March is Women’s History Month and we’re showcasing a collection of books that celebrate women throughout our history. From trailblazers and historical figures to inspiring musicians and athletes, these reads are an ode to women everywhere.
More for Women’s History Month:
Check Out 24 hand-selected LibraryReads Women’s Fiction picks from the past decade.
Flowers of Fire: The Inside Story of South Korea’s Feminist Movement and What It Means for Women’s Rights Worldwide by Hawon Jung
An eye-opening firsthand account of the ongoing and trailblazing feminist movement in South Korea—one that the world should be watching.
Since the beginning of the #MeToo movement, tens of thousands of people in South Korea have taken to the street, and many more brave individuals took a stand, to end a decades-long abortion ban and bring down powerful men accused of sexual misconduct—including a popular presidential contender.
In Flowers of Fire, Jung illuminates the strength and tenacity of these women, too often sidelined in global conversations about feminism and gender equality.
Available March 7th in Trade Paperback and eBook Editions.
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Empress of the Nile: The Daredevil Archeologist Who Saved Egypt’s Ancient Temples from Destruction by Lynne Olson
The remarkable story of the intrepid French archaeologist who led the international effort to save ancient Egyptian temples from the floodwaters of the Aswan Dam, by the New York Times bestselling author of Madame Fourcade’s Secret War.
“A welcome and needed work of both rescue and reclamation.”—The Washington Post
“A well-documented and sensitive portrait of a remarkable woman who shared her passion for Egypt and inspired so many others, myself included, to find their calling, while at the same time helping to reinvigorate the Louvre.”—Henri Loyrette, former president and director of the Louvre Museum
Available in Hardcover, eBook, and Audio Editions.
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Untold Power: The Fascinating Rise and Complex Legacy of First Lady Edith Wilson by Rebecca Boggs Roberts
A nuanced portrait of the first acting woman president, written with fresh and cinematic verve by a leading historian on women’s suffrage and power.
Told with gusto, historical care, wry humor, and crisp insight Boggs Roberts leads us on a spirited expedition in search of Edith, who dared to become that most dangerous thing, a woman wielding power.”—Elaine Weiss, author of The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote
Available March 7th in Hardcover, eBook, and Audio Editions.
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The Confidante: The Untold Story of the Woman Who Helped Win WWII and Shape Modern America by Christopher C. Gorham
For readers of Hidden Figures, A Woman of No Importance, and Eleanor: A Life, the first-ever biography of Anna Marie Rosenberg, whose influence on American history, from the New Deal to the Cold War and beyond, has never before been told. Her life ran parallel to the front lines of history—and her story, though forgotten for too long, is extraordinary, inspiring, and uniquely American.
“Christopher Gorham’s authoritative new biography will put Anna Rosenberg where she belongs: among the most outstanding yet unsung women of the 20th century.”—Nigel Hamilton, author of the FDR at War trilogy and JFK: Reckless Youth
Available in Hardcover and eBook Editions.
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Flora Macdonald: “Pretty Young Rebel”: Her Life and Story by Flora Fraser
A captivating biography of the remarkable young Scotswoman whose bold decision to help “Bonnie” Prince Charlie—the Stuart claimant to the British throne—evade capture and flee the country has become the stuff of legend.
“Enthralling . . . [Fraser] throws us straight into the fresh air, heather, rain and midges of the Hebrides, followed by the swamps and creeks of North America. Fraser fleshes out what for most of us is a sketchy and romanticized area of our general knowledge.”—The Times (London)
“An eloquent addition to the scholarship on a much celebrated—but not fully considered—life of a beloved historical figure . . . thoughtfully rendered.”—Kirkus Reviews
Available in Hardcover and eBook Editions.
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Civil Rights Queen: Constance Baker Motley and the Struggle for Equality by Tomiko Brown-Nagin
The first major biography of one of our most influential judges—an activist lawyer who became the first Black woman appointed to the federal judiciary—that provides an eye-opening account of the twin struggles for gender equality and civil rights in the 20th Century.
“A must-read for anyone who dares to believe that equal justice under the law is possible and is in search of a model for how to make it a reality.”—Anita Hill
“This exemplary biography is timely and essential.”—The Washington Post
Available in Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook, and Audio Editions.
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The Great Stewardess Rebellion: How Women Launched a Workplace Revolution at 30,000 Feet by Nell McShane Wulfhart
As flying boomed in the 1960s, women from across America applied for jobs as stewardesses. They were drawn to the promise of glamour, the chance to travel, and an alternative to traditional occupations like homemaking, nursing, and teaching. But as the number of “stews” grew, so did their suspicion that the job was not as picture-perfect as the ads would have them believe.
Eventually the stewardesses began to push back and it’s thanks in part to their trailblazing efforts that working women have gotten closer to workplace equality today.
“The true story of women who stood up to huge corporations and won, creating momentous change for all working women.”—Gloria Steinem, co-founder of Ms.magazine
Available in Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook, and Audio Editions.
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The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama
In an inspiring follow-up to her critically acclaimed, #1 bestselling memoir Becoming, former First Lady Michelle Obama shares practical wisdom and powerful strategies for staying hopeful and balanced in today’s highly uncertain world.
“Reaffirming . . . What makes the book special is that it builds on parts of Becoming, and [Michelle] Obama serves as mentor and guide.”—The Washington Post
“Obama’s road map for uncertain times resonates in ways that other self-help books do not . . . Through her stories, experiences and thoughts, we’re finding the light with her.”—The New York Times
Available in Hardcover, eBook, Audio, and Large Print Editions.
Also Available in Spanish: Con luz propia
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Choosing to Run: A Memoir by Des Linden
Featuring both the story of an historic, unforgettable win and insight into the life of an indelible champion, Choosing to Run is a truly inspirational memoir from Boston Marathon winner and Olympian Des Linden, sharing her personal story and what motivates her to keep showing up.
“This is a gripping story of grit and grace. With unusual honesty and rare insight, Des Linden shares her journey, showing us that a true champion is defined not by whether she wins the race but by how she runs it. I loved every page, and the morning I finished, I laced up my sneakers and went out the door inspired to do my best!” —Angela Duckworth, New York Times bestselling author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Available April 4th in Hardcover, eBook, and Audio Editions.
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Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You: A Memoir by Lucinda Williams
The iconic singer-songwriter and three-time Grammy winner opens up about her traumatic childhood in the Deep South, her years of being overlooked in the music industry, and the stories that inspired her enduring songs.
In Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You, Williams takes readers through the events that shaped her music and reveals the inspirations for her unforgettable lyrics. Raw, intimate, and honest, Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You is an evocative reflection on an extraordinary woman’s life journey.Raw, intimate, and honest, Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You is an evocative reflection on an extraordinary woman’s life journey.
Available April 25th in Hardcover, eBook, and Audio Editions.
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The Story of Jane: The Legendary Underground Feminist Abortion Service by Laura Kaplan
The powerful story of the women who founded and ran the legendary Chicago reproductive rights organization Abortion Counseling Service, otherwise known as Jane, written by one of its members. A compelling testament to a woman’s most essential freedom—control over her own body—and to the power of women helping women.
“Remarkable . . . Kaplan’s engrossing tales of the quiet courage of the women who risked their reputations and freedom to help others may remind many readers of other kinds of outlaws who have resisted tyranny throughout history.”—Chicago Sun-Times
“[A] powerful story . . . invaluable to organizers, feminist historians, and anyone concerned about contemporary threats to personal liberty.”—Kirkus Reviews
Available in Trade Paperback and eBook Editions.
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