Books, NonFiction

Amazing Iowa Women by Katy

In front of the Iowa Capitol Building with Amazing Women by Katy Salwell, Ph.D. in Des Moines.

Worth A Read Yes
Length 69
Quick Review A beautifully illustrated book about the remarkable women who have called Iowa home. 

I am very proud to be from Iowa. We have produced some really amazing people. Names you’ve heard, but most you will never know. Iowans are good people, for the most part, there’s always a shit stick. Amazing Iowa Women is a collection of mostly unknown names, but each woman has made a contribution to their community and the world.

Katy Swalwell, Ph.D. has created a wonderfully inspiring collection of fabulous females. It is definitely with children in mind, but it’s enjoyable for all ages. Salwell keeps the grammar and syntax simple. Though the message is far from simple: Women can do anything even in the face of great obstacles. 

Not only is Salwell calling attention to incredible women, she’s tearing down the Iowan stereotype. Iowa is more than cornfields and housewives. It’s a diverse tapestry telling the story of women’s roles in state and international history. With each biography, Iowa becomes more and more tangible. The women come from all different backgrounds, educations, ethnicities, and more. They reflect the world we live in, the fights that have been fought, and the wars still being waged. These women show Iowa to be the diverse and inclusive place I grew up knowing and not the stereotypical hick pig farm it’s far too often depicted as. 

Each woman’s name is accompanied by their greatest achievements and an outline of Iowa with a star marking their birthplace or home. The biographies share a short story about who the woman was and what she accomplished in her life. Some names are more well known than others, but women are rarely alone in their field or fight. Salwell includes a list of notable Iowa women working on similar things at the bottom of each biography. 

Each of the Amazing Iowa Women is accompanied by a portrait. They come in different styles, colors, and aesthetic appeal, but they are all beautiful. Each portrait was created by a female Iowa artist. 

From Donna Reed to Russell Stover’s Chocolate, Iowa women have been a part of history for as long as the state has existed. Some have gone into the world to do incredible good, and others have stayed close to home creating change in their own communities. Salwell tells the tales of Amazing Iowa Women while supporting local women artists. This is a beautiful book full of history and hope. I loved it, and I would give it to any of my nieces and nephews. 

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

Raygun’s Website

Title: Amazing Iowa Women
Author: Katy Swalwell, Ph.D.
Publisher: Raygun
Copyright: 2018