It wouldn’t be International Women’s Month without recognizing the upcoming new works of five talented woman writers. If you’re looking for a new book to read this month or just want to support female authors, check out these titles.
- Yolk by Mary H. K. Choi
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The newest novel from the New York Times best-selling author Mary H. K. Choi brings another slice of life story filled with love, confrontation, and wit.
For Jayne Baek, life is hardly manageable anymore. Between the work of fashion school, good-for-nothing boyfriend, vapid friends, and atrocious eating disorder, it couldn’t be more miserable. But that’s the hustle of New York City, right? Either way, Jayne tells herself the glamour of the city is better than the Texas farms she left behind.
Jayne’s sister June has her life together, holding a high-status finance job affording her a giant apartment. June has never struggled a day in her life, that is until she’s diagnosed with uterine cancer.
Jayne and June are suddenly living together despite having nothing in common with each other. In light of impending death, the sisters have to learn to be family to each other again.
- Girlhood by Melissa Febos
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Melissa Febos’ new book has been highly anticipated by Time, Oprah Magazine, The New York Times, and other news outlets. Girlhood explores the influences that shape girls into the women they become.
Febos writes a set of stories beginning at age eleven when her body began to change. As she grows into her teenage years, she notices perceptions of her’s change as well. She went into romantic relationships following others’ advice and acting to please everyone besides herself. As Febos emerges into adulthood she questions everything she has been told as a woman, realizing nothing she learned puts her safety and well-being first.
Girlhood works to redefine womanhood to include all of the emotions women were taught to hide. Part memoir, reporting, and scholarship, Febos shifts the conversation from satisfying others to being true to oneself.
- Like Home by Louisa Onome
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This debut novel is recommended for the fans of On My Block and In the Heights and authors Elizabeth Acevedo and Ibi Zoboi.
Chinelo, or Nelo, adores the community and aesthetic of her neighborhood Ginger East. She has countless good memories growing up there, despite the neighborhood’s declining reputation. All of Nelo’s friends move away from Ginger East after a death at the arcade, except Kate. As long as Kate is around, Nelo’s fine.
But after Kate’s family corner store is vandalized, Nelo finds herself rattled. Soon, all eyes are on Ginger East as the police, the media, and the world are fast to blame, adding promises to “fix” the neighborhood. Before she knows it, Nelo is at the center of all developing chaos.
Even worse, Kate isn’t acting like herself. She’s distant from Nelo at a time they need each other’s comfort the most. Nelo’s life is turning into something unrecognizable and miserable. Now, she must get everything figured out before everyone and everything she loves is gone.
- Bruised by Tanya Boteju
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Renowned author of King, Queens, and In-Betweens Tanya Boteju brings us another novel filled with heartache, loss, and hope.
To the normal person, a bruise is an indication of trauma on the body. For Daya Wijesinghe, she imagines a bruise as comfort and control. Ever since her parents’ death, bruises have kept the pain on the surface. Daya isn’t ready to dig deep to confront her grief.
When Daya has the opportunity to participate in roller derby, she is all in. The sport can be brutal, which means endless opportunities for bruising. The teamwork and interaction is a fair trade-off to Daya, who just wants a distraction from her mental pain. As she becomes more engaged with roller derby, she realizes it’s more than the simple physical pain she had hoped for. With the help of her teammates, Daya confronts the love and loss in her life.