International Women's Day - Top 5 Empowering Books
- The Logophile
- Mar 8, 2017
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 24, 2018
8th March is International Women's Day. It is a day of action to reduce the lacuna between the two sexes. It is a celebration of the cultural, social, political, and economic achievements of women.
feminism
ˈfɛmɪnɪz(ə)m/
noun
1. the advocacy of women's rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes
I have collated my top 5 books I believe every woman should read - whether it is International Women's Day or not.
5. A Piece of Cake
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- by Cupcake Brown
This book came into my hands by way of my Father. Every time we go on holiday he buys me at least one book to read. Some of them I can't remember, but this one has stuck with me since.
I was around 15 years old, we were on a plane to Rhodes. I finished this book on the 2.5 hour flight. I had started it in the airport lounge and had closed the back cover before the plane had landed.
I even passed this on to my younger sister when she was around the same age. It's no surprise she devoured the book just the way I did.
A touchingly moving memoir of a young girl's tenacity and willingness to survive.
4. The Freedom Writers' Diary
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- with Erin Gruwell
I'm ashamed to say I knew nothing of this book until after I watched the film. The film was so evocative I immediately searched for this book at my library and checked it out.
This is the diary of a class of teenagers living in poverty. To them school is nothing but another authoritarian institution they cannot wait to be rid of. Until teach Erin Gruwell walks through the doors and changes their perceptions, their beliefs, and their lives forever.
The struggle she faces is real. The struggle with getting the children on side, earning their trust. The struggle with convincing the school and the board that she is qualified and able enough to help these children. The struggle between being a wife and a working woman.
3. I Am Malala
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- by Malala Yousafzai
I must admit, I haven't yet read this book. However, it is up there on my TBR list. Most of us know about Malala. A young girl who fought for women's rights to education leading to her being shot by the Taliban.
She is now an advocate for women's rights. Her story and her struggles is one I cannot wait to read about. Her strength and bravery is inspiring to say the least.
2. The Color Purple
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- by Alice Walker
Wow. What a read. If this wasn't a post on International Women's Day, this would be at the top of my list for Black History Month. Sexism and racism are two of the most prevalent themes in this book.
The Color Purple is the story of a young girl's attempts to escape abuse. She is abuse because of her sex and because of the color of her skin. Throughout her journey Cecile defies male dominance and lack of respect in any way she can.
We see her mature through the adversity. Watch how she fights to be better than the way she is treated. Cecile does not let herself be overcome and defeated.
1. The Help
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- by Kathryn Stockett
Again, I saw the film before the book. Again, I raced to the shelves to get my hands on a copy. Again, I was left feeling liberated.
This book entwines the lives of three very different women living in 1960s Mississippi. We learn of their individual battles, and the ways they power through and push forward.
Through friendship, love, and perseverance, the three women prove that we are all strong in our own ways. These women are extraordinary. Their stories and their lessons are unforgettable.
Three words to describe The Help: humour, disgust, poignant.
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