Women’s History Month: Must-Read Books by Female Authors

Celebrate Women’s History Month with Captivating Reads by Female Authors

March is Women’s History Month, a dedicated time to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of women throughout history. What better way to honor the spirit of this month than by immersing yourself in the diverse and compelling world of literature crafted by female authors? From thought-provoking novels to insightful memoirs, and from imaginative science fiction to chilling horror, women have shaped the literary landscape with their unique voices and perspectives. Prepare to be transported, enlightened, and inspired as we delve into a selection of must-read books for Women’s History Month. Get ready to fill your reading list!

Fiction

• Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (Original Price: $17): Delve into the seemingly perfect facade of the Richardson family in Celeste Ng’s captivating novel, Little Fires Everywhere. The arrival of an artist and her daughter disrupts the family’s carefully constructed reality, igniting a chain of events that challenges their values and exposes hidden tensions. This beautifully written book masterfully explores themes of art, motherhood, family dynamics, and societal expectations in a contemporary setting. You can find this title at both Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

• Jazz by Toni Morrison (Original Price: $17): Prepare to be haunted by Toni Morrison’s Jazz, a powerful and evocative story that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. The novel opens with a murder and unravels the intricate connections between the victim and those whose lives she touched. Through her signature lyrical prose, Morrison delves into the depths of love, jealousy, and the systemic injustices faced by Black women in a racially charged society. Explore the paperback, hardback, and eBook versions at Barnes & Noble.

• The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Original Price: $17): In The Thing Around Your Neck, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie weaves together twelve interconnected stories that explore the bonds that unite us all. These stories examine the experiences of individuals navigating African cultures both on the continent and within the United States, revealing the shared humanity that transcends geographical boundaries. This collection stands as one of Adichie’s most powerful and poignant works to date. This can be purchased at Barnes & Noble.

• The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah (Original Price: $19): If you’re drawn to stories of survival and resilience in the face of nature’s raw power, The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah is an ideal choice. The novel follows a family as they embark on a life-altering journey to the remote Alaskan wilderness. There, they join a community of strong and independent women who carve out a life in the unforgiving landscape. In addition to Amazon, you can find this book at Barnes & Noble.

• Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat (Original Price: $18): Edwidge Danticat masterfully crafts a dark and compelling narrative about families and the secrets that bind them in Breath, Eyes, Memory. The story centers on a young Haitian girl who moves to New York to reunite with her birth mother, only to uncover a world of hidden truths and generational trauma. The novel incorporates supernatural elements and delves into the complexities of political violence and its lasting impact on individuals and communities worldwide. Also find it at Barnes and Noble.

Nonfiction

• The Agitators by Dorothy Wickenden (Original Price: $18.99): The Agitators offers an accessible and engaging account of the Women’s Rights movement, told through the intertwined stories of Harriet Tubman, Martha Coffin Wright, and Frances A. Seward, three extraordinary women who spearheaded the fight for equality. Discover more purchase options at Barnes & Noble.

• Becoming by Michelle Obama (Original Price: $18.99): Gain insights into the life and journey of Michelle Obama in her captivating memoir, Becoming. Through her candid and witty storytelling, Obama shares the experiences that shaped her into the influential figure she is today. If you’re a fan of autobiographies, this book is a must-read. This title can be found shipping at Barnes and Noble.

• Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit (Original Price: $15.95): Rebecca Solnit tackles the pervasive issue of "mansplaining" with humor and sharp intellect in her essay collection, Men Explain Things to Me. The book delves into the dynamics of communication between men and women, exploring the underlying assumptions and power imbalances that often lead men to wrongly assume they possess knowledge that women lack. Find this book on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble.

• The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui (Original Price: $19.99): Thi Bui creates a poignant and visually stunning narrative in her graphic memoir, The Best We Could Do. The book chronicles her family’s arduous journey from Vietnam to the United States after the war, capturing their struggles, resilience, and unwavering hope for a better future. This deeply personal story is also available at Barnes & Noble.

• I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai (Original Price: $19.99): Hear directly from Malala Yousafzai, the courageous young woman who stood up against the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education. I Am Malala offers a firsthand account of her experiences, from her advocacy for education to the assassination attempt that nearly claimed her life. In her own words, Malala shares her journey of recovery and her unwavering commitment to fighting for the rights of women and girls worldwide. You may purchase this at Barnes and Noble.

Science Fiction and Fantasy

• The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin (Original Price: $10.99): Old-school sci-fi fans will appreciate The Left Hand of Darkness, a groundbreaking novel by Ursula K. Le Guin. This book follows a human emissary sent to a planet of ice where the inhabitants are gender-fluid. It carefully explores culture and prejudices. It is also available at Barnes and Noble.

• Blue-Skinned Gods by S.J. Sindu (Original Price: $16): Blue-Skinned Gods is a compelling novel that follows a boy who has been told he’s the descendant of a Hindu god. When he finds out he’s not, his whole world unravels. The book thoughtfully examines American culture and what it means to be a family in modern times. Compare the options and delivery times available from Barnes and Noble.

• The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (Original Price: $18): Margaret Atwood’s dystopian masterpiece, The Handmaid’s Tale, paints a chilling picture of a totalitarian society where women are stripped of their rights and forced into servitude. Through the eyes of Offred, a handmaid forced to bear children for the elite, the novel explores themes of power, control, and the fragility of freedom. This can be found at Barnes and Noble.

• Kindred by Octavia Butler (Original Price: $17): Octavia Butler’s Kindred offers a profound exploration of American history through the lens of time travel. The protagonist, a Black woman, is transported back in time to the era of American slavery, where she must confront the horrors of the past and navigate the complexities of race, power, and survival. This is available at Barnes and Noble.

• All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders (Original Price: $18.99): All the Birds in the Sky blends science fiction and fantasy elements with a touch of romance. The story revolves around an ancient society of witches and a technological startup that find themselves at odds. This can be found at Barnes and Noble.

Classics

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (Original Price: $25): Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a timeless classic that explores the complexities of love, class, and social expectations in 19th-century England. The story follows Elizabeth Bennet and her tumultuous relationship with Fitzwilliam Darcy. This book is available from Barnes and Noble.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (Original Price: $12.50): Based loosely on Louisa May Alcott’s own life, Little Women tells the story of the March sisters, a group of strong and independent women who navigate the joys and challenges of life together. From love and loss to ambition and self-discovery, the novel offers a heartfelt and enduring portrayal of American family life. Check it out on Amazon as well as at Barnes and Noble.

• The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (Original Price: $17.99): Part autobiography, part fiction, Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar offers a raw and unflinching look at the protagonist’s descent into mental illness. Written during her time in a psychiatric hospital, the novel explores themes of societal expectations, gender roles, and the search for identity. Find other purchase options at Barnes and Noble.

• Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston (Original Price: $17.99): Set in the American South, Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God is a powerful love story that centers on a strong and independent Black female protagonist. The novel is a cornerstone of African American literature, celebrated for its rich language, vibrant characters, and exploration of identity, race, and womanhood. It is available at Barnes and Noble.

• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a must-read book. Although Shelley’s husband got the credit for many years, this literary classic was written by Mary Shelley. It is available on Amazon as well as at Barnes and Noble.

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Happy reading and Happy Women’s History Month!