The Power of Reading Books: Why It’s Important
Are you someone who enjoys reading books? Or are you someone who feels like reading is a waste of time?
Either way, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the power of books, and why they are such an important part of our lives.
Perspective
One of the most valuable things about reading books is that they can give us a new perspective on the world. When we read a book, we step into the shoes of the characters and see the world through their eyes.
This can help us understand different cultures, experiences, and perspectives that we might not otherwise encounter in our everyday lives. For example, if you read “I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai, you’ll gain an intimate insight into her life growing up in Pakistan and her fight for the education of girls.
You’ll not only learn about the struggles she faced as a young girl but also how she overcame them, standing up to the Taliban despite the danger.
Character
Reading books can also help us develop our character. When we read about the struggles and triumphs of others, and how they handle difficult situations, we can learn important lessons about resilience, perseverance, and determination.
Take, for instance, “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins. The protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, is forced to compete in a deadly competition against other children, and throughout the book, she learns how to stand up to corrupt authority figures and ultimately leads a rebellion.
The book teaches us about standing up for what we believe in and fighting against oppressive forces.
Thinking
Books can also challenge our thinking and encourage us to question the world around us. They can expose us to different philosophies, ideas, and ways of thinking, and challenge our preconceived notions.
For instance, Roxane Gay’s “Bad Feminist” is a collection of essays that deals with a wide range of topics such as sexism, racism, and homophobia. It makes us question societal norms and how they affect the lives of different people.
Books Every Woman Should Read
Now that we have established the importance of reading books, let’s dive into a list of books that every woman should read. These books delve into different aspects of womanhood, covering topics such as identity, friendship, adversity, and self-discovery.
Recommended Reads:
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“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
“Pride and Prejudice” is a timeless classic that explores themes such as marriage, relationships, and the societal norms of the early 1800s. The novel follows the life of Elizabeth Bennet, who navigates the challenges of finding love, happiness, and independence in a society that undervalues women’s worth.
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“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins
“The Hunger Games” is a dystopian novel that follows the story of Katniss Everdeen, who is selected to compete in a deadly contest against other teenagers. The book delves into themes such as standing up for yourself, fighting against corruption, and self-discovery.
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“I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai
“I Am Malala” is a memoir of Malala Yousafzai, who fought for women‘s education in Pakistan despite the Taliban’s oppression. This book is inspiring and educational, teaching us about standing up for what is right and the importance of education.
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“Tiny Beautiful Things” by Cheryl Strayed
“Tiny Beautiful Things” is a collection of advice columns written by Cheryl Strayed. The book touches on themes like love, grief, ambition, and dealing with the struggles of life.
It’s a book filled with wisdom that every woman should read.
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“Summer Sisters” by Judy Blume
“Summer Sisters” follows the friendship of two women, who navigate the ups and downs of life from adolescence to adulthood.
This book touches on themes of friendship, love, and growing up.
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“The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Diaz
“The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” is a multigenerational novel that covers the life of a Dominican family.
The book explores themes like family, love, manhood, and history.
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“The Bad Feminist” by Roxane Gay
“The Bad Feminist” is a collection of essays that deals with a wide range of topics like sexism, racism, and homophobia.
It challenges societal norms and makes us question our preconceived notions.
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“Sister Outsider” by Audre Lorde
“Sister Outsider” is a collection of essays and speeches by Audre Lorde that covers themes like poverty, discrimination, and activism.
It’s a book that encourages us to fight against injustice.
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“The Art of Asking” by Amanda Palmer
“The Art of Asking” is a book that explores the power of asking for help.
It teaches us about the strength of vulnerability and how asking for help can help us grow as individuals.
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“The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath
“The Bell Jar” follows the story of a young woman named Esther, who struggles with mental illness, womanhood, and self-discovery.
The book is a must-read for anyone interested in mental health and the struggles women face in a patriarchal society.
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“Matilda” by Roald Dahl
“Matilda” is a children’s book that teaches us about the power of intelligence and self-discovery.
It’s a book that inspires children to embrace their uniqueness and become the best version of themselves.
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“The Dollmaker” by Harriette Simpson Arnow
“The Dollmaker” follows the story of a woman named Gertie, who moves from Kentucky to Detroit with her family during WWII.
The book explores the themes of art, struggle, and identity.
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“A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith
“A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” follows the story of a young girl named Francie Nolan who grows up in Brooklyn during the early 1900s.
It’s a book that explores themes like escape, family, and coming-of-age.
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“Slouching Towards Bethlehem” by Joan Didion
“Slouching Towards Bethlehem” is a collection of non-fiction essays by Joan Didion that deals with themes such as a sense of place, breakups, and growing up in New York.
It’s a must-read for lovers of creative non-fiction.
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“Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit” by Jeanette Winterson
“Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit” follows the life of a young girl named Jeanette, who rebels against the societal norms that stifle her life.
It’s a book that encourages us to embrace our identity and stand up for what we believe in.
In conclusion, reading books is an essential part of our lives.
It can broaden our horizons, shape our character, and challenge our thinking. These books every woman should read are powerful pieces of literature that are sure to inspire and educate you.
So, pick up a few of these books and start reading today!
To sum up, reading books is a powerful life-changing experience that goes beyond mere entertainment. It can shape our character, teach us empathy, and challenge our beliefs.
When we read books, we open ourselves up to new perspectives, ideas, and experiences that can broaden our horizons. The list of books every woman should read is just a starting point, and there are countless other books that we can benefit from.
So, let’s make a habit of reading and appreciate the power of books in transforming our lives for the better.
