 Blown Away: American Women and Guns
 (new rating system three bullets)
By Caitlin Kelly
Pocket Books
336 pp., $13
paperback
When journalist Caitlin Kelly first learned to fire a gun at the Smith & Wesson Academy, she found herself empowered in ways she hadn’t expected. That impact led to her first book, Blown Away, which examines how women view guns.
Blown Away is brimming with fascinating interviews, shocking statistics, and diverse stories – the result of a year’s research of women hunters, competitive shooters, law enforcement officers, and military service women. Tales from yesterday and today were gleaned from victims of domestic and gun violence, gun manufacturers, lawmakers and lobbyists who shape and create gun policy.
Kelly’s crisp depiction of how guns touch women’s lives is timely, balanced, and encourages making public safety a priority by reinforcing responsible gun ownership.
Silk and Steel: Women at Arms
 (new rating system four bullets)
By R. L. Wilson
Random House
336 pp., $65
hardback
 Silk and Steel deserves a special place on every shooting enthusiast’s coffee table. This lavish volume is the latest from R. L. Wilson, the most published author in the history of firearms. More like an art book, it includes more than 3,500 images and extravagant collages by the legendary Peter Beard, who melds historic photos and firearm memorabilia into vivid collections.
Pictures aside, readers will also enjoy inspiring stories of women shooters, hunters, collectors, authors and even gun makers. It is the first comprehensive presentation on the subject of women and firearms. From Diana, goddess of the hunt, to pop icon Madonna who enjoys wing-shooting pheasant, famous women have wielded firearms for hunters of years. Whether they are at war or shooting for sport, this collection is truly a celebration of achievement.
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