Something for everyone. For International Woman’s Day we’ve assembled a list of our favourite and most compelling books written by female authors. 

The Fountainhead

by Ayn Rand

A book written in 1943, was quite controversial when it first came out but has stood the test of time. Ayn Rand, an American-Russian writer, addresses numerous universal themes. A story about the strength of the human spirit and those that try to destroy it. The novel brings to light the threat of fascism and the societal pressures not only felt then, but still felt to this day.

Carey's note: “I read it twice in two months. It eloquently put into words thoughts that I had not known how to articulate.”

Bitch Doctrine: Essays for Dissenting Adults

by Laurie Penny

This book is a collection of Penny’s celebrated essays that establishes her as an important and vibrant political voice. Powerful and fiercely funny, this provocative assortment reveals a radical vision of a more empathetic world. Penny makes a case for truth telling and self exploration in a world filled with lies and chaos.

The Dry

by Jane Harper

This novel, Jane Harper’s debut, was an international best seller. A mystery set in Australia, both past and present is interwoven seamlessly, and will have you guessing until the very end.

Remodelista: The Organized Home

by Julie Carlson

A utilitarian minimalist book, featuring environmentally friendly organizational tips for your home. Author, Julie Carlson is the creator of design site Remodelista.com.

The Gifts of Imperfection

by Brené Brown

This New York Times bestseller is based on the struggles and subsequent revelations Brown had after the data analysis of her vulnerability/shame research. It reviews the lies we tell ourselves, “I am not worthy”, and we have a tendency to listen. But we are worthy - of self-discovery, personal growth, and love. We highly recommend reading not only this book, but all of her research - as it is all tremendously fascinating.

Dream of a Common Language: Poems 1974 to 1977

by Adrienne Rich

A decorated writer, she has won a MacArthur Foundation “genius” grant and was honoured with The Griffin Trust of Excellence in Poetry’s Lifetime recognition Award. This collection, a mere portion of selected poems written by the talented Rich, powerfully explores the contours of the female mind. Written plainly and oh so eloquently, it’s nobility will have every reading taking something away.

Lean In: Woman, Work, and the Will to Lead

by Sheryl Sandberg

A #1 International bestseller, Sandberg reignites the conversation of woman in the workplace. This book includes helpful advice to women of all walks of life. An enlightened and fresh perspective for women who wish to balance having both a family and a career.

In the Cemetery Where Al Jolson is Buried

by Amy Hempel

Not a novel, but still worth noting. This short story originally appeared in TriQuarterly Magazine in 1983. Hempel’s incredible ability to blend pathos and comedy, as well as having removed all unnecessary and distracting details, will have you on the edge of your seat - eager for more. Her poetic use of of imagery paints the scene for this well written saddening and meaningful betrayal of a dying friend.

Breath, Eyes, Memory

by Edwidge Danticat

Written in 1998, this groundbreaking debut is now an established classic. Danticat’s writing has an exotic, magical feel to it. Here she tells the story of a Haitian daughter who is removed from everything she knows to be sent to New work for a reunion with a mother she doesn’t remember. Simple yet complex, crushingly beautiful.

The Warmth of Other Suns

by Isabel Wilkerson

As a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Wilkerson spent 15 years interviewing over 1000 people and researching the Great Migration prior to writing this narrative nonfiction. She documents the migration of nearly six million African Americans from the perspective of three individuals, representing the three main migratory patterns. This book is a illuminating and riveting account of this African Americans which left the South in search for a better life.