lou's library

When I was in Oxford a few days ago, I stumbled upon a book that I truly believe has the potential to change my life. It was Women Living Deliciously by Florence Given and I’ll go into more detail on why I think so below, but it has inspired this blog post of books I think are great reads for girls and women who want to feel empowered and make peace with themselves (we’re getting real deep on here today, folks). So here are my top picks for when you need a little reminder on why you’re great the way you are ❤

Women Living Deliciously by Florence Given

I obviously had to start with the book that inspired me to write this post. As I mentioned above, I was perusing Gulp Fiction in Oxford (absolutely amazing little book shop and cafe, would highly recommend!) and was making my way to the till with two other books in hand when I spotted this. And I just felt like I should get it instead of what I’d originally picked, even though I knew nothing about it. I knew of Florence Given and had been meaning to read Women Don’t Owe You Pretty by her for about a century and a half, but had never actually read anything by her. But something about this book was calling me (the absolutely stunning cover might have helped) and so I put the other two books down and bought Women Living Deliciously. I started reading it straight away and immediately became obsessed with it.

It dives deep into the constraints put on women by patriarchy and society and shows ways to dismantle them in your personal life. I’m a feminist and so under no illusions about how cruel this world can be on minorities, but sometimes I tend to be a bit naive and think that things aren’t so bad these days. But this book made me realise how much I limit myself in my daily life because of insecurities and fears that have nothing to do with me and everything with society’s expectations. And so this was a great weak up call and has left me feeling motivated and loved and I want to thrust it into every girl’s hand. Also, the illustrations Florence has drawn in this book are absolutely stunning!! If you’re unsure about what to do with your life, where to head next or feel unhappy in any way, I am pretty damn sure this book will provide you with the knowledge you need to find your answers. I’ll stop rambling on about it now, but please read this book!!

V by Florence Schechter

Another inspiring book for women written by someone called Florence? I spy a theme! Jokes aside, this one should be considered essential reading for all the girls AND GALS out there (and everyone in between!!), because this book covers everything vulva and vagina related. Bit of a niche topic, you think? I beg to differ, as there’s so much going on down there that most of us don’t have a clue about. Sex education was pretty basic in my school and also happened quite a while ago in my case, so a deeply empathic and well-researched refreseher was in order. And this book is just that!!

It starts with the basics, so you don’t need any prior knowledge and it’s written in an accessible and understandable way. It covers anatomy, but also deals with topics such as the gender binary that’s still upheld in society and why language matters and is connected to female empowerment. Honestly, when I read this book I felt so proud of my body and how it deals with so much stuff happening every month. It helped me understand my cycle better and removed some of the shame and stigma around the topic for me. As a society, we still have a long way to go regarding this topic, but this book is a great starting point. This book was such a safe space to me, I wish every girl had access to it. Also, the illustrations are so fun!!

Feminists Don’t Wear Pink And Other Lies by Scarlett Curtis

I read this quite a while ago when I first started learning more about feminism and the disadvantages women still have to deal with today. It’s basically a collection of essays on different topics by different contributors. Some of them are academics or researchers, others are actors or content creators. I liked how this approach allows a number of women from different backgrounds to share their perspective, as everyone’s experience will differ slightly, depending on how and where they grew up, what colour their skin is and the amount of support they’ve had access to. I’ve found this book a helpful reminder that feminism must be intersectional to be successful, and that we should be compassionate and kind to one another instead of attempting to be perfect all the time and pointing the fingers at others who don’t prescribe to our idea of feminism. I also found it liberating, as I for quite some time thought being a feminist meant I couldn’t or shouldn’t wear make up or something pink, as that would adhere to the stereotype. This book helped me realise that feminsim means I can do and wear whatever I want, as long as it isn’t hurting others. And that’s a message that needs spreading far and wide, especially in our day and age, so I’d highly recommend this book to just about anyone.

My Thoughts Exactly by Lily Allen

Okay, this might be a bit of an unusual addition to this list, but hear me out. First of all, this is an exceptionally well-written autobiography. It’s incredibly fun to read, because Lily Allen writes so well. But it’s also sad and touching and messy. And I think it’s so important that women share the messy parts of their lives, particularly those in the spotlight. How many times a day do we walk past picture perfect ads on billboards featuring drop dead gorgeous celebrities who seemingly have it all? And don’t get me wrong, I don’t doubt for a second that Lily Allen is drop dead gorgeous in real life. But she’s more than that, and her life isn’t perfect. Her autobiography makes it really clear that she’s been through some pretty hard stuff and hasn’t always made the right choices. And yet she comes across as so likeable, because she’s real and honest and down to earth. I want more stories from women who aren’t afraid to mess up and be honest about it!! Maybe then we wouldn’t always feel pressured to be perfect all the time and hide our flaws. Lily Allen is proof to me that you can be imperfect and still fucking amazing!! And also her music slaps!!!

Slug by Hollie McNish

Yes, I’m talking about one of my favourite poetry collections again. Actually, there’s some prose in this one too, though. I’m including this here because the vast majority of the poems and stories in this collection are about the experience of being a woman in the 21st century, and reading Hollie McNish’s words was a really healing experience for me. It’s deeply relatable and sad and yet often laugh-out-loud funny. Some of the poems are about motherhood and even though I don’t relate to that experience, reading about her being honest and open about the topic was so refreshing and lovely. Basically, just like with Lily Allen above, I believe it to be important to share the stuff that is hard and ugly, because it takes the pressure off. Maybe once we realise we’re all feeling the same way, we can give ourselves a break a bit more often. I truly to believe that companship and vulnerability are important tools on the way towards more gender equality, and Hollie McNish writes about it all so skillfully and beautifully I actually teared up multiple times.

I hope you found some inspiration on this list! Let me know if I’ve missed any books you consider essential, I’m always looking for more recommendations on the topic! I hope you know you’re great the way you are and are doing a fantastic job at living!!!