Did you tell yourself you were going to read more last summer, but when it came down to it, you didn’t know where to even begin? If so, you’re not alone. As a college student, I read quite a few books over the course of the semester, which I’m sure you can relate to. Although I learn valuable skills from reading the books in my curriculum, they just don’t do it for me the way reading a book in my free time does. It’s hard for me to cozy up on my couch with a cup of tea and get excited about reading a textbook, when I could be reading “Bossypants” by Tina Fey. So, if you’re like me, and you’re looking for a list of good reads, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 17 must-reads from an incredible line-up of kickass womyn authors!
Poetry
Personally, I’m a huge fan of poetry, especially because although poems are short, they can be just as impactful as a novel. I can sit down in my favorite coffee shop for hours re-reading a handful of poems over and over (okay, maybe not hours). Poetry is something special, and here’s a list of collections by some women who really write it well.
“Milk and Honey” by Rupi Kaur
“Ariel” by Sylvia Plath
“Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘fore I Diiie” by Maya Angelou
“The Dream of a Common Language” by Adrienne Rich
No Matter the Wreckage by Sarah Kay
Novels
Usually when I think “book,” I’m actually thinking about more of a novel. You know, the ones with developed characters, a problem, a beginning, middle, end and all that jazz. Here are some great novels that deal with everything from racism, to mental health, to self-discovery.
“Beloved” by Toni Morrison
“The Help” by Kathryn Stockett
“The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath
“The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins
“All the Bright Places” by Jennifer Niven
“Bad Feminist” by Roxane Gay (Disclaimer: this is a collection of essays!)
“A Piece of Cake” by Cupcake Brown
Disclaimer: This is a memoir, but when you read it, you’ll understand why it couldn’t fit into the following category.
Funny Memoirs by Even Funnier Women
Memoirs are by far my favorite type of book to read. On the plane or in the car (just kidding, when I read in the car I get super car sick) these books will make the time fly by. Not only do these authors share their most embarrassing experiences, but they also share the story of how they got to where they are, which gives me hope.
“Yes, Please” by Amy Poehler
“Not That Kind of Girl” by Lena Dunham
“Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?” by Mindy Kaling
“Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl” by Carrie Brownstein
“Bossypants” by Tina Fey
Happy reading, Gophers!