Rabbit Hole #2

There is a lot of nonfiction creeping its way into my reading pile lately, which is something new for me. In particular, there are a lot of autobiographies by and biographies on women, both past and present.

Reason for Hope by Dr. Jane Goodall

I saw Dr. Goodall speak in March, and it was absolutely everything I could have hoped for. She is an amazing woman who has accomplished so much against impossible odds. I started reading this when the world started its most recent round of craziness, and it was exactly what I needed. In addition to detailing her early work with the chimpanzees of Gombe and her creation of Roots and Shoots, and children's environmental program, Goodall discusses her spirituality, and how her belief in a higher power has helped her through the most difficult times in her career. Some may find her beliefs incompatible with a scientific background (she has not problems reconciling them with evolution and even reincarnation), but for many who read this, it will prove reassuring. In fact, I have a feeling this is one that I will be coming back to.


Marie Antoinette by Antonia Fraser

Marie Antoinette does not deserve her place as probably one of the most misunderstood and maligned women in history. I mean, what chance did she really have? Married at fourteen to a man she had never met, to a country that didn't trust her, thrust into a lack of privacy that would make even the Kardashians blush, failing to produce an heir, enduring horrific scandalous attacks on her character, family, and marriage--it's no wonder she gambled and ordered expensive clothing (which, by the way, was also expected of her as queen). Fraser does a wonderful job of showing just how difficult life was for the French queen, while not absolving her completely of being naive about politics and her role in the country's downward trajectory.

A New Orleans Voudou Priestess: The Legend and Reality of Marie Laveau  by Caroline Morrow Long

I was really looking forward to reading this biography. I love New Orleans, and nothing epitomizes the mystery of the city quite like the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Sadly, what this biography showed me is how little is actually known of this free woman of color whose death made the New York Times. Long culls what facts she can from church records, city records, newspaper reports, etc., but even those do not agree. In fact, many of the newspaper articles and interviews with people who knew Marie Laveau have added to the lore surrounding her, making it difficult to know the truth. Regardless, Marie will continue to inspire and be a force in New Orleans culture.

Fair Warning: It's Football Season

Or it will be, officially, in a few weeks. I live for football season. While it is bittersweet--football means the end of summer, and thus, the beginning of a new school year--there's nothing like watching my teams on the gridiron again.

Nebraska Cornhuskers. New Orleans Saints. On Saturday I bleed scarlet and cream with my Nebraska family and friends. On Sunday, my husband and I join (albeit remotely right now) the black and gold Who Dat Nation. I watch pre-game shows. Postgame. (Who the heck decided it's a good idea to interview coaches as they're running off the field at halftime, by the way? Ridiculous.) I yell at the tv, and though I've never thrown anything, I have been known to swear. Loudly. I tweet with fellow Saints fans during the game. I read stats and watch interviews during the week. I might be obsessed--ok, I am.

Oh, I'm female? I can't really know about a sport I haven't played? Sorry, that argument doesn't hold water anymore. Women make up almost 50% of the NFL's viewership right now, and I can tell you, those women are watching for the game, not for the player with the best tight end. Especially the Who Dat Divas. You don't mess with those women--they know their football! (The same can be said of women Husker fans--we've been raised on it!)

So, if I bow out of something this fall, it's nothing personal. I have a game to watch. You're always welcome to join me--but you've been warned!