Teaser Tuesday: Ride for Rights by Tara Chevrestt

I read quite a lot of historical fiction books and quite a few young adult books but for whatever reason I don't much YA historical fiction. I am not sure why that it is really because with so many great stories to be told from history, I am sure that there are many fascinating YA novels telling those stories that I just don't know about yet!

This novel tells the story of Adelaide and Angeline who decide to ride motorcycles across America in order to prove that girls are capable of helping out during times of war, and  also hopefully to be able to gain the vote. The fact that this story is loosely based on real life sisters August and Adeline van Buren makes it all the more interesting.  Another bonus for me is that the book is set in 1916 (during World War I) when the politicians in the US were trying to decide whether or not to join the theatre of war in Europe.

The teaser comes from page 13 of the ebook version of the book.

Having taken the podium from her meek husband, Mrs. Wentworth spoke clearly. 'Numerous women are riding motorbikes nowadays. I can name a few. Nevertheless, I feel if we gave the weaker sex" - a brief sneer of contempt for the previously used words accompanied this sentence - "a chance, they would indeed prove to be good candidates for dispatch riders."

The room broke out into much raucous chatter, but Angeline was mute. Thoughts were roaring through her head. Her brother had just brought home a motorbike. Women could ride. Men didn't think so, however. Something needed to be proven here.

With sudden resolve, Angeline made a quick and impulsive decision that she hoped she would never come to regret. With as much dignity as she could muster, she patted down what flyaway hairs she could, and with a grimace at her dusty dress, she stood in front of the entire assembly before speaking.

"What if a woman rode a motorbike across the country? Would that be enough to prove to you old-fashioned men that we, the weaker sex, can aid in the war effort as dispatch riders?"

I have had this book for a couple of months and it has been calling my name ever since I recieved it. I have decided that I just need to make room for it rather than waiting for a gap in my reading schedule. The idea was that I would read one chapter a day, but tonight on the train I ended up reading four chapters without even realising it! Looking forward to getting back to the story tomorrow.