Linda Kass

I will admit that going into this novel I knew very little about Bess Myerson. The name was familiar of course but as to her story, well that was something I knew nothing about. Bessie offered the opportunity to go back into a time when women were not quite as free as they are now and being Jewish was something that could really hold a girl back when trying to be a beauty queen.

The book was truly very interesting and far more than the story of a pretty girl. Bess Myerson was multitalented and very smart in a time that really did not appreciate women beyond the whole barefoot and pregnant thing. Heaven forbid they should have opinions.

Ms. Kass takes the reader through Ms. Myerson’s life as she enters the world of Miss America, wins the title – I’m not spoiling anything here – and the rigors of fulfilling the role during times of war when women and people of her faith were not looked upon kindly.

Ms. Myerson held forth with strength, beauty and fortitude to be a Miss America that changed the way people thought of beauty queens. They weren’t just vapid, pretty girls. They were smart!

This was a very entertaining book from start to finish and I truly enjoyed going back in time despite the reminders that women were not always respected for all they could be.… (mehr)

This was a fascinating read into the history of the Miss America pageant and the first Jewish woman who won the competition right after WWII had ended. It was quite interesting to read about Bessie Myerson's life and how she went against the rules of this competition after she had won. That the endorsements and appearances quickly dried up when it was more well known that she was Jewish. Being strong in wanting to keep her identity and where she came from, she kept her birth name through out the competition, even though it was strongly suggested it be changed to sound more American. In hindsight this was one of the best decisions she made, and she felt she was making changes when other Jewish people praised her for not chaining or being ashamed of who she was and what she believed in. She was an interesting woman in that she always strived to try and make things better for everyone and was able to keep her identity and how she was even after she won and became somewhat famous. I really enjoyed reading about her and the history during the pageant at this time. Thank you to the author for the free novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.… (mehr)