July 14, 2012

Juliette Gordon Lowe

Author: Stacy A. Cordery
Genre: Non-fiction
Publisher: Penguin Group, 2012
Pages: 400
Rating: Recommend


Synopsis: In celebration of the Girl Scouts' centennial, a lively salute to its maverick founder.
Born at the start of the Civil War, Juliette Gordon Low grew up in Georgia, where she struggled to reconcile being a good Southern belle with her desire to run barefoot through the fields. Deafened by an accident, "Daisy" married a dashing British aristocrat and moved to England. But she was ultimately betrayed by her husband and dissatisfied by the aimlessness of privileged life. Her search for a greater purpose ended when she met Robert Baden-Powell, war hero, adventurer, and founder of the Boy Scouts. Captivated with his program, Daisy aimed to instill the same useful skills and moral values in young girls-with an emphasis on fun. She imported the Boy Scouts' sister organization, the Girl Guides, to Savannah in 1912. Rechristened the Girl Scouts, it grew rapidly because of Juliette Low's unquenchable determination and energetic, charismatic leadership.
In Juliette Gordon Low, Cordery paints a dynamic portrait of an intriguing woman and a true pioneer whose work touched the lives of millions of girls and women around the world.

Review: I have a thing for visiting the homes of famous or historically significant people. I believe this interest started with my visit to Juliette Gordon Low's birthplace in Savannah, Georgia when I was in third grade. We were just passing through on our way to Orlando, Florida. Since I was in Girl Scouts and my mom was a troop leader, my parents thought this might make an interesting stop.


This is the 100 year anniversary of the Girl Scout Organization and I thought it fitting to read this newly published novel.

This biography started out strong, but somewhere in the middle I just wanted it to end. I'm not sure what kept me reading it (as an English major I read far too many books because I had to and now I read solely for pleasure). However, I'm glad I stuck with it. Once the author delved into the creation of Girl Scouting and how tireless Daisy was to grow the organization, it was fascinating on many levels.

It's interesting history, it's place in world/US History, and just how clear it is to me that some people are destined to do great things. The stars align and somehow, someway a vision becomes reality.

I wish Gordon Low would have written a memoir. It was would have been a fascinating read. It's probably the one thing in her life she didn't do.

Highly recommend this for all Girl Scouts or former girl scouts, but for the general population. . .recommend.

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