Hello all!

In honor of my reignited love of reading over the past year, I’ve read a lot of books by incredible female authors. I’m sharing a few of my favorites as well as books I just finished or am currently reading in honor of Women’s History Month. Whether you’re looking for an inspirational female biography, a badass heroine, practical guidance, witty social commentary, or a magical escape, these books written by female authors have something for everyone!

 

Nonfiction:

The Book of Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of Courage and Resilience by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton – I learned so much about incredible women throughout history. Such an inspiring read!

Women Who Read Are Dangerous by Stefan Bollman – a collection of instanced where women defied convention through books and reading.

The Trial of Lizzie Borden by Cara Robertson – An in-depth novel devoted to the trial of of America’s most famous (alleged) murderesses. Lizzie Borden was accused of murdering her father and stepmother in a heinous crime that was unheard of at the time, and we follow along as her trial proceeds, alibis shift, and new evidence is brought to light.

The Genius of Women by Janice Kaplan – looking into how women have been overlooked throughout history and how the system is rigged against us.

Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall – a hard look at modern day feminism through a black women’s lens.

Wordslut by Amanda Montelli – A feminism guide to taking back the English language.

Obstacle Course by Carole E. Joffe and David S. Cohen – an intimate look at the struggles women face to attain abortions in America.

Sargent’s Women: Four Lives Behind the Canvas by Donna M. Lucey – a fascinating deep dive into the prominent female subjects behind some of the artist John Singer Sargeant’s most famous paintings.

 

Fiction:

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid – race, class, and gender dynamics play out in Kiley Reid’s breakout book from late last year.

Magic For Liars by Sarah Gailey – a darker, grown-up version of Harry Potter that centers around the dynamics of twin sisters, one gifted with magical abilities and the other a human detective with a keen eye and distrusting nature.

Delayed Rays of a Star by Amanda Lee Koe – This historical fiction account focuses on three incredible stars of Hollywood’s golden age and how, although they each take drastically different career paths, intersect throughout their lives and were pioneers in the entertainment industry.

Circe by Madeline Miller – a feminist retelling of Circe from The Odyssey, it was refreshing and empowering to see ancient Greek mythology from a female perspective and have a woman-centered epic.

American Royals by Katherine McGee – Princess Diaries meets Clueless, this was such a fun, easy read and I can’t wait for the sequel out later this year!

 

Fun, Uplifting, and Educational:

The Witches are Coming by Lindy West – A witty, poignant take on modern social issues such as trolls, feminism, fat-phobia, and more.

Girl Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis – Looking for inspiration to put yourself out there, try something new, or get past the thing that’s been holding you back? Rachel Hollis gives the pep talk we all deserve to follow our dreams and make time for ourselves.

Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe by Laura Lynn Jackson – whether you believe in psychics, mediums, spirits, or an afterlife, this book is a fascinating read. It was my first book of 2020 and it left me feeling so hopeful and uplifted.

Talking to my Daughter about the Economy by Yanis Varoufakis – the former Greek finance minister offers letters to his teenage daughter about how the economy functions.

Happy reading!

XOXO

Parisa