Happy Women’s History Month! I think one of the best ways to celebrate women is to cozy up with a good book that has strong female leads, so here are a few novel recommendations to appreciate women everywhere!
fiction recommendations
1. “Little women” by louisa may alcott
This is a literary classic that follows four sisters and the lives they make for themselves as they grow up. It takes place in Massachusetts during the 1860s. The four sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, live in the midst of poverty because their father is away fighting in the Civil War. Each sister has a specific characteristic that sets them apart from each other. Their family is tested by countless outside forces, and its truly a beautiful coming of age piece. What will happen to each sister? Read and find out!
2. “The color purple” by Alice walker
Although this story starts off on a downhearted note, watching the main character, Celie, grow and become empowered is truly inspiring. Celie is a Black woman growing up in rural Georgia, and she was forced into an abusive marriage to Mr. ___. During Celie’s marriage, she meets many different Black women that she admires, from tough Sofia to the alluring Shug Avery. With each interaction, she becomes more independent and eventually finds fulfillment and happiness in her life. An incredible story highlighting strong Black women, this is absolutely essential to read!
3. “The house on mango street” by sandra cisneros
This book is a collection of short stories that center around Esperanza Cordero, a young Mexican girl growing up in a Mexican neighborhood in Chicago. It highlights both the highs and lows of her life, and her interactions with people in her community. I don’t want to give too much away, but each short story will leave you with something important to think about!
nonfiction recommendations
1. “becoming” by michelle obama
This book follows the the life of the inspirational Michelle Obama. In this story, she discusses her early life growing up on the Southside of Chicago. She then dives into her relationship and marriage to ex President Barack Obama, and her experiences as the first African American First Lady of the United States. She also talks about being a mother to her two children, Sasha and Malia. If you want to learn more about this incredible woman, I implore you to go pick up a copy!
2. “My own words” by ruth bader ginsberg
The famous RGB, the amazing woman that was appointed to the Supreme Court and fought tenaciously for women’s reproductive rights and against gender discrimination. This book is a collection of her writing from when she was in eighth grade to when she passed away. Get a closer look into RGB’s life, and what led her to bravely stand up against our male centric society for all women across America!
Overall, all of these books emphasize the importance of women in literature, and provide their readers with new insights and perspectives about the world. I encourage everyone to check these stories out, and I hope you enjoy them!