I decided to make a list of "regular" books (as I read MUCH more SF & Fantasy but I do read the other stuff too); and so for those who are looking for some books with strong female characters (in honor of women's history month); here is a list for you of books I have enjoyed.
Code Name Verity is an amazing historical fiction story set in England & France during WWII. Verity is a spy, or at least she is arrested as one in France and is writing a diary of her life as a spy while a prisoner of the Nazis (it's actually a mandatory part of her incarceration). Maddie is a pilot and Verity's friend; who dropped Verity off but then lost control of the plane and crashed. Maddie is hoping to be able to get out of Nazi controlled France without dying and is struggling to figure out friend from enemy while in the countryside of France all alone.
This is a blindingly fast read with two smart and savvy girls trying to handle terrible things while caught in a war. I highly recommend this but do be aware that Verity's part of the story is....very brutally realistic and hard to read at times.
Ida Mae Jones has dreamed of being a pilot her entire life, so when the US starts the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) programs during WWII, she thinks she has a chance....until she realizes black girls are not allowed to join. Ida Mae makes the difficult decision to follow her dream and pass as white in order to join....however, passing means giving up her family and denying her heritage which is always hard but even more so during war time.
This is a really contemplative book about a teen following her dreams but having to decide if the cost is worth the payout. The author Sherri L. Smith really shows the fraught nature of "passing as white"as well as the issues of being a female pilot at this time in history. If you like exciting stories that make you think, this would be a good one to grab.
Veda is a classical Indian dance prodigy and she absolutely loves to dance. So when a car accident costs her a leg, not only does she have to struggle with rehabilitation but also the loss of her passion.....or does she? Is there a way she could dance with only one leg (or with an artificial one?)
This book was so emotional and satisfying. Veda's grief and struggle are realistically shown but this isn't a "oh poor me, I'm disabled" story; but of a person who is finding new ways to do the things she loves.
Vidya dreams of going to college and her father has always encouraged her to follow her dreams. However, when her father is brutally attacked and the family is forced to move in with her more traditional paternal grandparents, her options become much smaller. She sneaks off to the library upstairs (where women aren't allowed to go) and hopes to find a way; but it's 1940 and WWII is taking away a lot of options.....can Vidya find a way to an education or will she have to settle for a marriage and hope for the best?
This is another emotional book (Venkatraman is REALLY good at creating characters and scenarios which feel so real you swear you know them). If you want to try a historical fiction book that is a little less about fighting in the war and a bit more about life beyond the war; this is a solid choice.
Empress of the World is a classic, written in 2001 about two girls who are so completely different but who fall in love. They meet at a summer education camp where everyone lives in the dorms and can pretend to be in college for 8 weeks. This is an introspective book, more of an emotional journey but it is about being strong enough to be yourself and it is a beautiful story.
If you are looking for a non-traditional romance story, this is awesome. DJ is from a football family and adores football; but girls aren't allowed to play. She coaches a guy over the summer, who turns out to be the quarterback for her hometown rival team....but she really likes him. She also wants to learn to speak up for herself more, because when you keep quiet all the time, a lot ends up not being said and DJ has a lot to say.
This is a love story and a sports book but it's also a story about a girl trying to find her own way. You should try it.
Speaking of being a girl to stand up for herself, Skye is my hero. She is amazing at singing, dancing and loves it; but all anyone sees is her weight. She decides to try out for a spot in a National contest to be in a new K-pop group (televised mostly on Korean channels); and is definitely fighting to stay. She also meets Henry, who matches all the star criteria but who also thinks she is perfect just the way she is.
This story touched me because Skye is so strong but also so hurt by the constant scrutiny about who she is and should be. It's full of fun and a bit of romance too. I definitely suggest you check it out.
That's it, enjoy! Saleena
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