Great Novels For Women

Great novels for women encompass a wide range of genres and themes, as women’s interests and experiences are diverse.

These great reads for women offer a diverse range of perspectives and stories, providing engaging and thought-provoking reads for women. The focus of these great novels for women has been to empower women.

Novels that empower women are important for several reasons:

Representation and Visibility: Women make up half of the global population, and their experiences, perspectives, and stories are diverse. Novels that empower women provide a platform for these stories, allowing women to see themselves reflected in literature. This representation is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and validation.

Challenging Stereotypes: Empowering novels challenge and break down gender stereotypes. They depict women in roles and situations that defy traditional norms, showcasing the vast array of possibilities and potentials for women beyond societal expectations.

Inspiration and Empowerment: Reading about strong, independent, and empowered female characters can be inspirational for readers. It can motivate women to pursue their goals, overcome challenges, and assert themselves in various aspects of life. These stories can serve as a source of strength and encouragement.

Building Empathy: Novels that empower women often provide insights into the challenges and triumphs of female characters. This can help readers, regardless of gender, develop empathy and a better understanding of the experiences of women. Increased empathy can contribute to breaking down barriers and promoting gender equality.

Cultural Shift and Social Change: Literature has the power to influence cultural attitudes and perceptions. Novels that empower women can contribute to a broader cultural shift towards recognizing and valuing the contributions of women in society. This, in turn, can contribute to dismantling systemic inequalities.

Encouraging Diversity in Narratives: Empowering novels contribute to the diversification of narratives in literature. They offer a counterbalance to the historical dominance of male-centric stories and contribute to a more inclusive literary landscape.

Novels that empower women play a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse literary landscape. They contribute to societal change by challenging stereotypes, inspiring individuals, and promoting empathy and understanding.

Here are my favorite great novels for women.

Gross Anatomy: Dispatches from the front (and back)   Mara Altman

The Guardian reports that almost 10 million women in the UK are depressed because of the way they look. The National Organization for Women reports that 53% of American girls at age thirteen are not satisfied with their bodies and this grows to 78% at age seventeen. Glamour reports that 80 percent of American women feel bad just looking in the mirror.

Mara Altman analyzes, examines, and delves into the expectations that society has of the female body. She does a lot of research into this topic and has an amusing and comical approach. Her question is who decides that women should have a hairless body? What is cleavage? What is smell?

Mara questions the status quo, looks at her own body which is empowering, and realizes that she does not have to comply with anyone’s expectations. This is emancipation.

I am impressed by her narration, research, and questions about society’s preconceived notions, intolerance, prejudices, practices, and beliefs against the body parts of women. She encourages women to embrace every part of their body and hence I include it in my great novels for women.

The gifts of imperfection Brene Brown

Brene has studied empathy, courage, shame, and vulnerability.

I admire Brene because her motto is ‘Stay awkward, brave, and kind’. Brene wants every reader of her book to say  “My story matters because I matter.”

Her call to action is to live an authentic life and to stop pretending everything is ok.

The point I like the most is when she talks about not seeking validation from others, and embracing our imperfections and insecurities.

How to stop feeling like Sh*t  Andrea Owen

Andrea looks at the self-destructive habits that women engage in like binge eating, compulsive shopping, self-injury, impulsive sexual behavior, and gambling. She teaches you to stop being critical of yourself and to empower yourself to have a happy and fulfilling life.

Andrea is real and direct to the point and the book is meant to empower you to live the best life possible.

Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age  Katherine may

Enchantment is a feeling of great pleasure towards something beautiful.

Katherine May describes it as a ‘small wonder magnified through meaning, fascination caught in the web of fable and memory. It relies on small doses of awe, almost homeopathic: those quiet traces of fascination that are found only when we look for them’.

Katherine May has a ‘a craving for transcendent experience, for depth, for meaning-making. It’s not just that the world needs to change – I need to change, too. I need to soften, to let go of the tight empirical boundaries, to find a greater fluidity in my being’.

I like how Katherine takes us away from social media, the negative news about war, the challenges of the economy to the natural world and grounds us. We are empowered when we are surrounded by nature.

Big magic: creative living beyond fear Elizabeth Gilbert

Inspiration is the process of being mentally stimulated to do something creative.

Gilbert observes and understands the cryptic and enigmatic aspect of inspiration. She wants us to grasp our inquisitive mind and to do what we love and to face our fears head-on.

She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work, embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.

The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know Katty Kay, Claire Shipman

Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely Lysa TerKeurst 

This Christian self-help book explores the theme of finding worth and acceptance in God’s love, especially during times when one may feel rejected, left out, or lonely.

Lysa TerKeurst draws on her own experiences of dealing with feelings of rejection and inadequacy, sharing personal stories and insights to connect with readers who may be going through similar struggles. The book encourages individuals to seek their identity in God’s love rather than in the opinions or acceptance of others.

TerKeurst provides biblical perspectives and practical advice to help readers navigate through the challenges of loneliness, rejection, and feelings of inadequacy. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding God’s unconditional love and acceptance as a source of comfort and healing.

The book aims to inspire readers to overcome the pain of rejection, recognize their worth in God’s eyes, and live a life filled with love and purpose.

Ask For It: How Women Can Use the Power of Negotiation to Get What They Really Want Linda Babcock and Sara Las Chever

This book focuses on empowering women to become more effective negotiators in various aspects of their lives, including the workplace.

The authors draw on research and real-life examples to provide practical advice and strategies for women to navigate negotiation situations successfully. The book addresses the gender gap in negotiation outcomes and aims to equip women with the skills and confidence needed to advocate for themselves and achieve their goals.

I have added this book in the great novels for women as it emphasizes the importance of preparation, communication, and assertiveness in negotiations, offering a guide for women to navigate both professional and personal scenarios.

This is me: loving the person you are today Chrissy Metz

Embracing and loving oneself is a powerful and positive mindset. It’s essential to acknowledge and appreciate the person you are today, recognizing your strengths, accomplishments, and unique qualities. Self-love can contribute significantly to overall well-being and happiness.

In this memoir, Chrissy shares her life experiences, including her journey to self-acceptance and the challenges she faced along the way. The book provides insights into her struggles and how she learned to embrace and love herself.

The last black unicorn tiffany haddish

“The Last Black Unicorn” is a memoir written by Tiffany Haddish, an American comedian, actress, and author. The book was published in 2017 and became a New York Times bestseller. In this memoir, Haddish shares her life story, recounting her challenging experiences growing up in foster care, dealing with homelessness, and overcoming various obstacles to pursue a comedy career.

Tiffany Haddish is known for her comedic talent and has gained widespread recognition for her roles in films and television. “The Last Black Unicorn” provides readers with a glimpse into her resilience, humor, and determination in the face of adversity. The title itself reflects Haddish’s unique personality and her ability to find strength and humor in challenging situations.