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There’s something truly inspiring about reading a book with a strong, resilient, and complex female protagonist. Whether they’re leading revolutions, solving mysteries, or finding their own voices, these women remind us that strength comes in many forms. In the spirit of “empowered women empower women,” here are fifteen incredible books featuring fierce heroines who will inspire you to be bold, brave, and unapologetically yourself.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, The Nightingale tells the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who take very different paths in resisting the enemy. Vianne, a mother and teacher, must navigate the daily horrors of war while secretly helping Jewish children escape the Nazis. Isabelle, young and fearless, joins the French Resistance, risking everything as a courier and saboteur. This deeply emotional and powerful novel explores the resilience, courage, and sacrifices of women in war.
Circe by Madeline Miller
In this mesmerizing retelling of Greek mythology, Circe, the daughter of the sun god Helios, is banished to a remote island after discovering her ability to perform witchcraft. Though initially powerless, she hones her skills, learning to protect herself against gods and mortals alike. Along the way, she encounters figures like Odysseus, Daedalus, and the Minotaur. Circe is a powerful feminist reimagining of a character often overshadowed in mythology, showing her as an independent, intelligent woman who carves out her own destiny.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Starr Carter lives in two worlds: her poor Black neighborhood and the wealthy, mostly white prep school she attends. When she witnesses her childhood best friend, Khalil, being fatally shot by a police officer, she is thrust into a national controversy. As the only witness, Starr must decide whether to stay silent or speak out, risking her safety in the process. This gripping and deeply moving novel tackles issues of race, injustice, and activism, while highlighting the power of finding and using one’s voice.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Elizabeth Bennet, one of literature’s most beloved heroines, is intelligent, witty, and fiercely independent. Living in 19th-century England, she refuses to let societal expectations dictate her future—especially when it comes to marriage. As she navigates family pressures, social status, and her growing attraction to the enigmatic Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth remains true to herself. Pride and Prejudice is a timeless tale of love, self-discovery, and defying conventions.
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
Set over a single day at a family summer retreat in Cape Cod, The Paper Palace follows Elle, a married woman who must choose between her devoted husband and the love of her past. As she grapples with this life-altering decision, the novel weaves in decades of family secrets, trauma, and resilience. Elle’s journey is a testament to the strength it takes to confront one’s past and shape one’s future.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Kya Clark, abandoned by her family as a child, grows up alone in the marshlands of North Carolina. Despite being ostracized by the local town, she finds solace in nature, becoming an expert on the environment around her. When a murder occurs and Kya is implicated, she must fight to prove her innocence. Where the Crawdads Sing is a beautifully written novel about survival, self-reliance, and the power of knowledge.
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Told in a documentary-style format, this novel follows the meteoric rise and mysterious fall of a fictional 1970s rock band. Daisy Jones, a talented but troubled singer-songwriter, captivates audiences with her raw charisma and rebellious spirit. As she joins The Six, tensions rise between her and the band’s leader, Billy Dunne, leading to a whirlwind of fame, love, addiction, and heartbreak. Daisy Jones & The Six is an unforgettable story about a woman who refuses to be silenced.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Noemí Taboada, a glamorous and fiercely intelligent socialite in 1950s Mexico, is summoned to a remote mansion after receiving a disturbing letter from her cousin. As she investigates, she uncovers dark family secrets and eerie supernatural forces. Noemí is an unconventional heroine—sharp, fearless, and unwilling to back down. Mexican Gothic is a haunting tale of mystery, horror, and feminine power.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
During World War II, young Liesel Meminger is sent to live with foster parents in Nazi Germany. Despite the horrors around her, she finds solace in books—stealing them whenever she can and learning to read with the help of her kind-hearted foster father. As Liesel’s love for stories grows, so does her courage, and she begins using words as a form of resistance. The Book Thief is a poignant novel about the enduring power of literature and the strength of the human spirit.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Jo March, the headstrong and ambitious second eldest of four sisters, refuses to conform to 19th-century gender norms. She dreams of being a writer and is determined to live life on her own terms, rejecting traditional expectations of marriage and femininity. Along with her sisters—Meg, Beth, and Amy—Jo navigates love, loss, and self-discovery in this beloved coming-of-age classic.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Evelyn Hugo, a legendary Hollywood actress, finally breaks her silence about her scandalous life and seven marriages. In revealing her story to an unknown journalist, Evelyn shares her struggles with fame, love, and the sacrifices she made to survive in a male-dominated industry. Bold, ambitious, and complex, Evelyn is a force to be reckoned with, making this novel a gripping and empowering read.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant chemist in the 1960s, working in a field dominated by men who refuse to take her seriously. When an unexpected turn leads her to become the host of a cooking show, she cleverly uses science to teach women more than just recipes—she inspires them to challenge societal norms. Lessons in Chemistry is a witty and empowering novel about resilience and breaking barriers.
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant chemist in the 1960s, working in a field dominated by men who refuse to take her seriously. When an unexpected turn leads her to become the host of a cooking show, she cleverly uses science to teach women more than just recipes—she inspires them to challenge societal norms. Lessons in Chemistry is a witty and empowering novel about resilience and breaking barriers.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
In a dystopian future where women have lost all rights, Offred serves as a Handmaid, forced to bear children for the ruling elite. Despite living under constant surveillance and oppression, she quietly resists, holding onto her identity and hope for change. The Handmaid’s Tale is a chilling yet empowering story about the fight for autonomy and freedom.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Mariam and Laila, two Afghan women from different backgrounds, are brought together under devastating circumstances. Their unlikely bond gives them strength as they endure war, oppression, and personal loss. A Thousand Splendid Suns is a heart-wrenching novel about friendship, sacrifice, and resilience.
These books remind us that strength isn’t always about wielding a sword or leading a rebellion—it can be found in resilience, intelligence, and staying true to oneself. When we read about strong women, we empower ourselves to be just as bold.
What books with strong female protagonists have inspired you? Let’s celebrate empowered women together!