I know 2017 was basically a shit year, and I was depressed by the toxic patriarchy and sexist bullshit for most of it, but if the end of 2017 wasn’t a wake up call for women everywhere, I don’t know what was. Time’s up, bitches! (if you didn’t catch this reference, go to Google NOW.) But on another note, I don’t know if you all remember, but in 2017 I made it my New Year’s Resolution to read books only by women. No men! Yas queen! (Another reference you should go Google.) And boy, oh boy did I read a whole ton of books by women.
All these ones, to be exact. All 52 of ’em. And along the way, I realized some things. Some of which are obvious, but others which are not so obvious.
1. Women are badasses. Not sure what more needs to be said, but since I could go on for days, here is a concise thought for you all: after reading a wide range of women authors from all over the world, after having learned about what women everywhere experience and how they react to it, the main observation that can be drawn is that women are strong–so strong. We can do anything and everything by ourselves while being completely INDEPENDENT.
2. Women writers can portray the voices of male protagonists MUCH better than the other way around. Basically, most of the time male writers really suck at writing from a woman’s point of view, but women writers are the bomb at it. They can empathize with the other gender, while their male counterparts cannot. Hmmmm, I wonder why that is? Maybe men should also make it their resolution to read books only by women…they might learn a thing or two.
3. If girls and women don’t see themselves reflected in the media, they won’t believe in all of the opportunities open to them. This is something that has been being talked about more and more int the past few years, and it is so true. That’s why it’s so important not only for women to write, but for everyone to read them.
4. We are stronger when we stand together. For too long, the narrative has been written for women, instead of by women, and it’s time to change that. It’s already being changed, and the easiest and best thing we can do is to stand with our fellow women as we change it. Believe women and their narratives. The end, full stop.
If anyone wants the list of books I read, or a suggestion, send me a message and I would be happy to share, but here were some of my favorites:
-anything and everything by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. A Nigerian-born author who clearly has experiences and ties to the U.S., her style of writing is fluid and poetic at the same time, and was hands down my favorite new author. I read 3 of her books plus listened to her amazing Tedtalk about feminism. (On Youtube, so what are you waiting for?!)
–Edith Wharton. She’s like the American version of Jane Austen. Someone please explain to me whys isn’t required reading in high school?
–Donna Tartt. Although her novels are generally long, they barely ever feel like it. So if you’re in need of a lighter read, she’s your best bet. And if you feel like her novels are too long for you, try Cheryl Strayed. Not only has she written some great novels, she also has a weekly advice podcast she runs called Dear Sugars. Check it out!
Although I read 52 books in 2017, which is impressive even for me, I still have so much more that I want to read–and all female authors, of course! I’ll be starting the year reading my old favorites (Twilight–no shame) as a reward for being such a good reader this past year. And I plan to continue the trend–for the time being, I am continuing with this resolution, not only because there is so much more to read by women, but also because I feel like I have to make up for lost time–women authors are definitely the lesser-appreciated half. And have so much to teach. So here’s to reading more women authors.