Women in their own words: Book collects revealing quotations by women

Women in their own words: Book collects revealing quotations by women

Philadelphia -- From feminism to friendship, desire to diversity, and sex to shoes, interesting quotations that embody the empowerment of women are the basis for a new book by a Penn State scholar.

Karen Weekes, assistant professor of English and women's studies at Penn State's Abington Campus near Philadelphia, is author of "Women Know Everything: 3241 Quips, Quotes, and Brilliant Remarks" (Quirk Publishing, 2007), which features entries from an eclectic mix of well-known and obscure women of all ages. Some of those quoted in the book include television talk show host and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey, former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, rap artist Lil' Kim, and actress Pamela Anderson. The book is meant to appeal to women from ages 10-100.

The faculty member has been collecting the quotations in a small, spiral-bound notebook since her undergraduate days more than two decades ago. Some of Weekes' favorite quotes include:

"Housework is a treadmill from futility to oblivion with stop-offs at tedium and counter-productivity." Erma Bombeck (1927-1996), American humorist.

"I still have my feet on the ground, I just wear better shoes." Oprah Winfrey (1954- ), African-American TV host and magazine publisher.

"The reason the All-American boy prefers beauty to brains is that the all-American boy can see better than he can think." Farrah Fawcett (1947- ), American actor.

While the celebs and cultural and political icons may draw readers, Weekes hopes the book brings some obscure but notable women into public view.

"The purpose of this book was to find quotes from women who have done fascinating things so readers would be interested in finding out more about them. The women featured in this book come from all walks of life, and they all have something important to say," said Weekes. "Writing this book has been an amazing experience for me."

An interesting quote from someone not everyone knows is: "I have learned that even if you are terrified, it's best not to show it. Then you get credit for being fearless." Susan Moir Allison (1845-1937), American pioneer.

The ink is barely dry on "Women Know Everything," and Weekes is looking forward to her next project - a book chronicling the lives and impact of some of the most influential women in the world of today.

"Women are breaking boundaries now that are impressive to old and young women alike," said Weekes. "It's an exciting time to be a woman, and to be able to share these stories with other women is tremendous."

The book is available at bookstores, Urban Outfitters stores, and online at www.quirkbooks.com.