Book Review: 'Wise Gals' by Nathalia Holt

✰✰✰✰ After World War II, America sought to form a new organization tasked with helping to keep the country safe. This new organization would gather foreign intelligence and analyze it. Today we know this organization as the Central Intelligence Agency, but how did it get started? And who were the people who were instrumental in developing the tools and skills of the world of espionage? It turns out that among the many men recruited to form this organization, there was also a small group of women who played a pivotal role as well. This is a story of five women whose wit, wisdom, and bravery paved the way for future female agents to come. Known as the ‘wise gals’ for their sense of humor and intelligence, these women will go down in history as smart, brave, and inspirational.

The Bottom Line: This is a fascinating looking into a little-known part of American history. The stories of these amazing women are fascinating and engaging. However, be prepared to time jump as the writing is a bit disorganized. Additionally, there are so many names mentioned that a “cast of characters” may have been helpful. Recommended for history buffs and those interested in espionage and women’s history. 

Book Club Notes: This was our first meeting of 2025. We were excited to read about a part of history that we knew very little about. Thoughts about this book were mixed. At times the timeline seemed to have gaps, and members commented that there were so many characters that it was difficult at times to keep all the names straight. This issue became even more pronounced as the evening progressed. Overall, we found the book to be interesting and filled with information we did not know. The content was good, and the writing style was readable. This book helped us understand history better, and we appreciated the stories of the “gals” and their bravery. 

Some members loved the book; others…not so much, citing that the author jumped around and the text lacked organization. Due to the structural issues with the book, ratings ranged from a low of 3 to a high of 5 for an average of 3.9 stars (on a scale of 1 - 5). 

Book Clubs can find a reading guide at Penguin Random House or a book club kit at Issuu. 

Details: Wise Gals: The Spies Who Built the CIA and Changed the Future of Espionage by Nathalia Holt. Hardcover published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons in 2022. 400 p. ISBN: 978-0-593-32848-4

Book Review: 'Dust Bowl Girls' by Lydia Reeder

✰✰✰✰ Sam Babb traveled far and wide to find only the most talented and dedicated young women basketball players. Despite being physically disabled, Babb was a talented coach. The girls he recruited simply loved playing basketball, and they were no strangers to hard work. For most of the team, this was their first time being away from home, but it was a dream come true. Not only did they get to play the sport they loved, but they also had the opportunity to receive a college education. Along the way, they became national champions during the Great Depression. This story of grit, tenacity, friendship, and compassion will keep you on the edge of your seat as the lady Cardinals battle one of the best athletes of the era.

The Bottom Line: This inspiring read is a look back in time when things were tough during the Great Depression. Not only did their coach provide them with the chance to play basketball, but each girl had the opportunity to better themselves and their families. These women went on to become coaches, teachers, and mothers and influenced generations of women after them. Enthusiastically recommended reading for high school and college classes, sports fans, and readers of women's history.

Book Club Notes: After a three year hiatus, this was our nonfiction book club’s first in-person meeting…with all new members! We began with introductions and also talked about book club etiquette before diving into our discussion. We talked about how dedicated the young women were to both their sport and to getting a college education during a time when both were a challenge. On a scale from 1 - 5, our ratings ranged from 3.5 - 5, with an average of 4. Highly recommended inspirational reading for books clubs and for those who enjoyed the movie, A League of Their Own.

Discussion questions to get you started can be found at Reading Group Choices. 

Details: Dust Bowl Girls: The Inspiring Story of the Team That Barnstormed Its Way to Basketball Glory by Lydia Reeder. Paperback (Reprint edition) published by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill in 2017. 304 p. with detailed notes. ISBN: 978-1-61620-740-3

Book Review: 'The Astronaut Wives Club: A True Story' by Lily Koppel

✰✰✰ When the Mercury 7 astronauts were introduced back in 1959, there was a surprising amount of interest in their wives. These ordinary women suddenly found themselves in the center of attention. The wives of the Mercury 7 astronauts were traditionalists in every sense. Each woman was expected to be calm and composed. The Astrowives, as they became known, were judged on their clothes, hair, complexion, parenting skills, charm, and patriotism.

During this era, women were expected to excel in housekeeping, raising children, and cooking. Many had dropped out of college early to get married. However, they were not to be underestimated. Each Astrowife was expected to show "the right stuff" just like her astronaut husband. This is their story. A story about female friendships, American identity, and history.

The Bottom Line: This quick read will appeal to readers of American history and women's issues. Fans of television series like Mad Men may also be interested. The chapters were short, and the writing style was easy to read. The beginning of the book includes a list of wives arranged chronologically by mission, making it easy to keep track of who's who.

Book Club Notes: Surprisingly the attendance for this quarter was much lower than previous discussions. Several members simply were not interested in the topic. Nevertheless, those of us who attended had a great discussion. Our conversation focused on the friendships of the women and the courage it took for them to support their husbands while finding their own identities. One thing we all agreed upon was that we disliked the choppy, journalistic writing style. Ratings ranged from a low of 2 stars to a high of 4 stars, but most of us gave the book a rating of 3 stars. In short, this is an average book about a fascinating topic.

The paperback edition includes a Reading Group Guide in the back of the book. However, the same questions are also available by visiting The Astronaut Wives Club website. More discussion questions are available at LitLovers.

Details: The Astronaut Wives Club: A True Story by Lily Koppel. Trade paperback published by Grand Central Publishing in 2014. 288 p. ISBN: 978-1-4555-0324-7