In a society filled with Netflix, Instagram and a schedule that takes up way too many hours in the day, we're left with a forgotten past-time, reading. Books teach us many life lessons, open doors to worlds different than our own and let us explore new cultures. These 20 books are no different. If you need a confidence boost, want to discover a new sense of self, or want to appreciate your femininity more these novels are definitely worth delaying the latest season of Scandal on Netflix.
“Pride And Prejudice” By Jane Austen
"Pride and Prejudice" is a classic novel by Jane Austen that follows the life of one of five daughters, Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth overcomes issues of social class, morality, upbringing and marriage in this empowering novel.
“The Lover” By Marguerite Duras
This book is a love tale like no other. Set in prewar Indochina, it is a story about an affair between an adolescent French girl and her Chinese lover, "a passionate relationship between two unforgettable outcasts."
“The Harsh Voice” By Rebecca West
"The Harsh Voice" is a collection of four short novels that explores how money influences the lives and relationships of rich men and women.
“Gone With The Wind” By Margaret Mitchell
"Gone With the Wind" is another classic novel. It looks at the depth of human passions as it follows the story of a privileged daughter of a wealthy plantation owner and how the Civil War changes her life forever.
“Three Junesz’ By Julia Glass
This novel follows the life of a family over many years, showing their ups and downs with love and all it brings.
“Fun Home” By Alison Bechdel
This comic artist style book is a dark, yet funny, family tale about Alison's family and their "fun home" as they called the family-owned funeral home.
“Frankenstein” By Mary Shelley
"Frankenstein" follows the creation of a creature of horror by scientist Victor Frankenstein. It is a horror book you absolutely need to read!
“The Golden Notebook” By Doris Lessing
"The Golden Notebook" is a story about Anna, a writer who keeps four separate notebooks all with their own story. Between a personal diary, her African experience, her political life and a novel, Anna creates a golden notebook that encompasses all four.
“The Diary Of Anne Frank” By Anne Frank
"The Diary Of Anne Frank" is a collection of Anne Frank's writings during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.
“The Group” By Mary McCarthy
"The Group" follows the lives of eight friends. After graduation, the friends slowly drift apart as life gets in the way. But the death of one brings them all back together.
“A Tree Grows In Brooklyn” By Betty Smith
This American classic is about a woman's coming of age and all the joys and heartaches she faces.
“Bad Behavior” By Mary Gaitskill
"Bad Behavior" is a group of stories about longing, dislocation and desire that creates a generation searching for belonging and human connection.
“I Know Why The Cage Bird Sings” By Maya Angelou
This book is a tale about the longing of lonely children and how they are able to change their lives for the better.
“To Kill A Mockingbird” By Harper Lee
"To Kill a Mockingbird" looks at the roots of all human behavior: innocence and experience, kindness and cruelty, love and hatred and humor and pathos. You'll love this classic novel.
“Property” By Valerie Martin
"Property" deals with the gruesome effect of slavery on the owners and those who were owned.
“A Thousand Acres” By Jane Smiley
A novel about a farmer who divides his farm between his three daughters, "A Thousand Acres" tackles themes of truth, justice, love and reveals the truth about humanity.
“Earthly Paradise” By Colette
"Earthly Paradise" is an autobiography of Colette, a French novelist, derived from her lifetime writings.
“Fear Of Flying” By Erica Jong
This is a definite must read. "Fear of Flying" is a novel about a girl and here desire to fly free. It discusses self-discovery, liberation and womanhood.
“Excellent Women” By Barbara Pym
"Excellent Women" is a comedic novel that follows one woman who finds herself constantly in other people's lives.
“Beloved” By Toni Morrison
"Beloved" is a novel that deals with the heartaches of slavery as it follows one woman who was born a slave, her escape and the events of her life that still constantly haunt her.