When I tell people one of my main hobbies is reading, they automatically reply with: “What’s your favorite book?” I awkwardly reply: “I don’t know, there are just so many to choose from!” It’s not that there is a shortage of good books out there — it’s precisely the opposite. Choosing certain works over others feels like I am doing other works a disservice. Nevertheless, I have compiled a list of books that I keep coming back to when friends or family ask for recommendations.
After I created this compilation, I noticed one thing all of these books have in common: strong female lead characters written by female authors. The female protagonists are strong — they face countless obstacles thrown at them by society. At the same time, they make countless mistakes. I have realized these books appeal to me because they tell me and all women that it is normal to be human while maintaining your strength and dignity at the same time.
Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson
Housekeeping tells the story of sisters Ruth and Lucille, who, after the death of their mother and grandmother, grow up under the care of their eccentric aunt Sylvie. Set in a haphazard house by a lake in the remote town of Fingerbone, the novel beautifully illustrates the sisters’ struggles to relate to their past while fitting into society’s dominant culture. The ravishing language describing the landscape pulled me in immediately. I felt that, at many times, I was right there with the characters, sitting under a homemade quilt, sipping hot coffee, and looking out of a misty blue window out into nature. Although the vibes are overall cozy, many dark themes are addressed, and the ending will leave you shocked.
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
One thing about me is I am a sucker for a historical retelling of a classic story from a female point of view. The touching story of Hamnet portrays William Shakespeare’s marriage to Agnes and the loss of their son Hamnet, whom Shakespeare goes on to base his acclaimed play Hamlet on. This unforgettable tale left me in tears. Although the book is definitely fiction and only loosely based on real events (Agnes has supernatural abilities), I will never be able to think about Hamlet the same way again. Now I understand how the playwright’s personal events impacted how he approached themes of grief and plots of death in his work. O’Farrell’s brilliant storytelling and poignant lyricism are sure to appeal to readers of all kinds.
Emma by Jane Austen
I have read Emma three times now, and I notice something new every time. There are an endless number of small nuances, tropes, and complexities that keep me coming back for more. The novel follows the witty yet haughty socialite Emma Woodhouse as she attempts to play matchmaker in her 19th-century English town. Emma is widely regarded as an unlikable character, yet that is what makes her more compelling and relatable to me. Readers gain insight into her actively developing ego, and how she processes and reevaluates the mistakes she makes in her friendships and familial relationships.
Josephine B. Trilogy by Sandra Gulland
If you’re a history buff like me, you’ll love this trilogy of novels based on the life of Josephine Bonaparte. Written in the form of a diary, the saga recounts her early life on the island of Martinique, her marriage to Emperor Napoleon I, her involvement in political schemes, tumultuous heartbreaks, and more. The personal struggles of Josephine highlight the critical historical events that occurred in Europe after the French Revolution. I found the series absolutely fascinating. I learned an incredible amount about political history, yet I cried at the end due to an unhealthy attachment to these characters.
Sula by Toni Morrison
Sula tells the story of Sula and Nel, two young black girls growing up in Ohio in the 20th century. Nel gets married, and Sula ends up leaving town just to return ten years later. The novel explores the dynamics of female friendships and how they are affected by patriarchy, maturity, and marriage. This novel was the first Morrison novel I have read, and I have been obsessed with her writing style, poetic language, and unforgettable narratives ever since.
The Mother’s Recompense by Edith Wharton
This heart-wrenching novel tells the story of Kate Clephane, who returns to New York Gilded Age society after her exile to the French Riviera. She reunites with her daughter, Anne, who is planning to marry a man whom Kate was once in love with. Consequently, Kate must face the moral dilemma of either telling her daughter the painful truth or keeping a shameful secret. Filled with drama, this classic work is extremely gripping. One gets to know Kate intimately and feels her pain and alienation alongside her. If you are drawn to scandalous or period books, be sure to check this one out.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
If you enjoy science fiction and apocalyptic landscapes, Parable of the Sower is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. The novel was published in 1993, yet it takes place in the crumbling, diseased, and drug-addicted world of 2024. After protagonist Lauren Olamina’s “safe” enclave is destroyed by a fire, she uses her power of “hyperempathy” to lead a group of refugees to safety. While I normally do not enjoy extremely graphic content, it felt necessary in this case to empower me to create change and build a better future. The plot illuminates problems in our society, such as corruption and climate change, yet exaggerated to exemplify how certain ideologies and philosophies hold humanity back or move us forward. If there is any time to read this book, it is now.
The characters within all of these selections are flawed, human, resilient, and unforgettable. Each story, whether grounded in historical reality or speculative futures, reveals something essential about what it means to survive, to evolve, and to remain true to one’s heart. Through them, I have found not just entertainment, but inspiration and empowerment. So while I may never be able to name just one favorite book, I now understand why these stories continue to resonate with me — and why I will keep recommending them to anyone who asks.
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