By Karen Weekes, Quirk Books, $16.95, 480 pages
“Why does Sea World have a seafood restaurant? I’m halfway through my fishburger and I realize….I could be eating a slow learner.” – Lynda Montgomery, comedian
“I always have a quotation for everything – it saves original thinking.” – Dorothy L. Sayers.
Karen Weekes’ compilation of 3,241 quips, quotes, and brilliant remarks in Women Know Everything! proves once and for all that women do indeed know everything. Weekes’ years of teaching women’s studies helped her select the voices of female activists, scientists, comedians, politicians, athletes, educators, aviators, inventors, actresses, feminists, and more. Readers of any age, gender, race, and sexual orientation can find inspiration in the words of such women as Gilda Radner, Elayne Boosler, Anne Frank, Amy Tan, Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama, Gloria Steinem, and Julia Child.
Laugh with humorists like Erma Bombeck: “Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart.” Reflect on the words of Katharine Hepburn: “If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun.” The quotations are organized into alphabetized themes (ambition, body, friendship, love, science, travel and youth). The index lists the female contributors as well. Readers will be introduced to the names and thoughts of women they’ve never before heard of and will be inspired to seek out more of their writings.
Reviewed by Kathryn Franklin