Many of us have stopped reading for leisure (of course, some never really started either). That needs to change! Being well-read is important, and being familiar with a few books will allow you to strike meaningful conversation anywhere you go – and that can help you make some long-lasting friends. The following seven works of literature, in no particular order, are must-reads for any young woman:
1. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
This is a heart-wrenching novel about two women, Mariam and Laila, who become best friends after being married to the same brutal husband. They bond over the cruel way that he treats them, and every day is a surprise in terms of his demeanor and physical actions. The story is set in the 1970’s in the middle east, and it truly highlights the challenges which many women faced in that time period, and some still continue to face today. I can promise you that your outlook on life will change after reading this book; it’s the reason I started to pay more attention to female empowerment and gender equality.
2. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
This work of fiction is set in a futuristic New England, in a totalitarian theocracy. The novel highlights the subjugation of women and the various ways in which they overcome it. Although The Handmaid’s Tale is fictional, there are many key elements which are derived from current social beliefs and attitudes. If you’re into symbolism and digging deep into a story, this book is for you. Even the main character’s name, Offred (Of Fred), elucidates the patriarchal society which exists.
3. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
Although not really a novel, Lean In has been all the rage recently. Sandberg speaks about the highly motivated and talented young women who enter the workforce, but end up leaving due to other commitments which men don’t see as important. Male ambition is perceived positively but female ambition is not. She delves into the work-life balance, the ideas behind a successful mentorship, and how it is possible to “have it all.” If you’re going into business, everyone will assume you’ve read this book.
4. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Yes, another Khaled Hosseini novel. This book is admittedly not about women and their role in society, but it is an amazing story nonetheless. Two best friends, Amir and Hassan, are separated after a tragic incident. The plot line details how one man embarks on a journey of self discovery and redemption. Warning: You will cry at the end of this book for at least ten minutes – and this is coming from someone who doesn’t cry during movies.
5. I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai, Christina Lamb, and Patricia McCormick
Malala is an inspiration to young women around the world. How she found the strength to continue fighting for equal rights for education even after getting shot in the head is truly inspirational. This isn’t a complicated read either, so if you’re looking for something relatively easy but also motivational, this book is great. It also helps us realize that we may take our education for granted sometimes when there are girls in other countries who have to fight for the right to learn.
6. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
This raw story takes place in rural Georgia in the 1930’s and it highlights both the low position of African Americans in social culture as well as the oppression of women in this time period. The two sisters, Celie and Nettie, deal with physical and mental violence in their interactions with men, but their unbreakable bond of sisterhood helps them persevere through their hardships. Read the book or watch the play on Broadway, either will make you tear up. Definitely a classic read.
7. Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
This book details how a bold and inspired teacher named Azar Nafisi secretly gathered seven of her most committed female students to read forbidden books every Thursday morning for two years in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Islamic morality squads would raid universities in Tehran in order to enforce censorship, but these few young women indulged in their passions in the security of Nafisi’s home. Reading this book will widen your perspective on the world, and hopefully inspire you as a woman to take action.
Don’t wait until summer to start reading. Get inspired now and delve into any of these amazing works of literature.
