Do you need a quick book recommendation? A dose of chicken soup for the woman’s soul? I dare say, you’ve come to the right page. Here’s a little something for every woman out there. Don’t navigate away, because these books are not your usual mix of classics. Most are easy-peasy, (some really funny), and can well be read while waiting for your much-delayed flight. For all their frivolity and fun, they are all books with strong woman protagonists, and a message the most ardent feminist would approve of! I hope they give you the inspiration and confidence to shine!
- Gone with the wind by Margaret Mitchell – Scarlett O’Hara is a woman of spunk. She’s a survivor. Ruthless and perhaps not hundred percent ethical, but she protects her home and heart and never says die. Set in the times of the American Civil war, the book is a chronicle of her struggle to survive and find love. You might hate her, you might love her, but you cannot ignore Scarlett. We must warn you though, the book is really loooong! You’ll need quite a few delayed flights to finish this one!
- Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerji Divakaruni – A woman’s retelling of the Mahabharata. If you’ve always worried about the fact that the Mahabharata is all about the men, Draupadi’s voice comes as a fresh perspective into the patriarchal society of those times. It’s a treat to see her question societal norms, juggle her 5 husbands and her ambition.
- Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding – A 30+ woman, unmarried. This is a book we can all relate to. Yes we’ve had those lone nights, yes we have had that boring job, yes we have tried innumerable diets, and yes we’ve tried to rise above our failure. Been there, done that, and therefore fun to read about.
- I feel bad about my neck by Nora Ephron – A collection of essays on the trials and tribulations of womanhood. Fun, witty and at the same time meaningful, this book is a laugh riot.
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – Another spunky protagonist. Read it for Austen’s tongue-in-cheek critique on society. Elizabeth Bennet’s wit as she questions society’s norms and follows her own heart is a treat to read. The book is also a wonderful study of marriage as it chronicles some happy and some unhappy marriages.
- Emily of new moon by Lucy Maud Montgomery – Although this is a book for a younger audience, and a coming-of-age story, the young protagonist Emily, is incredibly inspiring. The story of her climb up the “Alpine path” to be a writer is touching and has its feminist moments.
- The Stockmen by Rachael Treasure – Set in the Australian outback, the book tells the story of a high-society girl, who breaks out of the fashionable life imposed on her, and learns to run her ranch.
- How to be a woman by Caitlin Moran – In her own words, it is a funny, but polemic book about feminism, but with jokes about her knickers! Intrigued much? Armed with her classic British wit, Caitlin talks about her experiences growing up. She talks about puberty and porn, Brazilians and G-strings, having children and not having children, and much more.
- The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella – It is okay to quit a high-flying career and partnership at an eminent law firm to become a domestic goddess! It is okay to quit the rat race and ambition is not all! Although this is a light and fun read, the message is deep – The choice belongs to the woman!
- Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling – I can see you looking all skeptical. But stop right there! Read it for Rowling, who is in herself a big inspiration. Read it for the social issues Rowling has tried to convey through the magical world. Most of all read it for Hermione Granger, a strong female character – brave, smart, intelligent and unafraid to challenge the status quo.
