5 Boss Women In Literature We Should Celebrate Everyday

What is something good books have in common? A boss woman character. Celebrate women with these 5 boss women in literature.

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Boss Women in Literature

Let’s combine the classics with contemporary to celebrate these five boss women in literature.

September 22 is Business Women’s Day, but honestly we should celebrate women everyday! It is no secret that iconic women have made their mark in literature for as long as any of us can remember. I always gravitate towards a book with a female lead who knows how to run things for herself. Let’s look at 5 boss women in literature that should definitely be celebrated every day. What better way to celebrate women than to look at some who know how to run their own show?

1. Carmilla, Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu

Boss Women in Literature
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Jumping all the way back to 1872 with the Gothic novella that arguably started it all. Predating Stoker’s Dracula by 26 years, Carmilla is a vampiric woman who preys on other women. She takes what she wants, can shape shift, will literally creep into your dreams all while being seductive and charming. It’s no wonder her character has been readapted over and over again throughout pop culture.

2. Éowyn, The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien

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How do I not include her when she dressed up as a man in order to fight in a war alongside her friends? While Tolkien’s novel ultimately is centered around men, Éowyn has no problem making her mark and doing what she thinks is right. She also is a complete bad ass on the battle field.

3. Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins

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What is a list of boss women without Katniss Everdeen? The well-loved Hunger Games trilogy will always hold a place in our hearts including the characters. Katniss volunteers as tribute right upfront and it all starts from there. She takes charge, jumps into the games, and doesn’t stop fighting the entire series.

4. Nora Stephens, Book Lovers by Emily Henry

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I know what you’re thinking and yes, I absolutely am putting Nora Stephens on this list and here is why. Not only is Nora a kick ass literary agent in the cut throat business of New York publishing, she also takes charge of her own life. He isn’t going to let anything interfere with her business (unless it is a typical rom-com plot).

5. Jane Eyre, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

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I have a very core memory of being given this book in middle school by my English teacher and I’ve never forgotten it! Jane Eyre is such an image for a strong woman who knows her worth. Freedom and autonomy are very important to her along with her own self-worth. She expresses very ground breaking views for the time period on class, religion, and gender. She takes charge of her own journey and is a perfect way to end the list!

These women prove that you don’t have to be in business to be a boss, especially to be your own boss! They take charge of their lives, fight for what they want, and don’t let anything stop them. Try one of these books today to celebrate powerful women!

Want to celebrate more iconic women in literature? Click here!

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