As International Women’s Day approaches, it is the perfect time to start reading and learning about the great women of our time. Make the most of your time at home before lockdown measures get lifted, and invest in a few female-led books.
Reading is a great way to squeeze in some downtime at the end of a long day and pry your eyes away from the laptop screen. Many people find comfort and relaxation in books, especially in these tumultuous times. In fact, most people reported reading more in lockdown because they had more free time due to furlough and less social obligations.
However, readers typically fell into two categories in lockdown. Some people opted for exploring new genres and authors to learn about new topics. While others opted for re-reading familiar novels for a sense of comfort and safety. Many people enjoy formulaic stories, like whodunnits, where they could settle into the novel’s predictability.
If you struggle to commit to reading, try building some small habits to encourage yourself to sit down and open a book. Firstly, set brief times to read throughout the day. For example, ten minutes with breakfast, ten minutes at night, ten minutes on the loo etc. It is far easier to commit to short bursts of reading than hours on end.
Next – get comfy! Invest in some luxurious ladies nightwear to help you feel cosy at the end of a long day. Put your laptop, TV and phone away before you begin reading to minimise the number of distractions.
So, what books should you read to inspire your inner feminist? Here are a few examples of some brilliant female novels.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
If you enjoyed the Reese Witherspoon film adaptation, it might be time to pick up the book as well. The novel follows Strayed on her 1,1000-mile hike through the Pacific Crest Trail. She deals with the loss of her mother, separation from her husband and a whole host of other gritty topics.
Bossy Pants by Tina Fey
Comedy duo Amy Poehler and Tina Fey are famous for their classic movie Mean Girls. However, Fey also has an autobiographical novel about her journey as a female comedian and how she built her career. It’s witty, hilarious and all about female talent.
Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson
If you prefer a fictional novel, try out Kate Atkinson’s debut novel. This book follows the story of Ruby Lennox and her exploration of identity and family. This one is a must for anyone looking to dip their toe in female-led novels.
Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez
Caroline Perez has been named the most influential feminist campaigner in Britain today, so of course, her novel is a must-read for International Women’s Day. Perez discusses how we live in a world built for men, and patriarchal attitudes are woven into every aspect of our society. It is a game-changer for sure.
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
Queenie is a brilliant choice for people looking to learn about the #MeToo movement and Black Lives Matter. The novel follows a young British Caribbean woman and her journey through the post #MeToo working world. Williams takes a humorous and honest approach to today’s political dilemmas.
Also Read: Indian Women, It’s Time to be Authentic not Apologetic – Yes, Unapologetic Woman AF!
