I checked Ron Stallworth’s BlacKKKlansman out of the public library today. The movie was great; the book is even better. The writing, the story, and Stallworth‘s audacity are all captivating. The events are so complex, involving numerous grassroots organizations on both sides of the issue, it had to be simplified for the movie. In his work as an undercover officer, Stallworth became a card carrying member of the KKK, by mail and phone. The part about Stallworth acting as personal bodyguard for his nemesis is true! I finished the book in one day, because I couldn’t put it down.

A week ago I finished Rita Moreno‘s memoir. This award-winning actor and dancer was born Rosa Dolores Alverio in Puerto Rico. She and her mother moved to New York when Rosita was 5. Her dance lessons began in elementary school and she started performing as a teenager. Rosita used the stage name Rita Moreno; the first like Rita Hayworth and Moreno because it was easier for gringos to pronounce. She lived the race divisions in NYC before portraying them in West Side Story. Rita Moreno fought the stereotypes that sought to limit her to minor, “dusky maiden” roles. Her life story is well told and full of surprises.

I read the title of this book Karen Karbo published earlier in the year and bought it on the spot. It’s called, In Praise of Difficult Women: Life Lessons from 29 Heroines Who Dared to Break the Rules. Who makes Karbo‘s list?: Frida Kahlo, Margaret Cho, Josephine Baker, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Jane Goodall, Laverne Cox and J.K. Rowling, among others. Succinct biographies of noteworthy women. Well worth flipping through to find out more.

Who are you reading?

Gracias for visiting! Olé! -Rebecca