March is Women’s History Month, a time of year where we honor women’s contributions to our lives and society throughout history and the present day. We’re celebrating the best way we know how: by reading books by and about women! Join us by picking up one of these 31 books by women or letting us know the female authors you’re reading this month in the comments below!
Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon
If you’re looking for a novel based on a true story: This work of historical fiction draws inspiration from the life of Nancy Wake, a socialite turned spy and one of the most decorated women in World War II.
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
After a near-death experience, chronically ill website coder Chloe Brown makes an agenda to ensure she lives her life to the fullest and she finds the perfect man to help her cross the experiences off her list.
Wilder Girls by Rory Power
This YA novel transports readers to an island where a school for girls is under quarantine after a mysterious illness caused the students’ bodies to transform in strange ways. We even have a book club kit for this title!
Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot
In this memoir, Terese Marie Mailhot writes about her upbringing on the Seabird Island Indian Reservation, trauma in indigenous communities, and her relationships with her mother and father.
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
This Chinese inspired fantasy takes place in a militaristic world and follows Rin, a student who tests highly into an elite school despite her background and unexpectedly finds a connection within herself to the old gods.
The Radium Girls by Kate Moore
This is the first narrative non-fiction account of the women who worked in the radium factories in the early 20th century. When the girls begin to fall ill from exposure, they rally to fight back against the factories.
Miss Burma by Charmaine Craig
Based on the experiences of Charmaine Craig’s mother and grandparents, this novel follows a family whose daughter comes of age during Burma’s civil war and eventually becomes her country’s first beauty queen.
Not the Girl You Marry by Andie J. Christopher
Hannah is willing to do whatever it takes to reach the next level in her event planning career including pretending to date a nice guy to prove to her boss that she’d be great as a wedding planner.
The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Inspired by the 1620 witch trials, this novel transports readers to Norway, where a traveler and his wife come upon a coastal village only inhabited by women.
The Cutting Season by Attica Locke
In The Cutting Season, a thriller set on a historic southern plantation, Attica Locke goes back in time to illuminate the present.
The Fire Never Goes Out by Noelle Stevenson
Author Noelle Stevenson opens up about mental health, the creative process, and more in this memoir featuring a blend of essays and comics.
Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Freeing the spirit of a Mayan god sends Casiopea on an epic adventure across Mexico that could change her life.
The Five by Hallie Rubenhold
Historian Hallie Rubenhold wrote the first full-length biography of the five women killed by Jack the Ripper. Here, she debunks myths and tells the true stories of Polly, Annie, Elizabeth, Catherine, and Mary Jane.
Wicked As You Wish by Rin Chupeco
Rin Chupeco’s young adult fantasy draws inspiration from various beloved fairytales and legends to create a world where a young spellbreaker must team up with a prince in hiding to take back a magical land.
Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall
This essay collection explores the ways that the feminist movement often fails the very women most in need of support. Mikki Kendall looks closely at the ways race, sexual orientation, class, and ability intersect with gender.
The Refrigerator Monologues by Catherynne M. Valente
Catherynne M. Valente delivers a biting commentary on female characters in superhero stories as six women who were wronged by superhero narratives share their perspective.
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
This novel introduces readers to a 14-year-old Nigerian girl who is determined to stand up for herself and do whatever it takes to get an education.
Kid Gloves by Lucy Knisley
This graphic memoir follows Lucy Knisley’s struggle to get pregnant, her miscarriages, and the birth of her first child—alongside information about the origins of the natural birth movement, the evolution of birth plans, and women’s autonomy throughout history.
The Art of Theft by Sherry Thomas
Sherlock Holmes fans will find a lot to love in this retelling from Sherry Thomas that recasts Holmes as a woman named Charlotte. With the fifth book in the series hitting shelves later this fall, now is the perfect time to catch up!
Silver Silence by Nalini Singh
Readers looking for a paranormal romance can dive into the first book in Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling Trinity to get prepared for book four, Alpha Night, hitting shelves this June.
Jane Against the World by Karen Blumenthal
Karen Blumenthal takes readers from the courtrooms of the 1830s to the present day in this detailed nonfiction account of the fight for reproductive rights.
The Prince of Broadway by Joanna Shupe
A silly little thing like the law isn’t enough to stop Florence Greene from pursuing her dream of opening a casino for women in this historical romance set in New York.
Redefining Realness by Janet Mock
In her coming-of-age memoir, Janet Mock shares her experiences of growing up transgender in America.
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
An orphan reluctantly agrees to help her nemesis in exchange for her freedom in this action-packed lesbian fantasy.
Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
This young adult duology from Justina Ireland follows Jane, a Black zombie slayer fighting to survive after the rise of the dead interrupts the American Civil War.
Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel
Stephanie Wrobel draws inspiration from a true crime for her novel about a toxic relationship between a mother and a daughter that takes a deadly turn.
Hamilton’s Battalion by Rose Lerner, Courtney Milan, Alyssa Cole
This anthology collects stories from three beloved romance authors that all tie back to Alexander Hamilton and the 1781 battle of Yorktown.
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
This Rumpelstiltskin-inspired fantasy features fearless heroines who find ways to gain power in hopeless situations as easily as turning straw to gold.
Photos of You by Tammy Robinson
If you love a good cry, try Photos of You, where a young woman recently diagnosed with terminal cancer decides to throw her dream wedding (even if she doesn’t have a groom).
A Murderous Relation by Deanna Raybourn
The fifth book in Deanna Raybourn’s historical mystery series is hitting shelves this month! The latest installment takes place during the reign of Jack the Ripper.
The Herd by Andrea Bartz
When the founder of a women-only coworking space disappears, two sisters band together to uncover what happened.
Thank you for sharing this list. I have personally found it amazing. I will read one book after the other. In addition to the above list, I would also recommend Marriage Takes More than Love by Jack and Carole Mayhall. This is a self-help cum marriage motivational book that I found quite engaging and interesting.