To celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s discuss books about real women. They can be biography, autobiography, memoir, graphic memoir, historical fiction, or even non-fiction expose. I am going to ramble here about some that I have enjoyed across many of these genres.
Let’s start with me as a little girl devouring The Story of My Life by Helen Keller. I loved this book and after I learned about her, I worshiped Helen Keller. I still think she is a wonderful role model for any young girl, overcoming adversity and succeeding in life.
I love My Life in France by Julia Child, completed by her nephew, and published after her death. You can taste and smell her time in France as she becomes a chef in the male dominated world of haute cuisine.
I was fascinated with Elizabeth Holmes after reading Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou. Yes, you can enjoy the story of a women, even if what she did was despicable.
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory captures the intrigue of the royal court of Henry VIII. Great historical fiction can teach you so much, while taking you on a journey to the past.
The graphic memoir, Almost American Girl by Robin Ha, is a great coming of age story. Good for both adults and teens.
I adore From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home by Tembi Locke. It brings me back to my Italian roots as Tembi perfectly captures the Sicilian spirit and thinking.
I could probably go on and list many more, but now it’s your turn. What books that you read about real women have been memorable? Which ones gave you a new heroine (or villainess), taught you something about the past (or yourself), or have stayed with you over time (or since last week when you finished it). Comment below.