JULY 30 - AUGUST 13
Monson's book Frontier Grit came out in 2016. It features twelve incredible pioneer women drawn from all corners of the globe who settled the American West who endured hardships, overcame obstacles, broke barriers, and changed the world. The book profiles women such as: Abigayle Scott Duniway, who lost her mother on the Oregon trail, but dedicated forty years of her life to fighting for women's suffrage. Zitkala-Sa, who traveled from her native lands to the East to receive an education--which she used to speak out on behalf of native people. Clara Brown, who escaped a life of slavery and went onto amass a fortune on the frontier, which she used to fund the underground railroad. Monson connects these stories with modern day issues, inspiring readers to live boldly and bravely--to live with grit. Frontier Grit is available at Godfather's Books and Lucy's books in Astoria.
Marianne Monson is the author of ten books for children and adults. She is deeply interested in the connection between literature and history, with a focus on the frontier era. She holds a BA in English Literature and an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She has two children and writes from a 100 year old house in the town of Astoria, Oregon. She has taught Creative Writing and English for a number of colleges, and currently teaches at Clatsop Community College. Her forthcoming book, Women of the Blue and Gray: Civil War Mothers, Medics, Soldiers, and Spies will be released in fall 2018.