Press contact: Donna Urschel (202) 707-1639
Public contact: Center for the Book (202) 707-5221

February 17, 2005

U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison To Discuss Her New Book on March 14

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) will discuss and sign her new book, "American Heroines: The Spirited Women Who Shaped Our Country," at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 14, in the sixth floor Montpelier Room of the Library's Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E. Washington, D. C. This presentation is part of the Center for the Book's "Books & Beyond" author series, which since 1996 has brought authors to the Library for presentations and discussions about their newly published books. The event is free and open to the public. No reservations are required.

"American Heroines" (HarperCollins, 2004) is a blend of biography, history and personal memoir that profiles notable American women from the 19th century to the present, such as Clara Barton, Amelia Earhart, Sally Ride and Madeleine Albright. This compelling mix of social history and personal recollection presents female pioneers in fields as varied as government, business, education and health care, who overcame the resistance and prejudice of their times and accomplished things that had not been done before. In her introduction of "American Heroines," Hutchison writes, "There are those who think the role of women in our country has been too slow in evolving ... I believe America is the best place in the world to be a woman." The profiles contained in "American Heroines" illustrate how the spirit of American women has shaped both the country's history and society. Regardless of the time and place these women were born, each excelled in her respective field, making it easier for the next generation. This is what makes them heroines.

Hutchison is a heroine and pioneer in her own right. She became the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from the state of Texas. She grew up in La Marque, Texas, and graduated from the University of Texas and the University of Texas Law School. She was twice elected to the Texas House of Representatives. She also has received numerous awards and recognition. Hutchison lives in Dallas with her husband, their daughter and son.

The Center for the Book was created in 1977 to use the Library of Congress resources to stimulate public interest in books and reading. For information about the center and the activities of its affiliates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., visit the center"s Web site at www.loc.gov/cfbook.

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PR 05-028
02/17/05
ISSN 0731-3527

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