet it makes a point. Women have come along way, however we have a lot further to go. Very good job Tara.
Read
February 8, 2012I edited this book so don't want to rate it, but for anyone who is a fan of historical fiction, this is a wonderful look at two real-life renegade motorcyclist women at the turn of the century. Suitable for teens as well as adults. I think this is the first time anyone has written about this story.
November 16, 2015
Pre-Publication Review
Tara Chevrestt's novel is loosely based on Adeline and Augusta van Burens’ true-life journey across America on Indian Model F motorcycles. Whether they did so to demonstrate female emancipation was never clear, but for the purposes of Ms Chevrestt's novel, her heroines do so to demonstrate that women were capable of making a contribution to the 1916 war effort.
Angeline Hanson comes from a politically progressive family who have no illusions about America's coming involvement in WW1. With her parents away on secret war business in England, Angeline attends a Preparedness Movement meeting where the speaker advocates the use of female motorbike despatch riders who could deliver important documents to battlefields.
The general consensus amongst the male audience is that women should stay at home preparing care packages, but Angeline is determined to play her part, especially as her brother Allan has just returned home with an Indian Model F motorcycle.
Angeline proposes to the sceptical audience that if a woman rode a motorcycle across country, would it be enough to prove they could act as dispatch riders in the war? The challenge is taken up and Angeline realises she will now have to learn how to ride her brother's motorcycle.
Despite misgivings from her brother and suffragette sister Adelaide, Angeline is determined to complete the trip before their parents return from England. She convinces Adelaide to accompany her and carry out their preparations in secret beneath the guise of visiting distant relatives in San Francisco.
The first leg of the journey begins well, until Adelaide loses her pocketbook containing the money they had put together for the trip. I imagined this would insert some tension into the plot where some resourcefulness would be needed to keep going, but it is quickly re-directed when Angeline digs into her own money.
Unbeknown to the girls, they are being followed by a young journalist for the New York News, also on a motorbike, who sends regular reports of their controversial journey back to his office that are reported in the newspapers.
In Chicago, the two girls look up an old school friend, who offers them a way to replace their missing funds by being dime-a-dance girls. Surprisingly, for two supposedly high class ladies, Angeline and Adelaide see no problem with this.
Taking women’s' emancipation to a new level, all three dress up to the nines and prepare to dance with strange men for money. Then my worst fears for their morals are realised when Adelaide says that her knee hurts because, “It has had to become intimate with one too many manhoods.” [sic]
During the dancing, Joe the journalist arrives and gets talking to Angeline, explaining he has been writing their story. Although attracted, Angeline is disappointed by the fact Joe has his own agenda for getting to know her. I hoped this would be a chance to introduce conflict and keep these two apart, but the charming Joe quickly wins Angeline round and, the race for Los Angeles forgotten, the sisters spend several days in Chicago while Angeline gets to know Joe better.
Angeline and Adelaide continue their journey west, and along the way they meet objections, mostly from men, as well as support from other suffragette organisations, including the Equal Suffrage League of St Louis with whom they join forces for a while. In the meantime, Joe has expressed a wish to court Angeline when her mission is over, a request she welcomes.
What may seem a straightforward journey if taken in modern times is dogged with open hostility to two women who dare to defy convention and travel the country on motorbikes alone. Despite being pelted with tomatoes at one point, the girls do not face any real danger as there always seems to be a kind gentleman nearby who rushes instantly to their rescue.
However, in Dodge City, Angeline and Adelade get arrested for going against what the Bible says about a womens' role and have to appeal to their brother Allan for rescue. Enlisting the help of a lady named Inez Mulholland, the girls are released, and they have various adventures along the way including a minor accident and an unprecedented opportunity to meet all sorts of different people.
Threaded into the narrative are snippets of war news and Joe's news reports about how the world sees these intrepid, but radical females who have taken up both drinking and swearing since leaving home, and holds them as a shining example for the American woman’s fight for their rights.
This novel is aimed at young adults and is both informative and educational, showing clearly how few inalienable rights women actually had in the US at the beginning of the 20th Century. This seemed to be especially true in rural areas where the local sheriff appeared to act in any way he pleased according more to his own prejudices than the law.
I would have liked the girls to face more obstacles, as the author's easy solutions tended to reduce their mission to an easy ride with nothing to overcome. However it was an interesting read and particularly informative of the attitudes towards women in the early 20th century and how the world was altered by WWI The appearance of a carefully selected cast of historical characters and authentic locations also added colour and interest to the story.
Tara Chevrestt's novel is loosely based on Adeline and Augusta van Burens’ true-life journey across America on Indian Model F motorcycles. Whether they did so to demonstrate female emancipation was never clear, but for the purposes of Ms Chevrestt's novel, her heroines do so to demonstrate that women were capable of making a contribution to the 1916 war effort.
Angeline Hanson comes from a politically progressive family who have no illusions about America's coming involvement in WW1. With her parents away on secret war business in England, Angeline attends a Preparedness Movement meeting where the speaker advocates the use of female motorbike despatch riders who could deliver important documents to battlefields.
The general consensus amongst the male audience is that women should stay at home preparing care packages, but Angeline is determined to play her part, especially as her brother Allan has just returned home with an Indian Model F motorcycle.
Angeline proposes to the sceptical audience that if a woman rode a motorcycle across country, would it be enough to prove they could act as dispatch riders in the war? The challenge is taken up and Angeline realises she will now have to learn how to ride her brother's motorcycle.
Despite misgivings from her brother and suffragette sister Adelaide, Angeline is determined to complete the trip before their parents return from England. She convinces Adelaide to accompany her and carry out their preparations in secret beneath the guise of visiting distant relatives in San Francisco.
The first leg of the journey begins well, until Adelaide loses her pocketbook containing the money they had put together for the trip. I imagined this would insert some tension into the plot where some resourcefulness would be needed to keep going, but it is quickly re-directed when Angeline digs into her own money.
Unbeknown to the girls, they are being followed by a young journalist for the New York News, also on a motorbike, who sends regular reports of their controversial journey back to his office that are reported in the newspapers.
In Chicago, the two girls look up an old school friend, who offers them a way to replace their missing funds by being dime-a-dance girls. Surprisingly, for two supposedly high class ladies, Angeline and Adelaide see no problem with this.
Taking women’s' emancipation to a new level, all three dress up to the nines and prepare to dance with strange men for money. Then my worst fears for their morals are realised when Adelaide says that her knee hurts because, “It has had to become intimate with one too many manhoods.” [sic]
During the dancing, Joe the journalist arrives and gets talking to Angeline, explaining he has been writing their story. Although attracted, Angeline is disappointed by the fact Joe has his own agenda for getting to know her. I hoped this would be a chance to introduce conflict and keep these two apart, but the charming Joe quickly wins Angeline round and, the race for Los Angeles forgotten, the sisters spend several days in Chicago while Angeline gets to know Joe better.
Angeline and Adelaide continue their journey west, and along the way they meet objections, mostly from men, as well as support from other suffragette organisations, including the Equal Suffrage League of St Louis with whom they join forces for a while. In the meantime, Joe has expressed a wish to court Angeline when her mission is over, a request she welcomes.
What may seem a straightforward journey if taken in modern times is dogged with open hostility to two women who dare to defy convention and travel the country on motorbikes alone. Despite being pelted with tomatoes at one point, the girls do not face any real danger as there always seems to be a kind gentleman nearby who rushes instantly to their rescue.
However, in Dodge City, Angeline and Adelade get arrested for going against what the Bible says about a womens' role and have to appeal to their brother Allan for rescue. Enlisting the help of a lady named Inez Mulholland, the girls are released, and they have various adventures along the way including a minor accident and an unprecedented opportunity to meet all sorts of different people.
Threaded into the narrative are snippets of war news and Joe's news reports about how the world sees these intrepid, but radical females who have taken up both drinking and swearing since leaving home, and holds them as a shining example for the American woman’s fight for their rights.
This novel is aimed at young adults and is both informative and educational, showing clearly how few inalienable rights women actually had in the US at the beginning of the 20th Century. This seemed to be especially true in rural areas where the local sheriff appeared to act in any way he pleased according more to his own prejudices than the law.
I would have liked the girls to face more obstacles, as the author's easy solutions tended to reduce their mission to an easy ride with nothing to overcome. However it was an interesting read and particularly informative of the attitudes towards women in the early 20th century and how the world was altered by WWI The appearance of a carefully selected cast of historical characters and authentic locations also added colour and interest to the story.
March 15, 2012
Happy Thursday! Yesterday, I read a wonderful short story by author Tara Chevrestt. Normally, I am not a huge fan of historical fiction, so I was pleasantly surprised when this book hooked me by the end of the first chapter. I had a hard time putting it down! The story was adventurous and heart-warming. Chevrestt makes learning fun! Honestly, they should have had books like this when I was in school - I would have been much better in my history classes! ;)
Angeline and Adelaide Hanson are teenagers from New York - society ladies at their best in 1916. They are also greatly involved in the Women's Rights movement and believe that anything a man can do, woman can do, as well. The nation is looking to start a program for motorbike dispatch riders during the first world war, but many do not think a woman can handle this job. Angeline and Adelaide decide to prove them wrong by riding Indian Model F Power bikes from Brooklyn to Los Angeles.
The book is based on real people, the Van Buren sisters, who were pioneers for women's rights. The author does an amazing job of adding tidbits of actual historical events that happened during this time throughout the book. She mentions several facts about the war and many famous people who helped shape our great country. Not once was I ever bored with this story!
The sisters, Angeline and Adelaide, encounter many adventures, meet some nice (and not-so-nice) people, fall in love, and learn things about themselves they didn't know before. Not only is it an educational book, but also a coming-of-age story that many teenage girls can relate to. I love the "girl-power" theme of this book and believe than it can only serve to encourage young ladies to follow their dreams and never let anything or anyone stop them from doing what they want. As the character, Angeline, says in the story, "Woman can if she will!"
I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone, especially those who love historical fiction and all girls ages 12 and up! This is the kind of book we want our daughters reading, ladies! What's more important: Teaching our girls to fall in love with sparkly vampires or how to stand on their own two feet, never give up on their dreams, and be whatever they want to be?! For me, I choose the latter. I am looking forward to reading more books by this talented author!
Angeline and Adelaide Hanson are teenagers from New York - society ladies at their best in 1916. They are also greatly involved in the Women's Rights movement and believe that anything a man can do, woman can do, as well. The nation is looking to start a program for motorbike dispatch riders during the first world war, but many do not think a woman can handle this job. Angeline and Adelaide decide to prove them wrong by riding Indian Model F Power bikes from Brooklyn to Los Angeles.
The book is based on real people, the Van Buren sisters, who were pioneers for women's rights. The author does an amazing job of adding tidbits of actual historical events that happened during this time throughout the book. She mentions several facts about the war and many famous people who helped shape our great country. Not once was I ever bored with this story!
The sisters, Angeline and Adelaide, encounter many adventures, meet some nice (and not-so-nice) people, fall in love, and learn things about themselves they didn't know before. Not only is it an educational book, but also a coming-of-age story that many teenage girls can relate to. I love the "girl-power" theme of this book and believe than it can only serve to encourage young ladies to follow their dreams and never let anything or anyone stop them from doing what they want. As the character, Angeline, says in the story, "Woman can if she will!"
I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone, especially those who love historical fiction and all girls ages 12 and up! This is the kind of book we want our daughters reading, ladies! What's more important: Teaching our girls to fall in love with sparkly vampires or how to stand on their own two feet, never give up on their dreams, and be whatever they want to be?! For me, I choose the latter. I am looking forward to reading more books by this talented author!
June 28, 2013
In RIDE FOR RIGHTS, author Tara Chevrestt creates two strong teen heroines--sisters Adelaide and Angeline Hanson—who are young suffragettes in the early 1900s. Most 21st century women can barely fathom that 100 years ago, American women didn’t have the right to vote. Their rights and activities were severely restricted—like, in 1916, as the US is being drawn into World War I, the idea of women serving as motorcycle dispatch drivers was ridiculed. But Adelaide and Angeline want to prove this idea wrong.
Chevrestt points out in the novel’s Afterword that sisters Augusta and Adeline Van Buren (aka “Addie” and “Gussie”) served as her real-life models for this story. Addie and Gussie really did go on a “ride for rights” beginning on July 4, 1916. They trekked from New York to Los Angeles on motorcycles to prove that women were more-than-capable of being dispatch drivers to aid the War effort.
So many scenes in the novel are actual re-creations of history. Characters Adelaide and Angeline really get arrested for wearing men’s clothing. (I mean, seriously, who’s going to ride a motorbike across the country wearing a Victorian dress?) They summit Pike’s Peak and get lost in Salt Lake City.
The history this novel is based upon is rich and fascinating; however, the omniscient point-of-view kept me from becoming intimately connected with any one of the characters. There is frequently too much telling and not enough showing. For instance, I would have loved to have seen the conflict fully played out when the suffragist sisters get a pair of polygamists in a hot legal stew, rather than just summed up in a newspaper article.
But I loved this novel. I enjoyed the real history behind the story and the “can do” attitude it conveyed. I was saddened to read in Chevrestt’s Afterword that in reality, Addie and Gussie STILL were denied the opportunity of being motorcycle dispatch drivers. In that sense you can appreciate how far we’ve come in “just” 100 years. (Full review appears on tarastaley.com)
Chevrestt points out in the novel’s Afterword that sisters Augusta and Adeline Van Buren (aka “Addie” and “Gussie”) served as her real-life models for this story. Addie and Gussie really did go on a “ride for rights” beginning on July 4, 1916. They trekked from New York to Los Angeles on motorcycles to prove that women were more-than-capable of being dispatch drivers to aid the War effort.
So many scenes in the novel are actual re-creations of history. Characters Adelaide and Angeline really get arrested for wearing men’s clothing. (I mean, seriously, who’s going to ride a motorbike across the country wearing a Victorian dress?) They summit Pike’s Peak and get lost in Salt Lake City.
The history this novel is based upon is rich and fascinating; however, the omniscient point-of-view kept me from becoming intimately connected with any one of the characters. There is frequently too much telling and not enough showing. For instance, I would have loved to have seen the conflict fully played out when the suffragist sisters get a pair of polygamists in a hot legal stew, rather than just summed up in a newspaper article.
But I loved this novel. I enjoyed the real history behind the story and the “can do” attitude it conveyed. I was saddened to read in Chevrestt’s Afterword that in reality, Addie and Gussie STILL were denied the opportunity of being motorcycle dispatch drivers. In that sense you can appreciate how far we’ve come in “just” 100 years. (Full review appears on tarastaley.com)
August 27, 2012
4 reasons why:
It fits a reading challenge wonderfully (or so I thought it would’ve)
It’s a Freebie kindle
I do like the cover
Emancipation!
The story is based loosely on Augusta & Adeline Van Buren. The 2 sisters rode across the United States from New York to California in their effort to assert women’s rights to serve their country and to vote. Strong women who had faith in their beliefs that women are just as capable as man and willing act radically to prove it.
The story is told primarily from Angeline’s perspective (the older sister) with inserts from her diary and newspaper’s articles. It opens when Angeline, late for a meeting, saw her brother coming home with a motorcycle which fascinated her. At the meeting, Angeline found herself impetuously proposing to prove that women are just as reliable as men to carry messages on motorcycles across the country. Despite the fact that neither she nor Adelaide knew how to ride; the impropriety of women travelling by without a chaperone, much less on motorcycles; and all sorts of danger that awaited them on this road trip, both Angeline & Adelaide are undaunted. They believe they can do this and they will prove it to all.
Their adventures were not without incident. The first most devastating was the loss of Adelaide’s pocket book which held her half of the trip’s funds. Scepticism followed them across the country and yet, they also came across a number of admirable women who believed in their cause and have been fighting their own battles. From a serious accident to a hilarious attempt of kidnapping, the sisters fought on until they reach their goal.
It was an easy entertaining and inspiring read. I was kept riveted with the story as my present situation in society is invested in these women’s “Ride for Rights”. A lightly told story with a firm note of vision including a wisp of romance in the air and some humorous event, it was definitely a read in one sitting.
It fits a reading challenge wonderfully (or so I thought it would’ve)
It’s a Freebie kindle
I do like the cover
Emancipation!
The story is based loosely on Augusta & Adeline Van Buren. The 2 sisters rode across the United States from New York to California in their effort to assert women’s rights to serve their country and to vote. Strong women who had faith in their beliefs that women are just as capable as man and willing act radically to prove it.
The story is told primarily from Angeline’s perspective (the older sister) with inserts from her diary and newspaper’s articles. It opens when Angeline, late for a meeting, saw her brother coming home with a motorcycle which fascinated her. At the meeting, Angeline found herself impetuously proposing to prove that women are just as reliable as men to carry messages on motorcycles across the country. Despite the fact that neither she nor Adelaide knew how to ride; the impropriety of women travelling by without a chaperone, much less on motorcycles; and all sorts of danger that awaited them on this road trip, both Angeline & Adelaide are undaunted. They believe they can do this and they will prove it to all.
Their adventures were not without incident. The first most devastating was the loss of Adelaide’s pocket book which held her half of the trip’s funds. Scepticism followed them across the country and yet, they also came across a number of admirable women who believed in their cause and have been fighting their own battles. From a serious accident to a hilarious attempt of kidnapping, the sisters fought on until they reach their goal.
It was an easy entertaining and inspiring read. I was kept riveted with the story as my present situation in society is invested in these women’s “Ride for Rights”. A lightly told story with a firm note of vision including a wisp of romance in the air and some humorous event, it was definitely a read in one sitting.
June 17, 2012
Ride for Rights, by Tara Chevrestt, tells the remarkable story of two young sisters, in 1916, who ride motorbikes across the U.S. from Buffalo New York to Los Angeles California to make two points: 1) That women are capable of riding motorbikes and can serve in place of men, (who are needed to fight in combat.) in the capacity of courriers, and 2) that women should be granted the right to vote. The book is fictional but based on the true story of the Van Buren sisters, Augusta and Adeline, who actually undertook such a venture.
Ms. Cheverestt's heroines, Angeline and Adelaide Hanson, encounter both romance and intense hardships along the way. At one point they are arrested and put in jail by a fanatical sheriff. They also experience their fair share of mechanical failures and breakdowns. They experience both support and intense opposition. At one point they are pelted with tomatoes by local youths. At various points along their journey they are helped by kind citizens. After Adelaide is injured in a collision with a deer, she is attended by a retired female physician in Wyoming, the only female doctor west of the Rockies.
The heroines of this book, like their real-life counterparts are at the cutting edge of progressive thinking in their era. They struggle for rights that, in our own era, we Americans have long since taken for granted. (But are by no means univeral even today, if you look at societies such as Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and Iran.)
I recommend this book as a reminder that our rights as women were not granted without a struggle and that those brave women who fought for them should be remembered and honored. Even today there are those who would seek to deprive women of basic rights and we must remain vigilant.
Ms. Cheverestt's heroines, Angeline and Adelaide Hanson, encounter both romance and intense hardships along the way. At one point they are arrested and put in jail by a fanatical sheriff. They also experience their fair share of mechanical failures and breakdowns. They experience both support and intense opposition. At one point they are pelted with tomatoes by local youths. At various points along their journey they are helped by kind citizens. After Adelaide is injured in a collision with a deer, she is attended by a retired female physician in Wyoming, the only female doctor west of the Rockies.
The heroines of this book, like their real-life counterparts are at the cutting edge of progressive thinking in their era. They struggle for rights that, in our own era, we Americans have long since taken for granted. (But are by no means univeral even today, if you look at societies such as Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and Iran.)
I recommend this book as a reminder that our rights as women were not granted without a struggle and that those brave women who fought for them should be remembered and honored. Even today there are those who would seek to deprive women of basic rights and we must remain vigilant.
May 22, 2012
What a delightful first novel. I had the privilege of reading an advance copy of Ride for Rights in ebook format. Tara Chevrestt has written a book that will be enjoyed both by young adults and adults, and especially by history buffs, travelers and admirers of strong independent women. As two strong minded young women in the early 1900s Angeline and Adelaide set out on their brothers motorcycle to prove that women can serve in the war effort and contribute to their county. Early in the trip they lose their travel money and because of this they make choices they might not have made when first planning this trip. From dancing in halls for money to meeting a variety of people in their travels, they continue to work toward proving that women have an important and new role to play in the war and as women in society. They face anger, a bit of danger and constant opposition and antagonism from men and women alike.
As they fight for the rights of women by proving they can contribute in their own chosen way they must stand against tradition, formalized religion and the legal obstacles that women faced during this time in our country. This book is a fictionalized version based upon real women and events and left me wanting to read more about women dispatch riders during the war. The characters were strong and the story line flowed smoothly. I hope that Ms. Chevrestt continues to write more historical fiction and I look forward to the next adventure she take us on as readers.
As they fight for the rights of women by proving they can contribute in their own chosen way they must stand against tradition, formalized religion and the legal obstacles that women faced during this time in our country. This book is a fictionalized version based upon real women and events and left me wanting to read more about women dispatch riders during the war. The characters were strong and the story line flowed smoothly. I hope that Ms. Chevrestt continues to write more historical fiction and I look forward to the next adventure she take us on as readers.
October 20, 2013
Inspired by real suffragettes, Ride For Rights is the amazing story of two sisters who rode their motorbikes cross country to prove woman should have the right to vote and could assist in the war as dispatch riders. I loved the spunky personalities of the sisters and the way they stood up to adversity wherever they went, but it was the historical value of this story that really had me enthralled. Along their trip, the girls meets fictionalized versions of many historical figures. Angeline's diary entries also include tidbits of information of other events happening across the globe at that time. To keep things fun, there are a few comical mishaps like when they get arrested for being dressed as men. My favorite part is what happened when they were abducted in Utah, but you'll have to read it to find out what happens there. A great addition to the novel itself is the author's note at the end. It goes through the events in the book, separating fact from fiction. It gives you a little background info on the real Van Buren sisters who inspired the story. There is also a forward written by one of their descendents. I would ever have learned of these amazing women who fought for women's lib so many years ago if it wasn't for this entertaining read and I'm very grateful that this author has kept their memory alive in her work. Even though parts of the tale were enhanced for entertainment's sake, the fighting spirit of the women remains true. This book a wonderful inspiration to women everywhere.
February 22, 2012
Set in 1916, a very enjoyable book about two sisters who set out to accomplish something bigger than themselves. Angeline and Adelaide have something to prove, not just for them, but for all women. They are determined to ride motorbikes from one side of the United States to the other. Unaccompanied. They want to prove that women can be motorcycle dispatchers and that they deserve the right to vote.
Ride for Rights is a very 'girl power' type of book, and that makes it right up my alley. I loved how passionate and determined the sisters were to accomplish this feat of riding their motorbikes from New York to San Francisco, completely unaware that they were becoming somewhat celebrities.
Along the way, Angeline and Adelaide get into some scrapes and come across some interesting characters, some friendly, some not so much. And boy, there were some not so friendly folks that I wanted to punch in the face. Violence aside, the sisters somehow managed to get up and over the hurdles they met, and went onward to their next destination.
I read this in a day, but I didn't intend to. Once I hit about the halfway point, I couldn't stop reading, no matter how much other books were calling my name.
Ride for Rights is a very 'girl power' type of book, and that makes it right up my alley. I loved how passionate and determined the sisters were to accomplish this feat of riding their motorbikes from New York to San Francisco, completely unaware that they were becoming somewhat celebrities.
Along the way, Angeline and Adelaide get into some scrapes and come across some interesting characters, some friendly, some not so much. And boy, there were some not so friendly folks that I wanted to punch in the face. Violence aside, the sisters somehow managed to get up and over the hurdles they met, and went onward to their next destination.
I read this in a day, but I didn't intend to. Once I hit about the halfway point, I couldn't stop reading, no matter how much other books were calling my name.
January 17, 2013
I received a copy of Ride for Rights by Tara Chevrestt in exchange for a honest and unbiased review. I typically turn down any books that are historical in nature because I usually get disinterested quickly in them. I read this book because I had read the authors other book called Style me Sexy and loved the authors writing style. The story begins in 1916 in a time in our history where women didn't even have the rights to vote. This story is based on true life sisters that travelled across the country on motorcycles which was unheard in that time. The names were changed in order to write a fictional story. Their objective was to help the war effort and help with the fight for women's rights. I am glad that I took a chance on a book outside my comfort zone because it was able to put into perspective that at one time women were considered second class citizens below men and that we have come along way through the many many years and still have to fight for our rights to be heard. I highly recommend this book to see where we came from yo where we are today.
March 14, 2013
Ride For Rights spurred a feeling of pride in me of the women who came before and the sacrifices they made to win equality for women. Ms. Chevrestt sprinkles historical figures and events throughout the story to display these pioneering women, but it was in a very subtle way; there was no “textbook” feel, but although very educational, it was simply a plain good story!
I believe my favorite part was when the girls were arrested in Dodge City by a Sheriff that questioned the young ladies morals, and ethics; I was appalled when the girls were jailed and their basic rights were taken away, but this was also such a funny scene that it softened the incident, which would still make it enjoyable for younger readers…
The writing flowed smoothly, and the action was maintained steadily throughout, not allowing for any disinterest in the reader. there was a little romance in the story but was done in such a way as not to distract from the main point of the book.
I recommend this book for everyone that has an interest in history, Educators and Teen/Adults
I believe my favorite part was when the girls were arrested in Dodge City by a Sheriff that questioned the young ladies morals, and ethics; I was appalled when the girls were jailed and their basic rights were taken away, but this was also such a funny scene that it softened the incident, which would still make it enjoyable for younger readers…
The writing flowed smoothly, and the action was maintained steadily throughout, not allowing for any disinterest in the reader. there was a little romance in the story but was done in such a way as not to distract from the main point of the book.
I recommend this book for everyone that has an interest in history, Educators and Teen/Adults
February 19, 2012
I've been in a state of high anticipation ever since I first saw this book discussed on the author's blog. I am keenly interested in the first wave of women's rights activists in the United States.
This is an eventful women's rights adventure. The tale of the cross-country ride was compelling from start to finish. I also loved the gutsy point of view character, Angeline. The quieter sister, Adelaide, also has her moments.
I also enjoyed seeing the real historical personages that appeared in this novel. My favorite was Lillian Heath, the first female doctor West of the Mississippi. She reminded me of the fictional television character, Dr. Quinn. That series was a favorite of mine.
This is an eventful women's rights adventure. The tale of the cross-country ride was compelling from start to finish. I also loved the gutsy point of view character, Angeline. The quieter sister, Adelaide, also has her moments.
I also enjoyed seeing the real historical personages that appeared in this novel. My favorite was Lillian Heath, the first female doctor West of the Mississippi. She reminded me of the fictional television character, Dr. Quinn. That series was a favorite of mine.
April 27, 2012
I thought this was a fun adventure based on the true story of two sisters who rode Indian motorcycles from New York to California in 1916. In the story, sisters Angeline and Adelaide Hanson were suffragists who came up with a plan to ride motorbikes across the country to publicize women’s fight for the right to vote and to prove that they could be dispatch riders in the event that the United States entered the First World War. They had lots of adventures along the way, running into interesting characters, some of whom were real people that the author included in the story. I enjoyed all the little details and it made me so grateful for all those women who fought for the rights we take for granted today.
September 23, 2012
this is actually asin B0076Z6O52
This is a fun and educational book for the reader who is a novice in the life of early feminists and suffragettes. While I did enjoy the story, there was something about the language that made the book feel unreal. Maybe the author did that on purpose bringing the the dialogue to a more current understanding. I loved that, though, this was fiction it is surrounded by facts of the day. I was simultaneously struck by how far womyn have come and a sadness at what little advances we have made. Time for more womyn to take up motorcycle riding and setting new standards to prove equal footing on the political stage. Let's not leave out the scientific advances that womyn fall short on. Let's get busy my friends!
This is a fun and educational book for the reader who is a novice in the life of early feminists and suffragettes. While I did enjoy the story, there was something about the language that made the book feel unreal. Maybe the author did that on purpose bringing the the dialogue to a more current understanding. I loved that, though, this was fiction it is surrounded by facts of the day. I was simultaneously struck by how far womyn have come and a sadness at what little advances we have made. Time for more womyn to take up motorcycle riding and setting new standards to prove equal footing on the political stage. Let's not leave out the scientific advances that womyn fall short on. Let's get busy my friends!
Read
February 26, 2012Ride for Rights is a whirlwind trip through the final push of the suffrage movement as WWI approached. This YA novel spins creative stories about two spunky sisters as they make their way across the country demonstrating women's strengths and resourcefulness. Chevrestt includes good historical information in her Author's note, to identify the fictional parts and expand on the real people and events used as her inspiration.
I have a friend who teaches literature to challenged young women. I'm going to pass this book along as a suggested read for her class.
I have a friend who teaches literature to challenged young women. I'm going to pass this book along as a suggested read for her class.
March 24, 2014
In 1916, 2 socialite sisters from New York head out on a cross-country ride on Indian motorcycles to try to raise awareness of women's rights. Along the way, they are helped by various suffragettes and other good people to help them meet their goal.
Overall, the book was good, well written, and enjoyable. I wouldn't put it at the top of my favorites and I probably wouldn't have even read this one had I not received it free, but it was good enough. If you're looking for a book about women fighting to gain the right to vote, this is as good as any.
Overall, the book was good, well written, and enjoyable. I wouldn't put it at the top of my favorites and I probably wouldn't have even read this one had I not received it free, but it was good enough. If you're looking for a book about women fighting to gain the right to vote, this is as good as any.
October 3, 2012
This weekend I downloaded a copy of Tara Chavestt's book Ride for Rights! This YA book was a great fast weekend read. It has history, action/adventure, a dash of romance, all things I love in books I read. The story is set in 1916 and follows two sisters who make an incredible journey cross country on motorcycles. They hope to show women should be considered for the role of dispatch riders in the First World War. I highly recommend this book, it's well worth the money!
Want to read
February 9, 2012This book was released today, two days early!
April 5, 2012
Short and fun
Loved the comprehensive authors note, the sense of adventure!
Loved the comprehensive authors note, the sense of adventure!
March 14, 2013
Interesting characters. I enjoyed the sisters' journey.
March 1, 2013
Ms. Chevrestt has a clear smooth voice. Any time an author can get me rooting for the heroine - YAY! Looking forward to reading more of her work.
December 29, 2012
A fast paced female adventure, a true inspiration for woman worldwide. A great ride, a fun read!
December 13, 2020
This would be a good book to give to middle schoolers who like historical fiction or want to read about women who dare. It is based on the true exploits of two sisters who were the first women to ride motorcycles from New York to California back in 1916. Their original goal was to prove that women were capable of being motorcycle dispatchers if and when the United States got involved in the coming world war. This is a fictionalized account with many, many adventures recounted that make for a lot of excitement. They did actually ride to the top of Pike's Peak which was quite an accomplishment for the time.
There is a Van Buren Sisters Website which contains information about the sisters and about commemorative rides that have been held in their honor.
There is a Van Buren Sisters Website which contains information about the sisters and about commemorative rides that have been held in their honor.
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