¶ “Kevin Giles’ ‘One Woman Against War’ is the best book written about Jeannette Rankin. I read all the books written about her for my own research project and I can say that Giles’ book is the most thorough, the most precise, the most detailed and the best written. He tells Rankin’s inspiring story with a fast-paced, story tellers’ narrative. Well worth reading.” Peter Aronson, New York, journalist, attorney and author
¶ “I read the first one, looking forward to reading the updated version!” Cheryl, Montana
¶ “Congratulations, Kevin on another creative achievement.” Julie, Australia
¶ “I sure hope all the Montana high school libraries order your book.”Pam, Montana
Read the first chapter of ‘Woman Against War.‘
¶ “How very exciting! Great cover! Congratulations, Kevin. Read about yourself in ‘Communique,’ the U of M magazine I received in the mail today! So proud to know and adore you.” Suzanne, California
‘One Woman Against War’ tells the life story of political activist and pacifist Jeannette Rankin, first woman in Congress.
¶ “Jeannette Rankin was a hero for all women and, in that sense, for all humanity. We need her voice today when women are still treated as second class citizens in the greatest democracy in the world. I look forward to reading the book and hope it finds a receptive audience in the young women coming up through the ranks today.” Douglas, Florida
¶ “The time in which she lived and the work she accomplished at such a high personal cost needed to be recognized and honored. Thank you, Kevin, for your years of research and the time it has taken you to put her life struggles and accomplishments for herself and all women into print. Look forward to reading it.” Linda, Montana
‘Every American should read this’
¶ “Every American should read this excellent historical biography; it should be in all school classrooms as well as on public and home library bookshelves everywhere. Jeannette Rankin’s tireless fight for suffrage and peace was game-changing for women everywhere, and for all Americans. Author Kevin Giles has brought Rankin into the present as a living and exemplary model of how to apply social justice activism in the political realm while maintaining one’s integrity. He makes the arc of her life and career a riveting read. Her commitment to suffrage, peace, and fair labor practices was always in the interest of the general welfare of the common, ordinary American—a rare, refreshing thing in her time and in ours. Read this book!” Carol, Minnesota
¶ “I finished reading ‘One Woman Against War’ today. She was an amazing woman and all Americans should know about her and her contribution. I was also amazed about your research – so much of it and so thorough. Well done. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.” Lyn, Australia
¶ “Although it took me an extraordinary amount of time to read the biography of the Jeannette Rankin Story, I really did find the person and the history most interesting. I am quite well informed and most impressed by her life now. The amount of research is almost overwhelming. Please let Mr. Giles know that I appreciated the book.” Sue, North Carolina
‘Meticulous research, wealth of detail’
¶ “This is an important book to read for those interested in the history of the role of women in US politics, the history of full voting rights in America and the forces that have impeded it, and particularly the path toward women’s suffrage. It gives valuable insight into the changing political climate in the US during the 20th century. It is fascinating as the story of a most unusual character who was unfettered by expectations dictated by class and gender, a woman with some eccentricities and inconsistencies to be sure but unwavering in her commitment against war in any circumstance and to the well-being of women and children.
She was largely unpopular in her opposition to World War I and garnered much criticism about her performance as a law maker, yet ironically elected again in time to be the only member of Congress to oppose America’s involvement in WWII. She was ridiculed by many for her lifestyle and her politics yet seems to have been appreciated as of irrefutable honesty. The account of her life is supported by meticulous research and presents a wealth of detail on many events of the century. As such it will serve as a valuable work of reference. At times it reads like an exhaustive academic paper and at other times a very engaging biography. Rankin is surely someone to know.” Diane, Minnesota
¶ “This book was an eye-opener to me. I was not aware of the important role this remarkable woman played in our country’s history throughout most of the 20th century. Ms. Rankin worked tirelessly as a leader in the women’s suffrage movement and, after that, in the anti-war movement—long before it was fashionable. The first woman elected to Congress in 1916, she was focused, persistent, and courageous—the latter especially evidenced by her historic votes against America’s entry into both world wars. The author’s exhaustive research has certainly increased my knowledge of important events in our nation’s history!” Thomas, North Carolina
¶ “Opponents of women suffrage found a handy parallel in their opposition to civil rights. Women, like Negroes, had smaller brains. Women, like Negroes, would think emotionally in trying times. Women, like Negroes, would drag inconsequential matters into the serious business of lawmaking.’ She continued her activism through the 1960s. She was a woman whose curiosity was never ending. Her life outside politics was simple and complicated at the same time. This is a well written book, bringing the subject alive. I highly recommend ONE WOMAN AGAINST WAR: The Jeannette Rankin Story.” Nancy, Minnesota
‘Engrossed in this story’
¶ “I read ‘Flight of the Dove’ but this remake is AWESOME! I was so engrossed in the story this time I regretted having to put it down. I am traveling and have been reading it on my flights. I am embarrassed to say that I do not remember Jeannette Rankin during the Vietnam protests, probably because I was so clueless back then. Thanks for letting me know what a doofus I was. You did great my (and I say so proudly) friend!” Fred, Colorado
¶ “Kevin Giles’ biography, ‘One Woman Against War,’ is a classic. Giles’ impeccable research and superb writing make this required reading for pacifists and women’s rights advocates. Rankin was a woman of the 20th and 21st centuries.” PJ Wright, book reviewer, Montana
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Western Montana native Kevin S. Giles wrote the popular prison nonfiction work Jerry’s Riot, the coming-of-age novel Summer of the Black Chevy, and a biography of Montana congresswoman Jeannette Rankin, One Woman Against War, which is an expanded version of his earlier work, “Flight of the Dove.” His new novel, Headline: FIRE! is the third in the Red Maguire series. Masks, Mayhem and Murder is the second. The first is “Mystery of the Purple Roses.” More information is available at https://kevinsgiles.com.