We are so excited to share our book choice of the month – read on for Courtney’s review of Girl squads by Sam Maggs and find out why she loved it!
“If you are looking for a source of amazing female-focused inspiration…. this book is IT!
It is filled with examples and stories of REAL female friendships throughout history which show that women CAN and SHOULD lift each other up.
There is room for all of us at the top and when we work together, amazing things happen.
What I also loved is that it featured friendships from all different parts of the world, highlighting women from different industries, purposes, backgrounds, cultures, and race.
The book not only teaches you about the feats of these women, but also the history of their region or country, as well as the culture or time period they were living in.
The author has a sense of humour and includes some modern commentary sprinkled throughout the book. This is not just a history lesson, but a truly enjoyable reading experience.
I think my favourite chapter in the book is a tie between either the Edinburgh Seven or the West Area Computers.
The West Area Computers focuses on the role that black women played in mathematics and engineering in the United States, at a time when segregation and discrimination was the norm. Their brilliant minds and bravery to fight for recognition of their worth and their work is at the heart of many scientific advancements. (If you have seen the movie Hidden Figures, its like that – but better and more detailed!)
The Edinburgh Seven were the first seven women to fight for the opportunity to become doctors in the United Kingdom. They strongly believed that women deserved to have a place in medicine and to be treated by other women. They faced violence, riots, and road blocks at every turn. But with the support of one another, they persevered!
This book is a giant dose of female camaraderie and girl power. I cried, I smiled, I laughed, and most importantly – I walked away feeling inspired and more educated about all the women who came before me and have fought for our right to take up space.
I highly recommend!”