In honor of this year’s Women’s History Month, it is time to fuel our feminine urge to gather and splurge on brand new additions to our bookshelves. Let’s immerse ourselves in a world full of female heroines who promote our sense of self-worth and feminine energy. I know the puzzle pieces go together in your head whenever female leads go through a sacrificial journey then win in the end. It feels satisfying and influential whenever these books are written for women and made for women as well. Here is a brief rundown of 15 bookshelf recommendations with strong, female voices equipped with power and control in their lives. Also, don’t hesitate to bring this list to your next Strand bookstore trip!
1. Mexican Gothic – Silvia Moreno-Garcia
If you want to get your hands dirty with the nitty-gritty details of the Gothic horror genre, this book is for you! Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s Mexican Gothic entails a young 22-year old, Noemi Tobada navigating socialite life in Mexico City. She unexpectedly experiences nightmares and hallucinative sleepwalking episodes that shift her life’s trajectory. Of course, she finds her way of not allowing these troubling and disturbing incidents back her down.
2. Little Women – Louisa May Alcott
To revisit a nostalgic and comfortable feeling, I have to include Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic work of art – Little Women. This book encompasses the intricate lives of the March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. They unite in a charming coming-of-age story transitioning into adulthood, matrimony, and motherhood. There is plenty of life lessons and insightful advice to weave into your personal life – don’t be afraid to embrace your inner Jo March!
3. In the Dream House – Carmen Maria Machado
Carmen Maria Machado’s memoir highlights a queer abusive relationship through pop culture essays, folk tales, and short fiction anecdotes. We’re in the rocky rollercoaster of Carmen’s relationship with another woman, who repeatedly gaslights her and puts her through psychological abuse. The narrator learns how to stay true to her authentic self and learns not to go out of her way to impress her partner. If you’re seeking an emotionally raw book, look no further with In the Dream House!
4. Caucasia – Danzy Senna
Danzy Senna’s groundbreaking debut will satisfy your needs for a strong female voice in literature! Caucasia introduces Birdie and Cole, the daughters of a black father and a white mother, activists during the Civil Rights Movement. The daughters are challenged with their parents’ divorce while grappling with their racial identities.
5. The Animators – Kayla Rae Whitaker
For you film buffs out there – Indulge in Kayla Rae Whitaker’s refreshing coming-of-age story about two young women who meet in college and bond through their artistic passions. In The Animators, you’ll look into the separate lives of Sharon and Mel and how they formed an empowering work alliance. They use art as a pathway, coming to terms with healing their inner child.
6. The Lost Dreamer – Lizz Huerta
Lizz Huerta’s novel debut, The Lost Dreamer is a sprawling journey with strong Ancient Mesoamerican influences and mythology. The story centers on Indir and Saya who face an identity shift at a pivotal point in their lives. They reminisce back to their generational traditions, rediscovering themselves through bravery and loss.
7. Moxie – Jennifer Mathieu
Immerse yourself in the 90s punk-rock Riot Grrrl era with Moxie. Vivian Carter is sick of the overarching gender stereotypes and heterosexist pressures in her high school. She creates an anonymous feminist zine, scouting other young women in her high school who feel similar pressures. They forge strong relationships through her zine collective and go forward with a groundbreaking revolution against sexism – Moxie girls fight back!
8. Transcendent Kingdom – Yaa Gyasi
Yaa Gyasi’s second novel, Transcendent Kingdom introduces a 28-year old neuroscience graduate student, Gifty juggling her profession, with her mother’s mental health declination and her brother’s loss to addiction. Gyasi illustrates an intimate portrayal of the second-generation immigrant experience and finding balance with internal battles.
9. If I Had Your Face – Frances Cha
Let’s defy the beauty standards with Frances Cha’s fascinating debut novel If I Had Your Face. The novel is set in contemporary Seoul, South Korea, and fixates on four young women navigating the high beauty standards and strict social hierarchies in South Korea. Their separate experiences with beauty standards mold into intimate friendships, which is their saving grace in this flawed world.
10. Daughters of the Stone – Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa
Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa’s historical fiction novel, Daughters of Stone is a multigenerational story spanning the lives of the five generations of Puerto Rican women. It covers the struggles of these women and their identities with motherhood and sisterhood. Their legacy is woven throughout the narrative, becoming stronger the closer they get to their traditional roots. Make sure to grab a box of tissues for this one!
11. Girl, Woman, Other – Bernardine Evaristo
Girl, Woman. Other scopes the life stories of twelve diverse women telling their stories of their families, friends, and romantic partners. Black womanhood and youth are highlighted through the text by discussing the racial and gender inequalities in London. Almost every topic linked to womanhood is presented in a thought-provoking context – this is a must-read!
12. Circe – Madeline Miller
Madeline Miller’s Circe offers a feminist lens to the powerful witch, Circe – daughter of Helios, god of the sun and Perse, an oceanic nymph. She stands alone against the mightiest Greek gods, drawing in all her vengeful strength against them. If you’re into Greek Mythology, definitely add this spell-binding book to your Amazon cart!
13. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo delves into the scandalous, glam-and-glitzy life of Oscar-award-winning actress, Evelyn Hugo. Monique Grant, a young journalist who is granted the chance to write a book about Hugo’s journey to stardom, uncovers her seven failed marriages. This book captures an enticing love story in Hollywood that will leave you in shambles.
14. Untamed – Glennon Doyle
Untamed is an intimate memoir and a wake-up call for adulthood. Narrated from Glennon Doyle’s personal account, she discusses her grievances as a mother who navigates divorce, while fighting for a tight-knit family bond with her children. Doyle shows how to implement boundaries, make peace with her body, and honor anger and heartbreak.
15. Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 – Cho Nam-Joo
Kim Jiyoung, born in 1982 follows the story of a Korean woman battling hardships in a patriarchal society from childhood to adult life. Cho Nam-Joo paints a realistic portrait of what it means to be a woman in a predominantly male society. These issues seep through generations left unchallenged, sending Kim Jiyoung to therapy, then beginning her journey towards standing her ground and developing a healthy relationship with womanhood.