It’s about time: Women’s History Month is finally here, and it’s time to get reading!
What is on your list of books? Or rather, are you here to look at what could perhaps interest you?
During this Women’s History Month, it’s only appropriate to honor the stories of women of many backgrounds and the wisdom they continuously share.
But before we hit the books, we must hit the history first.
What About Women’s History Month?
Women’s History Month wasn’t made official until more recently than some may think. Based on information from the writers of history.com, I learned that the Sonoma County school district in California started Women’s History Week on March 8, 1978, as the topic wasn’t well discussed during education (history.com).
They also stated Women’s History Week spread through other districts and schools because of that. It allowed time to celebrate women’s work in their communities, which expanded to appreciation for their empowerment through history and culture. Different events were created in honor such as presentations made by women, parades, and other various programs.
Then, the National Women’s History Project came to be, and they petitioned Congress for recognition. Former president Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8 as Women’s History Week in 1980.
Finally, through the lobbying of women in the project and the growing support for recognition of women’s achievements despite their struggles, the week extended to the whole month.
So Why Are Reading Women’s Books Important?
This year’s theme for Women’s History Month is “Moving Forward Together”. This signifies women’s leadership and mentorship, and how they inspire and teach generations towards the future in education.
We are constantly writing history. Moving forward into the future doesn’t just require knowing what went down in textbooks, or from a quick read of an article.
These written works reveal women’s voices, telling their truths that often go unheard. Accounts, stories, and research are not minimized to sections in a textbook but demonstrate the real power of their experiences, struggles, emotions, traumas, cultures, and identities. All of them must be recognized and acknowledged so empathy grows for each other, and better change can happen.
This is part of how we can listen to each other. And as history continues its course, so must we in educating ourselves and raising everyone’s voices equally.
And Now, Books
Now that we’ve covered a bit of our history lesson, let’s get into some new (and some old, but classic) works of literature that mark women’s efforts in the world.
From crafted stories disguised as life lessons to research and discoveries based on studies, these books shed light on various perspectives and expand on learned and experienced wisdom that is important to keep alive.
Note: If you are interested in any of these books, please check for trigger warnings before proceeding. While the words and stories of women are empowering and remarkable, themes and stories can be triggering or graphic to some.
Here are a few that I’ve read and are on my running (and growing) list:
Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began
By Leah Hazard
Genre: Science and History
Personally, my background in reading doesn’t cover science and history. But my first taste of this research-based book proved that I should be trying out more.
Womb talks about the different studies regarding the womb (wild guess) in all its aspects: from its parts to its functions throughout life, such as periods, menopause, and conditions like endometriosis, etc. Leah Hazard combined multiple studies about various topics to point out discoveries or facts that might not be fully educated in general women’s health.
Another aspect she highlighted was how scientific institutions reacted to studies that theorized possible less intrusive methods for examination, and discovering possible solutions for women’s health. She also spoke of the language used by male doctors to describe terms in women’s reproductive health over time. This contributes to the handling of women’s health in scientific and health institutions today.
For readers interested, it’s a great starting point for this genre, especially those wanting better knowledge of women’s biological bodies and how they are different, what to watch out for, and what could just be natural processes of the body women are unaware of.
The Personal Librarian
By Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
Genre: Historical Fiction
Ever heard of J. P. Morgan? Many people, including myself, think of him as the financier’s name you see from Chase or on a bank. Well, here’s a fun fact: he also has a personal library in New York, filled with collections of well-known artworks, manuscripts, and books.
And the library, as it was developing, needed a librarian.
The Personal Librarian tells the story of Belle de la Costa Greene: J. P. Morgan’s keeper to his most prized collection. A woman of wit, charm, and intelligence which granted her quite a respectable reputation in the world of the arts.
But what does it cost to gain such a place in society?
Hiding her racial identity.
The Personal Librarian depicted a successful young woman achieving her goals but at the sacrifice of herself in constant fear of being discovered.
For readers interested, it’s a great story for those looking to try a historical fiction piece. Read this book if you wish to gain perspective on some of the specific struggles and challenges a Black American woman dealt with during the 1900s while protecting herself and her family, all while living the “successful American life”.
Rage Becomes Her
By Soraya Chemaly
Genre: Social Sciences
Looking for more ammo to fuel up your female rage? Then this is the book for you!
Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women’s Anger speaks about how anger is translated from women into society. Women’s anger is often dismissed as too emotional. It is also usually unused because of the implications of stereotypes and the fear of consequences.
Rage is a suppressed emotion that was written into women for a very long time. But barely any of that emotion has been revealed from its invisible ink.
Social science research presents different issues and micro-behaviors that women have lived through for generations. The systems shown in this book exist but do not have to be set in stone.
Chemaly’s work signals a call for action to be more aware of the major and minor complexities of how these systems and behaviors affect women in the present and possible future.
This book provides topics, statistics, and stories about women and their experiences that light the inner flame of valid anger even brighter, meant to be voiced and bring change.
And Still I Rise: A Book of Poems
By Maya Angelou
Genre: Poetry
Poetry ranges from blunt yet impactful small text to the most beautiful, flamboyant length. And Maya Angelou’s poems never disappoint.
This classic and legendary figure delved into many aspects of her career from activism, to writing memoirs and poetry, to performance. Her famous poem, “And Still I Rise“, calling for equality and empowerment, is only part of this meaningful collection.
Her poems encapsulate many themes: the struggles and strengths of Black people, the wonder of women (specifically women of color), class, and other perspectives on human life.
From her language to her imagery, Angelou defines self-acceptance, passion, and a chin held high throughout all experiences; but also empathizing with the pain of a head held down.
Readers also love the poems “Phenomenal Woman” and “Woman Work” that align with Women’s History Month (although, I believe a lot of poems in this book speak well to the theme).
For readers interested, I also suggest listening and watching to some of her performances of her poems. Her dynamic voice adds a whole other layer to the words she inscribed on paper. Performances of poetry are also a part of the whole art.
Girlhood: Exploring “The Girl” in Art (Look Again)
By Claire Marie Healy
Genre: Art History
Don’t let the genre fool you! And don’t worry, the book isn’t a long history lesson; it’s actually a pretty short read of less than fifty pages.
The subject of this book exhibits more than just art. Claire Marie Healy examines the British collection of national art and makes connections to how themes of girlhood and womanhood are shaped through these visual historical works.
In analyzing their figures to their postures and settings, she also analyzes the narratives in which girls and women in society are the subjects made through visual art.
The book transforms into an expression, one that we might not often think about when viewing art. It offers a new lens on the perception of women throughout time, and how these narratives were constructed.
For readers interested, this short piece combines visuals, history, and prose to explore the narratives of girls as the subject in the form of visual creativity, and brings insight where you might not first expect.
Readers and bloggers also created many lists of books that you might find interesting on various blogs and articles. They each give refreshing perspectives on what books you may like!
If you are looking for more sources to find curated lists that you can obtain nearby, also check your local library’s website!
What books have you read that might fit well with Women’s History Month?
