"With astonishing verve, The League of Wives persisted to speak truth to power to bring their POW/MIA husbands home from Vietnam. And with astonishing verve, Heath Hardage Lee has chronicled their little-known story -- a profile of courage that spotlights 1960s-era military wives who forge secret codes with bravery, chutzpah and style. Honestly, I couldn't put it down." -- Beth Macy, author of Dopesick and Factory Man "Exhilarating and inspiring." -- Elaine Showalter, Washington Post "Heath Hardage Lee's The League of Wives recounts the powerful story of how a cabal of indomitable POW and MIA wives relentlessly campaigned to free their captive husbands during the Vietnam War. Duty, honor, country, and love of family prevail. A must read!" -- Douglas Brinkley is the Katherine Tsanoff Brown Chair in Humanities and Professor of History at Rice University and author of Cronkite . "You'll put hand to heart after reading The League of Wives about Americans who epitomize heroism in high heels.
From white gloves to boxing gloves these military wives, once quiet and subservient, became warriors to save their POW MIA husbands shot down in Vietnam. They battled their government--challenged the State Department, the Pentagon, even the White House--to stand up and make the enemy accountable to the accords of the Geneva Convention. Girls with grit, these wives deserve the supreme salute, and Heath Hardage Lee honors them with grace and humanity." --Kitty Kelley, author of His Way, Oprah, The Family and many others "A stirring, dramatic tale of the incredible women who changed American culture, The League of Wives is a book much needed today. Heath Hardage Lee tells this inspiring story with verve and a sharp eye for detail. Highly recommended!" --Jonathan Eig, author of Ali: A Life and The Birth of the Pill. "A remarkable true story of love, war, courage, constancy and change--as a group of naval housewives transformed themselves into powerful advocates for their missing husbands. Drawing strength from one another, the women took on not one but two governments--the enemy's and their own, to seek a safe return for the men.
Their bravery will inspire you. I love this book!" --Liza Mundy, author of Code Girls "A book both educational and emotional."-- Kirkus "[An] inspirational work.In this beautifully told history, Lee unearths the contributions of everyday women who not only saved their husbands but influenced military culture." --Publisher's Weekly Praise for Heath Lee's Winnie Davis: "Can there be any major Civil War story that we haven't heard? The answer is, yes! Here comes Heath Lee with the fascinating--and surprising--life of Varina Anne 'Winie' Davis. Clear, strong writing brings the history, mores, and manners of the day brilliantly to life."--Lee Smith, author of Guests on Earth and Fair and Tender Ladies "Heath Lee has written a beautiful and thoughtful biography of Winnie Davis. This is, in a sense, a biography of America in the aftermath of a civil war as much as it is a captivating story of a young woman who struggled to preserve her individuality when others elevated her to an icon.
"--Carol Berkin, author of Civil War Wives and Wondrous Beauty.