We’ve survived the first big hurricane of the season! But with rainy weather being a Washington, D.C., norm, here are five female-driven books to prepare for the next bout of storms. These are perfect for cold autumn weather, and wanting to stay in bed all day with a cup of tea.
1. Something Borrowed, Emily Griffin
Something Borrowed is the story of Rachel: hard-working lawyer, goody-two shoes and eternally subservient best friend to childhood pal Darcy. On the eve of her 30th birthday, Rachel feels unfulfilled with her wasted youth and decides to take one final risk before her twenties are gone forever: sleeping with Darcy’s fiancée. The ensuing story is filled with drama, ridiculousness and personal growth for Rachel.
Read if you like: Romantic comedies, stories based in Manhattan, lawyer stories
Positives: Something Borrowed was made into a movie in 2011, starring Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson and John Krasinski
2. A Countess Below Stairs, Eva Ibbotson
A Countess Below Stairs takes place in England post-World War I and follows the story of Anna, a former Russian countess. With none of their former wealth, Anna’s family struggles financially and Anna is forced to take a position as a maid in a country manor. Here, she is a hard worker but finds herself deeply intrigued by the manor’s Earl, while the rest of the staff is busy fussing over the Earl’s new fiancée. Full of smart humor and unique, tangible characters, Countess delivers a hilarious and heartfelt story.
Read if you like: Fairytales, historical fiction, romance, Downton Abbey
Positives: Received 3.9/5 stars on a Good Reads review
3. The Book Thief, Marcus Zusak
The Book Thief barely needs any introduction, being one of the most famous works of fiction having emerged from the early 2000’s. The story follows Liesel as she navigates pre-adolescence in 1930s Germany. It is a touching story of love, fear, familial ties and loss. Even if you’ve read it before, it is the perfect book to reread.
Read if you like: Historical fiction, WWII era stories, coming of age stories, family-based stories
Positives: The Book Thief was made a movie in 2013, and spent over 230 weeks on the New York Times Best Sellers list
4. Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice is a classic love story, complete with a headstrong protagonist, surprising Prince Charming and lots of dancing. Elizabeth lives in early nineteenth century England, and is not entitled to any money or land as a woman. Elizabeth and her four sisters must find wealthy husbands and hilarity ensues in their desperate searches. Enter Mr. Darcy, an attractive yet impolite stranger who’s rudeness is paralleled by his fortune. Though Elizabeth walks away from each interaction with Darcy detesting him, she begins to find herself more and more intrigued by the wealthy bachelor. Pride and Prejudice is a timeless love story that shows a strong woman navigating a world in which she has no rights.
Read if you like: Romance novels, fairytales, funny family stories, Jane Eyre
Positives: Being such a classic tale, Pride and Prejudice has inspired many spin-off stories, including Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. It also has been made into a movie several times, as well as a BBC miniseries available on Netflix, titled Death Comes to Pemberly.
See here for an entire list of literary works based on Pride and Prejudice.
5. The Thirteenth Tale, Diane Setterfield
The Thirteenth Tale is both haunting and enchanting, full of ghosts, mystery and sisterly love. Margaret is a small-time biographer who works in her father’s bookshop, when she receives a letter from the most prolific and mysterious author of the past century. Margret is invited to pen the first ever biography of the elusive author, an event which leads both women down a perilous road of self-discovery. Perfectly spooky for October and full of warm, familial love for November, The Thirteenth Tale beautifully weaves the stories of two strong, independent women.
Read if you like: Mysteries, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, familial drama
Positives: Flew to #1 spot on New York Times Best Sellers list a week after its release, and was recently made in a BBC movie starring Sophie Turner