List
Women's Stories
Although it is impossible to fully encompass the breadth of women's experiences, these are some of our recent favorites.
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Maame
2023 by George, JessicaGet this itemThis story follows a British Ghanaian woman in her mid-20s, self-described as a “late-bloomer,” as she takes care of her father who has late stage Parkinson’s. She challenges herself to move out and live on her own, make new friends, try internet dating, and climb the ladder at her job. An amusing and moving coming-of-age story about identity and family. Suggested by Aubree.
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Blood over Bright Haven
2024 by Wang, M. L.Get this itemA dark academia fantasy that follows a woman as she fights to become her country’s first Highmage. It is full of so many unexpected twists that I could not put it down. One of the most thought-provoking fantasy novels I have read and one of my favorite books of 2024. Recommended by Aubree.
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Black Cake
2022 by Wilkerson, CharmaineGet this itemAn engrossing family saga that stretches from 1960's Caribbean to present-day Southern California. Like the dessert, this story has many ingredients and layers as it uncovers a mother's secrets and choices and their impact on her children and their identities. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Joan Is Okay
2022 by Wang, WeikeGet this itemWe all handle grief. But what happens when we are forced to grieve, and in doing so, are forced to look at the personal life we would prefer to keep at arm's length? Kirkus described it best as, "a character study about otherness set partly against the backdrop of early-pandemic anti-Asian sentiment that manages to be both profound and witty." Suggested by Skokie staff.
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Lady Tan's Circle of Women
2023 by See, LisaGet this itemIn late 15th century Ming China, a woman fights to continue her practice as a physician and also fulfill her role as a wife. Richly detailed and cinematic. It is also inspired by the true story of physician Tan Yuxian. Suggested by Aubree.
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Girlmode
2024 by Visaggio, MagdaleneGet this itemA newly transitioned transgender girl named Phoebe navigates moving to a new school, making friends, and pursuing a love life, all while finally being publicly out. To quote Kirkus, this graphic novel is “A positive and insightfully honest exploration of teen girlhood.” It is also a celebration of trans pride and authenticity. Suggested by Aubree.
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The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois
2021 by Jeffers, Honorée FanonneGet this itemThis debut work of fiction by the poet Honoree Fanonne Jeffers is, as Kirkus Reviews so nicely puts it, a "sprawling, ambitious debut novel that is as impassioned in promoting Black women’s autonomy as it is insistent on acknowledging our common humanity." Suggested by Chris.
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Daughter of the Moon Goddess
2022 by Tan, Sue LynnGet this itemThis lush, character-driven fantasy with great world building grabbed my attention from the first page. I loved learning about Chinese folklore and mythology. Suggested by Rummanah.
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The School for Good Mothers
2022 by Chan, JessamineGet this itemOne moment of poor judgment, and now the government has ordered Frida to attend a Big Brother-like institution for the chance to keep her child. This is an Orwellian and unsettling book that effectively presents the impossible societal pressure forced on mothers. Suggested by Skokie staff.
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How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe
2021 by Vasquez Gilliland, RaquelGet this itemI adored this book and cheered for Moon as she learns to embrace her own beauty and power. This would be a perfect recommendation for fans of Colleen Hoover. Not only does it sensitively explore grief, trauma, abuse, mental illness, disability, and sisterhood, it also has a sweet, sexy, slow-burn romance. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband?
2022 by Blackburn, Lizzie DamilolaGet this itemThis romantic comedy has more substance than fluff. The focus is that Yinka Oladeji is trying to find a date to her cousin's wedding using the same strategies she uses in her career (including flip charts and key performance indicators), but the heart of the novel is Yinka's community--her family and friends who love her as she is and urge her to be her authentic self in her pursuit of love. Suggested by Skokie Staff.
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All Her Little Secrets
2021 by Morris, Wanda M.Get this itemThis smart legal thriller kept me on my toes, and I appreciated that it touches on racism and sexism in the workplace. Suggested by Rummanah.
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30 Things I Love About Myself
2022 by Sanghani, RadhikaGet this itemA sweet and funny contemporary novel in which the main protagonist learns to embrace all aspects of herself, including her flaws. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Perfectly Parvin
2021 by Abtahi, OliviaGet this itemI was completely charmed by this girl-centered young adult rom-com that has the expected breezy romance tropes, but also deals with deeper concerns such as navigating one’s cultural identity, Islamophobia, and immigration bans. Parvin is witty and relatable, and I am so eager for the next in the series. Suggested by Sharon.
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The Maid
2022 by Prose, NitaGet this itemMolly loves her job as a maid at an upscale hotel, but the recent death of her beloved grandmother followed by the murder of a high-profile guest has really thrown her for a loop. She not only has to figure out how to make her own way but also help solve the mystery that she has been accused of committing. A fresh take on a locked-room mystery with a neurodivergent character at its center. Suggested by Skokie staff.
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If I Had Your Face
2020 by Cha, FrancesGet this itemWith the increased popularity of K-Pop and K-dramas over the past few years, the obsession with "aesthetic beauty" has skyrocketed in South Korea--especially with women. Plastic surgery, suicide, strict social hierarchies, and oppressive beauty standards have eroded female individuality, and this novel both confronts and gives insight into what many South Korean women face every day. Suggested by Paul.
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White Ivy
2020 by Yang, SusieGet this itemI was enthralled by this book. It has light elements of a thriller and takes a critical look at race, class, and privilege. I highly recommended it for readers who love complex, character-driven novels. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead
2021 by Austin, Emily R.Get this itemGilda goes to a Catholic church in response to a flier she found advertising free therapy, and the priest mistakes her for an applicant for the open receptionist position. She is too nice to correct him, so she takes the job. But it becomes clear that maybe the job isn't the best fit for a twentysomething atheist and lesbian with an anxiety disorder. It's a darkly funny and exceptionally quirky novel. Suggested by Skokie staff.
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Light from Uncommon Stars
2021 by Aoki, RykaGet this itemI absolutely loved the characters of this book and their found family. With equal measures of heartbreak and lighter moments, this is a remarkable speculative fiction. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Like Other Girls
2021 by Lundin, BrittaGet this itemWhether or not you’re a sports fan, this coming-of-age/coming-out young adult novel about a group of girls joining the boys’ football team scores high points with a lot of grrrl power and LGBTQIA themes. Suggested by Sharon.
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A Woman Is No Man
2019 by Rum, EtafGet this itemEtaf Rum weaves together the stories of multiple Palestinian American women living in Brooklyn, spanning three generations. We see the issues of patriarchy, suppressed desires, domestic violence, and the courage to speak up spread throughout this compelling and culturally diverse story. Suggested by Paul.
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