These five books by five awesome women will give you a new perspective on what feminism really means.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Set in a dystopian society where women are valued and simultaneously segregated for their fertility, The Handmaid’s Tale shows the grim reality of what happens when religious extremists take over and women’s rights are taken away. This book challenges the belief that men should be in charge of every aspect of a woman’s life, and will be released as a miniseries on Hulu at the end of April.
The Awakening by Kate Chopin
This book gives you a glimpse into the life of a 19th century woman who craves independence, going against societal norms of the time. The Awakening is a story about a wife and mother who doesn’t feel like she fits into either of those roles. Chopin’s work makes the reader think about what is really worse; living a life that is suffocating you, or not living at all.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
At the beginning of the 20th century, being born a black woman was like drawing the short straw in life. Full of rich prose and colloquialism, Their Eyes Were Watching God follows Janie Crawford as she tries to find her place in a world that doesn’t seem to appreciate her. This book is an amazing example of a woman finding her voice and using it to stand up for herself.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
A Civil-War era tale about four very different sisters, Little Women explores gender stereotypes and how they affect young women, especially those living in poverty. Alcott encourages the reader to take a look at the way we as a society raise girls differently than boys, and how the expectations we place on girls at a young age can be detrimental.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
An iconic book about a young woman’s descent into madness during the time in her life that she should be her happiest, The Bell Jar explores themes like virginity, mental illness, and the oppressive expectations of the 1950s. This book will ring true for the collegiette who feels the pressure to have it all figured out.
This spring, pick up one of these amazing books and find a spot outside to read in the sunshine!