Hey there, Cougars! It’s still March, which means we’re still commemorating Women’s History and accomplishments. This week, we’re honoring five female authors who have written excellent books. Women have been writing since the 12th century, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that they were finally recognized for their efforts. The women’s movement of the 1970s inspired a new generation of women to become writers, and now women authors are receiving the recognition they truly deserve.
Sula by Toni Morrison
Taking place in the 1970s, “Sula” tells the story of a young black girl that matures into a young woman while dealing with a series of hardships such as adversity, distrust, and judgment from within the black community. The novel follows two best friends, Sula and Nel, as they navigate through life from childhood to adulthood, and death.
Emako Blue by Brenda Woods
“Emako Blue” is a book that discusses many of the issues that black youth face in their communities. It discusses how gang violence, guns, and poverty can all harm the lives of young black youth, ultimately making their childhoods extremely difficult. The story focuses on Emako Blue, a 16-year-old girl who is talented and intelligent for her age. Emako, who grew up in South Central Los Angeles, wishes nothing more than to relocate her family to a safer environment, but her plans are cut short when an unexpected event takes place.
The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” set in 1948, is a short story that follows the annual tradition of a fictional small town, in which every member of the town is given a number, and on June 27th, the actual day of the drawing, the town members must gather around and anxiously wait to see if their number is drawn. Whoever’s number is drawn wins “The Lottery,” but the story takes a much darker turn when we realize the lottery isn’t what we expected.
The Terrible: A Storyteller’s Memoir by Yrsa Daley-Ward
“The Terrible” is a book of poetry that explores what it means to lose and find oneself. Ward delivers a series of poems in this book, each telling a story about her childhood in the Northwest of England. Ward describes her life with her worried mother, her terrifying father, and her younger brother, Roo. Ward explains how she learned about the power of fear and sexuality in this book.
Phenomenal Woman-Four Poems Celebrating Women by Maya Angelou
What better way to end this incredible list than with Maya Angelou’s powerful poetry collection? A “Phenomenal Woman” is a collection of poems that honors remarkable and exceptional women of all cultures and colors. “Phenomenal Woman”, the poem that inspired the title of this book, is one of many of Angelou’s greatest poems about how women of all shapes, sizes, and colors are beautiful.
Cougars, there you have it! Those are five excellent books by female authors. If you haven’t already, it’s highly recommended that you read these books as soon as possible. You won’t be sorry!