Great Books About Empowering Women Who Defy Societal Norms…
Women’s struggles and challenges have been prevalent for centuries. They have faced discrimination in every aspect of their lives, be it in education, work, or politics. In many societies, women have been subjected to oppressive systems that have limited their potential, undermined their abilities, and denied them the opportunities they deserve. But despite these obstacles, countless women have managed to break free from the shackles of societal norms and empower themselves and others.
These women have fought for their rights, challenged the status quo, and paved the way for future generations of women. They have been trailblazers, activists, artists, scientists, and leaders who have left their mark on history. They have shared their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs in books that have inspired and encouraged other women to be brave, confident, and determined.
Whether it’s Malala Yousafzai’s memoir about her fight for education in Pakistan, Maya Angelou’s autobiography about her experiences growing up as a Black woman in the American South, or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel about a Nigerian woman’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment, these books offer powerful insights into the challenges that women face and the strength that they possess.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the top books about empowering women who defy societal norms. From memoirs to biographies to novels, these books highlight the inspiring stories of women who have shattered stereotypes, overcome obstacles, and made a lasting impact on the world. So, whether you’re looking for motivation, inspiration, or just a good read, these books are sure to leave a lasting impression.
“The Argonauts” by Maggie Nelson
“The Argonauts” is a genre-defying memoir and critical theory hybrid by Maggie Nelson. The book explores gender, sexuality, motherhood, and family through the author’s personal experiences as a queer woman in a non-traditional family. Nelson empowers women by challenging the normative definitions of gender, family, and identity and encouraging readers to embrace fluidity and diversity.
“Men Explain Things to Me” by Rebecca Solnit
“Men Explain Things to Me” is a collection of essays by Rebecca Solnit that address gender inequality and the ways in which patriarchal systems have silenced women’s voices. The titular essay, which went viral and inspired the term “mansplaining,” describes Solnit’s experience of a man condescendingly explaining her own book to her. The book empowers women by highlighting the importance of speaking up, claiming space, and challenging the status quo.
“Becoming” by Michelle Obama
“Becoming” is an intimate memoir by the former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. In this book, she recounts her childhood, education, career, and life as a mother and wife. Obama speaks candidly about the challenges she faced as a black woman in America and how she overcame them. She inspires women to be ambitious, to be true to themselves, and to believe in their abilities.
Click here to read our full review of Becoming by Michelle Obama.
“The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
“The Handmaid’s Tale” is a dystopian novel that tells the story of a woman named Offred who lives in a totalitarian society where women are used solely for reproductive purposes. This book explores the themes of oppression, patriarchy, and misogyny, and shows the power of resistance and rebellion. Atwood’s novel empowers women by reminding them of the dangers of complacency and the importance of fighting for their rights.
“I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai
“I Am Malala” is a memoir by Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. In this book, she recounts her life under Taliban rule and her fight for girls’ education. Malala’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of education and the strength of the human spirit. She inspires women to stand up for what they believe in and to never give up, no matter how difficult the circumstances.
“Bad Feminist” by Roxane Gay
“Bad Feminist” is a collection of essays by Roxane Gay that explores the complexities of contemporary feminism. In this book, Gay examines various aspects of pop culture, media, and politics and discusses how they relate to gender, race, and sexuality. She challenges traditional feminist ideas and emphasizes the importance of intersectionality. Gay empowers women by reminding them that there is no one way to be a feminist and that it’s okay to have flaws and contradictions.
“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker
“The Color Purple” is a novel that tells the story of Celie, a black woman in the rural South who faces discrimination and abuse. However, Celie’s resilience and inner strength enable her to overcome these obstacles and find happiness and love. This book explores the themes of identity, self-discovery, and empowerment. Walker’s novel empowers women by showing them that they can triumph over adversity and create a better life for themselves.
Click here to find out more about The Color Purple by Alice Walker.
“Bossypants” by Tina Fey
“Bossypants” is a humorous memoir by Tina Fey, a comedian, actress, and writer. In this book, Fey shares her experiences in the entertainment industry and offers advice for women who want to succeed in male-dominated fields. She emphasizes the importance of confidence, humor, and hard work. Fey empowers women by reminding them to embrace their quirks and to never apologize for being themselves.
“Women Who Run With the Wolves” by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
“Women Who Run With the Wolves” is a collection of myths, stories, and fairy tales that explore the inner lives of women. In this book, Estés shows how these stories can be used as tools for self-discovery and healing. She emphasizes the importance of intuition, creativity, and instinct. Estés empowers women by reminding them of their powerful and innate abilities and encouraging them to trust their instincts and embrace their wild, untamed nature.
“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot
“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” is a non-fiction book that tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African-American woman whose cells were taken without her consent and used for scientific research. Skloot explores the ethical issues surrounding medical research and the exploitation of marginalized communities. This book empowers women by showing them the importance of informed consent and the need to fight for their rights, both in healthcare and in society as a whole.
“Half the Sky” by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn
“Half the Sky” is a non-fiction book that examines the oppression and exploitation of women around the world. Kristof and WuDunn argue that empowering women is essential for achieving social and economic progress. They explore various issues, including sex trafficking, gender-based violence, and access to education and healthcare. This book empowers women by showing them the power of collective action and the need to work together to create change.
“Untamed” by Glennon Doyle
“Untamed” is a memoir by Glennon Doyle, a writer and activist. In this book, Doyle shares her journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. She encourages women to question the societal norms and expectations that have been imposed upon them and to live life on their own terms. Doyle empowers women by reminding them of their innate power and the importance of honoring their own desires and needs.
In conclusion, these books about empowering women who defy societal norms offer inspiration, guidance, and encouragement for women of all ages and backgrounds. They remind us that it’s possible to challenge and overcome the limitations that society places on us and that we have the power to create change. Whether through memoirs, novels, or non-fiction works, these authors provide valuable insights and perspectives that can help us navigate the challenges of our own lives and empower ourselves and others.