St. Nadezha Preserve Us
;In times such as these, we could all use a little something to get us through the day. Someone to turn to, someone who will listen, someone to ask for help, even rhetorically. Luckily for us, there is now a Little Book of Feminist Saints to help carry us through those days where we’re mentally fashioning weaponry and armor out of office supplies and the first six objects to our left.
With the notion of a Catholic saint-of-the-day book in mind, The Little Book of Feminist Saints is secular in nature while remaining appropriately inspiring. Author Julia Pierpont has informally assigned each woman (or group of women) a “feast day” associated with a significant date in that woman’s life.
Amelia Earhart takes flight every May 20th. Kasha Nabagesera’s day is August 1, the anniversary of the repeal of the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Act. Frida Kahlo is recognized on her birthday. Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon celebrate every February 12, their history-making wedding anniversary. Faith Spotted Eagle stands up every December 19, the day on which a “faithless elector” cast their vote for her in 2016. Sappho’s feast is Valentine’s Day.
This little hand-sized book of 100 outstanding women foregoes the typical photo-and-some-facts format in favor of fun facts and anecdotes. To highlight interesting connections between these amazing women, it also features quotes and colorful asides. Short passages coupled with full-page illustrations by Manjit Thapp make it an excellent browse or a straight-through binge.
Glad I’ve Got My Girls
And who is St. Nadezha? Why, she’s Nadia Popova, one of the Night Witches, whose feast day is today, October 8.
“The Germans made up stories. They spread the rumor that we had been injected with some unknown chemicals that enabled us to see so clearly at night.”
So fly, my pretties… fly so well they have to either make up lies or admit you’re just that good. Because you’re just that good.