The Girl's Guide to DC

Issue 71: The Books Issue

Welcome back to Girl’s Guide! If you missed the most recent issue, find it here.

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Girl’s Guide Book Recommendations

One of the questions I regularly ask in Girl’s Guide interviews is “What's one book you think every woman should read?” Of course, I have gotten a lot of great answers — and I figured it would only be right to round up all of the Girl’s Guide book recommendations in one place! After all, what better time of year to curl up with a book than fall?

How I look when I’m reading.

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In no particular order, here’s a list of books you’ll want to add to your reading pile:

My Sisters the Saints by Colleen Carroll Campbell

Virginia Aabram says: “My Sisters the Saints by Colleen Carroll Campbell is must-read for every Christian woman living in DC. It’s Campbell’s memoir of her college years through early marriage, and how the examples set by six female saints guided her through major life decisions involving career and family. She was a go-getter journalist who eventually became a speech writer for President George W. Bush, and she’s so intimate with the questions that plague every modern woman trying to balance pursuit of career and God-given talents with pursuit of vocation.” 

Story of a Soul by St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Erin Getz says: “It’s so hard to pick one!! But alas — I must go with St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s autobiography —  Story of a Soul. This book profoundly impacted my life. The fact that by age 24 (when she died) St. Thérèse had so much spiritual wisdom and richness blew me away. She’s one of four female doctors of the church for a reason. Though she was a cloistered nun, she truly has wisdom for every single person packed into those pages. Don’t walk, RUN — and read this book.”

Theology of Home: Finding the Eternal in the Everyday by Carrie Gress and Noelle Mering

Ann Clare Levy says: “Every young woman should have a copy of Theology of the Home. Not only is it beautiful coffee table decor, but it illustrates the importance of homemaking. DC is a transient city, often making it hard to feel connected to anything. Theology of the Home is filled with honest advice on how we can overcome these feelings and find rooting in both our homes and faith.”

Something Beautiful for God by Malcolm Muggeridge

Elise Amez-Droz says: “My roommate gave me for my birthday a few years ago, a short book written by English journalist Malcolm Muggeridge based on the eponymous documentary he made about Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa’s understanding of the meaning of life and of suffering has greatly influenced my own, and I think her life is worth imitating, even by us DC women, in our own way.”

Everything Will Be Okay by Dana Perino

Jinnie Rose Christensen says: “Dana Perino's Everything Will Be Okay — a great read for any young woman but especially a newcomer to DC on how to network properly.”

The Genesis of Gender by Abigail Favale

Emma Waters says: “The book I think every woman should read is The Genesis of Gender by Dr. Abigail Favale. She combines two of my favorite topics: Genesis 1-3 and the question of what it means to be a woman. Her book is beautifully written, drawing from her own experience and expansive research in gender, femininity, and the procreative potential of women. In many ways, women reflect the incarnation of Christ as they give their own body and blood to bring life into the world (my own thesis but it elucidates Abigail’s well).

I think many women who are intuitively drawn to traditional family values struggle to reconcile it with their political interests in Washington, DC. Abigail addresses this dilemma directly with a refreshing and life-giving alternative to the male-normative expectations of our secular culture. It is good to desire marriage and children, and further, that need not contrast with productive, redemptive interests — so long as goals are pursued from and through the home, rather than in spite of it.”

Boundaries by John Townsend and Henry Cloud

Virginia Allen says: “The book Boundaries by John Townsend and Henry Cloud is a must read! For people like me, who sometimes have trouble saying ‘no,’ I found Boundaries incredibly liberating. The book teaches you not only how to set healthy boundaries on your life, but how to do so in love.”

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Mary Margaret Olohan says: “Tolstoy's Anna Karenina — I swear this is the greatest book of all time (please read it and don't watch the stupid movie). Every time I read Anna Karenina, I get something new and beautiful out of it. Tolstoy is a master at examining human fragility and emotion.”

Got a book to recommend to other DC women? I’d love to include it in a future newsletter - send in your rec by replying to this email!

Interview with Danielle Weinrich

Every week, I introduce you to a different woman who knows the ins and outs of DC! This week, that woman is Danielle Weinrich.

As always, if you know a lady I should interview in Girl’s Guide, send me an email or DM!

What do you love about your neighborhood?

We live on Capitol Hill by Union Station. We love it here because we can access all the fun spots and convenience that comes with living in a city, but there is so much beauty (especially in the fall!) and it is perfect for raising a young family. Favorite spots: Coffee – Sidamo on H Street (get the Chai Laben or the Ethiopian Coffee Service for 2). Breakfast – Jimmy T’s on East Capitol. Dinner – Cafe Berlin. Shopping – Clothes Encounters (consignment) in Eastern Market.

Danielle Weinrich.

What does your life look like right now?

I split my time at home with my almost 1-year-old son and working for The Heritage Foundation. My husband, son, and I live at the E.W. Richardson intern housing building right next to the Foundation, and I run the program. If you know of interns in DC looking for conservative, affordable community, send them our way!

What's your advice for soon-to-be parents living in DC?

Take your baby, take your stroller, and go on adventures! A perfect afternoon for us is going to the portrait gallery and MLK Library in Penn Quarter. Babies love getting out of the house, and there is no better place for that in DC!

“Take your baby, take your stroller, and go on adventures!” - Danielle Weinrich

What's one book you think every woman should read?

Not particularly profound, but The Blue Castle, by L.M. Montgomery is so funny and feel good (and underappreciated!)

How would you describe your style?

Love a good street style – blazer, jeans, with a pop of color for the shoes – think Princess Di in the 90s. For fast fashion, Zara is a go-to, but I am a big advocate of second-hand (especially in DC, you can find some gems!) To take this question a different direction, Kelly Wearstler is my home décor icon – maximalist and bold!

“[DC] is perfect for raising a young family.” - Danielle Weinrich

Find Me in Print!

Y’all, I’m so excited to share that I’ll have an article in the upcoming print issue of Evie Magazine! Find the preorder link here — I promise there’s something in the magazine for everyone. And I’ve got a little tip for Girl’s Guide readers — if you text the word "EVIE" to +1 (310) 356-9083, you can get a code for free shipping!

eviemagazine

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Reader’s Corner

I love how creative you guys were for Halloween this year! Thanks to everyone who sent in pics of their costumes.

Is it Mrs. Frizzle or Ellie Hamlett?

Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty. (Bailey Sipes)

Baby isn’t here yet, so I got to be a Magic 8 ball for Halloween!

Bulletin Board

Congrats to NATALIE MORGAN on her new job as press secretary for Sen. James Lankford! She previously worked in Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s office.

KATRINA HUTCHINS celebrates her birthday on Nov. 4 (today!). Wish her a happy birthday on Twitter.