International Women’s Day is an inclusive celebration of the myriad social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and marks a collective call to action to accelerate gender parity. As we join the call to #AccelerateAction, our teams from across the business have shared their book recommendations for International Women’s Day and beyond.
In the Streets of Tehran: Woman. Life. Freedom
This powerful and unique insight into the politic upheaval in Iran is a crucial reminder of the historic fight for women’s rights, and a celebration of activists past and present.
– Leonie Lock, Editor
Bronte Tempestra – Bex Hogan
Bex Hogan’s Bronte Tempestra series is the perfect read to inspire and empower young feminists! Filled with fabulous illustrations and fast-paced adventures, the books follow Bronte Tempestra, the first princess to go to knight school. Bronte is inspired by the daring deeds of her hero Sir Pen Tine, showing the boys at Sir Sebastian’s School for Squires that she has everything it takes to be a knight.
– Ruth Bennett, Editorial Director
Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell
A grown-up romance for grown-up readers, this one really got to me. Anyone who loved Fangirl as a teenager will love Slow Dance as an adult. Smart, considered, hopeful, romantic, relatable. Highly recommend.
– Holly Milnes, Senior Marketing Executive
I’ll Never Call Him Dad Again by Caroline Darian
The testimony of Caroline Darian and her mother Gisele Pelicot in an open trial in France helped reverse the stigma of sexual assault. In France, the slogan around the trail was Shame Changes Sides. Caroline’s strength and that of her family in meeting one of the most horrific cases of abuse with dignity and resolve is inspiring. Given what they went through and Caroline’s work as an activist setting up a charity helping put ‘chemical submission’ (drug-facilitated assault) on the map so that sufferers and medical professionals alike can raise the alarm at the first signs. Although it deals with tough subject matter, the impact of the book is uplifting. If Caroline and her mother can face this, there are no limits for our capacity to create powerful good out of even the most challenging circumstances.
– Carole Tonkinson, Publisher
Getting Away with Murder by Lynda La Plante
I’d like to put forward Getting away with Murder by the incredible Lynda La Plante. We take strong female characters for granted now – whether the heroes or the villains – but that hasn’t always been the case. These more rounded portrayals of women in the media came about because of the women behind the scenes, and Lynda La Plante was a pioneer in this regard. From her debut with Widows, where four women get away with an audacious robbery because no one suspects them, to her iconic character of Tennison – one of the first ever female Detectives portrayed on television, Lynda pushed for better representation for women on screen.
Lynda is an icon and an inspiration and she has shattered glass ceilings throughout her career. In everything she embodies and everything she is, she is a magnificent and a trailblazing figure for women everywhere. We should all aspire to be more Lynda, and her memoir is a great first step in understanding how and ask #WWLLPD?
– Blake Brooks, Head of Marketing
Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers
In a world where women are often made to feel invisible, Small Pleasures delicately examines life’s subtleties through the quiet, unassuming lens of Jean Swinney, a dutiful journalist leading a life of routine and restraint. This book will break your heart, but in doing so, it powerfully reminds us that by daring to reach out for love, we achieve one of life’s greatest triumphs: connection.
– Charlie Wilson, Senior Commissioning Editor
When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill
Any idea what would happen if you were able to channel your female fury and transform into a fire-breathing dragon, ready to destroy all? With this brilliantly moving, memorable and inventive book from Kelly Barnhill, you will find out exactly what happens…
– Emma Matthewson, Executive Publisher
On paper, I didn’t think I would enjoy a novel about women turning in to dragons but this is a brilliant piece of writing. Female rage suddenly turning women in to actual dragons is only the starting point for an incredible look in to what it means to be a woman, to be defined by society, the dangers of prejudice and the ways in which we look back on our lives and history. It is also a beautiful coming of age story, and I was incredibly moved by the relationship between Alex and her sister. Initially inspired by Trump’s first term as president, this feels more timely than ever.
– Stacey Hamilton, International Sales Director
Strong Female Character by Hanna Flint
One of today’s very best film commentators and pop culture pundits, Hanna Flint’s Strong Female Character tells the story of her personal journey through an often hostile industry by turning a critical eye on the movies that have left their mark. Starting with a searing chapter examining the depiction of Aladdin‘s Jasmine – and the impact it had on her growing up as a young girl of mixed heritage – and moving on to subjects such as on-screen portrayals of race, sexuality, and representations of women on the silver screen; the book is a towering work of incisive cultural commentary that leaves you with a long list of film recommendations to explore (or avoid) once you finish.
– Alex Riddle, Brand Communications Manager
From CIA to CEO by Rupal Patel
I’d like to recommend From CIA to CEO by Rupal Patel, I read it after watching the interview on the I&R Network’s Every Perspective Matters series and absolutely loved it! I found it really inspiring, packed with useful tips on how to reach one’s goals, and Rupal’s analytical approach makes it easier for people to understand themselves more deeply in simple ways.
– Alice Dalle Luche, Senior International Sales Manager
The Swell by Kat Gordon
Can I suggest The Swell, which is partly inspired and set around the Women’s Strike in Iceland which took place 50 years ago this year. Read more about the events of that day and its impacts here.
– Sophie Orme, Publisher
We Have Everything We Need to Start Again by Koleka Putuma
I’d love to recommend a poetry collection we published on Hot Key last year: We Have Everything We Need to Start Again by multi-award-winning South African poet Koleka Putuma. It’s a beautiful and thoughtful collection that aims to empower young people to embrace their own identities. Exploring themes of gender, sexuality and mental health with a vibrant and positive outlook, it’s playful in its form, language and design, and every line is a powerful call to action. Koleka is also the founder and director of Manyano Media, a multidisciplinary creative company that empowers and produces stories by black queer women.
– Ella Whiddett, Senior Commissioning Editor
Read History, a poem by Koleka Putuma:
