A Month of Literary Gratitude, Day 19 - The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion, by Fannie Flagg

Saturday, November 19, 2016

I've always enjoyed Fannie Flagg's books, but The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion is one of my all-time favorites.


This is the story of a woman who starts to research her family's past, and finds evidence of women leading daring lives, taking their own destinies in their hands, and making a difference for their country and their community.

Most of the retrospective takes place before, during, and after World War II, and follows the creation of the W.A.S.P.s. The military service of these women was so much different than my own, but far more risky and less appreciated. These are the women who began the sea change surrounding women in the U.S. military, my professional foremothers, and reading about their stories makes me appreciate their spirit and courage all the more.

Fannie's always funny, of course, but in this book she really explores the ideas of self-determination in a society where women's suppression by the patriarchy is an accepted part of life. My foremothers, indeed.

1 comments:

John said...

Took your recommendation and bought the audible to listen to on our next road trip! LA-Salem, OR, 2 days, about 15 hours each way. Should be fun!