This book should be required reading for every woman who has picked up a musical instrument. Hell, every woman who has ever tried to make a living, especially in the arts , should read it.

Swing Shift has proven that the plight of women musicians 60 years ago is not all that different than it is today. We fight to be taken seriously-- to be judged for our talent and not for our looks, and to not be dismissed as a novelty act. Read: We want to be considered as artists and have our efforts recognized for what they are--the result of dedication and hard work.

Author Sherrie Tucker illustrates these points in this well-thought out study of the women musicians of World War 2. Groups like the Hour of Charm and The International Sweethearts of Rhythm toured all over and had great success-- but were always considered fill-in Rosie the Riveters for their male musical peers who were fighting on the front.

Please, ladies, take the time to read this. And then, talk to your grandma about it.