Leading Ladies: American Trailblazers

by Kay Bailey Hutchison

In a series of skillfully drawn biographical portraits, United States senator and bestselling author Kay Bailey Hutchison examines the lives of sixty-three pioneers in military service, journalism, public health, social reform, science, and politics—all American women. From the courtroom to the halls of Congress, these female trailblazers have battled tremendous odds to achieve success—if not always recognition—in their respective fields. Senator Hutchison, a trailblazer herself, became the first woman from the state of Texas elected to the United States Senate. Following in the footsteps of her bestselling book American Heroines , Senator Hutchison continues to celebrate female accomplishment in all walks of life. Whether committed to a chosen cause or thrust into a public role by personal circumstance, the women profiled in Leading Ladies have all woven thin threads of opportunity into sweeping tapestries of achievement. Without their spirit and perseverance, many of the obstacles they so daringly conquered might still remain in place today. Gerti Cori's Nobel Prize victory in 1947 enabled other female scientists like Rita Levi-Montalcini to pursue their own research interests. Pearl Buck's bestselling novels made it possible for authors like Amy Tan to expand the boundaries of the American literary canon even further. Susan B. Anthony's indefatigable efforts to win women the right to vote allowed Senator Dianne Feinstein, Congresswoman Mary Bono, and Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao to eventually rise to some of the highest offices in the nation. Mixing historical portraits with modern success stories, Senator Hutchison shows how American women from all periods of history have contributed to the strength and progress of our nation. With courage, purpose, and compassion, the women of Leading Ladies continue to blaze trails for thousands of American women to follow—and no history of the nation can be written without them.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, United States, Womens Studies, Biography

416 pages, Hardcover

First published October 23, 2007

Reviews

[Sherry Sharpnack]

This book about notable women was written by Kay Bailey Hutchinson when she was a US Senator for Texas. It is divided up into sections about military women; First Ladies; politicians; scientists and physicians; and social activists. Some of the biographies are really short and some go on for pages.

I think the book could have used some tighter editing, and I couldn’t help but notice a bit of a bias toward inclusion of mostly Republican politicians—probably not surprising given that Sen Hutchinson was herself a Republican.

The major thought I took away from reading this book is how long and how hard women have had to fight for a seat at ANY table: equal educational rights and rights to enter any type of career; equal rights to land or credit; even equal rights within their homes and marriages. I am thus very fortunate to have been raised by a strong-willed, hard-working woman who insured my excellent education and thus my great career as an equal to any male pharmacist.

Thank you to all the woman written about in this book for enabling my satisfying life as my husband’s partner and equal.

[Amanda]

This collection is a quick glimpse at a lot of different American women. Some of the ones you've heard of, and a lot I hadn't. I appreciated learning about these American heroines, especially the lady scientists. I wish she had made some substitutions (Susan LaFlesche Picotte for Elizabeth Blackwell), and included Native American women (Picotte would have served for both). I don't think I could expect too much from a book from a Republican senator on LGTBQ women, consideri g that she summed up Carolyn McCarthy by saying "Though I disagree with Carolyn on the gun issue," after blithely mentioning that McCarthy's son and husband were shot in a mass murder spree.

[Alexandra Schae]

It could have been twice as long. There were trailblazers I've heard of passed over. Good amount of time paid to each woman. Everyone needs to be aquainted with these women.

[Kim Woodbury]

I love these types of books, where I learn a lot in a short amount of time. The woman profiled in this book are fascinating and inspiring. I would definitely recommend it!

[Andrew]

So often in historical writing, especially about women, historians feel that they have to put together a voluminously endless work. Ms. Hutchison discusses women and their continuous role throughout the history of the United States. However, she does not go into exhaustive detail, which is a good thing.

Hutchinson taught me that when writing about history, the reader learns more from a less exhaustive approach. Through writing two or three pages on the story of each woman, Hutchinson covers just enough to help the reader understand how they were pivotal in the revolution and evolution of American culture. This aided me in my thesis as it allowed me to sort of just get to the point instead of dancing around it with meaningless facts, figures, and narrative.

[Anne]

Leading Ladies by Kay Bailey Hutchison presents snapshot biographies of a number of fascinating women who had a deep impact on the formation of America. From First ladies to scientists to women who devoted themselves to the social services, Sen. Hutchison touched on many women - some lesser known, but all put their fingerprints on this country. It is a truly interesting read and I'm glad I took the time to do so.

[Kristal Stidham]

My ratings are based solely on my enjoyment of a book and I'm afraid this one fell way short. The subject seemed to have potential, but the result was just eye-crossingly boring. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, unless they are doing a report on one of the ladies in question -- and even then, I'm not sure this book contains anything you can't find faster on Wikipedia.

[Amy]

This book contained great info unfortunatly I can't regurgitate details. I should reread it at some point!

[Joanne]

Listened to this. Really interesting history of women who were first in their fields - real trail blazers. The reading style of the author was a bit monotone but the content was terrific.

[Paula]

Enjoyed what she had, but need to read her other book to see if those ladies I think she missed in this book appear elsewhere.

[Angela]

Another well researched book about women in positions of influence that managed to be exceptionally dry and uninspiring.

[Miss Jessica]

Cool to hear stories about trailblazing women, especially those I'd never heard of, but not presented in a way any more interesting then a wikipedia page.

[Libbyf]

zzzzzzzz.............

[Tara]

I know it sounds boring, but it really isn't.