It's no secret that we're huge proponents of female empowerment here at Silk + Sonder. In addition to being a woman-owned company, we highlight a female founder's self-care routine every week in our How I Thrive series. And last year, we curated a list of our favorite pieces of career advice from 11 crazy inspiring women.
It feels surreal to look back on this time last year and realize we were still going full steam ahead on crushing those goals, checking boxes left and right on our career to-do lists. Shortly afterward, lockdown hit, and our worlds were turned completely upside down.
While it's been difficult to find silver linings to the pandemic, one has been that many of us have finally had time to slow down and create a real self-care toolbox—and one of our favorite tools in that box is turning off our screens and diving into a great book.
So this year, we came up with a list of our favorite books by female authors. Happy reading!
Where the Crawdads Sing
by Delia Owens
This novel has spent months and months of the New York Times bestseller list, and it's easy to see why. In addition to painting an incredible picture of North Carolina through some of the most beautiful descriptions of nature we've ever read, this book is a page-turner that will have your rooting for the main character the whole way through. It's also being turned into a major motion picture, so be sure to read it before the movie comes out! Order it here.
Homegoing
by Yaa Gyasi
While Homegoing is practically impossible to put down, that doesn't always make it an easy read, as it paints an at times unbearably realistic portrait of slavery and cruel treatment of Black people through generations. Filled with rich characters the reader is always rooting for, Yaa Gyasi's masterpiece is a story you won't soon forget. Order it here.
Image via @vanreads
Normal People
by Sally Rooney
In case you missed the award-winning TV series, try reading Sally Rooney's Normal People first. It's a compelling, often heartbreaking love story of two Irish teenagers who have trouble communicating with each other, much to bot of their frustration. Order it here.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before Series
by Jenny Han
OK, OK—so technically these are young adult novels. But they'll bring you right back to high school crushes and first loves. And if you have a teen at home, they'll certainly appreciate your taste in literature. As a nice bonus, once you finish this three part book series, you can watch all three movies Netflix released based on them. Order the collection here.
Image via @jennyhan
Slouching Towards Bethlehem
by Joan Didion
If you're a lover of exceptional writing, the prose in Joan Didion's Slouching Towards Bethlehem—or any of her books, really—will send chills down your spine. Slouching Towards Bethlehem is especially famous for the essay "Goodbye To All That," which chronicles Didion's journey of loving and leaving New York. Order it here.
We Should All Be Feminists
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Also known for her popular novel Americanah, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's We Should All Be Feminist is perfect for when you're looking for a short and powerful read. And if you're familiar with Beyonce's hit song "Flawless," some of the lines in this little book may feel a bit familiar. Order it here.
Image via @annmariereads
Little Women
by Louisa May Alcott
Little Women is a classic, but if you've already read it, it's worth a reread. Despite its 1868 (!) publish date, Little Women is full of inspiring feminists themes and will probably make you cry a few times. Order it here.
Queenie
by Candice Carty-Williams
Queenie follows the story of a 25-year-old journalist in London attempting to pick up the pieces after a breakup with her longtime boyfriend. While on her path to healing, she meets many questionable and problematic men. Order it here.
What book are you planning to read first? Let us know in the comments. And while you're at it, make sure to subscribe to Silk + Sonder today.