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Merit Badge Chit Chat:  Her-Story  |
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Bellepic
Farmgirl in Training
14 Posts
Christine
Santa Ana
CA
USA
14 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 07 2026 : 5:44:10 PM
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Hi sisters! Looking for inspiration for the expert level of Her-Story? Here are two great additions to your TBR:
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks – Rebecca Skloot (1900s)
Henrietta Lacks’ cancer cells (HeLa) were taken without consent in 1951 and became one of the most important tools in modern medicine.
Her cells were the first “immortal” human cell line and are still used today
Helped develop the polio vaccine and advance research on HIV, Zika, and more
Key to cancer research and HPV vaccines (linked to major drops in cervical cancer deaths)
Also raised major ethical issues around consent and medical exploitation
Her family did not benefit and has struggled with healthcare access
A fascinating read if you’re interested in medicine, ethics, or social justice.
Hawaii’s Story by Hawaii’s Queen – Liliuokalani (1800s)
A memoir from the last queen of Hawaii, written after she was overthrown and imprisoned.
Describes the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy by U.S.-backed business interests
Explains how a small group imposed a new constitution and seized power
Offers insight into Hawaiian governance, land systems, and culture
Highlights her diplomatic, nonviolent leadership during the coup
Reflects on identity, resilience, and leadership under pressure
Great if you’re interested in Hawaii, colonial history, or indigenous perspectives.
Both are powerful stories of women whose lives shaped history in very different ways.
Farmgirl#8680
www.steamstead.blogspot.com |
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16919 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16919 Posts |
Posted - Apr 07 2026 : 7:29:48 PM
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Both books are on my reading list. I've heard of Henrietta Lacks. Looking forward to learning more. Thank you.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
8275 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
8275 Posts |
Posted - Apr 08 2026 : 1:25:59 PM
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Thank you Christine for the suggestions! Both sound really good and I have added them to my list as well.
Krista
Farmgirl Sister #528
Farmgirl Of The Year 2025 |
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Nancy Joplin
True Blue Farmgirl
542 Posts
Nancy
Ontario
California
USA
542 Posts |
Posted - Apr 08 2026 : 2:20:33 PM
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Both of those sound very interesting, Christine. Thanks for sharing. I will add them to my TBR pile. I have been looking for something new and interesting to read. Another good one is Mankiller written by Wilma Mankiller. She was the first female Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Good reading.
Nancy 8352
FGOTM Oct 2024 |
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nndairy
True Blue Farmgirl
3676 Posts
Heather
Wapakoneta
Ohio
USA
3676 Posts |
Posted - Apr 08 2026 : 6:20:28 PM
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All of these suggestions sound great. I'm currently in the middle of Sally Ride's book - the first American female in space.
~Heather
“I would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.” — George Washington
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debbieklann
Sharpshooter/Schoolmarm
821 Posts
Debbie
Madras
OR
USA
821 Posts |
Posted - Apr 08 2026 : 6:31:25 PM
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Nancy, that is is going in my TBR pile!
Debbie Klann
Farmgirl Sister #770
2018 Farmgirl of the Year
"Well behaved women seldom make history"....Laurel Thatcher Ulrich |
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Bellepic
Farmgirl in Training
14 Posts
Christine
Santa Ana
CA
USA
14 Posts |
Posted - Apr 09 2026 : 06:26:40 AM
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Wonderful! Mankiller is added to my TBR too, thank you Nancy. Heather, which Sally Ride biography? The Lynn Sherr one?
Farmgirl#8680
www.steamstead.blogspot.com |
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suny58
True Blue Farmgirl
4583 Posts
Dianna
Jack
Al.
USA
4583 Posts |
Posted - Apr 09 2026 : 07:04:38 AM
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I like the sounds of ALL 3 BOOKS! A must read for me! Thanks for sharing Chris AND Nancy!! Looking for them now, least I get too busy outside again! :)
Farmgirl #7103
FGOTM January 2018
Dianna
"Blessed are they that see beautiful things in humble places, where other people see nothing." Pissarro |
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Merit Badge Chit Chat: Her-Story |
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Her-Story
