Reviews

Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way) by Sue Macy

afro8921's review against another edition

4.0

4. Wheels of Change follows the effect bicycling had on women in the 1880 and 1890’s. Women had to demand a voice when it came to clothing choices and the effect of bicycling on their health. Bicycling was both seen as a health restorative and a harbinger of promiscuous behavior. This book is not particularly suited for teens. The subject matter would be interesting for biking enthusiast. It’s well written and informative, but might just be right for a specific audience. 3Q.3P,J.

sonia_reppe's review against another edition

5.0

I have a special place in my heart for bike riding (as some of you know). I'm one of those riders who brings my bike on trains and on the front rack of buses. I bike everywhere. So I enjoyed this history of the bicycle, especially because I love to see those old pictures of women riders with high collared Victorian dresses.

ctorms's review against another edition

3.0

Fascinating examination on how the invention of the bicycle helped women gain new freedoms. Gorgeous photos and enlightening primary sources reveal just how restricted women's lives were and how the bicycle offered so many escapes. Although the subject matter is compelling, the information seemed rather scattered at and personal reflections were too brief. I was dying for more accounts and criticisms against ladies riding bicycles just to show the triumph of the movement and the amazing benefits it brought to many women across the world.

mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition

4.0

What a clever form to use, almost an adult picture book, though I suppose an illustrated book might also describe it. Basically a history of the development of the bicycle focused especially on the impact to women in the United States. It is a reminder of how far we've come and how far we could fall. Good writing, good use of historical images. Always interesting.

beecheralyson's review against another edition

4.0

Enjoyed this look at Women's quest for freedom and the history of the bicycle.

sarahfett's review against another edition

4.0

Very interesting and informative, and as always with National Geographic books, the layout was great.

abigailbat's review against another edition

4.0

How did the bicycle change women's history? Find out in this readable and visually striking book!

mslibrarynerd's review against another edition

4.0

Entertaining and fun this book looks at how bicycles changed the way women related to society. Lots of pictures and sidebars.

jengennari's review against another edition

5.0

Fantastic, informative read. Everything bicycling, from Susan B Anthony's quote to competitive riding.

quietjenn's review against another edition

4.0

Aw, this is one of my favorite types of non-fiction - social change examined through an object prism. Abrupt ending, though.