A book who's time has come, if not long overdue. Surely there will be another volume with more heroines. The 100 women chosen for this book are just the tip of a fascinating iceberg." "This book proves Forster's point: "Our history is coloured by amazing women who've done fascinating things." Read and enjoy these long-overdue-stories from Canada's rich past. May there be more.
The Beaver Laird Rankin Publisher
Merna Forster's 100 Canadian Heroines is a celebration of the diverse contributions that women have made to the building of the Dominion of Canada.
Author brings stories of Canadian women to print...Former Black Diamond resident Merna Forster has spent the last two years researching great Canadian women for a new book she hopes will popularize their incredible stories.
Alberta The Western Wheel Okotoks
More than a who's who of famous Canadian women including people like Nellie McClung and Emily Carr, Forster's book includes many lesser known Canadians like (Hide Hyodo) Shimizu.
Natalie Hanson Nepean This Week
... fresh and informative ... This is a book of rich achievements, but more, it is a storytelling book about great characters.
this would be an excellent book to have in the school system to let youngsters (and their parents) know about the women of this country in our past.
Merna Forster has given us a hundred important lives to share, and a hundred wonderful phrases to think about. Best of all, this is just a start. Imagine adding your favourite heroines to the collection. And think how you, too, can become a heroine or a hero just by using your talents and your opportunities and refusing to be discouraged. This is a book to stir your dreams and your talents.
founding director of McGill Institute for the Stud Desmond Morton
I think I have a new favourite book to promote! I work at Upper Canada Village and each summer I manage to work in references to books that I think some of the visitors might be interested in reading. This coming summer, 2005, school groups are going to hear about 100 Canadian Heroines.
Upper Canada Village Margot Dixon History Interpreter
Author Merna Forster is a native of Alberta who has been discovering historical heroines from coast to coast during her travels.
Delights/Book Excerpt Diplomat and International Canada
100 Canadian Heroines is not only a celebration of Canadian women but diversity in Canada.
If you don't know who any of the following are—Isobel Gunn, Anna Leonowens (hint: Think Siam), Asayo Murakami, Mary Travers (not of Peter, Paul and Mary), Gudridur Thorbjardottir—then this is the book for you, or your daughter, or your son, for that matter.
100 Canadian Heroines is an easy-to-read collection of vignettes that should show up dog-eared in every high school napsack across the country ... This well-researched, well-written tribute to Canadian women is surpassed only by what these women were able to accomplish. ... Every woman and every young girl you know deserves a copy this book; and Forster deserves all the praise, for she, too, is a heroine for bravely going into dusty archives and rescuing the stories of these women's lives who should be models for all of us.
Ottawa historian has the goods on 100 Canadian women who stood on guard for thee...tells the stories of Canadian women who throughout history have made important contributions to society.
Forster's smooth magazine style of writing moistens the dryness of historical writing for non-buffs and stirs a proud passion in the breast of any Canadian female... Every woman and every young girl you know deserves a copy of this book; and Forster deserves all the praise, for she, too, is a heroine for bravely going into dusty archives and rescuing the stories of these women's lives who should be models for all of us.
Bobbie Smith Thursday Night Cafe
... a unique blend of comprehensiveness, solid historical and archival research, and an approachable style that engages us to marvel at and aspire to the kinds of achievements attained by so many women who have lived in Canada but whose contributions have helped shape North-American society and the progress of our contemporary world.
Women's and Gender Studies Program Georgetown Uni Miléna Santoro Associate Professor
... the author provides a good summary of each woman's major accomplishments as well as a sketch of her personality, giving the reader a window into their worlds.
Canadian Children's Book News
Merna's book, 100 Canadian Heroines, features an inspiring collection of facts, trivia, quotes, and photos about an interesting group of women...They have accomplished so many great things by using their talents and opportunities
Merna Forster's new book provides wonderful portraits of Canadian women from (the)16th century up to the end of the 20th century...For the teacher of Canadian history, the book provides excellent written snapshots of women who have made significant contributions in Canadian society in a way that the students will appreciate and enjoy...a book that should be required reading for all Canadian history.
teacher Ontario Women's History Network Newslette Katy Whitfield
The term 'weaker sex' should make one's blood boil after reading this book," Kim Campbell writes in the foreword of this remarkable roundup. "The stories of these women entertain and inspire us, but more importantly, they contribute to changing the understanding that determines how societies define the roles of women.
This volume is a welcome effort to make the achievements of women in Canadian history better known...A must for all Canadian secondary schools and public libraries.
Canadian Review of Materials The Manitoba Library Association
...engaging stories, wonderful photographs...a good introduction to Canadian women's history.
University of Guelph Dr. Catherine Carstairs History Department
Merna Forster's book is just outstanding. I was inspired by it over and over again as I read about each heroine. It is a must read.
Forster focused on women of the past who lived with great courage and who made their mark on the world... One of the courageous women included in the volume happens to be Annapolis Royal's own Rose Fortune, a black loyalist who became a successful entrepreneur and the town's first female law enforcer.
Carolyn Sloan The Spectator
Not since Judy Chicago's The Dinner Party have we been invited to quite such a smorgasbord of women's accomplishments — this one Canadian. The sense of excitement and pride that Archibald Lampman expressed on first reading Charles G.D. Roberts' Orion, or finding "one of oursleves" capable of greatness, or the emotion American Alice Walker reported on discovering Black Foremother Zora Neale Hurston, which filled her with an inestimable "joy and strength and my own continuity" — this is the kind of luminous experience that awaits readers of 100 Canadian Heroines.
University of New Brunswick Wendy Robbins
Forster's book achieves a unique blend of comprehensiveness, solid historical and archival research, and an approachable style that engages us to marvel at and aspire to the kinds of achievements attained by so many women who have lived in Canada but whose contributions have helped shape North-American society and the progress of our contemporary world.
The American Review of Canadian Studies
(Emily) Stowe is among those feted in Merna Forster's 100 Canadian Heroines ... (Dundurn, 2004) a timely read on the eve of International Women's Day (March 8).
The text is laced with stirring descriptions ... Readers of 100 Canadian heroines will find feminism, despair, joy, and plenty of substantial worthies throughout the volume.
After reading 100 Canadian Heroines, your heart will thunder with pride and courage so that you, too, will become a nation builder by addressing either small but important or massive, magnificent challenges. As Louise McKinney, one of the Famous 5 said, 'Dream big and act honourably!
Famous 5 Foundation Frances Wright Founder & Former President & CEO
I really enjoyed this book's two-to-three page biographies ... Balancing it all with such grace and tenacity, that as a working woman and mother, I wept for a portion of their guts and gusto. ... If you know more about Pamela Anderson and Shania Twain than Pitseolak Ashoona and Georgina Pope, then this book will help change all that.
"...a book to stir your dreams and your talents."
I think about women like Merna Forster, who’s been fighting a lonely battle to have Canada acknowledge that maybe one woman in the history of this country deserves to be on our money (and you would know how many Canadian women do deserve that honour, if you read her excellent book 100 Canadian Heroines)
Globe & Mail Elizabeth Renzetti
"Great Canadian women you haven't heard of" Read ten stories from the book 100 Canadian Heroines in an illustrated two-page feature.
The Ottawa Citizen Saturday Observer
Seeking inspiration? You will find it in the remarkable lives, achievements, and 100% Canadian content in this collection of fascinating biographies
Vancouver Public Library Popular Reading Library
100 Canadian Heroines: Famous and Forgotten is a book to read with great pride and pleasure by all Canadians. I recommend this book as a good read for anyone interested in Canadian history and as a great gift for a young graduate.
How is it possible that I hadn't heard of most of these women and what they had done? If they could overcome the lack of opportunity, understanding, education, money and support and drive on to accomplish great things, so should we all. They are inspiring.
Television Broadcaster Valerie Pringle
Thank you for your exceptional work and for your commitment to acknowledging the achievements of these extraordinary Canadians. Your book is a significant contribution to our nation's historical literature and will benefit generations to come. In recognition of your talent as a writer and storyteller, I am pleased to present you with The Lieutenant Governor's Celebration of the Arts Pin.
Dr. Lynda Haverstock Lieutenant Governor Province of Saskatchewan
... formulaic, but it works.
Merna Foster's new book, 100 Canadian Heroines , gives a quick and easy introductory education on the subject of Canadian women's history. A book of encyclopedic biographical references, Heroines is fresh and informative even to the seasoned feminist reader ... This is a book of rich achievements, but more, it is a storytelling book about great characters ... Cross-dressing doctors, physicists, actors, Mohawk leaders – you name it, our foremothers are all of these – and more.
Forster offers a diverse selection (of women) and her research on all of them is impeccable. For an added touch, she ends each mini-bio with a lively quote from her subject ... Forster has done a superb job in making these forgotten women vividly real again.
Calgary Herald Books & The Arts
Heroines forgotten no more...New book follows paths of Canadian female trailblazers
Ottawa-based Merna Forster, a certified historian, has truly written the book on "100 Canadian Heroines". It is packed full of interesting, lively and yes, heroic stories that will have you reading each biography twice, just to make sure you didn't miss a detail.
Sue Andreychuk Monkeybiz.ca
This is a terrific book—the rare reference title that should be read cover to cover. Every aspect inspires, beginning with the foreword by Kim Campbell (Canada's first woman prime minister) and continuing with the author's introduction and the sketches of 100 women who left their mark on Canadian history. This should be part of every women's studies curriculum
When it comes to great Canadians, women didn't make the CBC's top 10. This book provides plenty of ammunition to force a recount.
This a terrific book – the rare reference title that should be read cover to cover. Every aspect inspires, beginning with the foreword by Kim Campbell (Canada's first woman prime minister) and continuing with the author's introduction and the sketches of 100 women who left their mark on Canadian history. This should be part of every women's studies curriculum.
Hometown girl Marie Dressler has come to the attention of Nepean resident Merna Forster, author in her new book 100 Canadian Heroines: Famous and Forgotten Faces. That humble Ontario cottage on King Street West is where Leila Koerber was born, the self-professed ugly duckling of a little girl who would later become Oscar-winning actress Marie Dressler.
Cecilia Nasmith The Cobourg Daily Star
Not since Judy Chicago's The Dinner Party have we been invited to quite such a smorgasbord of women's accomplishments — this one Canadian. The sense of excitement and pride that Archibald Lampman expressed on first reading Charles G.D. Roberts' Orion, or finding "one of oursleves" capable of greatness, or the emotion American Alice Walker reported on discovering Black Foremother Zora Neale Hurston, which filled her with an inestimable "joy and strength and my own continuity" — this is the kind of luminous experience that awaits readers of 100 Canadian Heroines.
Universityof New Brunswick Wendy Robbins
...engaging stories, wonderful photographs...a good introduction to Canadian women's history.
Universityof Guelph Dr. Catherine Carstairs History Department
... a unique blend of comprehensiveness, solid historical and archival research, and an approachable style that engages us to marvel at and aspire to the kinds of achievements attained by so many women who have lived in Canada but whose contributions have helped shape North-American society and the progress of our contemporary world.
Women's and Gender Studies Program Georgetown Uni Miléna Santoro Associate Professor
Not since Judy Chicago's The Dinner Party have we been invited to quite such a smorgasbord of women's accomplishments—this one Canadian. The sense of excitement and pride that Archibald Lampman expressed on first reading Charles G.D. Roberts' Orion, or finding "one of oursleves" capable of greatness, or the emotion American Alice Walker reported on discovering Black Foremother Zora Neale Hurston, which filled her with an inestimable "joy and strength and my own continuity"—this is the kind of luminous experience that awaits readers of 100 Canadian Heroines.
Wendy Robbins University of New Brunswick
Merna's book, 100 Canadian Heroines, features an inspiring collection of facts, trivia, quotes, and photos about an interesting group of women...They have accomplished so many great things by using their talents and opportunities
Canadian Federation of University Women-Ottawa Cha Barbara Evans Capital Carillon
this would be an excellent book to have in the school system to let youngsters (and their parents) know about the women of this country in our past.
Peter Anthony Holder Host
Merna Forster has given us a hundred important lives to share, and a hundred wonderful phrases to think about. Best of all, this is just a start. Imagine adding your favourite heroines to the collection. And think how you, too, can become a heroine or a hero just by using your talents and your opportunities and refusing to be discouraged. This is a book to stir your dreams and your talents.
author and founding director of the McGill Institu Desmond Morton Historian
More than a who's who of famous Canadian women including people like Nellie McClung and Emily Carr, Forster's book includes many lesser known Canadians like (Hide Hyodo) Shimizu.
"Great Canadian women you haven't heard of"
Author brings stories of Canadian women to print...Former Black Diamond resident Merna Forster has spent the last two years researching great Canadian women for a new book she hopes will popularize their incredible stories.
this would be an excellent book to have in the school system to let youngsters (and their parents) know about the women of this country in our past.
Merna Forster's 100 Canadian Heroines is a celebration of the diverse contributions that women have made to the building of the Dominion of Canada.
The term 'weaker sex' should make one's blood boil after reading this book," Kim Campbell writes in the foreword of this remarkable roundup. "The stories of these women entertain and inspire us, but more importantly, they contribute to changing the understanding that determines how societies define the roles of women.
Merna's book, 100 Canadian Heroines, features an inspiring collection of facts, trivia, quotes, and photos about an interesting group of women...They have accomplished so many great things by using their talents and opportunities
Hometown girl Marie Dressler has come to the attention of Nepean resident Merna Forster, author in her new book 100 Canadian Heroines: Famous and Forgotten Faces. That humble Ontario cottage on King Street West is where Leila Koerber was born, the self-professed ugly duckling of a little girl who would later become Oscar-winning actress Marie Dressler.
I think I have a new favourite book to promote! I work at Upper Canada Village and each summer I manage to work in references to books that I think some of the visitors might be interested in reading. This coming summer, 2005, school groups are going to hear about 100 Canadian Heroines.
Forster offers a diverse selection (of women) and her research on all of them is impeccable. For an added touch, she ends each mini-bio with a lively quote from her subject ... Forster has done a superb job in making these forgotten women vividly real again.
Author Merna Forster is a native of Alberta who has been discovering historical heroines from coast to coast during her travels.
Heroines forgotten no more...New book follows paths of Canadian female trailblazers
Ottawa-based Merna Forster, a certified historian, has truly written the book on "100 Canadian Heroines". It is packed full of interesting, lively and yes, heroic stories that will have you reading each biography twice, just to make sure you didn't miss a detail.
Merna Forster's book is just outstanding. I was inspired by it over and over again as I read about each heroine. It is a must read.
Ottawa historian has the goods on 100 Canadian women who stood on guard for thee...tells the stories of Canadian women who throughout history have made important contributions to society.
After reading 100 Canadian Heroines, your heart will thunder with pride and courage so that you, too, will become a nation builder by addressing either small but important or massive, magnificent challenges. As Louise McKinney, one of the Famous 5 said, 'Dream big and act honourably!
Forster focused on women of the past who lived with great courage and who made their mark on the world... One of the courageous women included in the volume happens to be Annapolis Royal's own Rose Fortune, a black loyalist who became a successful entrepreneur and the town's first female law enforcer.
I think about women like Merna Forster, who’s been fighting a lonely battle to have Canada acknowledge that maybe one woman in the history of this country deserves to be on our money (and you would know how many Canadian women do deserve that honour, if you read her excellent book 100 Canadian Heroines)
... formulaic, but it works.
100 Canadian Heroines: Famous and Forgotten is a book to read with great pride and pleasure by all Canadians. I recommend this book as a good read for anyone interested in Canadian history and as a great gift for a young graduate.
... the author provides a good summary of each woman's major accomplishments as well as a sketch of her personality, giving the reader a window into their worlds.
100 Canadian Heroines is not only a celebration of Canadian women but diversity in Canada.
I really enjoyed this book's two-to-three page biographies ... Balancing it all with such grace and tenacity, that as a working woman and mother, I wept for a portion of their guts and gusto. ... If you know more about Pamela Anderson and Shania Twain than Pitseolak Ashoona and Georgina Pope, then this book will help change all that.
100 Canadian Heroines is an easy-to-read collection of vignettes that should show up dog-eared in every high school napsack across the country ... This well-researched, well-written tribute to Canadian women is surpassed only by what these women were able to accomplish. ... Every woman and every young girl you know deserves a copy this book; and Forster deserves all the praise, for she, too, is a heroine for bravely going into dusty archives and rescuing the stories of these women's lives who should be models for all of us.
When it comes to great Canadians, women didn't make the CBC's top 10. This book provides plenty of ammunition to force a recount.
Forster's book achieves a unique blend of comprehensiveness, solid historical and archival research, and an approachable style that engages us to marvel at and aspire to the kinds of achievements attained by so many women who have lived in Canada but whose contributions have helped shape North-American society and the progress of our contemporary world.
Merna Foster's new book, 100 Canadian Heroines , gives a quick and easy introductory education on the subject of Canadian women's history. A book of encyclopedic biographical references, Heroines is fresh and informative even to the seasoned feminist reader ... This is a book of rich achievements, but more, it is a storytelling book about great characters ... Cross-dressing doctors, physicists, actors, Mohawk leaders – you name it, our foremothers are all of these – and more.
Whether used as a reference book or for bedside reading, this is a convenient compendium of information on Canadian women, and a tribute not only to the individuals who made the cut but also to a generation of scholarly research that has restored the lives of these women worthies to the historical record.
This a terrific book – the rare reference title that should be read cover to cover. Every aspect inspires, beginning with the foreword by Kim Campbell (Canada's first woman prime minister) and continuing with the author's introduction and the sketches of 100 women who left their mark on Canadian history. This should be part of every women's studies curriculum.
