Books For Women, By Women.
- Bisma
- Mar 12, 2019
- 4 min read
Note: This article was written for my client Zypher.
International Women's Day is here and it is indeed a day for celebration.
From the times when women weren't allowed to read or write, had to publish their work under pseudonyms to now, where women make for excellent authors and journalists, we’ve come a long way. The struggle isn’t over yet for many of our sisters but our destination of achieving equality is just a few steps away.
To celebrate the spirit of womanhood, Zypher — Online book rental library brings you a specially curated list of books that will make you laugh hysterically, sob loudly, make your face red with anger, inspire you to demand your rights, these books are bound to make you feel. Most importantly, all of these books are For women, by women.
We begin this list with an all-time favorite classic (along with Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice). Louisa was persuaded by her publisher Thomas Niles to write a ‘girls book” and we are so glad that she albeit reluctantly said yes! The book journeys through the teenage and adulthood of the March Sisters during the American Civil War. Times and generations might change, but each of the four sisters will always remain relatable.
Popularly known as The Diary of Young Girl, this book is the autobiographical account of Anne Frank and her life in concentration camps during World War II. Fifteen-year-old Anne aimed to become a writer after she escaped and saved her memoirs. Unfortunately, she died of typhus and couldn’t make it out of the camp. Her diary and other notes were later published by her father.
The book is a brilliant first-person account of the terrors of war and the Holocaust is seen through the eyes of a teenager.
This heart-wrenching Pulitzer winning book is about Celia, a black fourteen-year-old who goes suffers from years of sexual, physical and mental abuse at the hands of her father, and her husband. The book takes us on an expedition of Celia’s life. Celia establishes sisterhood with other women, matures as a person and falls in love with another woman. Despite the harsh circumstances, the book and Celia reek of positivity as it all ends in a beautiful happy ending.
A brilliant bestseller crime fiction that spins the story of a cruel but intelligent woman Amy Dunne. The novel has bee adapted into a movie and is equally spine chilling. Feel the goosebumps as you read Gillian’s words and figure out whether Nick is innocent.
Set in a dystopian world of The Republic World of Gilead where women are reduced to breeding machines for men. The novel has now been adapted into an equally gut-wrenching TV series. This book about Offred’s hope and struggles are bound to make you cry and question your privilege.
The charm of a Sudha Murthy book lies in its unarmed candor and simplicity and Three Thousand Stitches is no exception. A personal favorite, this collection of short stories opens your eyes towards everyday sexism that women in general face. Whether it may be, the Devadasis of Belagavi or Murthy herself as the only female student of her engineering college. The book doesn’t blame anyone but in its own way seeks remedy for problems.
A serious, prosaic read Hard Choices is Hillary Clinton’s politically correct memoir where she shares her journey as America’s Secretary of State under her biggest rival Barack Obama. An inspiration to women across the world, this book is a testimony to Clinton’s sheer persistence and courage. She documents her journey across the world and shares her perspective with the readers. A must read if you have a keen interest in politics.
A humorous and entertaining take on the life of urban, Indian working woman who handles her kid’s shit (literally!), has a husband who won't share household work and possesses no talent that would make a maid stay. Payal's relatable struggles will surely tickle your ribs.
Plath’s life was marred by tragedy and mental health trauma due to the sexism women faced in the Cold War era. The Bell Jar, her only novel is considered to be semi-autobiographical as the struggles of the protagonist Esther Greenwood match Plath’s. Despite being written, the book is still relatable to persons, especially women suffering from mental health issues.
This book written by our very own Superwoman is a refreshingly honest self-help book. Lilly inspires us in our own language, in her bindaas desi style and attitude to conquer the world. She doesn’t tell you to hide your emotions, instead to master them and conquer them.
Hope this list helps you to spend your Women’s day in solidarity with the struggle of others, laugh at your own stupidity, keeps you at the edge of your seats with suspense and inspires you to learn from the stories of your sisters and teaches you to do better.
Like if you love the books mentioned here.
Comment if you feel we’ve missed out on your favorites. ( We know we have, 10 is too less a number)
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