Women’s History Month is an annual celebration that highlights the significant contributions and achievements of women across various fields. While this month-long recognition grows in popularity, many women still lack representation in the media they consume, including books and films. This disparity is particularly striking in the literary world, where women have historically been marginalized and silenced.
As Virginia Woolf astutely observed, ‘I would venture to guess that Anon, who wrote so many poems without signing them, was often a woman.’ Despite this historical suppression, women have always had the right to share their stories, which are rich in universals and valuable insights that transcend gender boundaries. Fortunately, there has been a shift towards greater representation of women’s voices in nonfiction publications.
Today, more books by women than ever before are being published, offering readers a wealth of new perspectives and experiences. However, this abundance can be overwhelming for those new to nonfiction or seeking recommendations. Memoirs and creative nonfiction offer excellent entry points into the world of nonfiction writing. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for yourself or others, here are 20 essential nonfiction books by women that you won’t want to miss.
The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui
Thi Bui’s graphic memoir, The Best We Could Do, is a poignant portrayal of her family’s journey from war-torn Vietnam to America, where they navigated the complexities of cultural assimilation. Through a masterful blend of text and illustration, Bui masterfully captures the emotional highs and lows of this tumultuous period in her life, rendering the story both deeply personal and universally relatable.
What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia by Elizabeth Catte
In a move that sparked controversy, J. D. Vance released Hillbilly Elegy, a narrative that sought to represent Appalachia despite having never resided within its borders. In response, Appalachian Studies scholar Elizabeth Catte countered with What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia, meticulously highlighting the inaccuracies and biases present in Vance’s work.
Furthermore, the book’s appendices feature an impressive collection of resources showcasing the works of indigenous Appalachian writers, filmmakers, and artists – a valuable addition that shines a light on the region’s often overlooked creative voices.
The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio
Karla Cornejo Villavicencio’s powerful narrative is rooted in her own experiences growing up as a mentally ill child of undocumented immigrants, a journey that was first publicly shared in 2016 under her own name. However, it wasn’t until Trump’s presidency that she recognized the urgent need to amplify diverse voices, beyond her own story.
This realization led her to embark on a remarkable journey, chronicling the lives of countless undocumented Americans through intimate interviews and poignant storytelling.
Somebody’s Daughter: A Memoir by Ashley C. Ford
Ashley C. Ford’s memoir masterfully transports readers to the innermost workings of her childhood, where her father languished behind bars while her mother struggled to keep their family afloat. With evocative prose that deftly conjures a sense of shared intimacy, Ford invites readers into the trenches of her own life, making the experience feel remarkably like sitting across from her as she recounts her story with unflinching honesty.
What We Talk About When We Talk About Fat by Aubrey Gordan
In today’s visual-centric culture, anti-fatness permeates every aspect of our lives – from the clothing we wear to the media we consume, and even the toys we give to children. However, it’s not just about individual preferences or biases; it’s a systemic issue that has far-reaching consequences if left unchecked. Aubrey Gordan delves into the roots of anti-fatness and the significant impact it has on our society.
Our Women on the Ground: Essays by Arab WOmen Reporting From the Arab World Edited by Zahra Hankir
In the face of adversity, Arab and Middle Eastern sahafiyat have fearlessly documented the complexities of their region’s culture and politics, often putting their own freedom and lives on the line. This collection of essays offers a unique glimpse into the perspectives of individual women journalists, each with her own distinct voice and experiences.
While some of these stories are translated from Arabic to provide greater accessibility, they all share a common thread – a deep commitment to sharing the truth and telling the stories that need to be told.
Crazy Brave: A Memoir by Joy Harjo
In her memoir ‘Crazy Brave’, America’s Poet Laureate Joy Harjo recounts her formative years with unflinching honesty. What sets this narrative apart is the audiobook edition, where Harjo takes on both narration and singing duties, weaving a distinctive tapestry of sound that immerses listeners in her world.
The Erratics: A Memoir by Vicki Laveau-Harvie
Vickie Laveau-Harvie’s remarkable story defies the societal narrative that women lose their creative spark with age. At seventy-two, she published her debut book, The Erratics, which went on to win Australia’s prestigious Stella Prize. This memoir is a poignant account of Laveau-Harvie’s experience caring for her aging parents.
When her mother suffers a fall, Laveau-Harvie returns home to Canada from Australia, only to uncover a multitude of complex truths while navigating the challenges of caregiving.
Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong
Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism by bell hooks
bell hooks’ seminal work delves into the complexities of Black female identity, critically exploring how systemic sexism has impacted Black women’s experiences throughout history. As a foundational text in feminist theory, this groundbreaking book not only reshaped the feminist movement but also continues to inform and inspire ongoing discussions about gender, race, and intersectionality.
It’s Not About the Burqa: Muslim Women on Faith, Feminism, Sexuality and Race Edited by Mariam Khan
When a recent news broadcast perpetuated the harmful stereotype of Muslim women as ‘submissive’, Mariam Khan was inspired to bring together a diverse group of Muslim women from around the world to share their authentic stories. The result is a collection of essays that boldly explore topics such as sexuality, divorce, faith, and modesty, offering a nuanced and multifaceted portrayal of what it means to be a Muslim woman today.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
In the captivating book, Robin Wall Kimmerer delves into her lifelong passion for botany, exploring the intricate connections between scientific inquiry and her Indigenous Potawatomi heritage. Throughout the chapters, she seamlessly weaves together profound insights on the human relationship with nature, consistently emphasizing our role as an integral part of the ecosystem.
Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space by Amanda Leduc
In a world where Disney villains are often portrayed with physical flaws, it’s not uncommon for people living with disabilities or disfigurements to feel underrepresented in media. This disparity is precisely what Amanda Leduc explores in her work Disfigured, delving into the historical narratives of bodily differences within fairy tales and the stories society has told.
The Cancer Journals by Audre Lorde
Although Sister Outsider is widely known and celebrated, The Cancer Journals deserves equal recognition for its profound impact. Lorde’s personal account of her experience with breast cancer delves into the highs and lows of illness, as well as the societal pressures women face when they’ve undergone a mastectomy.
She courageously explores how these pressures often dictate what they should wear – or not wear – in terms of prosthetics, shedding light on the complex relationships between women’s bodies, identity, and societal expectations.
In the Dream House: A Memoir by Carmen Maria Machado
Carmen Maria Machado’s experimental memoir delves into the darker corners of her personal experience, recounting the toxic relationship with her girlfriend where verbal and emotional abuse were commonplace. The narrative is replete with gaslighting and manipulation, leaving Machado questioning the very fabric of their romance.
As she begins to extricate herself from the toxic dynamic, Machado’s writing takes on different forms, each chapter a distinct literary style or genre, weaving together a tapestry of emotions and experiences that reveal the complexity of her story.
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love, and So Much More by Janet Mock
Janet Mock’s memoir offers a poignant exploration of her journey as a multiracial trans woman, set against the unique cultural backdrop of Hawai’i. With unflinching honesty, she defies traditional notions of gender conformity, instead embracing a path that allows her to authentically express herself and reclaim her identity.
The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Persepolis author Marjane Satrapi’s childhood was marked by the tumultuous Islamic Revolution in Tehran. Her graphic memoir masterfully captures the experiences of an academic family, resistant to religious fervor, as they navigate the drastic changes imposed upon them. Satrapi later pursued higher education in Paris before ultimately returning home to confront the profound transformations that had reshaped Iran’s social landscape during her absence.
The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson
In Isabel Wilkerson’s The Warmth of Other Suns, three pivotal figures from the Great Migration serve as the focal point for exploring the profound effects this momentous event had on generations of African American lives.
As Black Americans fled the South in search of new opportunities in the North, Midwest, and West Coast, Wilkerson delves into the far-reaching repercussions of this movement, shedding light not only on individual experiences but also on its broader implications for America’s fabric.
A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf
Virginia Woolf’s iconic work posits that women require autonomy – a sanctuary of their own making – to foster creative expression. She contends that education and the means to sustain oneself independently, untethered from male influence, are fundamental rights. The prose itself is nothing short of breathtaking. Today, women writers are producing some of the most exceptional non-fiction out there, spanning memoirs, historical accounts, and in-depth journalism.
If you’re seeking a compelling read, rest assured that there’s always a treasure trove of outstanding books waiting to be discovered – all it takes is a simple pick-up.