Internation Women’s Day is a big deal every year, but now more than ever it’s so important to raise the incredible women in our lives up and give them the recognition that they deserve. Although we’ve still got a long way to go to reach equality, one thing us ladies are getting pretty good at is supporting one another.
We've come a long way from the days when women weren't able to publish their own novels. Today, there are whole libraries of literature out there with books written by women from diverse backgrounds. With so many up and coming LGBTQIA+ authors deserving of recognition, too. Now, we're able to share our lived experiences more than ever before.
Whether it's navigating daily life such as climbing the career ladder or mending complicated relationships, there are stories that cover everything. There are also plenty of books that cover complex topics like how to improve society for women as a whole. You never know, you might find that these books even inspire you to make a stand.
Women have always risen up against the odds to achieve the most monumental feats. So, on International Women’s Day, we’re all about shining a light on the diverse stories of some of the most inspirational women we know. That's why we're recommending our favourite books written by incredible women for you to read, or give to your mum as Mother's Day gift.
SHOP: 10 incredible authors for International Women's Day
1 of 10Ghosts - Dolly Alderton
Chosen by digital writer Marianna Manson
Dolly Alderton, in my humble opinion, is a voice for our generation. Not only is she a talented journalist and empathetic agony aunt but a successful author, and her first novel, Ghosts, is a must read. It explores difficult themes like ageing parents and uniquely modern relationships beautifully, but it's her portrayal of the changing landscapes of female friendships that particularly resonated. This book delivered SO much more than I was expecting.
2 of 10The Vanishing Half - Brit Bennett
Chosen by head of content Amy Cooper
The Vanishing Half is the story of two identical twins whose lives diverge after they run away from their small black community at 16. Ten years later, Desiree returns home with her black daughter after escaping an abusive relationship while her estranged sister Stella keeps her past hidden from her white husband, daughter and their community. It was the most gripping book I read in 2020 and is an utterly compulsive read as Bennett offers up a powerful examination of family and community, racial identity and how we're all shaped by our past.
3 of 10The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
Chosen by beauty, fashion and wellness product writer Samantha Price
Before the television adaptation, there was the novel. Written by feminist author, Margaret Atwood, A Handmaid's Tale explores dark themes. A word to the wise, don't expect light reading. However, this book is cleverly written and is a criticism of the treatment of women throughout history and even today. The fictional nature of this book has been inspired by real events across the world, according to the author.
4 of 10More Than A Woman - Caitlyn Moran
Chosen by shopping editor Aimee Jakes
From the realities of marriage in middle age to her muddling through her daughter's eating disorder, this book was funny, relatable and heart-wrenching. There were so many wise observations and generous anecdotes that I felt lucky that I had found this book... and urged my friends to do the same.
5 of 10Untamed - Glennon Doyle
Chosen by head of content Amy Cooper
Adele has already told you you should read this book, but hey, I'm always happy to add my voice to the chorus: YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK. Part memoir, part manifesto I got so much out of this after a really hard year. Doyle explores what it means to be a woman today and encourages her reader to stop pleasing and start living. Prepare to feel galvanised after reading.
£12.49
- Rrp: £14.99
6 of 10The Sisterhood - Daisy Buchanan
Chosen by audience development executive Lucy SmithThe Sisterhood is the belly laugh I never knew I needed and I can't recommend it enough. Whether you're an only child or part of a big family, you'll enjoy Daisy's matter-of-fact recollection of her childhood as one of six girls. It's at once savage (in the best way), hilarious and heartbreaking and, essentially, it's a tribute to the shared experiences we all had growing up as women.
7 of 10Stronger - Poorna Bell
Chosen by digital writer Marianna Manson
If there's anyone that knows what it means to be a strong woman, it's Poorna Bell. She's written before about her personal hardships, but her third book is my favourite. Set against the backdrop of her newfound love for competitive power lifting, Poorna skilfully breaks down stereotypes about women being the 'weaker' sex and proves one thing indisputably – that in life, and in the gym, we're all stronger than we think.
8 of 10Wow, No Thank You - Samantha Irby
Chosen by head of content Amy Cooper
Irby's Wow, No Thank You will have you cackling to yourself as you spend March on the couch with this bestselling essay collection. And if you want more from her, you're in luck, the comedian has joined the writer's room for the upcoming Sex and the City revival.
9 of 10The Book of Gutsy Women - Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton
Chosen by audience development executive Lucy Smith
If you're not one to get lost in a good book on a Sunday afternoon, then this is the pick for you. Gutsy Women is a collection of captivating nuggets of info and you can dip in and out of it as you please. It's Hillary Clinton and her daughter's love letter to the women that came before them and, if you ask me, it's a mammoth list of personified reasons why we should be championing equality now and forevermore. Yes, ladies.
10 of 10The Panic Years - Nell Fizzell
Chosen by digital writer Marianna Manson
I was unsure about this book during the first few chapters – I won't have children, so was it really for me? But the more I read, the more I agreed with the general consensus that this is compulsory reading for every millennial woman. Being able to empathise with other women and listen to their stories is at the core of International Women's Day, and through Nell's impassioned writing and searing honesty, I have a new sense of respect for the enormous role of motherhood in the lives of women.