Five Female Written Books To Pick Up This Summer

Since graduating college, I've been able to explore my love for reading that seemed to have laid dormant for the past four years. Last year, I looked at the few books a year I was reading and they all seemed to written by men. I honestly could not remember the last book by a woman I had read that did not correspond with a school assignment. So, I've really tried to step up my female author game and I've rounded up the top 5 books you should add to your summer reading list.

Bossypants- Tina Fey

I've really gotten into funny female memoirs lately, and I honestly cannot think of a funnier woman than the QUEEN Tina Fey. It was not only hilariously funny, but also was so comforting for any woman who has had to navigate a male dominated world.

Sula- Toni Morrison

I have been a fan of Toni Morrison for a few years now but Sula is by far my favorite Morrison novel. She has such a beautiful and eloquent way of writing that instantly engulfs you into the world she created. And when I say this book was wild, it was WILD. If you're looking for a classic novel about strong and complex female characters, this is the book for you!

Talking as Fast as I Can- Lauren Graham

Going back to comedic female memoirs, my honorary television mom's book is equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking. If you're a Gilmore Girls fan I challenge you to try to get though the chapters where she talks about making the show both times and not cry (pro-tip: do not read this on the subway because you will have people look at you as you wipe away tears). The book has that same comfort and glow that we associate with Gilmore Girls and Graham's quick wit makes this a breeze to get through.

The Girl On the Train- Paula Hawkins

So I was going back and forth on whether or not I liked this book. I'm not much for fiction, especially modern fiction. If I'm going to read a novel, I want a Toni Morrison style description of each and every room they walk into. This was much more plot based, making it quicker to read but left me yearning for something the author wasn't providing. I will say, all three women we get to see the world through were very complex and exciting. This would be a good book to take with you on a weekend trip, I would totally read this on the beach.

In Defense of the Princess- Jerramy Fine

This book was everything I needed and more. This is for every girl who feels bad for identifying with princesses. It dives into the feminist qualities associated with princesses and how even those deemed unsuitable for modern young girls are intact strong and empowered. It challenges the idea that to be a strong female character you have to behave like a man and most certainly reaffirmed my belief in the power of femininity.