This isn't a novel with a traditional plot. Instead, think of it as a time capsule of arguments, served with a side of brilliant sarcasm. 'Are Women People?' is a collection of poems and short pieces Alice Duer Miller published in newspapers during the height of the suffrage movement.

The Story

The 'story' is the fight for the vote, told through Miller's reactions to the daily news. She takes direct quotes from senators, newspaper editors, and other opponents of suffrage who claimed women were too emotional, too pure for politics, or that their husbands' votes represented them. Then, she writes a short, devastating poem that exposes the hypocrisy or sheer illogic of their stance. One famous section, 'Why We Oppose Votes for Men,' flips the script perfectly, using the same silly reasoning against men. The book moves through these satirical jabs, building a collective picture of a movement using wit as its weapon.

Why You Should Read It

I picked this up expecting a historical curiosity, but I was blown away by how fresh and relevant it feels. Miller's humor isn't dusty or polite—it's laugh-out-loud funny and incredibly smart. You can feel her frustration and her intelligence on every page. It makes you realize how suffragists had to be media experts, fighting their battle in the op-eds and social conversations of their day. More than anything, it’s empowering. It shows that responding to nonsense with facts is one thing, but dismantling it with perfect, pointed humor is another level entirely.

Final Verdict

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in women's history, political satire, or just fantastic writing. It's perfect for book clubs looking for a short, discussion-packed read. History buffs will love the primary-source feel, and poetry fans will appreciate the clever verse. Most of all, it's for anyone who needs a boost of inspiration and a reminder that a sharp wit is a powerful force for change. Keep it on your shelf next to your modern political satirists—Alice Duer Miller was one of the best.