TTT : Top Books to Read If You're In The Mood for....

Blame it on my binge-watching Fuller House this past weekend...but I'm feeling really womanhood right now. The following list is a collection of books that pop out in my brain when I think books about women - their journeys, relationships, etc. They might not be the most profound or classical pieces but they glued themselves into my brain for a reason. I am going to try to give only titles that I haven't mentioned before. Try.

I Was Here by Gayle Foreman

It examines female relationships in the context of some pretty serious issues. Things we hide, the effects of mental illness, the truths we give our best friends, etc. Also who we are, who we want to be, and who we allow ourselves to be.

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Sense and Sensibility! My very first introduction to Jane Austen. And it is the one that sticks out in my mind the most when I think about female relationships. It is about a family who is made up of all women (and a douche half-brother, lol) and their journey to happily-ever-after. 

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Series) - Ann Bransheres

Netflix just added the movie adaption to their list. I would, of course, recommend reading at least the first book prior to watching the movie, but definitely enjoy both! (The movie is excellently cast). Each friend is different from background to personalities. The pants are like a huge symbol. A symbol of their friendship and their commitment to one another.

Snowflower and the Secret Fan - Lisa See

I love the idea of matchmaking friends together. And having a secret language. It's beautifully written and the turns and twists still stick in my mind. 

White Oleander - Janet Fitch

Hands down one of my favorite books as a teen. It's a coming of age novel set in a rotating dire circumstance of being a girl in the foster care system. With a mother who murdered her lover with Oleanders. Yea, that's why it's called that. I should re-read it and do a formal review. It's not one that gets a lot of shout outs. 

Little Women - Louisa May Alcott

A total no brainer. For obvious reasons. If you haven't read this. Do it now. ;)

The Red Tent - Anita Diamant

Now I am SURE I have mentioned this one before. But, it's one of my favorites. Sisters, mothers and daughter, father and daughter. Mother to child. Midwifing. It's has so many elements that have impacted the experience of being a woman through out time. Always and forever one of my favorites to bring out for any list.

The Hundred Secret Senses - Amy Tan

I was thinking of putting the Joy Luck Club down but when I went to the goodreads site - I remember this one! I read it ages ago in High School - but to be honest...I remember being more impacted by it than I was by The Joy Luck Club. Now, I can't exactly remember how it goes. But, it's about sisters and different experiences and it's written by Amy Tan. I love Amy Tan. 

A Tree Grows In Brooklyn - Betty Smith

I believe the forward to my physical copy of this novel explains it best by saying something to the likes of...it's not a story about a poor girl, it's not a story about a girl who has a strained relationship with her mother, this is not a girl who was almost molested, this isn't a story about a girl who loves to read, this isn't a story about a girl who grows up strong - it's a story about all of that. It's not just one story - it's all those stories and more. It's such a lovely, meandering read. And its all centered around one of the most authentic, relatable female characters in literature. I might just be saying this because she loves books. But, still, worth it's place on the list. 

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Lily has a lot of relationships in this book. To her caregiver, to her dead mother, to her newly found guardians. With herself, with female spirituality, with her past. I think I've read this more times than I can count. Again. If you haven't read it - do so!

And I'm out for the week! Any suggestions to add? What did you choose for this week's topic?

Jess