The Great Chattanooga Bicycle Race

"A close study of the southern newspapers fails to show that the bloomer craze has gained any decided hold south of the Mason and Dixon line. Indeed, the bicycle is a new thing, and the women who ride are as fearful of criticism as a woman in tight knickerbockers would be in some Northern places...South of Virginia the real southern women do not ride the bicycle much. The climate is against the exercise...A Tennessee paper so late as last week was wondering if any woman would have the temerity to introduce bloomers in that region. If any did it said, they would surely bring on themselves such notoriety as must be exceedingly unpleasant to modest, womanly women...Some few women in New Orleans wear bloomers, but in almost every southern newspaper the appearance of a pair of bloomers is treated almost as would be the coming ashore of the sea serpent." ~ Los Angeles Herald, Sept. 15, 1895

In the novel, The Great Chattanooga Bicycle Race, by Mike H. Mizrahi, readers are taken back in history in this fictional tale of what it would take the change the views of society in regards not only to women riding bicycles, but changing their clothing styles to accommodate their need to ride without getting their skirts caught in the chains, thus the need for bloomers. Down in the south, things like this are virtually unheard of, no matter how much those in New York will push for change in regards to their southern belles. As Anna Gaines, comes to understand those changes, she embraces her role that she will undoubtedly play in this as her Aunt has provided her with not only a wheel to ride, but bloomers to do it in. The only thing against her at this point is trying to convince her mother to allow her to ride. That will be the undoing not only of her families reputation in the community but taking on those who would ban women from doing such a thing in the South.

Peter Sawyer, president of the Cycling Club, and owner of the town's grocery store knows just what he wants in life, and that is Anna Gaines, but she won't hardly pay him the time of day whenever she visits his store. It seems as if she has already passed judgment on him, before he even has a chance to speak with her. When Peter learns that Anna is a fellow bicycle enthusiast, he silently applauds her gumption to take on those who would strong disapprove of women being allowed to cycle. As it is, most of society in general believes that cycling for women changes their body to look more manly, and with the approval of cycling, women will soon want to work outside the home and look to push for more changes like voting. All Peter knows is that he is faced with a challenge, to support Anna's right to ride or be removed from his place in society.

I received The Great Chattanooga Bicycle Race by Mike H. Mizrahi compliments of Redemption Press and Litfuse Publicity. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. Hard to believe after reading this novel that it was such a struggle for women to enjoy the exercise offered and freedom to do so like Anna Gaines simply by wanting to ride a bicycle. It was a part of history I never understood until reading this novel and how narrow-minded some were in their arguments against women riding bicycles. For Anna it provided her a chance to be on equal footing and with an accident that left her with a prominent limp, this gave her the chance at mobility others often took for granted. It might just cost her everything in an effort to stand firm in the face of adversity, and for some, they will stop at nothing to ensure she doesn't win. I give this a 4.5 out of 5 stars and love the authors unique poetic writing style that engages the reader from the moment they begin and makes them a part of this story.

For more information about The Great Chattanooga Bicycle Race, Mike H. Mizrahi, or where to pick up a copy of this book, please click on the links below:

The Great Chattanooga Bicycle Race by Mike. H. Mizrahi

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Take a ride through 1895 Chattanooga as it's turned upside down when a young woman has the audacity to ride a bicycle-in bloomers-in Mike H. Mizrahi's new book, The Great Chattanooga Bicycle Race! Anna Gaines, 19, struggles to conquer her insecurities after a horrible fall years ago from her beloved horse, Longstreet. On a visit to Brooklyn, she's drawn to the new pastime of bicycling. But back at home, cycling is a scandalous sport for a proper lady. Anna has her eye on Peter Sawyer, president of the Cycling Club. As community outrage grows, an unexpected turn of events pits Anna against Peter in a race between the sexes.

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• A copy of The Great Chattanooga Bicycle Race
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