Women’s History Month Reading List
Written By Melanie Carroll
Head of Adult Services
Women’s stories have shaped every part of our world, yet for much of history those stories have been overlooked, minimized, or left out entirely. March is Women’s History Month and it is a time to recognize the achievements, resilience, and influence of women across generations. To celebrate, I’ve put together a list of ten books that offer entry points for continued learning, reflection, and meaningful conversations.
Have you read any of these titles? Who are some of your favorite female authors? Comment below!
Get access to all these books and more with your Trenton Free Public Library Card for FREE! All titles are available for check out in the library or via the Hoopla or Libby apps.
My Top 10 Recommendations
Available for check out in the library and Libby!
107 Days
Kamala Harris
In this candid and revealing account, Vice President Kamala Harris recounts the unprecedented and high-stakes 2024 presidential campaign following Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection. With only 107 days before the November election, she offers an insider’s perspective on one of the most consequential races in American history.
Perfect for readers who enjoy: U.S. politics, fast-paced nonfiction, personal narratives.
Why I Recommend It:
I found this book extremely compelling. Listening to the audiobook, with Harris herself reading, made it feel almost like a fiction novel. It’s full of action and keeps you invested in the story despite knowing the outcome. I was surprised by her candor, especially regarding Joe Biden and his staff, and I found the insider information fascinating. I hadn’t been aware of much of it before. Her tenacity throughout the story is truly inspiring, and I came away with a deeper appreciation for the work and challenges Harris faced during this time.
Available for check out in the library and Libby!
Educated
Tara Westover
Tara Westover grew up in an isolated survivalist family in rural Idaho with no formal schooling or medical care. Despite these challenges, she taught herself enough to attend Brigham Young University and eventually studied at Harvard and Cambridge. Her journey shows how education transformed her life while forcing her to confront the difficult choice between personal growth and loyalty to her family.
Perfect for readers who enjoy: Coming-of-age stories, clear and honest prose, and reflective memoirs.
Why I Recommend It:
For anyone looking to get into memoirs, I always recommend Educated. It is not only very readable, but Tara Westover’s story is riveting from beginning to end. She writes with candor and does not sugarcoat her experiences, which makes many moments shocking but also deeply powerful. I also find the complex family dynamics fascinating, especially the tension between her loyalty to her family and her desire to pursue education. This book keeps the reader engaged while also delivering an inspiring message about transformation and the power of education to help someone overcome adversity and change the course of their life.
Available for check out in the library and Libby!
The Frozen River
Ariel Lawhon
In 1789 Maine, midwife Martha Ballard is called to examine a man found frozen in the Kennebec River, uncovering a tangled web of secrets, crimes, and power in her small town. As she investigates a possible murder and documents every birth, death, and scandal in her diary, Martha must navigate prejudice and personal loyalties to pursue justice. Inspired by the real-life 18th-century midwife of the same name, this novel highlights a woman determined to be heard in a world that often tried to silence her.
Perfect for readers who enjoy: Historical fiction, character-driven novels, and strong female protagonists.
Why I Recommend It:
Martha is a truly inspirational protagonist, persevering in a society that offered little support for women. Lahwon brings her to life in such a vivid way that I felt deeply connected to her world and invested in every decision she faced. The journal entries were especially effective, both in strengthening that connection to Martha and in providing additional context and facts that enriched the story and explained the events and people around her. I was also drawn in by the blend of historical fiction and mystery. I couldn’t wait to uncover the “whodunit” answer. An essential book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
Available for check out in the library, Libby, and Hoopla!
The Handmaid’s Tale
Margaret Atwood
In a dystopian future, the former United States has become the theocratic Republic of Gilead, a strict regime that controls society and oppresses women because of a declining birthrate. The story follows Offred, a Handmaid forced into reproductive servitude, as she reveals the disturbing realities hidden beneath the regime’s orderly surface. Through her perspective, the narrative acts as a warning about authoritarian control and the dangers of extreme social and political beliefs.
Perfect for readers who enjoy: Dystopian novels, fragmented memory-based storytelling, and dark, thought-provoking themes.
Why I Recommend It:
I found Atwood’s writing style very readable and engaging, which made it easy to stay immersed in the story. I especially enjoyed the narrative because I felt a strong connection with Offred and appreciated how complex and human her character felt throughout the novel. As a dystopian book lover, it stood out to me because it approaches dystopian storytelling differently than many others I’ve read. It places the reader directly into an already established future rather than showing the fall of society or a clear rebellion. Instead, those events are hinted at through fragmented memories and small details, which made the world feel more mysterious and realistic. It is not the easiest read content-wise, but it is 100% worth pushing through the difficult moments.
Available for check out in the library, Libby, and Hoopla!
In the Dream House
Madeline Miller
This experimental memoir chronicles Carmen Maria Machado’s psychologically and physically abusive lesbian relationship through a series of inventive vignettes. Drawing on narrative tropes such as the haunted house, she explores memory, trauma, and the often overlooked reality of abuse in queer relationships. The book confronts the historical silence surrounding this topic while offering a powerful and deeply personal reflection.
Perfect for readers who enjoy: Experimental memoirs, dark-reflective storytelling, and episodic story structures.
Why I Recommend It:
I recommend In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado for its powerful and unique approach to memoir. Machado’s honest and vulnerable prose makes the story both haunting and unforgettable. Because abusive same-sex relationships are rarely discussed, this book is an important and necessary read. One of the most striking aspects of the memoir is her use of different storytelling styles and genres, which reflect the chaos, confusion, and emotional complexity of her experiences. This approach immerses the reader, giving a vivid sense of what her life felt like at the time. I will note that, due to this stylistic choice, the book may not be for everyone, but I highly encourage giving it a try.
Available for check out in the library, Libby, and Hoopla!
It’s Not Hysteria
Karen Tang
Dr. Karen Tang offers an accessible guide to reproductive health that covers topics such as menstrual issues, pelvic pain, menopause, fertility, sexual health, and related conditions. She explains how many common reproductive disorders are often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or overlooked despite affecting a large portion of the population. The book provides clear information along with practical tools to help patients understand their symptoms and advocate for better healthcare.
Perfect for readers who enjoy: Reference-friendly guidebooks, evidence-based medical information, and inclusive content.
Why I Recommend It:
It’s Not Hysteria by Karen Tang is perfect for anyone interested in women’s health and reproductive care. Tang explains complex topics like period problems, pelvic pain, fertility, and menopause in a way that feels both accessible and deeply informative. She uses both medical explanations and historical context to help the reader understand not just the science, but also why so many people’s health concerns have been misunderstood or dismissed. Despite being a scientific book, it is also empowering. Tang not only encourages the reader to advocate for themselves, but also provides practical tools to do so. Overall, it is eye‑opening, educational, and a must-read for anyone who wants to feel more informed about their body and health. Additionally, Tang narrates the audiobook herself, making it even more engaging.
Available for check out in the library and Libby!
Know My Name
Chanel Miller
Chanel Miller, who was once known publicly as Emily Doe after writing a powerful victim impact statement following her assault by Brock Turner, shares her story in her own words. She describes the trauma of the assault, the difficult legal process that followed, and the shame and isolation many survivors experience even when there is strong evidence. Through her memoir, she reclaims her identity and reflects on resilience, the power of speaking out, and the cultural and legal systems that shape how sexual assault is understood.
Perfect for readers who enjoy: Memoirs, survivor voices, and reflective nonfiction.
Why I Recommend It:
It struck me how honest and real Chanel Miller’s voice feels throughout her memoir. Her writing drew me into her thoughts and emotions, helping me understand her experience before, during, and after the trial. I also admire her humility. She shares her story with grace while exposing flaws in the legal system, making her experiences both powerful and relatable. I especially recommend the audiobook, which Miller narrates herself, because hearing her tell her own story adds an even deeper sense of connection. I did feel the story dragged a bit in the middle. However, her reading of her personal impact statement from the trial at the end of the book was beautiful and a perfect way to close the memoir.
Available for check out in the library, Libby, and Hoopla!
Positive Obsession
The Life and Times of Octavia E. Butler
Susana M. Morris
This biography explores the life and work of Octavia E. Butler, highlighting her groundbreaking role as the first Black woman to consistently publish in science fiction. It shows how her stories confront issues like power, inequality, and societal collapse while reflecting social movements that influenced her perspective. It emphasizes her urgent warnings about the future and her vision of complex, resilient Black women at the center of change.
Perfect for readers who enjoy: Political & cultural analysis readers, fans of Octavia E. Butler, and literary biographies.
Why I Recommend It:
I recommend this book to anyone who loves science fiction and wants to see how it connects to the real world and history. It is packed with a lot of information but Morris’s writing makes it feel less like a traditional biography and more like a compelling story. I was surprised by how much the book focuses on analyzing the content of Butler’s writing rather than her personal process, it almost reads like a book review at times. However, it does effectively highlight how important Butler’s role was as a Black woman in science fiction, and I never realized how much she struggled with writing and self-doubt. It gave me a much richer understanding of her work and made me see her stories in a completely new way.
Available for check out in the library and Libby!
We Should All Be Feminists
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This personal, eloquent essay adapted from a TEDx talk offers a modern, inclusive definition of feminism. With humor and insight, it highlights both overt discrimination and the subtle societal behaviors that marginalize women, drawing on experiences in the U.S., Nigeria, and beyond. Written in witty and observant prose, it is a powerful call to rethink gender inequality and why we should all be feminists.
Perfect for readers who enjoy: Topics such as gender equality and feminism, personal empowerment, and shorter length books.
Why I Recommend It:
We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a must-read for anyone beginning their investigation into feminism and issues of gender inequality. I read it in one sitting, and in fewer than 50 pages, Adichie excellently lays out the topic of gender inequality. My only issue is that the book primarily uses heteronormative and cisgender language, which may feel limiting for some readers. The book is a clear and powerful call to action, encouraging readers to rethink why society treats people differently based on gender. I wish it were longer, but its shorter length also makes it more accessible to a wide range of readers. It’s brief, impactful, and essential for anyone who wants to understand and challenge sexism.
Available for check out in the library, Libby, and Hoopla!
The Women
Kristin Hannah
Frankie McGrath, a twenty-year-old nursing student, leaves her sheltered life in Southern California to join the Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam War, facing the chaos, danger, and heartbreak of the battlefield. Along the way, she forms deep bonds with fellow soldiers and nurses amid the chaos of war. After returning home, she faces the challenges of adjusting to a divided and changing America. Her story is inspired by the real, overlooked experiences of thousands of women who served as Army nurses during the Vietnam War.
Perfect for readers who enjoy: Historical fiction: wartime, immersive pace, and character driven.
Why I Recommend It:
I was immediately pulled into The Women. While I’ve read other Kristin Hannah books, this one stayed with me long after I finished it. The steady pacing kept me engaged while still giving me space to feel the emotional depth of the characters and appreciate the historical details. I was especially moved by the strong friendships formed among the nurses during the war and how those bonds endured long after the conflict ended. Be aware that there are some very traumatic moments in this story, at times it felt like one hit after another as a reader; however, these events serve to highlight the reality of what these women faced during and after Vietnam and felt essential to the story.
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