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March is Women’s History Month and commemorates the accomplishments and sacrifices of female icons throughout history. Female authors, civil rights activists, philosophists, engineers, and many more are celebrated during this month. For this article, we will be listing a couple of reading essentials that reflect the essence of what it means to be female and the history behind various female figures from history.
“Circe” by Madeleine Miller
We begin our list with an entry that presents itself as an adaptation from various Greek myths, namely that of Homer’s “Odyssey.” The book speaks of the events in the “Odyssey” from the perspective of Circe, an enchantress and minor goddess in Greek mythology. Written by Madeleine Miller and published in 2018, this book explores female empowerment and follows a character through an emotional journey, who eventually discovers how to holds up in the end.
“The Feminine Mystique” by Betty Friedan
For this entry in our list, we will be taking it back in time, 59 years to be exact. “The Feminine Mystique” is a book written by Betty Friedan, and is recognized for beginning second-wave feminism in the late 20th Century. The book was first published in February 1963, and sold over a million copies. Friedan wrote “The Feminine Mystique” to draw attention to women who lived as housewives, and to describe the absurdity of how “feminine” women should not want a career, an education, and should not be allowed to have a political opinion.
“Little Women” by Lousia May Alcott
Another icon in American literature, “Little Women,” presents the audience with a coming-of-age story based on the author herself, Lousia May Alcott. The book is classified as an autobiographical or semi-autobiographical novel, since it is based on Alcott’s experiences with her sisters. This novel digs deep into Alcott’s experiences on becoming a woman, while integrating messages of domesticity, work and true love. First published in 1868, “Little Women,” has been acknowledged as an early example of strong female presence in literature.
“I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” by Erika Sanchez
“I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” brings Latina struggles to the forefront including, stereotypes of growing up in a Mexican-American household. Published in 2017 and written by Erika Sanchez, this book follows Julia, a young Mexican-American woman whose sister, Olga, just passed away in an accident. Instead of acknowledging her pain and fight to keep the family together, Julia’s mother continues to point out every one of her mistakes while demeaning her as an imperfect Mexican daughter, unlike her sister. This book is definitely one to read for young Latinas who struggle to keep up with family issues.
“Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly
Our last entry on the list presents the shaky and conflict-filled past of the United States’ fight in The Cold War. “Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race” recounts the story of three black female mathematicians, who faced plenty of discrimination in their road to becoming some of the most renowned women in the world. Written by Margot Lee Shetterly, this book provides insight on the behind-the-scenes of NASA during the space race, and documents these women’s journey from unnoticed to famous in a matter of years.
Elisha Nunez is a contributor and may be reached at [email protected].
