Bad Girls Throughout History: 100 Remarkable Women Who Changed the World (Women in History Book, Book of Women Who Changed the World) by Ann Shen

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Talk/Mention of the Following Content/Trigger Warnings: Rape, racism, murder/assassinations, death alcoholism, drug/substance abuse, drug overdosing, domestic violence, homophobia/transphobia, cheating, and many more hard hitting topics!

“You are never too old, too small, or too late to live the life you’re meant to lead. Especially if it means rewriting the rules to do it.”

Aphra Behn, first female professional writer. Sojourner Truth, activist and abolitionist. Ada Lovelace, first computer programmer. Marie Curie, first woman to win the Nobel Prize. Joan Jett, godmother of punk. The 100 revolutionary women highlighted in this gorgeously illustrated book were bad in the best sense of the word: they challenged the status quo and changed the rules for all who followed. From pirates to artists, warriors, daredevils, scientists, activists, and spies, the accomplishments of these incredible women vary as much as the eras and places in which they effected change.
Synopsis from GoodReads

How does one even begin to explain this book or the emotional weight this book will leave you feeling? I’m not one for many historical reads, but after reading this book, I’ll admit that it’s hard to ignore the impression this book leaves lingering. I’m caught somewhere between ‘why has no one talked about this book’ and ‘oh my god, these women are incredible.’ I can’t begin to explain my thoughts on this book, but I’m sure as hell going to do my best for all those who read this review.

If you’ve ever been one to wonder about the women of history then look no further. This a book that lists off a hundred incredible women that deserve being remembered and talked about. From journalist to warrior queens, we receive a wide variety of empowering women from different cultures and origins. Some of these ladies you may be familiar with and many of these women unknown, hidden in the shadows of the over flowing cracks that is history. This book is bound to leave a long lasting impression and a book any reader will want to remember.

I loved this book. I truly did. While it was a bit hard to get through at time because it is historical (and historical reads aren’t my strong suit), this was enjoyable. In school, it wasn’t often talked about in history class about the empowering women of history. Most history classes focus on major events, censors vital information, and boost about all the male heroes. While that’s all fine and dandy, if you’re a woman, you often feel excluded or feel like there’s no one in history, that’s female, that you can look up to. So this is a perfect book to pick up if you need powerful, courageous, and empowering women who have laid down the stepping stones for women of today. Some of the women mentioned in this book I was familiar with, but a lot of these women, I had no idea that they even existed. Some of these women are truly remarkable and these are the kind of women young girls should look up to. To say I was emotional at the end of this book was an understatement. I have never felt so encourage, never felt the ghosts of such influential females. I think the best way an reader can experience this book is to go in blind and all you need to know is that the women listed in this book will inspire you.

And can I take a moment to say how talented Ann Shen is?! Her art work style for all the portraits of the women in this book were absolutely stunning! Each painting is bold, water colored portraits to illuminate the essay of each woman in this book. It was breathtaking and it makes this book truly complete! I think any reader will fall in love the minute they see these gorgeous pieces!

Overall, the best thing any reader can do with this book is to go in completely blind. There’s so many inspiring women in this book and to take away how they impact a reader’s reading experience would be an injustice. If you have been thinking about picking this book up, this is me telling you that you need to pick it up. I think every lady should read this book at least once. It will truly spark something within you.