Best Books For Women
Have you just finished a great book and now you don’t know what book to read next? Try one of the best books listed below. Each will keep you reading in a different way. No matter whether you like mysteries, true stories, the best inspirational books or fiction that could be true, there is something for you listed below. So, pick a book, and curl up and enjoy!
A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
After all the controversy surrounding this book, it still makes a great read for adults. Whether it is fiction or not doesn’t matter because either way you can appreciate the candid nature of the story. If this book is nonfiction then the reader should appreciate how truthful Frey is with his audience.
If the book is fiction then the reader can appreciate the way that Frey paints his characters and creates a main character that the reader can become attached to. The best part of this book is the imperfection of the story.
If you hate reading those books with predictable twists and turns and an ending you can see coming hal way through the book then you will be able to appreciate this book that is as unpredictable in nature as its main character.
She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb
The most amazing quality of this book is the fact that its main character is a woman, and she is written with such amazing insight, and she is also written by a man. It is so hard to remember as you are reading the book that this is a man’s take on a woman. This book is also amazing because of the way that it takes you from adolescence to adulthood in the mind of a main character who has suffered almost every thinkable travesty, yet she remains a fighter, and you find yourself rooting for her.
Atticus by Ron Hansen
This book reads like a murder mystery with a little extra depth in the characters. Atticus is a rancher who travels to Mexico to retrieve the body of his younger son who dies as a result of suicide. However, when Atticus gets there he finds himself suspecting that his son died at the hands of another person.
Throughout the whole book you can’t help but feel for Atticus’ pain and mental struggles as the book slowly reveals more about his wife who died in a car accident where his younger son was driving, and his older son who is the successful one.
This book pulls you right through the pages with all the twists, turns, and revelations that Atticus goes through while trying to find out what really happened to his son.
The Rapture of Canaan by Sheri Reynolds
This book is an amazing look into the life of Ninah, a member of the Church of Fire and Brimstone and God’s Almighty Baptizing Wind. If you think the name of the church is a lot to handle, wait until you find out about some of the quirky characteristics of the church.
You’ll find yourself relating to Ninah as she struggles to follow those lessons that she has been taught in the church since she was little against her changing adolescent body–and mind.
Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America by Barbara Ehrenreich
This book is a searing look into the life of the struggling unskilled laborers. The author, investigative reporter Barbara Ehrenreich, sets off on her journey through three cities and many different jobs believing that she will be able to discover a secret to living off the wages of unskilled jobs, but soon discovers that not only is there no secret to be found, but that it is near impossible to live off the wages of only one job.
Throughout this book the reader can appreciate the bonds that Barbara creates with her coworkers at the various jobs she holds, and the way that she empathizes with each of their situations.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, is a good read for a literary mind, describing plenty of interesting characters and set in a story that is true to life.
Jane Austenís Pride and Prejudice, her most popular classic novel, is a delightful read for an avid literary mind. Austenís understanding of culture in her time period, and her understanding of people come through in her character development and plot structure. Pride and Prejudice is a great example of classic 19th century literature that although is dated back to the Regency Period, is timeless in the way it is written.
Pride and Prejudice has a simple plot line, describing everyday events with a bit of mischief woven into it. Elizabeth Bennet meets Mr. Darcy at a party, shortly after the Bennets befriend Mr. Bingley. Propriety tells her to be civil to Mr. Darcy although she does not like him, but propriety also keeps them both from fully acknowledging their thoughts throughout the novel.
Living in a society where propriety is valued and must be observed at least on the surface, Elizabethís silly younger sisters become scandalous and therefore taint the entire family by association. Part of the beauty of the story, however, is that Elizabeth and Jane Bennet are not held in contempt because of their sisters, but each one stands alone as her own person and is highly regarded.
Although the story may be fairly simple, Austenís writing brings an excitement to it, and the reader is drawn in by the characterization. Jane Austen is a very skilled in creating characters that are sensible, characters that are ridiculous, that are smart, proud, naive or blithely ignorant, but are everyone real.
Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
While most Biology 101 students know about the HeLa cell line, HeLa’s own relatives didn’t for more than 20 years. HeLa, short for Henrietta Lacks, revolutionized cell culture development in the 1950s and 1960s, the first human cells to grow in a laboratory without dying shortly after being placed in a cell culture medium. Used to help develop the polio vaccine, study various cancers, develop cancer treatments and investigate countless other scientific and medical puzzles, the story of the woman behind the HeLa cells, and her family, is told by Rebecca Skloot in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
The book is as much about Skloot’s journey to research and write about Henrietta Lacks as it is about the subject. A compelling work of non-fiction, meticulously researched over the course of a decade, Skloot’s creative prose is limited; her adherence to documented dialogue and verifiable fact is admirable in this work of science history.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is hard to categorize. It is a work of science history, but also a biography of Henrietta Lacks and her family. It is a biography of the Lacks family, but also a travel account of Skloot’s various research trips around the country, centered largely in Maryland. It is a travel account, but also a work of meta non-fiction, much like Charlie Kaufman’s movie “Adaptation”. Skloot is writing about her attempts to write about the HeLa cell line, and along the way this fascinating cast of characters take her in places she never imagined when she started.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail is a powerful memoir and remarkable story written by Cheryl Strayed that takes readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The new book recounts Cheryl’s bold decision to embark on a three-month solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail in the United States (PCT), which spans over 1,100 miles.
The story begins with Cheryl’s life at an all-time low. After the sudden death of her mother and the subsequent breakdown of her marriage, Cheryl finds herself lost and struggling to find meaning and purpose in her life and her own experiences. In an impulsive moment, she decides to embark on an adventure that will push her to her physical and emotional limits.
As Cheryl set foot on the PCT, she faced numerous challenges and obstacles. From blistered feet and heavy backpacks to encounters with rattlesnakes and extreme weather conditions, Cheryl’s determination was constantly tested. Along the way, she met fellow hikers who offered advice, friendship, and occasional respite from her solitude.
While the physical journey was grueling, it was Cheryl’s inner journey that truly captivated readers. As she hiked through the wilderness, she reflected on her past, confronting her demons and making peace with her mistakes. Through her encounters with fellow hikers and the rugged beauty of nature, Cheryl discovered a renewed sense of self and a deep connection to the world around her.
Cheryl’s raw and honest own words allows readers to empathize with her as she navigates the challenges of the trail and her own personal struggles. Throughout the story, she weaves in memories of her mother, whose presence lingers with her throughout the journey.
By the end of her hike, Cheryl emerges as a changed woman. She finds strength and clarity, and most importantly, she learns to forgive herself and embrace the person she has become. “Wild” is a testament and the perfect read to the power of nature’s healing and the resilience of the human spirit on its own terms.
Best Fantasy Books for Women
Fantasy is an amazing genre, and it’s no secret that women encounter different things in life than men. It’s naive to interpret equality in terms of sameness, but it’s also somewhat of a stretch to claim “fantasy books for females” are of a distinct category. Although some may be more aimed towards the “stereotype” of what it means to be a women, the best “fantasy” books for women are generally the same as for men.
After all, an amazing fantasy story is an amazing fantasy good book. Still, there are authors who give more respect to the realities in life, and one such reality is that women are commonplace. Too frequently, women’s issues are ignored in fantasy, and it’s commonplace to see a disturbing lack of female characters. In my recommendations, I am choosing works of which I am familiar, but they are also those which give more respect to the female readership. In no particular order:
The Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson
Robert Jordan’s series presents women not only as villains, but as legitimate heroines. I will warn you that there are some relationships that may cause other feminists to stop and stare, but I personally found that they were fairly acceptable when considered in context.
Alongside dealing with relationships from both male and female perspectives, the series deals with issues relevant solely to women, the notion of sisterhood, and other things. I suspect Jordan consulted his wife a great deal, or he is far more insightful than I already thought.
Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
As you might notice, I like to read novels in the “series” format. Apparently “series” is singular and plural, and I am now quite angry about that. Nonetheless, I have some book recommending to do.
When it comes to Harry Potter, there are tons of characters both male and female and more plot and story than in many fantasy texts (less reliant on bedazzling men and pumping up testosterone, perhaps). Perhaps most significantly, it’s written by a women. It’s difficult to deny that a female writer who add a certain amount of insight that speaks to women similar to how male writers may do the same for men.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
This has a disturbingly low amount of female characters, is directed primarily towards male children, and there isn’t much of anything to do with promoting feminism contained therein.
That said, I had to back up my claim regarding the “best being for all genders” by throwing in something by Tolkien. Maybe it’s because the book is easier to read and I’m lazy, but this is my favorite of his works. It’s charming, unique, and an amazing piece of fantasy.
The War of the Spider Queen Series
Now if I was literally choosing solely the best fantasy books, I would not select these. They are quite good, but I’ve chosen them to represent something that gives more representation to women. It’s a matriarchal society of dark elves getting into adventures, and almost everyone has a sinister personality.
There is a lot of cultural depth, and as a man, the presence of a matriarchy was a frustrating taste of sexism. Perhaps my frustrating will create an opposite effect of women smirking and enjoy vicariously ruling through the female characters in the text. I do enjoy Salvatore’s other stuff on drow far more, but it’s not a great example of a text with equal gender representation, in my opinion.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
I’m not a huge fan of this myself, but it’s not terrible by any means. It’s argued about whether to classify her as fantasy, but there is an overlap between fantasy and science fiction – plus it has a monster. It’s one of the earliest and more influential texts in the history of science fiction, and it’s written by one of the most successful female writers in what one might classify as “the time before women writers were common” as I am tongue-tied on the proper term. She also is the daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft, interestingly enough, and she was a famous feminist philosopher. So unsurprisingly, you should see so better depictions of the female sex.
Overall, there are many great fantasy books out there, and even if the author is female, it doesn’t guarantee it will speak to women. It might be a terrible book. Furthermore, I’m skeptical about how much significance gender has on the quality and enjoyment of most books in the fantasy genre, but I still favor those with more equal character distributions slightly. It’s just not something I think is overly significant when considering a fantasy book. Just go for the greats, as I see it.
Other books worth mentioning and have on your list of books for by women and about powerful women and other influential people :
Books by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama has written a number of favorite books including her memoir, Becoming, which has won several awards.
She has also written The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times, which is a self-help book.
In addition to these, she has contributed to other books such as The Healthy Lunchtime Cookbook: Award-Winning Recipes from and for Kids, which she wrote the introduction for.
Books by Katherine May
Katherine May is an internationally bestselling author and podcaster living in Whitstable, UK. Her most recent book is Enchantment, which became an instant New York City Times and Sunday Times bestseller.
She is also the author of Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times, which has received critical acclaim.
Additionally, May writes both fiction and nonfiction, with her journalism and essays appearing in various publications including The New York Times, The Times (London), Good Housekeeping, and Cosmopolitan.
Books by Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood is a prolific author known for her diverse body of work in fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and more. Some of her notable books include:
The Handmaid’s Tale
A dystopian novel set in a future where women’s rights have been severely restricted.
Alias Grace
A historical fiction novel based on the true story of Grace Marks, a young servant accused of murder in 19th century Canada.
Cat’s Eye
A novel that explores themes of female friendship, identity, and personal growth.
The Blind Assassin
A complex novel that weaves together multiple storylines and genres, featuring a mysterious death and the power of storytelling.
Oryx and Crake
The first book in the MaddAddam trilogy, a speculative fiction series set in a post-apocalyptic world.
These are just a few examples of Margaret Atwood’s extensive body of work. She has published numerous other novels, poetry collections, non-fiction books, and children’s books. Her writing is known for its exploration of social issues, feminist themes, and inventive storytelling.
Books by Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison was a highly acclaimed American author known for her powerful and thought-provoking works. Some of her notable books include:
Beloved
A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that explores the legacy of slavery and its impact on a woman named Sethe and her family.
The Bluest Eye
Morrison’s debut novel confronts issues of race, beauty standards, and identity through the story of a young African-American girl named Pecola Breedlove.
Song of Solomon
A coming-of-age novel that follows the journey of a young man named Milkman Dead as he navigates his family history and personal identity. Sula: This novel explores the complex friendship between two African-American women, Nel and Sula, and delves into themes of identity, womanhood, and community.
Tar Baby
A story that revolves around the relationship between a black fugitive named Jadine and a wealthy white man named Valerian, exploring themes of race, identity, and power dynamics.
These are just a few examples of Toni Morrison’s impactful literary contributions. She has written numerous other influential books and received several prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993.
So next time you’re in the bookstore looking for a great read, try one of these wonderful books. Whether you like fiction by a bestselling author, a few romance novels, a non-fiction book, a love story, self-help books, or controversial books, you’ll find something on this reading list.