As we head into the fall season, all I can think about is wanting to be cozy under a blanket, drinking a cup of coffee or tea, and reading a good book.
I’m an avid reader.
My mom says I was a voracious reader when I was growing up, and the same is still true today. Though my reading schedule looks a little different these days (hello life with a toddler), I’m still able to enjoy a few moments of quiet each day for reading.
Do you like to read?
The books I often love the most are ones featuring strong women.
The heroines are my heroes.
If you’ve been looking for your next book or have been wanting to pick up a classic but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place!
I thought I’d round up some favorites for you. All of these books have left a lasting impact on me; I hope they will inspire you too.
Here are 4 classic books for fall featuring strong women.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The way Jane Austen wove together humor, romance, and politics throughout this book is incredible. Often just cast off as a simple love story, this book is actually revolutionary for its time as it tackles gender norms, family structure, political beliefs, and more. The strong character of Elizabeth (probably why I love this book, we share the same name!), combined with the dashing and mysterious Mr. Darcy makes for an excellent read.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
This book became a favorite of mine, but I must admit the movies produced by Kevin Sullivan which feature Megan Follows as Anne were my first introduction to Anne of Green Gables. While the films are a must watch for sure (I personally wouldn’t recommend the Netflix series), they couldn’t have been made without the intelligent mind of Lucy Maud Montgomery who crafted the story to begin with. A coming of age story about an orphan who goes to live with two older folks on Prince Edward Island, Anne of Green Gables is more than just a school girl romance, it’s a timeless classic.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
A melancholy story, Jane Eyre features (you guessed it), Jane, a young woman who goes to live with Mr. Rochester at Thornfield Hall. You will first meet Jane, an orphan, during her tragic childhood years as she lives with her awful aunt and attends a terrible school. She then gets new footing and goes to live with Mr. Rochester at his mysterious home. That is where the story truly begins. The book is filled with twists and turns, tragedy and beauty, mystery and romance. An all around must read.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
This book features not one, but four strong women! Follow along with the March sisters as they navigate childhood, the young adult years, success and failures, and everything in between. I realized a few years back that I had never read this book all the way through and I’m so glad I took the time to read it. This is definitely a must read, especially if you watched the new movie version of the book! Truly, the book is better than the movie (but it almost always is, right?)
Whether you read one of these 4 classic books for fall or choose a different book altogether, the important thing is to read! On days when life is dull, sad, or too hectic, escaping into a book is some of the best medicine for you.
To live someone else’s life for a little while can be just what you need. And let’s be real, reading is way more stimulating for your mind then Netflix.
So grab your book, find your cozy corner, and make sure you have a hot drink with you.
I’d love to hear your favorites! Leave me a comment and let me know what you plan to read this fall.
2 Comments
All great picks! Do you have a Goodreads account? I’d love to follow along on your voracious reading journey. 🙂
One of the books I have on hold at the library that I *probably* won’t end up reading until this fall is a historical novel called The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See. A colleague recommended it as one of the best books she read last year. It takes place on Jeju Island, Korea in a society in which a group of women divers are the primary providers and the men are the caretakers. I’m excited to try it…hoping it’s as good as the hype!
I don’t have a Goodreads account, but I’ve definitely considered it! The Island of Sea Women sounds like an interesting book, I’ll have to put it on my reading list 🙂