Strong, Independent Feminine & Sometimes Flirty

Everything I learned about being a woman I learned from (these) books.

Ok this is not completely true. I had a kick-ass mother and incredible grandmothers. And other wise and perfect mentors in my life.

But I find that stories open my heart to new perspectives and dreams. I love are often ones with strong, independent, feminine, flirty women.

Don't all the experts say that in order to change your life, you have to change your thoughts? That's what books do for me. They change and elevate my thoughts.

Reading 15 hours about a beautiful, strong, decisive, compassionate, empathetic woman does more for my self esteem and overall well being than 15 hours of a self help books. Every time.

Her story of leadership, motherhood or independence changes the way I view women, view myself, view the world. They elevate my goals and vision. It might sound corny, but it's very real.

When she doubts herself, I realize how worthless it is when I do it.
When she honors her boundaries, I recognize, that power is inside of me too.
When she uses empathy and other feminine strength to endure trials and conquer, it reminds me that I can, as well.

It is the women of these books that have given me the freedom to be exactly who I am, to own my nature, and to trust in my intuition. I haven't read every good book out there. And this list is subject to change. But here are a few of my four & five-star favorites for every type of reader.

Historical Fiction

The Women, by Kristin Hannah
I could genuinely recommend every single story written by Kristin Hannah. She writes complex, layered female characters with such honesty, it is painful to read. Literally. It hurts so good, but bring lots of tissues. Nightingale and The Great Alone are also 5-star reads from me. However, The Women is her most recently published work and I think it may be my favorite. I love that it is an american story, and a war story where good did not, in the end, triumph. It's all around sad, but also hopeful. It reminds us that our trauma is not our fault, but it is our responsibility. And there is hope in healing. I needed this reminder recently, and the courage to let go of regrets in order to live more freely.

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Lady Tan's Circle of Women, by Lisa See
I was intrigued by this one, but not altogether sold. A woman from 15th Century China and I have not a lot in common. I felt that her life may not be interesting enough to read about. Boy was I wrong. This story has stayed with me, and I find myself thinking about these women and their strength and the philosophies they live by, weeks after finishing it. I loved that despite the rigid patriarchy, the womens' biggest obstacle was often other women. Their perceptions, their control, their fear. Sometimes this is true. But also, their greatest strength in the end (and throughout) is also Other Women.

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The Last Bookshop in London, by Madeline Martin
Your gifts and interests, no matter how insignificant they may seem, can make a profound impact on the lives of others when shared. Even when your world is crashing around you. I learned this lesson from this book. And although it was a war-time fiction, I considered it to be one of the coziest and most wholesome reads.

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Go as a River, by Shelley Read
Another girl who loves on an orchard. But she didn't choose this life for herself. In fact, in this story, she has few choices. Because of the time and her family and her age and her gender, she had very few choices. But the ones she did make were courageous and significant ones. It isn't a happy story, rather, one of loss. But it is important. She learned to tap into her own strength and intuition to survive. And her strength is astonishing.

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Literary Fiction

A genre that is much too overlooked for its simplicity.

Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens
Life is not fair. Some are abundantly blessed with love and nurture and food and shelter. Others are not. I was not expecting Kya's home in the marsh fill me with such awe and wonder. But seeing it through her curious and familiar eyes was such an experience. She made a rich life from mud and dirt and grits and feathers. Her story is filled with deep shame and abandonment, but her perseverance and self respect was truly inspiring.

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Tom Lake, by Ann Patchett
Meryl Streep reads this audiobook and there's simply no other way to consume it. Picture this: A hard working, laboring woman's three daughters return to the family orchard during covid. She's asked, by them, to re-live her glory days and famous ex-boyfriends. They are surprised and awed (and confused) by mom's past. Why did she choose THIS life, when so many were available to her. But mom is content. Mundane and ordinary as the days of her life are, she is happy with her choices. With her husband. With her daughters and hr life. She saw all the silver linings during the pandemic - but kept her contentment inside. So wholesome.

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Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt
I was not planning on liking this book about a woman and her Octopus friend. Oh my, how I was wrong. I should have known, so much as I love older generations. I fell in love with the woman in the book and respected her so much. I also learned to not judge a book by it's cover. If you're looking for a recommendation to share with a grandma or a co-worker, this is a very cozy, wholesome read that you'll also love!

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Memoirs & Self Help

I'm a huge fan of memoirs. "Boring books", they say. "A window into someone's soul", I think. These incredible stories have impacted me deeply and profoundly.

Wintering, Katherine May
This is my most recommended book, because it's applications are so relevant for women. I can't state enough how much this book has changed my life, but I'll try with this one: my body reacted chemically to this book. Imagine giving yourself permission, without judgement, to rest. Please please, add to your bookshelf. Or borrow mine!

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Educated, by Tara Westover
The craziest thing about this book is that it's real. I forget that while reading this wild and awe inspiring book. And then I see the cover "by Tara Westover" and I remember. Tara, the girl. The main character. She is real. This is her story, and she survived. I could not put it down, and you won't either. I learned how important it is to break away from traditions and beliefs of my childhood that no longer serve me.

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Grimoire Girl, by Hilarie Burton Morgan
I love this woman and have since I watched One Tree Hill many years ago. She's even cooler than Peyton in real life. I was honestly inspired by her book. I've always been a bit of a witch myself, but she gave more confidence to follow my spiritual intuition AND trust God. I love the way she writes. It's clear that she has firm boundaries in her life around her personal values, and let's go of anything that takes away from what she believes will bring her joy - family, faith, love, intuition, creativity, community. I bought 7 copies as gifts for Christmas the year it came out.

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Come As You Are, by Emily Nagoski
This is a self help book but filled with stories from real people, and is extremely educational. It helped me feel beautiful in my skin when I was first married, and more connected with myself and in tune with my sexuality. I highly recommend this book, it taught me so much about my body!

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Fantasy & Dystopian

This is one of my favorite genres. Always has been. And these women have shaped me every bit as the literary fiction and memoirs have. How corny is it to say that? I don't care, it's true.

Throne of Glass, by Sarah J. Maas
I could talk about this series for days on end, but today, let's just talk about the women. The WOMEN in this book actually kick ass. And not just each other! No, no. Real friendships, built over time. Real sisterhood, forged in battle and sleepovers. And there's not just one or two strong female leads. Nope. Like 8 strong female main characters. Women supporting women in this one. I loved it all the way through to the end. I'm not one to disown someone for having different views than me but if you hate this book..... well, you won't. So it's fine.

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Weyward, by Emilia Hart
My two favorite things about this book: Generations. It spans over several generations so you get to know several women in the same family line at different times and points of view. LOVED that. Secondly, the witchy vibes are on point. Hut in the forest vibes. Plus, if you hate reading stories where a man comes in and saves the day in the end, you will LOVE this. Girl doesn't need no man. Very feminist-forward. TW: SA + mature themes.

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The Grace Year, by Kim Liggett
I didn't rate this high because I didn't love the writing style. The story is incredible. Dystopian world + patriarchal society + cruelty to women is encouraged = force all women into a crazy coming-of-age ritual where they'll most likely die. And you get to read all about it. I loved the ending!

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Classics

The classics can not be understated or dismissed, even if you've seen the movies. These are among my all-time favorite (5-star) books. Clever and cunning dialogue that will make you laugh out loud, deliciously precious characters, and a nostalgia that will make you ache to be in the story. Not surprisingly, there is a kinship I feel with these women, their struggles and insecurities, though separated as we are through time and space.

Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
I rarely laugh as hard as I do while reading the dialogue (and inner monologues) in this book. Elizabeth is genuinely so funny, clever, witty. I can hardly imagine the gentle women of the1800's reading Jane Austen for the first time. After performing wifely duties of the night, I imagine them sneaking off with a single lit a candle, ducking into a servant's closet reading through the night. Coming in hot the next morning, clapping back at their husbands and daydreaming of Mr. Darcy. I genuinely don't blame them. 10/10 man and 10/10 book.

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Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë
I can't say a lot about this book except that it brought me such joy to finally read. I was surprised how captivated I was throughout. I cried and laughed and yearned. Jane was such an incredible woman, her character had such patience, such strength, and such kindness. It's a classic for a reason.

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Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
Louisa May Alcott makes even poverty and labor sounds romantic. I promised myself I'd have a daughter so that I could read this book to her. Published in September 30, 1868, family roles were strictly defined. But I found the strong feminine energy, family values and strong familial bonds to be comforting and idealistic. Forgiveness and grace were central to their relationships. I loved that the mother and father had such love for the girls, despite their "failings and trifels". They expected great things from their daughters, each of whom had different aspirations. One daughter's dream of being a mother was no less valued than the daughter who dreamt of being an unmarried author.

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xo, Brooklyn

PS. Have you joined the Introverted Bookworms yet? We're kinda like a book club but there isn't required reading each month. Instead, we meet up at a bar to read our own books, and chat about the ones we love. I also send book reviews from time to time to our members.