Blog | Empowering Reads by Remarkable Female Authors

BECOMING A MATRIARCH – Helen Knott

Becoming a Matriarch is a profound journey chronicled by Helen Knott, a Dane Zaa, Nehiyaw, Métis, and mixed Euro-descent writer from Prophet River First Nations. In this book, Knott delves into themes of grief, love, and legacy after losing both her mother and grandmother within just over six months. As the oldest woman in her family, she grapples with the fine lines between matriarchy, martyrdom, and codependency.

This book reminds us that matriarchs are not only influential women within their communities or families but also bear the weight of generational wisdom and resilience. 

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES – Lucy Maud Montgomery

In this classic, two themes are explored. First, the conflict between imagination and social expectation; Anne’s vivid imagination often clashes with the conventional norms of her town. Secondly, sentimentality versus emotion; her love for romantic notions sometimes shields her from deeper feelings of fear and loss.

Montgomery’s story resonates with women on a broader scale. Anne’s resilience in the face of adversity mirrors the strength of countless women navigating life’s challenges, she defies traditional gender roles, her deep friendships with Diana and Marilla highlight the importance of female bonds, and Anne’s emotional depth reflects the complexity of women’s inner lives.

IF I KNEW THEN – Jann Arden

“If I Knew Then” by Jann Arden delves into the depths of her experiences, strengths, failures, and losses. In her fifties, she finally embraces her true self, realizing that the pursuit of being pleasing, likable, and beautiful in the eyes of others is a futile endeavor. Jann weaves her personal journey with stories of her mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and even her once-hated father, demonstrating that fear and avoidance hinder true living. She reflects on aging, sobriety, and the wisdom gained from mistakes and failures. As she evolves, she discovers how to live a purposeful life, embracing her imperfections and learning from them. Arden’s candid and compassionate writing invites readers to appreciate the sureness that comes with age and the richness of drawing from a lifetime of experiences.

CRUSADE TO HEAL AMERICA: THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF MARY LASKER – Judith L. Pearson

This book chronicles the extraordinary journey of Mary Woodard Lasker, a tenacious health activist and philanthropist. With unwavering determination, she transformed medical research by creating the prestigious Lasker Awards and advocating for increased funding.

Her efforts have impacted health care today in a variety of ways. Her lobbying efforts influenced health care policies leading to reforms and advancements. By campaigning for increased federal funding, there were significant investments into medical research which has supported critical breakthroughs, disease prevention, and improved patient care.

ALIAS GRACE – Margaret Atwood

This is the story of the enigmatic figure of Grace Marks. Convicted at age 16 for the murders of her employer and his housekeeper/mistress, Grace spends years in prison. The story weaves between her present interactions with a doctor who aims to unlock her forgotten memories, and her detailed account of her life leading up to the murders.

Atwood was inspired by Susanna Moodie’s writings when she created “Alias Grace”. Moodie, known for her book “Life in the Clearings”, recounted the tale of Grace Marks, the young Irish immigrant and servant accused of murdering her employer in 1843. Atwood’s narrative explores innocence, guilt, and the complexities of the human mind.

STUDY FOR OBEDIENCE – Sarah Bernstein

The winner of the 2023 Scotiabank Giller Prize, this book delves into themes of guilt, abuse, and prejudice through the eyes of an unreliable narrator. The story unfolds as a woman leaves her hometown to become a housekeeper for her brother in a “remote northern community”. Unusual events start to plague the community, from collective bovine hysteria to a potato blight. Suspicion falls on the newcomer and hostility grows.

Study for Obedience explores power, prejudice and survival, portraying women who defy expectations and navigate adversity. By highlighting their strength and vulnerability, this book celebrates the multifaceted nature of women and encourages readers to recognize their own power in challenging circumstances.

THE UNABRIDGED JOURNALS OF SYLVIA PLATH

This book offers an unfiltered glimpse into the inner world of poet Sylvia Plath. It presents the complete, uncensored diaries she kept during the last 12 years of her life, revealing the intensity of her personal and literary struggles. The journals chronicle her transformation from college student to feminist artist grappling with societal roles.

Her struggles, creativity and resilience mirror that of many women. Plath’s unwavering pursuit of self-discovery and authenticity serves as a powerful reminder that women’s voices deserve to be heard and celebrated.

LIVES OF GIRLS AND WOMEN – Alice Munro

Published in 1971, the narrative of this short story cycle revolves around Del Jorden, a young woman growing up in the small Southern Ontario town of Jubilee. The interconnected stories look at Del’s experiences as she navigates adolescence. Themes of death, religion, and her awakening to romance and sexuality are portrayed.

This book is considered to be one of the best works of feminist Canadian literature, and is a poignant exploration of growing up, complex mother-daughter relationships, and the challenges faced by women in society.

RISING: FROM A MUD HUT TO THE BOARD ROOM – AND BACK AGAIN – Graci Harkema

This is the astonishing memoir by Graci Harkema. Adopted from the Congo and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Graci’s journey unfolds as she claims her own story. From surviving civil unrest in a mud hut to becoming a successful consultant, she advocates for diversity, equity, LGBTQ+ equality, and women in business. Her identity, once a source of shame, becomes her superpower.

Rising is an inspirational read for women by celebrating individuality, advocating for change, and demonstrating that every journey holds transformative potential.

ELIZABETH OAKES SMITH: SELECTED WRITINGS VOLUME II

Elizabeth Oakes Smith was a poet, fiction writer, editor, lecturer, and women’s rights activist whose career spanned six decades, from the 1830s to the 1880s. Her reputation rests on her feminist writings, including Woman And Her Needs, a series of essays published in the New York Tribune between 1850 and 1851 that argued for women’s spiritual and intellectual capacities as well as women’s equal rights to political and economic opportunities, including higher education.

In an era where women’s voices were often silenced, Oakes Smith challenged the status quo. Her ideas remain relevant, encouraging women to challenge stereotypes and demand equality. Her resilience in the face of adversary serves as a beacon for women navigating their own challenges.

A GIRL’S PARADISE LOST – Nawal Halawa

Taking place in the idyllic setting of al-Ajami Beach in Jaffa, Sitt Zubaida (the protagonist) enjoys a blissful childhood with her family by the sea. However, paradise is shattered by the 1948 Palestinian Nakba and forces the family to move from home to home, city to city, and country to country.

Through the lens of Sitt’s experiences, the book highlights resilience, loss and longing, and inspires the reader by celebrating their strength, acknowledging their losses, and fostering empathy across borders and generations.

STAY GOLDEN, GIRLS: FRIENDSHIP IS THE NEW MARRIAGE – Rachel Steinman and Rachel Winter

This book is all about celebrating the strong connections between women. It dives into the heartwarming relationships between mothers and daughters, sisters, and friends, whether they’ve known each other for ages or just met. It’s filled with funny essays, wise quotes from famous folks, and colorful illustrations that beautifully capture the essence of female camaraderie.

The central message…that friendship is a precious treasure…is one that resonates with women and honours the strength, resilience, and enduring connections that women share.

GOOD NIGHT STORIES FOR REBEL GIRLS: 100 TALES OF EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN – Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo

This is a captivating children’s book that shares the story of 100 remarkable women from both the past and the present. Illustrated by 60 talented female and non-binary artists worldwide, this collection celebrates resilience, courage, and trailblazing achievements. Each bedtime story introduces a remarkable woman who defied norms and pursued her dreams. From historical figures like Elizabeth I to modern icons like Serena Williams, these tales inspire young girls to believe in their limitless potential.

This book encourages girls to embrace their rebel spirits and envision a world where they can be anything they want to be.

EMILY CARR FRESH SEEING: FRENCH MODERNISM AND THE WEST COAST

In 1911, Carr embarked on a sixteen-month trip to France, where she encountered French Modernism and broke free from her conservative artistic training. Her encounters with international artists and en plein-air painting experiences revolutionized her style. Upon returning to the West Coast of Canada, Carr’s paintings reflected this metamorphosis. Personal records, including postcards from France and travel expenses, provide an intimate lens into Carr’s life and art.

As a woman artist in the early 20th century, Carr faced gender-based limitations. However, she persisted in her creative pursuits, traveling extensively, and immersing herself in nature. Her determination to explore remote areas, document Indigenous culture, and express her individuality challenged societal expectations for women.

QUEEN ELIZABETH: A PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATION

This is a beautifully illustrated picture book that commemorates the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth, the longest-serving British monarch. In honor of her Platinum Jubilee, this book for kids traces the journey of a young princess who grew up to become an inspiring and enduring queen.

Through playful illustrations, exciting facts, and information sidebars, the book highlights pivotal moments during her reign. From wartime service during World War II to her commitment to the Commonwealth and wider world, Queen Elizabeth’s dedication shines through. The book also features a timeline of extraordinary events and the amazing people she has recognized.