April LUX WMN Library: The Books

Our top read's for this month that we couldn't get enough of!
27 April 2023

More Than a Body – Lindsay Kite and Lexie Kite

Twins Lindsay and Lexie examine how our beauty-obsessed world has fundamentally failed generations of women. The twins draw on their own experiences and research to argue that society’s narrow beauty standards are harmful and that we must shift towards a more inclusive and accepting view of bodies. The book provides advice and strategies for women to reject harmful messages about beauty and discover that they are more than their bodies.

Normal People – Sally Rooney

Irish author Sally Rooney tells the story of a complex and intimate relationship between two young people, Connell and Marianne, as they navigate their way through high school and college. The novel explores themes of class, power, social dynamics, and the complexity of human connection. Rooney’s vivid portrayal of the character’s thoughts and emotions has been praised for its realism and insight into the human condition.

Daisy Jones and the Six – Taylor Jenkins Reid

Taylor Jenkins Reid tells the story of a fictional rock band in the 1970s. The book is presented in an interview format and explores the rise and fall of the band, as well as the personal lives of its members. The story explores themes of love, addiction, and fame, as the band navigates the challenges of creating music while maintaining relationships under the pressures of the music industry.

I’m Glad My Mom Died – Jennette McCurdy

In this personal essay by actress Jennette McCurdy, she reflects on her complicated relationship with her mother, who passed away from cancer. The essay is an emotional exploration of grief, anger, and forgiveness, as McCurdy struggles with the pain of losing her mother while simultaneously coming to terms with the difficult experiences she had with her. Through her honest writing, McCurdy offers a powerful reflection on the complexities of family relationships and the process of healing from grief.

Invisible Women – Caroline Criado Perez

Through compelling statistics, Perez shows that we live in a world fundamentally designed for men to discriminate against women. She exposes the gender gap in many professional fields such as medicine and technology. Using in-depth research and analysis, Perez makes a compelling case for the need to incorporate a gender perspective into every aspect of society.

Firefly Lane – Kristin Hannah

This novel by Kristin Hannah follows the friendship of two women, Tully and Kate, from their teenage years in the 1970s to their fifties. The novel explores the ups and downs of their relationship, as well as their personal struggles and triumphs in love and career. The story of Tully and Kate’s lives offers insight into the ups and downs of a lifelong female friendship.

Women Don’t Owe You Pretty – Florence Given

In this book, Florence Given challenges societal norms and expectations surrounding gender, beauty, and relationships. She uses personal anecdotes and feminist theory to argue that women should fight to reshape the toxic structures of the patriarchal society we live in, rather than conforming to traditional gender roles and seeking male validation. She encourages her readers to define feminism on their own terms and become the love of their own lives.