By Anvi Ranjan
In a fast paced school environment, it can be difficult to find the time to read for leisure. However, winter break is coming up, and with that a whole month of free time and opportunities to explore new hobbies. There’s nothing better than curling up with a good book and a mug of hot cocoa, so here’s a selection of 4 books by women with women-centric themes to keep you busy this Winter.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama’s Becoming is a memoir of her life, focusing on becoming the first lady and her life beforehand. She discussed her struggles, like being one of the few black women in Princeton and goes on to discuss her life and her changing career aspirations, meeting and supporting Barack Obama while also supporting her own goals, and being a mother. It’s a well written and inspiring book that is worth reading for her insight and values.
2. We should all be feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a work discussing the value and necessity of feminism through anecdotes about her life and stresses the importance of redefining feminism free of the stereotypes surrounding it, unlearning gender norms, and making feminism an open conversation. Her comparison of her experiences in both Nigeria and America paired with her thought-provoking analysis make this an informative and interesting read.
3. The Help by Katherine Stockett
The Help by Katherine Stocket is a novel set in 1960’s Mississippi, and uncovers the story of how black maids in the south were mistreated by the families they worked for and the journalist that wants to share their stories through a book, despite the dangers of writing about them. It uncovers themes of race and gender, and the struggles the women face by being forced to conform to these roles. This novel has been adapted into a successful film as well.
4. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice is a classic romance novel by renowned novelist Jane Austen. It tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet, who is the daughter of an English gentleman and one of five sisters and her tumultuous relationship with her wealthy suitor, Mr. Darcy. Commonly regarded as one of the great literary classics, it had been adapted time and time again into various media and is celebrated for its humor and relatability through the years.