On this edition of ST, we speak with Lydia Reeder, a writer and editor based in Denver. She tells us about her now book, a popular history entitled "Dust Bowl Girls: The Inspiring Story of the Team That Barnstormed Its Way to Basketball Glory." It's the surprising but true Depression-era story of a women's basketball team -- the Oklahoma Presbyterian College Cardinals -- who came from Durant, and who were pretty much the best of the best in the early 1930s. The leader of this inspiring team, the visionary coach Sam Babb, is also profiled in Reeder's book -- and, indeed, Ms. Reeder is the grandniece of Mr. Babb. As per Kirkus Reviews: "As she tells the amazing story of Babb and his underdog women's basketball team, Reeder also reveals the challenges facing serious female athletes during the 1920s and '30s, including the perceived risk of ‘destroying their feminine image by invading a man's world.’ Sports fans and general readers alike are sure to find the story both worthwhile and entertaining. A heart-warmingly inspirational tale.” And further, from a starred review in Library Journal: "Equal parts social history and sports legend come to life.... Of special interest for students of women’s studies and a strong contender for a film adaptation. With high appeal to sports fans and historians, this hidden gem of a story deserves a place in all public library collections." Note that Reeder will appear at a free-to-the-public reading and signing for this book tomorrow night, Wednesday the 1st, at 7pm in Tulsa. The event happens at Edison High School and is presented by Book Smart Tulsa.
"Dust Bowl Girls: The Inspiring Story of the Team That Barnstormed Its Way to Basketball Glory"
