At the outset let me say that I am a nephew of one of the remarkable women of this book, Ruth Harris. And honestly, were that not the case I probably would have had no motivation to read this book. But if I had not read this wonderful book, I would have missed the telling of these captivating, interconnected stories that demonstrate how human history is created and changed for the betterment of all - people who develop and follow their convictions with faith and courage, and hard effort. This is a "peoples" history showing us all that we can affect change to right the wrongs of culture and institutions. With love and compassion borne of family, friends, education, introspection and above all, Spirit, these women changed our world - and are still at work in this effort. Motivated to live their lives to end suffering as they found and experienced it, we have benefited from their loving and compassionate works. I thank them for this, as you will after you read this inspired and inspirational book.