Lighting the Torches of Others for Women's History Month
Just in time for Women's History Month, there's an essay collection called "Fast Famous Women" releasing March 4. I'm honored to have contributed a chapter about iconic humor columnist Erma Bombeck. However, what's perhaps even more special about this collection is its editor. Gina Barreca, who holds a doctorate in English literature, is at the helm of this project.
"Fast Famous Women" is the fourth in a book series publishing short nonfiction essays under 750 words, hence "Fast" in each title. The first book was "Fast Funny Women." "Fast Fierce Women" came next, followed by "Fast Fallen Women." I have an essay in each book.
Let me stress that "Fast Famous Women" isn't a bunch of short biographical sketches meant as some dusty bookshelf placeholder in the name of women's history. No. These essays are personal. They're stories of women -- who they were and what they mean to us now -- stretched across space and time to inspire, encourage and comfort each of us with true understanding. "Fast Famous Women" really feels like a culmination of the attributes featured in the "Fast" books that came before it. The interweaving of each essayist's narrative with the details of their chosen famous woman completes this tribe. We all have our stories, and all of them are worthy.
Editor Gina Barreca is a feminist scholar with more than 10 books to her name. She's made sure this collection of essays is not only representative but also exemplifies the importance of women's stories, with all of their nuances and complexities.
In the introduction for "Fast Fallen Women," Barreca wrote that the collection "gives whispered conversations a full voice," acknowledging that the female experience has historically been stifled or offered in service to the male gaze and lens. But when women use their voice in service for other women, we speak our truth. We laugh and we heal, and usually start with "let me tell you..."
For the introduction of "Fast Funny Women," Barreca wrote, "Writing it down is the opposite of covering it up." I'm honored by the opportunity to write it down.
Barreca is the University of Connecticut's Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of English. I've never sat in one of her formal classrooms, but I've learned so much by getting to work with her as part of this collection. What becomes evident when reading the other essays in these books is that I'm not the only one.
She's a cheerleader for each of us, offering generous, honest and encouraging feedback. As the guest on the podcast "Make it a Great One with Dr. Dan," she reminded listeners of when Gloria Steinem said: "People now ask me if I'm passing the torch. I always explain that no, I'm keeping my torch, thank you very much. And I'm using it to light the torches of others."
That's exactly what Gina does for the women in these books. She uses her expertise, her education and genuine desire to empower women to light the torch of each essayist, and in turn each reader. I can think of no better way to honor Women's History Month than to use my bright torch light to illuminate Gina Barreca and this wonderful collection of essays she edited for the "Fast..." series.
"Fast Famous Women" and the box set of all four books can be ordered wherever you buy books or at WoodHallPress.com. You can also request them from your local library. Why not share a copy with your favorite woman?
Do you know anyone who's doing cool things to make the world a better place? I want to know. Send me an email at Bonnie@WriterBonnie.com. Check out Bonnie's weekly YouTube videos at https://www.youtube.com/bonniejeanfeldkamp. To find out more about Bonnie Jean Feldkamp and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
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