No matter how you decide to celebrate Women’s History Month, it never hurts to educate oneself on the evolution and power of women. These eight book recommendations are sure to open your eyes and impact your life in more ways than one. Happy reading!
Classics
“Little Women”
Louisa May Alcott’s coming-of-age novel, Little Women, was originally published in the late 1860s and instantly flew off the shelves as its popularity rose. The novel follows the four March sisters as they grow up during the American Civil War. Each of the March sisters differs from the other, showcasing different talents and priorities.
Alcott’s novel highlights the girls’ passions, love lives, and relationships with one another. Jo March, the main protagonist of the story, defies many female stereotypes of the 1860s. However, her sisters take a different approach and prioritize family and motherhood. Many themes of feminism appear throughout the story as Alcott persuades readers to choose their own path, no matter what they choose to pursue.
“The Color Purple”
The Color Purple is a devastatingly inspirational story that follows two Black sisters, Celie and Nettie. Celie grows up on one side of the world, stuck in an abusive relationship, while her sister Nettie lives in Africa, experiencing a completely different life. The sisters are tied together via a string of letters through which they communicate.
The author of the novel, Alice Walker, includes a combination of explicit detail and thought-provoking plot lines. As Celie transitions from an obedient wife to an independent woman, female power is highlighted frequently. Walker touches on sexism as both of her protagonists redefine gender roles within the novel.
Biographies
“I Am Malala”
Malala Yousafzai was only 16 years old when she published her influential biography, I Am Malala. Yousafzai co-wrote the book with British journalist Christina Lamb and shared her story of standing up for her right to be educated. The novel dives into Yousafzai’s childhood in Pakistan and her passion for activism.
Yousafzai continuously advocated for girls’ education, making her concerns very public. Even from a very young age, she knew she was destined to change the world. Her biography goes into detail about her fight and the tragedies she had to overcome to make a difference.
“Romantic Outlaws”
Romantic Outlaws, written by Charlotte Gordon, is a biography of Mary Wollstonecraft and her daughter, Mary Shelley. The plot explores the lives of mother and daughter as they live similar lives full of passion, exile, and feminism.
Gordon portrays the women in an authentic light, highlighting their struggles and legacies. Both Wollstonecraft and Shelley defied their traditional gender roles and instead pursued their passion for literature.
Historical Fiction
“The Nightingale”
Kristin Hannah is a popular American author with many best-selling books, The Nightingale being one of them. The Nightingale is a historical fiction novel that follows French sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, as they navigate Nazi-occupied France during World War II. Though the sisters are drastically different from one another, both step up during the devastation to assist in some way.
Isabelle’s rebellious spirit initially snags readers’ attention as she refuses to be viewed as an obedient woman. Vianne, however, prioritizes her family and is often viewed as the weaker of the two sisters. As the story progresses and the situation worsens, themes of feminism are portrayed through both sisters.
“The Handmaid’s Tale”
The Handmaid’s Tale, though not technically considered historical fiction, is based on historical events and sexist views. The story includes a totalitarian civilization in which women are mostly used for reproduction. Margaret Atwood, author of the novel, explores the theme of suppression regarding female rights.
Atwood forces her readers to analyze the absurd gender roles and misogynistic views within the novel. The Handmaid’s Tale is less of a story and more of a lesson, teaching readers to take note of how different historical attributes can arise again.
Modern Fiction
“The Hate You Give”
Angie Thomas’ debut novel, The Hate You Give, was published in 2017 during a crucial point of the Black Lives Matter movement. Protagonist Starr Carter struggles to balance her two lives: her prep school life and her poor neighborhood life. Her identity shifts when she witnesses a horrible loss and realizes the truth about stereotypes placed upon the Black community.
Thomas’ novel empowers young women, specifically from the Black community, as Starr uses her voice to fight systemic racism. Over time, Starr becomes a vocal activist and stands up for what she believes to be right.
“Circe”
American author Madeline Miller is most known for her Greek mythology-inspired novels such as Circe. Circe takes place in the Greek Heroic Age and showcases a unique perspective of the popular story, The Odyssey. Miller’s novel is told from the perspective of the Greek goddess, Circe, and showcases her struggles, relationships, and transformations.
Miller masterfully transforms a widely known villain into an empowered female character throughout the novel. Circe regains her strength after being knocked down time and time again, and eventually defies patriarchal authority.
Not only is every book listed above written by amazing female authors, but they also focus on stories of empowering women from different backgrounds. Whether the stories are real, based on true events, or entirely fiction, they’re sure to inspire and educate you.
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