The Anti-Valentine’s Selection
Right, I’ve tolerated the smug build up, the sickly promises on Facebook and the recommendations for romantic literature, but I’m single this Valentine’s Day and I’m calling time on the slush!
I’m a kick-ass independent woman and I don’t have to feel like I’m missing some other half of me this February 14th, in fact it’s just perfect. I’m going to read all day, books are my true love anyway so I’m recommending 10 books about kick ass independent women for my Valentine’s selection.
Burial Rites – Hannah Kent
Set in Iceland 200 years ago, this is a strong historical novel with some strong female characters that will leave you not only feeling slightly exhausted, but completely immersed too.
The Red Tent – Anita Diamant
Dinah may come from biblical times but she’s a strong woman, as this expansion on the biblical character shows. Beautiful writing and the perfect kick ass story to immerse yourself in this Valentine’s Day.
Dealing with Dragons – Patricia C. Wrede
If you have a daughter slouching around, feeling all alone and unloved, chuck her a copy of this. Princess Cimorene isn’t going to live a half life for anyone, she’s off to become a dragon’s princess! Maybe you can read it after her, and when you’re both done, it’s part of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles, so you’ll have gained a whole new series to read.
The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood
Offred’s astonishing strength of character against an oppressive and indoctrinating society is impressive, while the story is sure to remind you why we all need to stand strong and tall even when alone.
The One Plus One – Jojo Moyes
Ok so Jess probably isn’t kicking ass, she’s probably trying to, kicking the backs of knees, losing her balance and falling over. However, I love her spunk and her indomitable spirit so The One Plus One is in!
The Girl Who Fell from the Sky – Heidi W. Durrow
Rachel, the daughter of a Danish mother and a black G.I., becomes the sole survivor of a family tragedy after a fateful morning on their Chicago rooftop.Her bravery will astound you and make you realise just how capable and resourceful us women are in this WWII historical fiction.
The Girl Who Fell from the Sky US
The Girl Who Fell from the Sky UK
The Amazing “True” Story of a Teenage Single Mom – Katherine Arnoldi
The heroine of this piece is Arnoldi herself, who after a date rape finds herself pregnant at 17. Determined and resourceful, this teen mom isn’t going to be wavered from her successful course and what follows is a spunky graphic novel, brave and enlightening.
The Amazing True Story of a Teenage Single Mom US
The Amazing True Story of a Teenage Single Mom UK
Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte
Jane Eyre is a complex and self-aware woman during an age where this was not encouraged. A Victorian feminist? Virtually unheard of!
Three Strong Women – Marie Ndiaye
The three strong women are West African immigrant women, and the inner strength they show is sure to uplift any independent woman!
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter – Carson McCullers
Mick Kelly is the perfect role model for anyone! Not one to go with the crowd, she finds her comfort in music and finds productive ways to deal with the loneliness of living in a small town.
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter US
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter UK
I’m sure had we thrown this out to the readers we’d have got lots of different selections, but these are mine. Feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments, but if you’ll excuse me I’m off to create some ambient light, get into something more comfortable and take my latest literary crush off for some action between the sheets!
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The Girl Who Fell From the Sky is not WW2 historical fiction. It takes place in Portland in the 80’s. Rachel is a fantastic, strong character, though, and belongs on this list.