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10 Books About Kick Ass Independent Women

By February 10, 2016February 14th, 2019Discussion and Recommendations

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.

Burial Rites US
Burial Rites UK

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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.

The Red Tent US
The Red Tent UK

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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.

Dealing with Dragons US
Dealing with Dragons UK

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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 Handmaid’s Tale US
The Handmaid’s Tale UK

Handmaid’s Tale Review

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 One Plus One US
The One Plus One UK

The One Plus One Review

The Literary Gift Company

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

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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

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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!

Jane Eyre US
Jane Eyre UK

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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!

Three Strong Women US
Three Strong Women UK

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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

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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!



2 Comments

  • Mahima says:

    The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo defines badass all over again

  • Fig2 says:

    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.

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