12 Best Chick Lit books for Women’s History Month
This article was originally published in DownshiftingPro.
Chick lit, or women’s fiction, is a popular genre that features lighthearted, relatable stories that center around the experiences of modern women. While not all chick-lit novels necessarily focus on women’s history, there are many that do, and that can be a great way to celebrate Women’s History Month.
Many great books have been turned into great movies. I have watched The Devil Wears Prada, Crazy, Rich Asians and Eat, Pray, Love numerous times but there is nothing like the original novel.
With both new and older choices, here are some suggestions for chick lit novels that touch on women’s history themes:
Eat, Pray, Love
“Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert is a memoir about the author’s journey to find herself after a difficult divorce. She travels to Italy, India, and Indonesia, where she experiences different cultures and spiritual practices, and ultimately finds inner peace and love.
The Paris Wife
“The Paris Wife” by Paula McLain: This novel tells the story of Hadley Richardson, the first wife of Ernest Hemingway, as she navigates the literary scene in 1920s Paris. McLain captures the era’s bohemian spirit and vividly brings to life the famous writers and artists who frequented the city during that time.
The Help
“The Help” by Kathryn Stockett: Set in 1960s Mississippi, this novel tells the story of three women – two African American maids and a young white woman – who come together to write a book about their experiences working for white families. The novel provides a powerful look at the intersection of race and gender during a pivotal moment in American history.
The Boston Girl
“The Boston Girl” by Anita Diamant: This novel follows the life of Addie Baum, a Jewish girl growing up in early 20th century Boston. Through Addie’s eyes, we see how the lives of women were changing during this time, as they began to take on new roles and challenge traditional gender roles.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
“The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows: This novel tells the story of a group of people on the island of Guernsey during World War II, who come together to form a book club as a way to escape the difficulties of the war. Through their stories, we see how women were impacted by the war and how they found ways to support each other in difficult times.
The Jane Austen Book Club
“The Jane Austen Book Club” by Karen Joy Fowler: This novel follows the lives of a group of women who come together to discuss the novels of Jane Austen. Through their discussions, we see how Austen’s work has influenced generations of women and how it continues to resonate with readers today.
The Joy Luck Club
“The Joy Luck Club” by Amy Tan is a novel that explores the relationships between four Chinese-American mothers and their daughters. The story moves between past and present, as the daughters discover their mothers’ pasts and the struggles they faced as immigrants to America.
Crazy Rich Asians
“Crazy Rich Asians” by Kevin Kwan follows the story of Rachel Chu, an American-born Chinese professor, who travels to Singapore with her boyfriend Nick Young for a society wedding. There, she discovers that Nick’s family is one of the wealthiest and most influential in the country, and she is thrown into the glamorous and competitive world of the ultra-rich. The novel explores themes of family, culture, wealth, and identity, as Rachel navigates the complexities of her relationship with Nick and his disapproving mother, while also dealing with the jealousy and backstabbing of Nick’s social circle.
The Devil Wears Prada
“The Devil Wears Prada” by Lauren Weisberger, is the story of Andrea “Andy” Sachs, a recent college graduate who lands a job as the assistant to the powerful and demanding editor-in-chief of a top fashion magazine, Miranda Priestly. Andy struggles to adapt to the cutthroat world of high fashion and her boss’s demanding personality, while also dealing with her own personal life and aspirations. The novel is a satire of the fashion industry and the power dynamics between bosses and assistants.
Me Before You
“Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes is a novel about a young woman named Louisa Clark who becomes a caregiver for a man named Will Traynor, who is paralyzed after an accident. Despite their differences, Louisa and Will develop a close bond as she tries to show him that life is still worth living. The novel explores themes of love, disability, and the right to choose one’s own path.
The Time Traveler’s Wife
“The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger is a love story that spans across time. It follows the relationship between Henry, a man with a genetic disorder that causes him to time travel uncontrollably, and his wife Clare, who he meets at different points in his life.
Daisy Jones & The Six
“Daisy Jones & The Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a novel that tells the story of a fictional rock band in the 1970s. The band, fronted by the enigmatic Daisy Jones, rises to fame and then abruptly disbands at the height of their success.
The novel explores themes of creativity, ambition, love, and the pressures of fame, as well as the relationships between band members and the dynamics that lead to their ultimate breakup.
Looking for more great books?
These books offer a mix of humor, romance, and drama, while also exploring themes related to friendship, family, and personal growth.
Last update on 2024-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API