Is this one of the books about women that has men in it?

Probably my favourite portrait.

I absolutely adore this portrait of Dorothy Hodgkin at the National Portrait Gallery.

There's always nits to pick in this sort of thing. My own personal one is never being able to understand why more people seem to have heard of Rosalind Franklin than Dorothy Hodgkin. By all means include both, but if there's only room for a tiny number of women scientists in the list, the latter is, IMO, vastly more inspiring.

But, Franklin is still absolutely worth knowing about, and there's lots of other interesting women there so why dwell on the negatives? A girl could be inspired by reading about Thatcher to have serious political aspirations but of a completely different hue. I'm glad to have read about Ann Bancroft as a result of just reading the list (and will admit to a moments 'shit! She did that as well as being Mrs Robinson?')

Doesn’t Beyoncé tour with an all-female band?

Also, thinking about it, is it possible that Beyoncé's choice of appearing in a Pink Panther movie and wearing that dress indicate the presence of a sense of humour and the ability not to take herself too seriously? More than can be said of far too many celebs and others who pop up to lecture us all.

If there are some in the book who might not meet the definition of a woman, at risk of defiling a public library book, you could perhaps edit the page and stick on an adult human female sticker before returning it. Also have a conversation with your daughter about why you don't think those people should be included.

I'd rather my daughter was inspired by Beyonce than Margaret Thatcher

Beyoncé won some award recently prompting radio 4 to give a potted history of her career on whichever news programme I was listening to. I was impressed. There's much more to her than pop singer. Not that I can remember enough to enlighten you. She's a hard working achiever.
And whilst I usually sneer at events like the Met ball and some of the outfits celebrities dress up in for it I think Beyoncé looked totally amazing in that dress which was hardly a dress but some strategically placed crystals held together on a web of net! I don't think there's another woman in the world that could carry that off.
I also liked her appearance in the Pink Panther with Steve Martin. I love those silly films, the old ones and the new ones!

I rather like that it has such a different group of people, mind you I have no idea what it actually says about them.

I have quite a hate for Ayn rand, I think she was a vile human being, but I don't object to her bing there. The only one I think is a really doubtful inclusion is Lena Dunham.

Beyoncé song and varied career written off by a pp in one word 'dull'
I would suggest that it's the pp who is in fact dull 🤷‍♀️

Oooooh, I've just had a notion - perhaps an individual's response to this list could provide an interesting insight into the thought process/personality?
Do you judge it by the inclusion of those you like, or by the inclusion of those you don't like?
Given that the list is so random that there must be both extremes for everyone!
Sort of like glass half full/ half empty.
Perhaps a third group who judge by who it doesn't include.

It’s got Germaine Greer in the contents so I approve :)

The author wrote quite a bit of praise for some transwomen. The book was not for me.

I bought it, read the acknowledgments and promptly gave it to charity.

SquishySquirmy

Front the list posted, I suspect that absolutely everyone (no matter their political leanings or opinions) can find at least one inclusion that pisses them off!😂

This. There is enough scope in there for at least five AIBUs (along the lines of AIBU to think [name] should not be in this book), and quite likely more than five. I love it!

Tbf, you're probably not the book's target audience.

Why not include Beyoncé? Surely she's as inspiring as a singer and dancer?

Why not include Beyoncé? Surely she's as inspiring as a singer and dancer?

That's a very diverse list! I quite like that there is such huge range of women - including some controversial choices. Maybe we dont have to like a woman, or agree with her, for her to be inspiring?

Front the list posted, I suspect that absolutely everyone (no matter their political leanings or opinions) can find at least one inclusion that pisses them off! 😂

With regard to the FGM issue - I think is is possible to discuss this in an age appropriate way with a child, whilst avoiding the really horrible details. With a young child I would explain it as an unnecessary, painful, damaging procedure that some people do to girls, because they mistakenly think it is necessary. And that many brilliant, brave campaigners are trying to end the practice. Or something along those lines, and varying the wording depending on the child.

Ann Bancroft the first woman to trek to the North Pole.

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Bancroft

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Bancroft

These lists are always odd but they have Ann Bancroft in as a pioneer? Bancroft is a good actor but she's not exceptional.

Lena Dunham is a very questionable inclusion.

Fact they've not pulled it Because of jkr makes me think it won't?