This month is Women’s History Month, so it’s the perfect time to celebrate all the strong, powerful women out there. One way to do that is by reading books about powerful women, so I decided to create a list of books that are by and about women to celebrate female empowerment.
1. Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay
In this collection of essays, Roxane Gay explores the ideals of feminism, leaving no topic uncovered. By looking at race, friendship, famous feminist activists and more, the author challenges the traditional definition of feminism and urges readers to contemplate what it means to truly be a feminist in today’s society.
2. Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit
Rebecca Solnit writes a series of essays in which she recalls moments in which men attempt to explain things to her. Her essays range from funny examples, like “mansplaining,” to more serious conversations, such as discussions about gender equality. Solnit offers bold opinions about what it is like to be a woman, and it is a must-read if you are looking for a frank discussion on gender inequality.
3. Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling
Actress, comedian and writer Mindy Kaling recalls important coming-of-age events in her life in this book, offering a comedic take on what it means to be a woman. She also challenges the ideals of beauty, and in the process, redefines what society deems to be beautiful, offering inspiration for anyone struggling with the pressures society places on women.
4. The Art of Asking: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help by Amanda Palmer
In a world in which independence is correlated with strength and asking for help is correlated with weakness, at least for women, it is difficult to ask for help without feeling as if you are giving something up. But Amanda Palmer knows that asking for help does not equal weakness, and in this book she explores her journey in breaking down the psychological barriers that prevented her from asking for help. Palmer finds the balance between independence and asking for help, demonstrating that being a strong independent woman is not something that has to be done alone.
5. Becoming by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama is a public figure that many idolize, so it is refreshing to read a candid retelling of events in her life to prove that, just like us, Michelle Obama is human. She talks about the good and the bad in her life with startling honesty, describing her journey as she defied all expectations. This book is a motivating story for anyone who has dealt with trials and tribulations in their life.
There are many more books out there about female empowerment, and it is worth picking up one and reading it if there is ever a time when you are doubting yourself or feeling the pressure simply because of your gender.