February 26, 2024 in Library News

March is Women's History Month - a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women to our country's history and to our world today. Here are some of our staff's choices for books and movies that are all about the female experience and empowering women.

The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies (2023)

by Alison Goodman

Two "old maids" in Regency London find themselves on call for vulnerable society women: hi-jinks ensue. A perfect mix of romance, history, and mystery. - Rachel, Access Services

Pretty Boys Are Poisonous : Poems (2023)

by Megan Fox

Actress Megan Fox turns inward in a biting and honest poetry debut. - Rachel, Access Services

Gumbo Ya Ya (2021)

by Aurielle Marie

An unflinchingly honest and moving collection of poetry on what it means to be a Black woman. - Rachel, Access Services

Game of Queens : the Women Who Made Sixteenth-century Europe (2016)

by Sarah Gristwood

Learn about the powerful women who shaped the European kingdoms of the 1500s. If you ever wondered why the queen is the most powerful character on a chessboard, you will learn while reading this excellent work. - Victor, Reference Services

Jirel of Joiry (2015)

by C. L Moore

When Robert E. Howard was writing about Conan, the Cimmerian who was destined to wear the jeweled crown of Aquilonia upon a troubled brow, C. L. Moore created Jirel of Joiry, the warrior woman who probably influenced the creation of Red Sonya and Teela. If you enjoy very descriptive fantasy adventures, join Jirel of Joiry on her quests to annihilate evil. - Victor, Reference Services

Circe (2018)

by Madeline Miller

This is a retelling of many of the Greek myths from the perspective of Circe, daughter of the sun god Helios, who is remembered in the myths primarily for her madness, especially in turning a crew of male sailors into swine. Even though this book is mythological, Miller also examines how women have been often misrepresented as hysterical or mentally unstable in ancient myths, oral stories, and legends by primarily male authors and turns these myths on their heads. - Jennifer, Fiction, Movies & Music

Wonder Woman (2017)

by Warner Bros. Pictures

The 2017 Wonder Woman film starring Gal Gadot is a fabulous portrayal of a woman of power as an Amazonian warrior. This film is a delightful adventure of her history and strength in helping a pilot who crashed onto her island of origin. They unite to combat the war. I love the brilliant costuming, comedy, adventure and a touch of romance that this film offers its viewers. - Janet, Fiction, Movies & Music

G.I. Jane (1998)

by Hollywood Pictures

Don't tell this woman she can't do it! In the film, G.I. Jane, portrayed by Demi Moore as Lt. Jordan, a US Navy topographic analyst who joins the US Navy Special Warfare Group. She struggles to prove her worth in a unit dominated by men only. This film is intense and powerful as it shows how a woman can enter and succeed in a male dominated occupation. Highly motivating for womankind. - Janet, Fiction, Movies & Music

Mulan (2004)

by Walt Disney Home Entertainment

And on the lighter side of woman power, nothing can beat the 1998 Disney animated version of Mulan, with the voice of Eddie Murphy as Mushu. To save her father from death in the army, a young maiden named Mulan secretly goes in his place and becomes one of China's greatest heroines in the process. Enjoy this adventure along with the comedic episodes by Eddie Murphy, as well as some great popular songs! - Janet, Fiction, Movies & Music

Delicate Condition (2023)

by Danielle Valentine

A gripping thriller about a woman's journey through IVF and pregnancy. When threats and stalking ensue, no men believe her and she goes into hiding. Is she crazy or is something else at play? - Lauren, Hanover Park Branch

Hidden Figures : the True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race (2018)

by Margot Lee Shetterly

Shows how black women made a big difference with getting the first man on the moon in 1969! Very well written book and a great movie! - Cheryl, Circulation

I'm Still Here : Loving Myself in a World Not Made for Me (2023)

by Austin Channing Brown

This is a powerfully adapted version of the New York Times bestselling book I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness. Author Austin Channing Brown recounts her experiences with race in America, something that started when she was just seven years old. The topics covered in this book are important and heavy, and Channing Brown approaches them all in a way that is understandable and accessible for young readers. She does not shy away from the inequities that she faced, balancing them nicely with affirmations and words of encouragement for the readers. -Abbey, Youth Services

A Million to One (2022)

by Adiba Jaigirdar

Oceans 8 meets Six of Crows but make it Titanic in this adventurous heist novel. Josefa, a top-class, cunning thief, has her eyes set on stealing the top-dollar Rubiyat, a one-of-a-kind book encased with millions of dollars worth of stones, but she knows that she can’t accomplish this alone. So, she recruits a crew of equally talented girls to help her out: Hinnah, a daring acrobat; Violet, an actress and expert dissembler; and Emilie, an artist who can replicate any drawing by hand. This book is driven by a powerhouse female cast and was one of the most fun historical fiction novels I've read. - Abbey, Youth Services

Wash Day Diaries (2022)

by Jamila Rowser

Wash Day Diaries tells the story of four friends who are all experiencing different aspects of new adulthood and enveloping themselves in Black beauty and joy: Kimana (Kim) is growing her singing career; Cookie is working to mend family tension; Tanisha (Nisha) is exploring what love means for her life at the moment; and Davene is learning how to prioritize her mental health. Through minimal dialogue, text conversations, and intricate illustrations, readers are immersed in four major life points in each of the characters' lives and are taken through how all four women intertwine and interact. The friendship and genuine connection between these characters leave something to be admired and, dare I say, envied. - Abbey, Youth Services

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