March is already here, and that means it’s Women’s History Month! I love learning about all the important women in history who have been overlooked, and this happens in spades in March. Plus, this March brings us Captain Marvel, and I am here for all the women superheroes! If you’re looking for more pop culture that features complex, interesting women created by women, I’ve gathered some of my favorite books that are perfect for celebrating Women’s History Month.
The Light Between Worlds by Laura E. Weymouth
This debut novel was one of my favorites from 2018, and if you still haven’t read it, Women’s History Month is a great excuse to pick it up! This Narnia-esque story is told by sisters Evelyn and Philippa Hapwell and while it technically falls under the genre of fantasy, it is more about the messy, complicated relationships between sisters that rings true through all time periods and worlds.
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
This book released at the end of February, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. The author has said it was inspired by a gender-swapped retelling of the legend of St. George and the dragon, and it has received rave reviews. Clocking in at over 800 pages, it’s not going to be a quick read, but everything I’ve heard about it says it’s worth it.
Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan
This book was such a fun and exciting read, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Set in a fantasy world divided into castes, the Demon King keeps a harem of human (“paper”) girls as his concubines. When Lei is torn away from her family and forced to be a Paper Girl, she refuses to go along quietly, even if she has to start a revolution to defend herself, the other girls, and her newfound love.
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes is the genius behind hit TV shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How To Get Away With Murder. I happen to be a huge fan of her shows, so when she released her memoir in 2016, I couldn’t wait to read it. Year of Yes did not disappoint. It follows Rhimes’ journey as she decides to say ‘yes’ to every question for a year, forcing her out of her comfort zone and encouraging us to challenge ourselves as well.
Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy
This beloved YA book was turned into a Netflix original movie last year (read my review!), but if you haven’t read the book yet, you’re missing out. It’s the heartwarming story of female friendships, mother-daughter relationships, and learning to be confident in your own skin, while still recognizing that we all have insecurities.
The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak
If I could travel anywhere in the world, Istanbul would be at the top of my list. So when I heard about this funny, heartfelt story set partially in Istanbul, I knew I had to read it. The Bastard of Istanbul spans from Istanbul to San Francisco, from the early 20th century to modern day. The two main characters are women whose stories seem separate at first, but as the book unfolds, we begin to realize there is much more going on, and more that connects them than we could ever realize.
Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo
Really any of Bardugo’s Grishaverse books could be on this list, but Six of Crows features Inej and Nina who happen to be two of my favorite characters in all of YA fantasy, so I’m choosing this one. This duology has so much diversity in it and it’s all wonderful, but the two main female characters are witty, clever, athletic, fearsome, and still grapple with weaknesses and insecurities. They may have magical powers, but they are still unbelievably relatable as women.
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
You’ve probably heard about this book and the story of Malala Yousafzai, but if you haven’t actually read the book, now is the time to do it! This is a heartbreaking story of what women all around the world face regularly and a reminder of the work that still remains to reach equality.
To Best the Boys by Mary Weber
This book just released the same day I’m publishing this post, and this is one of my most anticipated March release! Sixteen-year-old Rhen longs to be a scientist, especially once a plague strikes her small town and afflicts her mother. To achieve her dreams, she’ll need to attend Stemwick University. The only problem is that only boys are allowed to attend the school, by competing and winning in a competition that takes place in a labyrinth. Undeterred, Rhen decides to disguise herself as a boy and compete to save her city and her mother.
Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Amy Poehler is honestly one of my favorite celebrities out there, and reading her book only reinforced this. Poehler’s memoir is hilarious, insightful, and has legitimately good advice. It’s an honest look at what being a woman in the entertainment industry is like, and an entertaining read.
What are your favorite books by and about women? Have you read any of the books I listed? Let me know in the comments!
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