One of my favourite ways to unwind after a long day is curled up with (one of my many) cats and a book. Reading for pleasure is something that I’ve made sure I stick to, especially when there’s very dry reading that I need to get done for school. In doing so, I’ve been lucky enough to come across some fantastic reads written by very talented female authors. I’ve compiled a list of books that I love from various genres, so be sure to check them out!
1. Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay
I was fortunate enough to read this book for a women and gender studies class and have willingly kept it on my shelf ever since. Roxane Gay writes with a fierce voice that is unabashedly witty and very easy to read. The perfect choice to ignite the fire of your inner feminist!
2. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Oh, how I love Rainbow Rowell. She is by far one of my favourite modern authors, and her writing is something that resonates with me so effortlessly. Fangirl was a book that I never expected to love as much as I do, and I related to her main character from the moment I picked up the book. Do yourself a favor and also pick up my other favourite by Rainbow, Eleanor and Park. It’s lovely and heart wrenching in all the right ways, and I look at it fondly whenever I spot it on my bookshelf.
3. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
I heard a lot about this book before I read it, and I believe it lived up to the hype. Jennifer Niven has a way with words that makes reading her work an absolute pleasure, and her characters are people that I ended up genuinely caring for. She weaves the topic of mental health into the story tactfully and it is addressed in a way that just feels right. All the Bright Places is a book that I can’t say enough good things about.
4. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
You’ve likely seen Rupi Kaur’s poems all over social media, so you should already have a grasp of how utterly gorgeous her writing is. Milk and Honey in its entirety though, is flawless. Her poetry and prose as a whole are beautiful, and they’re something that I keep returning to and loving just as much as I did when I read her book the first time.
5. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Kate DiCamillo has been one of my favourite authors since I was young. She primarily writes stories featuring animals (a very big plus in my eyes) and I own almost every single book that she’s written. The Tale of Despereaux is enchantingly whimsical and I love how simple and sweet the little illustrations are. Her writing always transports me into the story she’s telling and never fails to make me feel warm and content. If you want a light read that’s still engrossing and satisfying, this one is for you.
6. Room by Emma Donoghue
I didn’t know what to expect going into Room, but I can safely say that I was pleasantly surprised. It takes a bit of getting used to since it’s told through the eyes of a little boy, but I found it to be appropriately emotional and gripping in a way that made me want to finish it in one sitting. It isn’t like other “tragic” books that I’ve read before and I would highly recommend this choice if you’re looking for a read that will tug on your heartstrings.
7. Wild by Cheryl Strayed
I feel like this is a very typical choice to include, but I genuinely do like Wild. The movie adaptation with Reese Witherspoon is excellent in its own right, but the book has something special about it. Cheryl Strayed writes with so much emotion and seemingly effortless strength, that it’s pretty difficult not to feel inspired after reading her story. Prepare to feel empowered and try to fight off the Lorelai Gilmore urge to venture out on a hiking adventure that most people would realistically never be able to achieve.
8. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? By Mindy Kaling
I adore Mindy Kaling and every project she has her name attached to. She never fails to entertain and impress me, and her first book is no exception. Her voice and what I imagine her to be like in real life, are evident with every mildly self-deprecating, hilariously relatable chapter. Her book is thoroughly enjoyable and just reaffirms my desire to become her best friend.
9. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This book is a beautiful mess of real-life issues that had me falling in love with the story the more I read it. The characters aren’t perfect, but they’re not meant to be and that’s why Adichie’s writing shines. She focuses on the people of her story, and that ended up being one of the biggest selling points of this book for me. It’s poignant and incredibly well executed, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
10. Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
If you like fantasy novels, then Three Dark Crowns is for you. Not only is the concept of the story something that I felt was entirely original, it has a Game of Thrones vibe to it that makes it appropriately dark in all the right ways. After finishing it, I was eager for a sequel and I’m incredibly glad to discover that Kendare Blake is releasing one fairly soon.
11. Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden
This absolutely lovely book is one that I’ve read a few times. Annie on My Mind is a story about two girls who become friends and fall in love with each other, and the problems that they eventually face because of it. I first read it when I was a teenager, and it’s a book that I will always recommend for how well written and heartbreaking it is.
12. Soppy: A Love Story by Philippa Rice
These absolutely adorable comics by Philippa Rice are ones that I relate to wholeheartedly and adore for their unique charm. Her work is simple, cute, and highlights the moments of a relationship that aren’t always glamorous or dramatic, but still filled with just as much love. I think pretty much everyone can appreciate how great Soppy: A Love Story is, and how loveable her illustrated characters are.
There are many other books by female authors that I could have included, but I think this is a good list to tackle if you’re looking for something to start with. Relax, grab a cup of tea, and enjoy the fantastic work that these women have to offer!