We’re celebrating love by giving you five books that focus on women loving themselves instead of focusing on a love interest. Female main characters can absolutely still have a romance, but there’s nothing wrong with them also wanting to rule the world. Use these books to find some inspiration to come into your truest self and rule the world in your own way.
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’ Dell
Karana has really grown into her independence after spending 18 years alone. Living on San Nicolas Island in California, in the early 1800s, Karana has had to defend her own her whole life. She deals with a pack of wild dogs that killed her younger brother, is constantly on guard against Aleutian sea otter hunters, and is working with a limited food supply. Karana inspires readers in this Newbery Award winning novel full of courage and strength.
Still Me by Jojo Moyes
Still Me is the third installment in Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You series. Louisa Clark is starting over in New York, working for a rich man and his second wife. She’s thrown into high society and meets a man who reminds her of her past. She finds herself torn between two paths and has to figure out what she really wants. Will she be brave enough to follow her heart? Read more of Louisa Clark’s story and find out how she boldly runs after her own path.
Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
Sunny Nwazue is a New York native living in Nigeria, struggling to find the place where she fits in. She’s a great athlete but can’t showcase her talents. When she discovers her hidden magical powers, she quickly finds her place with other students who possess magic. Sunny and her other friends are asked to help find a magical criminal, but will the training they’ve received be enough to help bring the criminal down? Read this fantasy mystery and discover how Sunny channels deep into her own power and leaves her mark on the world.
All Grown Up by Jami Attenberg
Andrea Bern has a great life on the outside, but inside, she’s struggling. She feels like she’s behind as a 39-year-old, single and childfree. Everyone around her seems to be moving forward in life, but when her niece is born with a terrible illness, Andrea and her family must stay together. Andrea has to put aside her fears of being behind and help her family and niece. We see that it’s okay to be alone and in the face of hardship, that’s not what matters most.
The Widow Queen by Elzbieta Cherezinska
Cherezinska writes about a Polish queen fighting for her own crown. Her father, the duke of Poland, requires Swietoslawa to marry for an alliance. Her other two sisters are already married, and she would complete the trifecta. Swietoslawa doesn’t want that, though, and just wants to take the throne without a husband. When she gets her wish, will it be worth it like she imagined? Engulf yourself in this gripping historical novel and learn the sacrifices it takes to wield such power.
This Valentine’s Day, we hope you love yourself to the fullest. Whether you’re in a relationship or single, being strong and independent is so important. We’re sending our love to all of you.
Interested in more empowering female characters? Click here to read about our favorite “Girl’s Girls”
Check out this bookshelf to see our recommendations for learning about womanhood.
