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23 Must-Reads During Women's History Month

by Leah Carton

No one said that being a badass woman would be easy or that it would leave you with much free time to rest and dive into a page-turner. That being said, you should definitely pencil some time into your schedule to treat yourself because, there are plenty of women's history books that are worth reading any time of the year.

Though they make for good reads all year long, March is the perfect time to dive into women's history book as it's Women's History Month — the perfect time to celebrate what makes you, you. So, as you proudly watch the women in your life make strides in their lives and make all of the same moves on your own, you can become even more inspired with a book or memoir penned by a leading lady.

For the moments you do find the extra time for a solo chill sesh sans Netflix, pick up a good read instead. No doubt, you'll have your eyes peeled to one of the many women's history books (or honestly, all of them). If you have the time for a quick read during your commute, or are curling up on the couch, there's plenty of great books to get lost in.

1

'Shrill' by Lindy West

Ah, the trials of growing up and learning to share your opinion with others, rather than keeping your thoughts to yourself. Do you know what that's like? As she writes about it, Lindy West's Shrill coming-of-age memoir teaches you what it's like to be a fearless woman who isn't afraid to speak their mind.

2

'You Can't Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain' by Phoebe Robinson

You Can't Touch My Hair portrays what it's like to be a black woman who deals with sexist and racial stereotypes. The memoir by Phoebe Robinson tackles these important topics while still making you laugh.

3

'Dust Bowl Girls: The Inspiring Story of the Team That Barnstormed Its Way to Basketball Glory' by Lydia Reeder

You've been there, wondering how to make the best out of a bad situation. In this biography Dust Bowl Girls by Lydia Reeder, a group of female college basketball players made lemonade when life handed them lemons during the Great Depression.

4

'Hidden Figures: The American Dream And The Untold Story Of The Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win The Space Race' by Margot Lee Shetterly

Chances are, you've already seen the blockbuster film adaptation of Hidden Figures, a book that documents the journey of black female mathematicians at NASA in the '50s and '60s. Flipping the pages of this biography will be sure to leave you feeling inspired.

5

'My Life, My Love, My Legacy' by Coretta Scott King

At a time where the United States faces adversity and hateful discrimination as a country, this memoir will resonate with readers of any age. My Life, My Love, My Legacy by Coretta Scott King tells the story of King's own accomplishments all while being the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

6

'Sex Object: A Memoir' by Jessica Valenti

Feminists who make societal changes in politics and for gender are not a thing of the past. Sex Object by Jessica Valenti portrays the toll sexism takes on women's lives. This eye-opening memoir will certainly help you to stay woke.

7

'Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History' by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

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Although, it's a well-known quote that you've probably heard — Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History is also the title of Laurel Thatcher Ulrich's book. In her book, Ulrich examines what it takes to make history as a woman. It's time to feel inspired.

8

'Women Heroes of World War II: 26 Stories of Espionage, Sabotage, Resistance, and Rescue' by Kathryn J. Atwood

Amazon.com

When you hear wartime stories, you don't often hear about the amazing women who made significant contributions during World War II. Women Heroes of World War II by Kathryn J. Atwood unravels the stories of heroes like Noor Inayat Khan, the first female radio operator in then-occupied France, and Johtje Vos, who hid those persecuted in her home.

9

'Game Changers: The Unsung Heroines of Sports History' by Molly Schiot

When you picture great athletes, who do you picture? Do any women come to mind? Although there have been many great female athletes over the years, some have gone unnoticed. Game Changers by Molly Schiot gives well-deserved acclamation to these sport heroines.

10

'A Natural Woman: A Memoir' by Carole King

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You've probably heard of one of many Carole King songs. However, you may not know Carole King's background and start to music career. A Natural Woman: A Memoir by Carole King is the story of her life and her reign of the music charts.

11

'Memoir Of A Debulked Woman: Enduring Ovarian Cancer' by Susan Gubar

You already know that you can turn to friends and family when you need them the most. That's what Susan Gubar did and her book Memoir of a Debulked Woman tells the story of once a fighter, now a survivor.

12

'In Formation: One Woman’s Rise Through the Ranks of the U.S. Air Force' by Cheryl Dietrich

You may often wonder what's the best way to climb the corporate ladder. Well, you can learn from a leading lady who navigated and climbed the U.S. Air Force ranks. In Formation by Cheryl Dietrich will leave you rooting for Dietrich as she tells her story full of courage and strength.

13

'Finding Zoe: A Deaf Woman's Story of Identity, Love, and Adoption' by Brandi Rarus & Gail Harris

Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus is about her journey as an adoptive mother and her deaf foster child Zoe who come together under one roof.

14

'I Don't Belong To You: Quiet The Noise and Find Your Voice' by Keke Palmer

Your life will change the moment you realize you're no one's property. I Don't Belong to You by Keke Palmer is an inspirational memoir that addresses issues all young women face like identity, self-worth, and heartbreak.

15

'Bossypants' by Tina Fey

If you're searching for funny but wise memoirs, Tina Fey's memoir Bossypants is perfect for you. Not only will it open you mind but it'll keep you sore from all the laughing.

16

'A Hope More Powerful Than The Sea: One Refugee's Incredible Story of Love, Loss, and Survival' by Melissa Fleming

Doaa Al Zamel is the human embodiment of "ehen the going gets tough, the tough get going." A Hope More Powerful Than The Sea by Melissa Fleming tells Zamel's story that represents the same story of millions of refugees.

17

'The Glass Universe: How The Ladies Of The Harvard Observatory Took The Measure Of The Stars' by Dava Sobel

The once untold stories make the best stories. And story of women who made breakthroughs in science is even better. The Glass Universe by Dava Sobel unravels the story of how women made astronomical contributions to science.

18

'Hillary Rodham Clinton: A Woman Living History' by Karen Blumenthal

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What better way to be inspired than witnessing and reading about women running for office? Hillary Rodham Clinton: A Woman Living History by Karen Blumenthal will excite you with the tale of Clinton's public and personal life.

19

'Identity Unknown: Rediscovering Seven American Women Artists' by Donna Seaman

Taking, or making, a picture lasts for a long time, and so do the legacies of notable female artists. Identity Unknown by Donna Seaman paints the story of seven American female artists, and rediscovers their contributions to the art world.

20

'We Were the Lucky Ones' by Georgia Hunter

A tale of a family working hard to stay close, and in this case reunite, is a story that interest a number of people. We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter jumps back in time, and unveils the story of a Jewish family that was separated at the start of World War II.

21

'I Got This: To Gold and Beyond' by Laurie Hernandez

Amazon.com

Whether you're an Olympic winner or an amazing teacher, you continue to think of ways to work on your goals everyday. I Got This by Laurie Hernandez will put you in a page-turning frenzy as you read about her journey to the Olympics.

22

'The Reporter Who Knew Too Much: The Mysterious Death of What's My Line TV Star and Media Icon Dorothy Kilgallen' by Mark Shaw

The Reporter Who Knew Too Much by Mark Shaw tells the story of Dorothy Kilgallen and her career as a media icon.

23

'When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey Of American Women From 1960 To The Present' by Gail Collins

When Everything Changed by Gail Collins will remind you of the changes in American women's lives and how far women have come, including you.