Celebrate Women's History Month and get to know March's Author of the Month, Ilene Cooper, as she talks about the inspiration behind her latest book, A Woman in the House (and Senate), how she got her start in writing and her love of books.
Where did you get your idea for this book?
I have always been interested in government and politics. But when I was growing up there were hardly any women serving in the U.S. Congress. Even today, though the number is growing, there are still many more men in the Senate and House of Representatives than there are women, despite the fact that women make up half our country’s population. I wanted to write a book that would introduce some of the women who have been elected to Congress and show their many accomplishments.
What was your favorite book when you were growing up?
My favorite book growing up was really a series of books about three girls named Betsy-Tacy and Tib by Maude Hart Lovelace. The books start when the girls are young and go all the way up to Betsy’s Wedding (which is the name of the last book). I still try to read the whole series about once a year!
How old were you when you started writing?
I started writing books when I was adult. Before then, I used to make up lots of stories in my head, but I never got around to writing most of them down.
What is your favorite word?
Delicious! All kinds of things can be delicious, not just food. It’s a word that makes me happy.
What is your favorite book about Chicago?
I like the books by Blue Balliet. She sets her stories, like Chasing Vermeer, in Hyde Park. If you like mysteries, especially mysteries about art, these are fun.
Find out even more about Ilene Cooper and A Woman in the House (and Senate).
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