Are you tired of reading books that involve women finding the elusive “the one”? When I was a teen, I was constantly bombarded by books that characterized women needing to find a guy in order for their lives to be whole and complete. In this ever-changing society, books in the publishing world have started to reflect the independence and resilience of women. And thankfully, I have recently read great books that hit the mark:
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant may have started out trying to impress a guy she had no interaction with but she found herself embarking on journey of self-discovery and why she is the way she is. Her blunt personality may not be for everyone but you can’t help but see a little bit of yourself in Eleanor Oliphant.
Still Me by Jojo Moyes
The resilient and still amazing Louisa Clark goes on a new adventure in New York City that leads her down a path full of new experiences and opportunities that allow Louisa to discover more about herself.
Queenie by Canidice Carty-Williams
It may have started with Queenie trying to get her boyfriend back but Queenie quickly discovers that the problems that she has is something that a man cannot quickly fix. Queenie recognizes that her relationships, platonic and romantic, cannot be successful until she works on herself first.
Sal by Mick Kitson
Told in Sal’s distinctive voice, and filled with the silent, dizzying beauty of rural Scotland, Sal is a disturbing, uplifting story of survival, of the kindness of strangers, and the irrepressible power of sisterly love, a love that can lead us to do extraordinary and unimaginable things. (Credit: Canongate Books Ltd)
The Word for Woman is Wilderness by Abi Andrews
Filled with a sense of wonder for the natural world and a fierce love for preserving it, The Word for Woman is Wilderness is a funny, frank and tender account of a young woman in uncharted territory. (Credit: Serpent’s Tail)
All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin
There is a hint of romance. However, it is not the central focus of the novel. Both Nina’s and Lyla’s situations turned their worlds upside down, but during the struggle, they were able to identify and understand themselves a little bit better.
Goodbye, Perfect by Sara Barnard
Eden McKinely could always depend on one thing: her strong friendship with her BFF, Bonnie. But when Bonnie runs with their music teacher, Eden not only questions Bonnie’s actions but she also starts to doubt the things all around her, including herself. In the end, she starts to be confident in her own skin and not let other people’s judgement define her.
