A Useful Woman: The Early Life of Jane Addams

A Useful Woman provides not only an outstanding biography of Jane Addams but gives wonderful insights into the role of women and the impact of the women's college movement in the 19th century. Diliberto does an excellent job of explaining the options open to women and how a well-educated woman like Jane had few outlets. The women Jane became involved with, both friends and sponsors, were fascinating as well, and I found myself wanting to know more about this important period in women's history.

Womens' lives are often filled with many tasks, and to become an international social reformer is very difficult to include. This is the story of one woman who wanted a life that was different from the traditional woman of her age. And the interesting part of the story is that she did become an internationally known social reformer. And she did win a Nobel Peace Prize. In our age of supporting choices for women, this book is not only about a 'useful' woman, it is also a very useful story.

Although a lover of biographies, even I was surprised when I couldn't put this book down. Diliberto has written a compelling and thoughtful study of Jane Addams, but managed to interweave her character analysis seamlessly into the social issues of the age. From women's rights to labor issues, Chicago corruption to pacificism, the author glides easily from social issue to personal insight. Jane emerges as a real individual, not an "angel", but someone to be greatly admired.

This book chronicles psychological and social motivations of a great reformer. It's a well researched and well told story.

Jane Addams was trying to find a role for herself almost from the day she was born. A Useful Woman is an absorbing biography of her attempt to balance somewhat the social inequalities she saw around her (not so easy a role for a woman in post Civil War period). It is also a fascinating account of how Addams redefined charity in America. Instead of just the wealthy doling out sums of money to the poor, she challenged the community and government to take responsibility for giving the disadvantged some chance to join the ranks of the advantaged. The Hull House she founded was a full-fledged community center with language classes for new immigrants and day care in 1891; quite a life of accomplishment before women even had the right to vote.