NPR American Chronicles--Women's Equality

To mark the sesquicentennial of the start of the Civil War, NPR and HighBridge Audio have assembled this collection of stories about the conflict, originally broadcast over several years. The pieces touch on the people (not just the generals but also frontline soldiers), the places, and the issues. Highlights include Sam Waterston reciting the Gettysburg Address and author Shelby Foote talking about his books on the war and about growing up in the South with a grandfather who fought for the Confederacy at Gettysburg. The episodes are uniformly engaging and create a "you-are-there" atmosphere. Occasional music--including a piece on the song "Dixie"-- adds to mood. The episodes aren't long, making them ideal for listening while running errands. R.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

July 1, 2012
NPR recalls the significant events in the women's movement with personal reminiscences and interviews ranging from some early pioneers to more contemporary activists who strive to maintain those hard-won rights. Among those featured are Shirley Chisholm, Geraldine Ferraro, Betty Friedan, and Gloria Steinem. The personal accounts and interviews are a moving reminder of how restrictive women's standing was, and why we should appreciate the efforts of those who fought for change. One of the most intriguing interviews is with Norma McCorvey, whose request for a legal abortion led to the "Roe" v. "Wade" Supreme Court decision. The impact of the pill, Title IX (a 1972 law requiring gender equity in every federally fund educational program), the ERA, and the National Organization of Women are some of the significant events of the 1960s and 1970s. This selection of highlights and history are surprising for demonstrating the lack of equality women had for so long and inspiring for revealing the lengths to which certain individuals went to change that status for all women. VERDICT A solid introduction to women's fight for equality; the narration is very moving throughout. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the women's rights struggle in U.S. history.--Gloria Maxwell, Metropolitan Community Coll.-Penn Valley Lib., Kansas City, MO

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