Dear Editor,

I just finished reading Dorothy Anger’s compelling book “Women of Courage and Conviction.” It recounts the life stories of five truly extraordinary older Newton women who show how grit, determination and risk-taking played seminal roles in their lives. The five women are Maria Brisk, Hanni Myers, Louise Bruyn, Shlomit Mintz and Sallie Craig Huber. Two of these women are well into their nineties, one in her late eighties and one soon to turn eighty. The fifth passed away about a year ago but would have been close to 100 today. All have lead rich, productive lives, and are wonderful role models for us all.

The book was co-published with Newton at Home, a not-for-profit, Newton-based membership organization dedicated to supporting older Newton adults who choose to remain in their own homes as they age. It is available on their website newtonathome.org or at Newtonville Books. For inspiration as we age and for sheer page-turning storytelling about the life journeys of some of our little-known fellow-Newtonians, this is a great read.

Elsa Lawrence
Newton Highlands