Overlook Readers Roundup: Women's History Month

It is widely believed that March is the cruelest month, boasting thirty-one days of wet and chilly weather, not one of them a holiday. Arguably its one redeeming factor may be the opportunity given to society to celebrate one of its most outstanding, intelligent, and beautiful groups of the population—women, of course. Since its official U.S. origination in 1981, Women’s History Month has been a time to spotlight the ladies that have made great contributions to society and culture with numerous exhibitions and collections, major headlines, and more (oh, and apparently a Google doodle!) devoted to everyone from Amelia Earhart to Rosa Parks to Madonna to your mother.

Feeling like you need to brush up on your knowledge of women’s history this month? Luckily for you, we have a great selection of books featuring women and their many accomplishments. As you peruse this list, remember that the Overlook catalog is stocked with plenty of books (fiction and nonfiction) on the fairer sex, and women’s history is something that, like love and parents, should be celebrated more than just once a year.

TRUE GRIT by Charles Portis

In this Portis classic, Mattie Ross proves to be a unique heroine. Just 14 when her father is murdered in cold blood, Mattie sets out to avenge his death, recruiting some dangerous and odd allies along the way. She displays a bravery, diligence, and sagacity far beyond her years, making her a role model for women of all ages.

THE LOLITA EFFECT by M. Gigi Durham, PhD

In order to understand the history of women, one has to understand the historical ways in which women have been subjugated, and one of those is via media pressure to be—or at least appear to be—young and subservient. In this exacting study, Dr. Durham examines the ways in which the media and society at large perpetuate what she dubs “The Lolita Effect,” and how parents and young girls themselves can fight against it.

MISTRESSES by Elizabeth Abbott

MISTRESSES delves into the history of its titular anti-heroines, the famous “other women” of the past, from Hagar right down to Monica Lewinsky. Elizabeth Abbott’s inquisitive book seeks to discover what’s at the heart of the mistress: is the mistress a Beyonce-style independent woman, or a sad, hidden figure who will never be a wife? If you’re not a fan of heavy lifting, fear not—MISTRESSES will be released in paperback in just a few short months.

THE MARILYN ENCYCLOPEDIA by Adam Victor

One of the best-known and most iconic inamoratas profiled in Mistresses, Marilyn Monroe is yet again making headlines this year as the inspirational subject of a critically acclaimed film and new TV series, as well as the face of the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. In this 50th anniversary year of her death, Marilyn Monroe is having a moment. What better resource to have in Our Year of Marilyn than Adam Victor’s exhaustive compilation of all things Norma Jean, from her first movie to her sordid end?

FRIDA by Bárbara Mujica

One of art’s most colorful (pun intended) and fascinating female figures is Frida Kahlo, the Mexican painter best known for her self-portraits and her tempestuous love affair with fellow Communist painter Diego Rivera. Her sister Cristina serves as the narrator for this novelized account of Kahlo’s life and Frida, now in paperback, underscores the Kahlo family dynamic, particularly the fierce elements of competition between siblings.

"Elvis People, Your Book has Arrived"

Ian McCillis of the Montreal Gazette weighs in on Adam Victor's The Elvis Encyclopedia: "In the nick of time comes the hernia-risking tome of tomes to remind us, in case we've forgotten, just who the real King is. And beyond the doorstops, there are plenty of more esoteric (and liftable) titles on offer. The Elvis Encyclopedia, by Adam Victor, is a work heroic in its dedication and detail, only fitting for a book that strives to be the one-stop source on the figure who still bestrides pop culture like a colossus 31 years after his death. As one flips with increasingly slack jaw through this profusely illustrated small-type cataloguing of any and every aspect of Elvis Presley's life and work, the thought begins to dawn that perhaps no other human life has ever been scrutinized this thoroughly Victor, author of a previous book on Marilyn Monroe (similar, but, of course, smaller), brings to his task a tricky combination of obsession and detachment; he's obviously a fan, but also has a critical edge, fortunate in that vast swathes of his subject's oeuvre are indefensible schlock. The author might on first perusal appear humourless, but in fact he's smart enough to let the surreal truth do its own sometimes mirth-inducing thing. Take the following entry, under Doctors (sub-entry Dentists): "Elvis was a great believer in oral hygiene, and regularly had work done on his teeth. When he met The Beatles, he was reputedly appalled at the condition their teeth were in." Elvis people, your book has arrived."

Sex Tape? What Sex Tape? Anyone check THE MARILYN ENCYCLOPEDIA?

The media frenzy over that Marilyn Monroe sex reel, sold to an unidentified buyer on Monday, is certainly dominating the headlines. For all those fans seeking to learn about Marilyn Monroe, Adam Victor's The Marilyn Encyclopedia is an indispensable resource guide to the life and times of the legendary sex goddess. Lavishly illustrated, this ultimate collector's item includes complete information about her films, quotes from reviews, anecdotes, gossip, and famous sayings; entries touching on all of Marilyn's relationships (husbands, lovers, family members, directors, co-stars); catalogs of her clothing; and complete information on her recordings. The book also includes an up-to-date bibliography, a list of fan clubs, web sites, and--of course--hundreds of photos and illustrations, many of them rare, some simply never seen before. Marvelously stylish and incomparable in scope and depth, The Marilyn Encyclopedia will satisfy even her most ravenous fans.