“Athletes are the greatest of all feminists. If a woman’s chief occupation is no longer needlework, if strong is finally beautiful, and if all occupations are open, it’s thanks to champions like these.”
—Sally Jenkins, author of The Real All Americans and sports columnist for The Washington Post
Description
Beautiful and powerful, Strong Like Her presents the awe-inspiring account of women’s athleticism throughout history.
Journalist Haley Shapley takes us through the delightful untold history of female strength to understand how we can better encourage—and celebrate—the physical power of women.
Part group biography, part cultural history, Strong Like Her delves into the fascinating stories of our muscular foremothers. From the first female Olympian (who entered the chariot race through a loophole) to the circus stars who could lift their husbands above their heads and make it look like “a little light housework with a feather duster,” these brave and brawny women paved the way for the generations to follow.
Filled with Sophy Holland’s beautiful portraits of some of today’s most awe-inspiring athletes, including Peloton instructor Robin Arzón, bodybuilder Dana Linn Bailey, actress/dancer Patina Miller, and many others, Strong Like Her celebrates strength in all its forms. Illuminating the lives and accomplishments of storied female sports stars—whose contributions to society go far beyond their entries in record books—Shapley challenges us to rethink everything we thought we knew about the power of women.
Reviews
“Strong Like Her binds the stories of incredible women with their own unique strengths and motivations. It is a celebration of women's power, proving that there is nothing we cannot do.”
—Allyson Felix, nine-time Olympic medalist
“Shapley’s book puts stereotypes that women are ‘weak’ to shame.” —The Tempest
“A book that will leave readers feeling inspired and powerful.”
—Ms.