When I first started writing books for women, I thought i would instead write instead, “coming of age books.” But these books are good no matter the stage in your life. I tend to gravitate towards books for women, I like to be able to relate to the characters and put myself in the shoes of other women and the life they lead.
Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
At first, I didn't want to read this book, I felt like it would some how take away from my love of To Kill a Mockingbird. I have a fierce love of that book and I worried, since this book portrays some very different themes from Mockingbird. At first, I wasn't into it. This isn't giving anything away, but Atticus Finch is not the civil rights crusader we thought he was. Instead, the racial tension in the town is polarizing and defining in a new way, and Scout, Jean Louise, must make some new life decisions.
Despite the differences, the book makes you think about yourself, the people in it, and the importance of how we treat one another. I ended up loving it and Lee's writing is the kind that sings right to your soul.
Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
I wasn't hooked on this at first. I think it might have been because I heard so many people loved this book and I wasn't connecting. But About half-way through I totally got it. Blume paints a picture of young girls, growing up, and how to manage their life. The story intertwines the life of many different women and the essence of being a girl.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Inspiring. That's the main feeling that you get while reading this book. To read about a women who fights against all odds and learns about herself along the way AND it's true? You don't always find that. I found this book slow to read and I felt she made some very rash decisions (not just deciding to hike the Pacific Crest Trail with not a real clue what to do). I still liked the story and wanted to finish the story, and her to complete the trail.
Dare Me by Megan Abbot
I wanted an easy, fun Summer read that I thought I could enjoy by the pool. But this book ended up so much more to that for me. It isn't my favorite book, but I think Abbot did a fantastic job of talking about teenage girls. The story had a lot of plot twist and turns that I wasn't quite expecting. It's kind of like Bring It On, minus the funny. A behind-the-scenes glance of high school cheerleaders and teenagers.
The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
I've reviewed this book before, but it's worth bringing up when talking about coming of age novels. The central character, Nastia, strikes a chord with women of all ages. Reading about her dealing with her demons and the pain in her life is so moving. Sometimes when I read about young girls with issues I feel like they're whining and ridiculous, this was the opposite. This book is a must read.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
I know, I know, it's a movie series, but this trilogy still needs to be on this list. The role of Katniss Everdeen as a strong, but questioning character works so well. She isn't perfect, she has her doubts, and they carry her through the story. Even though this is set in a dystopian world, you feel connected to the characters in the book in your own way and how our own society treats us.
Speaking of books, my Mom is set to publish her first book any day now and my Dad just sent me the first chapter of his. Talk about the coolest parents on earth?!
Want more? Check out:
My Summer Reading List
5 Books That Make Me Want to Be A Better Writer
5 Books that Changed My Life
Have you read any of these? What books would you add to my list?
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