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The Book Woman's Daughter


A mesmerizing and beautifully rendered tale of strong women, bravery, and ...
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Honey, Pearl, Bonnie, and Amara each held a different type of job at a time when women rarely worked outside their homes. Do you think they all faced dangers, and if so, was one career riskier than another?

Created: 05/12/22

Replies: 6

Posted May. 12, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3442

Honey, Pearl, Bonnie, and Amara each held a different type of job at a time when women rarely worked outside their homes. Do you think they all faced dangers, and if so, was one career riskier than another?

Honey, Pearl, Bonnie, and Amara each held a different type of job at a time when women rarely worked outside their homes. What do you think the men in the book thought of their employment? Do you think they all faced dangers, and if so, was one career riskier than another? What are unusual jobs women hold today versus years ago?


Posted May. 12, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Deb

Join Date: 09/17/18

Posts: 13

RE: Honey, Pearl, Bonnie, and Amara each...

It was so revealing to see how the pack horse librarians, the nurses in the Frontier Nursing Service, the women miners, and the women in the Forestry Service had to face and overcome similar difficulties, especially those in occupations typically held by men (such as the Forestry Service and coal mining). Sexual harassment is still something women deal with daily, even after the recent MeToo movement. Bonnie (the miner) and Pearl (the forest fire-tower watcher) dealt with the most serious threats and violations of their persons and homes, but all four women were considered "dangerous" because they challenged the status quo, brought new ideas to the area, and were ahead of their times.


Posted May. 16, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
joanp

Join Date: 06/13/11

Posts: 102

RE: Honey, Pearl, Bonnie, and Amara each...

Let me preface my answer by saying I am almost ninety. There were three acceptable jobs for women when I was young, nurse, teacher, and secretary. There were notable exceptions and were admired by young girls. WWII changed many things and woman did men’s jobs. As in the book, government agencies opened many doors in underserved communities and women benefited. Still today we are hearing every day, the first woman to ‘ do whatever. We have come a long way since the 1940’s but the battle isn’t over.


Posted May. 16, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
kimk

Join Date: 10/16/10

Posts: 889

RE: Honey, Pearl, Bonnie, and Amara each...

It's interesting to think about how things have changed over the decades. I used to work for a transit agency, and I remember another (female) co-worker talking about how the guys teased her. Now I think some of the things she reported would have gotten the "boys" fired.

In the 1950s, I think probably teachers and nurses were widely accepted (as Joan mentions) and even the horse librarian's role wasn't challenged. However, I can see why some men resented women in the other two roles (fire lookout and miner), since they were taking "good jobs" away from men.

Of the two, I think Bonnie certainly had the more dangerous job. Not only was she subject to harassment and resentment from her male coworkers, but the job itself was dangerous.


Posted May. 18, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
julib

Join Date: 10/07/20

Posts: 49

RE: Honey, Pearl, Bonnie, and Amara each...

Each woman working in an "unconventional" role at the time faced the unknown regarding how others, particularly men, viewed whether or not they were competent with their skills and competitive in their positions, when really these characters (reflecting so many real life individuals) were simply trying to make a living. I'm so grateful to the women who chose to be courageous in mind, body, and spirit to lead the way into careers that either gender could perform successfully. Each job described in the book contained responsibilities that isolated the women from others, so their confidence needed to be sharp and well-established. Bonnie faced many dangers in the mines, yet was surrounded by others who would know if violence was directed at her during any given shift. Unfortunately the mindset against women filling a position that might have gone to a male counterpart created a highly-charged discriminatory atmosphere; I feared for her character the most.


Posted Jun. 05, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
taking.mytime's Gravatar
taking.mytime

Join Date: 03/29/16

Posts: 364

RE: Honey, Pearl, Bonnie, and Amara each...

Bonnie definitely had the risk of a mine collapse, in addition to the threat and ignorance of the men she worked with. Her job was probably most dangerous.

Then probably Honey. Even though it was not a consideration at the time being alone in the woods in the dark could have been very dangerous. Wild animals, snakes and villainous people could all cause a problem for a young woman out by herself.

Pearl being alone for so long at a time was a sitting duck, but at least she had the protection of her hut, a phone and a fire arm.


Posted Jun. 11, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
BuffaloGirl

Join Date: 01/13/18

Posts: 208

RE: Honey, Pearl, Bonnie, and Amara each...

The book is very enlightening with regard to a "woman's place" within society. All three women were barrier breakers and to be admired. With regard to pure danger inherent to the job, regardless of whether a man or woman was holding it, Bonnie's job as a miner definitely had the most physical danger. I believe we have to thank the thousands of women who came before us for the rights we, as women, have today. I think of the suffragettes, politicians, and women who decided to not take "No" for an answer. I am currently watching The First Ladies and am particularly mindful of the tremendous example that Eleanor Roosevelt provided, which definitely ties into this book.


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