6 Books Every Woman Should Read
By Asfa Shakeel
Women have changed the world of literature (for the better), and there are some works in particular that touch on what it means to be a woman in this world in extremely poignant ways.
Listed below are a few of those books which we recommend every woman read. You’ll find everything from poetry to graphic novels to essays in this list, so we recommend that you start with whatever appeals most to you!
1. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Angelou wrote seven autobiographical books in her lifetime, and this is the first of them. In her timeless poetry, Angelou addresses racism and sexism while guiding her readers as to how they can escape both of these constraints and live a life of freedom.
2. Bad Feminist by Roxane Grey
Grey put together a number of essays that address the confusing reality of being a woman who is exposed to pop culture that is classified as anti-feminist. This includes reality shows, hip hop music and the like. Her book reminds readers that no one is perfect and that it is acceptable to despise casually sexist jokes and jokes about sexual abuse, yet still love trashy television.
3. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
This graphic novel tells the story of the Islamic Revolution in Iran from a perspective that has not been heard before: a girl’s. The novel is a memoir, depicting Satrapi in the midst of a changing world, trying to acclimatize herself with the changes that were taking place around her. If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh and cry with it’s narration, this is the one!
4. The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
This book is a literal reminder of how confidence works in a world still dominated by men. It discusses how women sabotage themselves when they do not take the time to develop a strong self esteem within themselves. The arguments made by the authors are all backed by authentic scientific research, and the book includes first-hand accounts from women like Sheryl Sandberg.
5. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
This classical 19th century novel is one of the most acclaimed novels for how it deals emotionally with issues of family, love, sisterhood, relationships, poverty and priorities, but this novel is also exceptional because of its emphasis on female independence. If you want a cozy read for a day in bed, enjoy!
6. Matilda by Roald Dahl
Tap back into your childhood with one of Dahl’s finest works, in which he takes the reader through the story of the young girl whose exceptional talents were ignored by her family. This does not trip her up for a single moment, and Matilda goes on to find the gift within herself independent of her family’s perception of her.
