March is Women’s History Month- for this month’s “Word-ful Wednesday,” I’d like to share some of my favorite female authors and books with strong female protagonists. I love to read, although I don’t often have as much time to read as I’d like. Each month, when I share my favorite reads with you, I try to share a good mixture of genres and age markets. As a middle school English teacher with two children, I typically read a variety of books aimed at lots of different age markets, which I consider to be a good thing.
1. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
L.M. Montgomery’s classic novel about a young orphaned girl named Anne was written in 1908, but it’s still a well-read and well-loved novel today. Anne, the preteen protagonist, is fiery, fierce, and determined. Her short life has been marred by misfortune and pain, but with Matthew and Marilla, she finds a new life filled with love, imagination, and wonder. If you have daughters, I recommend reading this novel together. Anne is a humorous, likable character who grows and changes, and the novel is sure to grab your heart strings. If you’ve never read this book, please do.
2. “I, Eliza Hamilton” by Susan Holloway Scott
“I, Eliza Hamilton” is based on the life of the wife of Alexander Hamilton. This novel is a fictional adaptation of her life, but it does follow her life very closely. From her birth as the daughter of an American general, to her life and marriage with founding father Alexander Hamilton, to her life as his widow, this book will keep you reading. Eliza cemented her place in American history, and not just because of her marriage to Hamilton. This book is a perfect glimpse into how and why. You’re going to love it.
3. Emily Dickinson: Selected Poems
Emily Dickinson was not very well-known during her life, but today, she is considered one of the most important poets in history. She lived her life as a recluse, yet when she passed away, her family found more than 40 volumes of poetry. Her short poems are filled with adoration for nature, contemplative themes about life, and highly descriptive language. She is one of my favorites, and if you’ve never read her works, I bet she will become one of your favorites as well.
4. Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
This book changed my life. I don’t say that lightly. Rachel’s book uses humor, personal experiences, and anecdotes to remind us that as females, there are lots of lies we believe about ourselves. She challenges us to let go of those lies and realize what we are really worth. This book will make you think, make you laugh, and make you cry. If you haven’t read it, I challenge you to read it and come up with the lies you need to remove from your life.
I hope you have enjoyed these women’s history reading recommendations. Please comment and share some of your recommendations with me! I’d love to hear from you.
