20+ Books to Celebrate National Women's Day

National Women's Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women and to acknowledge the challenges they have faced throughout history. And what better way to do that than by curling up with a good book? Here are 20+ books that celebrate women in all their complexity and diversity:

1. "Becoming" by Michelle Obama: In this memoir, Michelle Obama shares her journey from a working-class family to the White House, offering insights into her personal life, challenges, and achievements.
2. "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood: This dystopian novel explores a world where women are stripped of their rights and forced into reproductive slavery. It is a powerful commentary on the dangers of patriarchy and the importance of women's rights.
3. "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker: Set in the 1930s, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the story of Celie, an African-American woman who overcomes abuse and oppression to find her voice and her place in the world.
4. "Bad Feminist" by Roxane Gay: In this collection of essays, Roxane Gay challenges societal expectations of feminism and explores what it means to be a feminist in the 21st century.
5. "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath: This semi-autobiographical novel follows the story of Esther Greenwood, a young woman struggling with mental illness and societal expectations. It is a powerful exploration of the pressures women face and the toll they can take.
6. "Sister Outsider" by Audre Lorde: This collection of essays and speeches by poet and activist Audre Lorde explores the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality and the ways in which they shape our experiences.
7. "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston: This novel follows the journey of Janie Crawford, an African-American woman searching for love and fulfillment in a world that seeks to limit her.
8. "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot: This nonfiction book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African-American woman whose cells were taken without her consent and used for medical research. It raises important questions about medical ethics and the exploitation of marginalized communities.
9. "A Room of One's Own" by Virginia Woolf: In this essay, Virginia Woolf argues that women need space and financial independence to create art and literature. It is a seminal work of feminist theory and a call to action for women everywhere.
10. "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan: This novel explores the relationships between four Chinese-American mothers and their daughters, highlighting the challenges of identity, culture, and generational differences.
11. "The Second Sex" by Simone de Beauvoir: This seminal work of feminist theory explores the ways in which women have been oppressed and marginalized throughout history. It is a powerful call to action for women to reclaim their power and agency.
12. "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou: This memoir tells the story of Maya Angelou's childhood and adolescence, exploring the ways in which race, gender, and trauma shape our experiences.
13. "Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi: This graphic novel tells the story of Marjane Satrapi's childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. It is a powerful exploration of identity, culture, and the impact of political upheaval on everyday life.
14. "The Argonauts" by Maggie Nelson: This genre-defying memoir explores Maggie Nelson's relationship with her genderqueer partner and their journey to parenthood. It is a powerful exploration of love, identity, and the ways in which we construct and deconstruct our sense of self.
15. "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin: This novel follows the story of Edna Pontellier, a woman who rebels against societal expectations and seeks to define herself on her own terms. It is a powerful exploration of the limitations of gender roles and the importance of self-discovery.
16. "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison: This novel explores the effects of racism and colorism on a young African-American girl's self-esteem and identity. It is a powerful commentary on the damaging effects of societal beauty standards.
17. "Half the Sky" by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn: This nonfiction book explores the ways in which women are oppressed and marginalized around the world and offers strategies for empowering women and creating change.
18. "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston: This memoir explores the author's experiences growing up as a Chinese-American woman and the challenges of navigating between two cultures.
19. "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros: This novel follows the story of Esperanza, a young Latina girl growing up in a poor neighborhood in Chicago. It is a powerful exploration of the challenges of poverty, race, and gender.
20. "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy: This novel tells the story of two Indian twins growing up in a complex and stratified society. It is a powerful exploration of the impact of societal expectations and the limitations of social structures.

These books cover a wide range of genres, from memoirs to fiction to feminist theory. They also represent a diverse range of perspectives, including those of women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women from different countries and cultures. Whether you're looking to be inspired, challenged, or simply entertained, these books are a great way to celebrate National Women's Day and the women who have shaped our world. Happy reading!