Women’s Month book recommendations inspire change

As we approach the end of Women’s History Month, I cannot help but reflect on the books I’ve read that highlight the stories of both real and fictional women. Whether documented in novels, memoirs or biographies, these stories emphasize the strengths and capabilities of women of all backgrounds. Now more than ever, it is important to acknowledge women’s involvement throughout history, whether through pioneering scientific advancements or fighting for the rights all women are entitled to. Regardless of the genre, these books encourage us to think about the construction of womanhood and how we can continue supporting women for years to come.

**The Handmaid’s Tale**

I first read “The Handmaid’s Tale” in the fall of 2020, and its message has haunted me ever since. Now a show on Hulu, Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel examines the detrimental effects of depriving women of their rights. While reading the book, I couldn’t help but identify parallels to Orwell’s “1984.” Though published in 1985, Atwood’s novel remains timeless as she encourages her audience to question the distribution of power and influence, especially concerning the control of women and their bodies. It is almost eerie how the novel continues to resonate with readers 39 years later. While the Hulu series does well documenting Atwood’s vision, nothing can top the well-crafted language and suspense in her 311-page masterpiece.

**The Radium Girls**

Whenever I can’t sleep, I find myself reading about events through history, ranging from the World Wars to Amelia Earhart’s flight around the globe. While scrolling one night, I came across the story of the radium girls and their fight for workers’ rights. I immediately picked up Kate Moore’s book, which documents the history of these women, and was impressed with the detail in which she analyzed the women’s achievements and struggles. After Marie Curie discovered radium, women worked in factories painting dials with the radioactive metal. Despite being crusaders for working women, they soon fell ill with radium poisoning and uncovered an entirely new fight to understand the element’s safety, hold employers accountable for employees’ illness and empower generations of women to come.

**Becoming**

If I am being honest, Michelle Obama’s memoir sat on my bookshelf for far too long before I picked it up to read. The former First Lady’s list of achievements is impressive in and of itself; however, I was most captivated by the stories of her life before the White House. It is easy to focus on everything she accomplished while her husband was president, including advocating for the rights of women and minorities or encouraging Americans to pursue a healthier lifestyle. However, in my opinion, the most inspirational thing is her emphasis on her childhood and adolescence. Obama reflects on her Chicago roots and experiences as a mother and spouse with equal importance, proving to women everywhere that it isn’t necessary to sacrifice family for a career or vice versa.

**I Am Malala**

Written by Malala Yousafzai, this memoir details a young girl’s fight for education during a time when Taliban rule prevented women from going to school. After speaking out against the Taliban’s regulations, Yousafzai was shot in the face on her school bus. Defying the odds, Yousafzai recovered from the shooting and made it her mission to advocate for women’s access to education. “I Am Malala” is extremely touching and leaves readers thinking about the accessibility of education around the globe. In a moment where it would have been easy to retreat, Yousafzai persisted and stood up for what she believed in. Her advocacy was awarded when, in 2014, she became the youngest individual to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

**Little Women**

I first read “Little Women” in the sixth grade and instantly fell in love. Louisa May Alcott’s heartwarming coming-of-age story addresses themes of family, loss and love in a way that is accessible to readers of all ages. The novel follows the four March sisters as they navigate adolescence during the Civil War. The eldest, Jo, refuses to conform to society’s standards and instead fervently pursues a career as a writer. Alcott emphasizes the importance of togetherness in times of struggle while also acknowledging the conflicts that can also emerge between family members. Regardless of age, readers will likely be inspired by the novel’s themes of independence and resilience in the face of adversity.

**My Own Words**

The day Ruth Bader Ginsburg died is burned into my memory; however, reading her autobiography brought me immense joy and enabled me to reflect on her legacy and impact on the lives of millions of Americans. Unlike traditional memoirs or autobiographies, “My Own Words” is a collection of RBG’s musings, court decisions, interviews, speeches and so much more. A crusader for gender equality, RBG’s achievements span all sectors of life. As one of nine women in a class of about 500 men at Harvard Law School, Ginsburg continually challenged society’s perceptions of women before becoming the second woman and first Jewish female justice of the United States Supreme Court in 1993. To call this book anything but prolific would be a travesty.

**I Feel Bad About My Neck**

I love anything Nora Ephron writes, and “I Feel Bad About My Neck” is no exception. Perhaps best known for writing movies including “When Harry Met Sally,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Julie and Julia” and “You’ve Got Mail,” this collection of essays highlights Ephron’s thoughts on growing older, divorce, self-love and everything in between. Ephron’s movies are my go-to whenever I want to laugh so hard I cry or forget about the crappy parts of life, so I had high expectations for this book. She did not disappoint. After turning the last page, I felt like I had finished a conversation with a close friend or sister—seen, valued and appreciated for the woman I am.