Celebrating International Women’s Day with Books

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8th to honor the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

It is a day to recognize the contributions and struggles of women throughout history and to promote gender equality.

One way to celebrate this day is by reading books by and about women.

Let’s explore some of the best books to read for International Women’s Day.

Fiction Books by Women

Fiction books by women are a great way to explore the experiences, perspectives, and imaginations of women writers.

Here are some of the best fiction books by women to read for International Women’s Day:

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the story of Celie, a young African American woman who overcomes abuse and oppression to find her voice and independence.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

This dystopian novel imagines a future where women are forced into reproductive servitude in a theocratic regime.

It is a powerful commentary on gender oppression and the dangers of totalitarianism.

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

This novel follows Janie Crawford, an African American woman living in the early 20th century, as she navigates love, marriage, and self-discovery.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

This semi-autobiographical novel explores the mental breakdown of a young woman in the 1950s and the societal pressures that contributed to her illness.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

This novel tells the story of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, who are brought together by circumstance and form a deep bond as they navigate the challenges of living under Taliban rule.

Non-Fiction Books by Women

Non-fiction books by women can provide insights into the experiences and perspectives of women in a variety of fields and contexts. Here are some of the best non-fiction books by women to read for International Women’s Day:

Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

This collection of essays explores what it means to be a feminist in the 21st century and the challenges of reconciling feminist ideals with personal beliefs and experiences.

The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir

This seminal work of feminist philosophy explores the social and cultural construction of gender and argues that women have been oppressed throughout history by patriarchal systems.

Women, Race, and Class by Angela Y. Davis

This book examines the intersection of race, gender, and class and argues that the struggles for racial, gender, and economic justice are interconnected.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

This memoir tells the story of Maya Angelou’s childhood and adolescence, including her experiences with racism, trauma, and abuse, and her journey towards self-discovery and empowerment.

Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde

This collection of essays and speeches by poet and activist Audre Lorde explores themes of race, gender, sexuality, and identity, and emphasizes the importance of intersectionality in social justice movements.

Books about Women’s History and Activism

Books about women’s history and activism can provide insights into the struggles and achievements of women throughout history and the ongoing fight for gender equality.

Here are some of the best books about women’s history and activism to read for International Women’s Day:

A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft

This groundbreaking work of feminist philosophy, published in 1792, argued for the education and empowerment of women and challenged the prevailing views of women as inferior to men.

Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés

This book explores the archetypes and myths of feminine psychology, drawing on folklore and storytelling traditions to provide a framework for women’s empowerment and healing.

Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn

This book examines the challenges faced by women around the world, from sex trafficking to maternal mortality, and profiles the women and organizations working to address these issues.

The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan

This book, published in 1963, is credited with sparking the second wave of feminism in the United States. It explores the “problem that has no name” – the sense of dissatisfaction and unfulfillment felt by many women in the 1950s and 60s – and calls for women to take control of their lives and careers.

The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love by Bell Hooks

This book examines the ways in which traditional ideas of masculinity and patriarchy harm men as well as women, and argues that true gender equality requires a fundamental shift in cultural attitudes towards gender and sexuality.

Women of Color and Feminism edited by Maythee Rojas

This anthology of essays explores the experiences of women of color within feminist movements and the challenges of building solidarity across racial and ethnic lines.

Conclusion

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women throughout history and to reflect on the ongoing struggle for gender equality.

Reading books by and about women is a powerful way to gain insight into the experiences and perspectives of women and to promote empathy and understanding.

Whether you choose to read fiction, non-fiction, or books about women’s history and activism, there is no shortage of inspiring and thought-provoking literature to explore on this important day.