Happy Women’s History Month!
What better way to celebrate this month than by reading some badass books written by some badass women! This list has something for everyone. So if you love autobiographies, young adult novels, classics, or poetry, then there will be something on the list for you!
Becoming
Written by Michelle Obama and published by Crown; 1st Edition (November 13, 2018)
I had to start this list off with a book written by one of the most iconic First Ladies of our lifetime. Readers will be fascinated to learn about the iconic First Lady’s life story and experiences.
Women Are Some Kind of Magic Series
Written by Amanda Lovelace and published by Andrews McMeel Publishing (October 22, 2019)
We can celebrate this month by reading some feminist fairytales! This trilogy comprises the books The Princess Saves Herself in This One, The Witch Doesn’t Burn in This One, The Mermaid’s Voice Returns in This One. The books may be light reads but they carry important messages.
Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business
Written by Dolly Parton and published by HarperCollins; 1st edition (January 1, 1994)
We can’t have a women’s history book list without the Backwoods Barbie herself, Dolly Parton. Business-minded readers will appreciate this charming rags-to-riches story. Plus they will absolutely adore her business acumen and no-nonsense attitude.
Sula
Written By Toni Morrison and published by Knopf (November 1973)
Written by Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winning author, Toni Morrison, Sula is the story of duality and friendship. This book tells the tale of two girls, Nel and Sula, who grow up together but eventually grow apart due to social conventions. Readers will be enthralled by the women’s rocky yet meaningful relationship.
The Hunger Games Trilogy
Written By Suzanne Collins and published by Scholastic (2008-2010)
I can’t have a Women’s History Month reading list without The Hunger Games. The story about Katniss Everdeen, a girl who helps to lead a rebellion against a tyrannical government is perfect for readers who have a strong sense of justice.
The Girl and The Goddess: Stories and Poems of Divine Wisdom
Written by Nikita Gil and published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons (September 29, 2020)
Empathetic readers love this collection of prose and poetry. They will also relate to the author’s desire for peace and justice as well as her feelings of loneliness. Gil’s revolutionary ideals and creativity will make you want to read the entire book in one sitting.
Bad Feminist: Essays
Written by Roxanne Gay and published by Harper Perennial (August 5, 2014)
If you are reading this article, then it’s a pretty safe bet that you wish to be a socially conscious feminist. But you know what? None of us are perfect feminists, and this collection of essays will illustrate why it’s okay to be imperfect.
Sugar Queen
Written by Sarah Addison Allen and published by Bantam (May 20, 2008)
I am not going to lie. I included this book on this list because Sarah Addison Allen is one of my all-time favorite writers. But that’s not the only reason. This book had important things to say about self-love, sisterhood, romance, and learning to forgive yourself.
You Are Your Own Fairytale Series
Written By Amanda Lovelace and published by Andrews McMeel Publishing (2020-2022)
You Are Your Own Fairy Tale is a series of books that will inspire and remind you how far you have come. With titles like Break Your Glass Slippers and Shine Your Icy Crown, you will feel revitalized and empowered after reading this series.
Their Eyes Were Watching God
Written by Zora Neale Hurston and published by J.B. Lippincott (September 18, 1937)
Zora Neale Hurston was one of the most influential authors of the 20th century. Lovers of literature from The Harlem Renaissance will enjoy reading about the main character’s fortitude as well as her quest for love and independence.
Handbook for Hot Witches: Dame Darcy’s Illustrated Guide to Magic, Love, and Creativity
Written by Dame Darcy and published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (January 1, 1994)
Witchy femmes will enjoy this witch’s handbook written by the lovely and talented artist Dame Darcy. They will especially love the feminist fairy tales sprinkled throughout the book.
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
Written by Fannie Flagg and published by Ballantine Books (January 21, 1997)
This story takes us through the lives of four women who are as devoted to their community as they are to each other. Though there are admittedly some plot points that do not age well, the book is ultimately about good food, good deeds, and good friends.
Fierce Fairy Tales: Poems and Stories to Stir Your Soul
Written By Nikita Gill and published by Hatchette Books (September 11, 2018)
More feminist fairytales! Readers will love this collection of poetry by the incomparable Nikita Gill. Fierce Fairy Tales takes myths and legends from several different cultures and reexamines them through a progressive lens. You will enjoy sitting by a lake with a cocktail in one hand and this book in the other.
