Happy World Book Day!

So you may be thinking about picking up a new book to curl up with this weekend. Not sure which one? We’ve got you covered with our top five favourite books written by women telling their stories that you’ll love.  

1. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Writer and poet Maya Angelou’s 1969 autobiography documenting her childhood and early years. 

Written by civil rights and feminist icon Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings explores her childhood and early experiences with racism and trauma as Black woman growing up in America during the mid twentieth century. A classic and international best seller, this book is just as relevant today as when it first was published in 1969 as Angelou’s beautiful writing touches on not only the black female experience but also the human experience. 

2. Normal People by Sally Rooney

A novel about navigating modern day love written by Irish author Sally Rooney.

You may have seen this TV show but - like always - the book is way better! Normal People follows two young adults Connell and Marianne and their complex friendship and romance throughout the years of their secondary school and later university. The novel, set between 2011 and 2015, reflects the intricacies of relationships in the modern day with so many young people connecting to the thoughts and feelings of the main characters.   

3. Becoming by Michelle Obama

Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s memoir.  

A deeply personal autobiography, Becoming chronicles her upbringing, how she found herself and her voice, her time in the White House, her public health campaign, and her experience as a mother. Filled with amazing stories, this memoir is a wonderful book about a successful and inspiring woman. 

4. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

A semi-autobiographical book by Sylvia Plath tackling themes related to feminism such as power, double standards, and self-love. 

This classic feminist book and the only published novel of acclaimed writer Sylvia Plath follows Esther Greenwood, a college student who dreams of becoming a poet and travels to New York on a magazine internship. However, the trip ends up leaving her unfulfilled and struggling with self identity and societal norms as a woman. Torn between her desires and what society expects of her, Esther represents how many women feel or have felt at some point in life. 

5. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur 

A book about survival - exploring violence, abuse, love, loss, and femininity by Canadian author Rupi Kaur.

This collection of poetry, broken into sections and sprinkled with Kaur’s own drawings and sketches, is a look inside issues that women face worldwide. By bringing these issues to the forefront, Kaur demonstrates just how empowering it is to be vulnerable, and though she draws from her own experiences, her beautiful writing puts ideas and feelings every woman has had into words.

...we hope you enjoy our book recommendations. It’s the perfect opportunity to put on a comfy sweatsuit, make some tea, and get lost in a book!