happy international women's day my friends!
Today I wanted to share something I just posted on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a funny platform to write on, it is at once one of the few places that sincerity remains accepted on social media, and yet also a platform that feels so overtly constructed and strategic (and kinda cringe) in what gets presented. So forgive me for the tone of performative professionalism* below. At the end I share a list of 10 book recommendations and a snippet of my reviews for each of them. The full list (47 books, oops!) is available on the Goodreads shelf I made specifically to continue to use writing this post as a form of procrastination for other things well after it could have been deemed as 'done'. Still, it is a great list of really great books, so enjoy!
*thanks ChatGPT for helping me find a term to describe 'LinkedIn-ism'.
Happy International Women's Day!
I have had many amazing women in my corner and in my sightlines over the years to celebrate - my Mum, my teachers, principals, bosses, CEOs, Directors, Vice Chancellors, incredible friends, colleagues. But I’m going to use today to talk about two things I love: Taylor Swift and books.
I was lucky enough to be at the Eras tour a few weeks ago, which was as phenomenal as everyone says it is and one of the best nights of my life, and I'm reflecting on this quote from Taffy Brodesser-Akner's brilliant article last year in the New York Times:
"You could watch this concert — you could watch this entire phenomenon — through the eyes of the idea that Taylor Swift frees women to celebrate their girlhood, to understand that their womanhood is made up of these microchapters of change, that we’re not different people than we were then, that we shouldn’t disavow the earlier versions of ourselves, our earlier eras."
This celebration of the very nature of changing and evolving is something that encourages me to continue to find ways to grow and learn, and to trust that who I am today both is and is not who I’ll be in 5 years time.
Listening to the experiences of other women is key to this - learning from them, complicating your perspectives, and pushing back on the idea of ‘single stories’ of any one identity or experience. Reading intentionally and widely has been core to this for me. So I wanted to share and recommend a list of 10 books authored by women that I’ve read over the past few years that have expanded my perspectives and stuck with me. If you've read this far down - I'd love to know what books would make it on this list for you.
Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie
This is a reimagining of the Greek classic ‘Antigone’, told as a story of British Muslims in modern day Britain. It is a heartfelt and moving exploration of nationhood and identity, family and betrayal.
The Trauma Cleaner by Sara Krasnostein
The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers
Jeffers has done an incredible job here of pulling together stories from the history of the US and weaving a family epic that dives into colonisation, slavery, race, intergenerational trauma, abuse, addiction, love, family - so much family, in so many forms.
The Most Important Job in the World by Gina Ruston
Part long-form journalism, part memoir of a personal journey, this was a really excellent exploration of the question of motherhood and child rearing for many women and birthing people in Australia. It definitely reflected some of the deep considerations and internal conflicts that I see in my friends around this topic, and Gina’s personal experiences added a richness and personality to the discussion - particularly around careers.
This Is Not A Book About Benedict Cumberbatch by Tabitha Carvan
Funny, moving and challenging in all the best ways. Emphasis on the funny - I laughed out loud so many times reading it. This is not a book about Benedict Cumberbatch, it’s about passion and joy and breaking yourself open just a little bit to let the light in and allow yourself to breathe.
Good Bones by Maggie Smith
A beautiful collection of poems on motherhood, hope, loss and moving through the world. There were so many moments that moved me and it is one that I will return to and ponder on well into the future.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
The story of the HeLa cell line is so much more than a scientific victory. This is a story of race, power, and capitalism - and a reminder to scientists that their work is never done without the context of history and the influence of society.
Educated by Tara Westover
A fascinating memoir about Tara Westover’s journey to study at Cambridge and Harvard after a childhood without school - but more than that, it’s a reflection on the intersections of faith and religion, mental illness, family, poverty, and identity. The writing and re-writing of history is a dominant theme as you witness the author come to terms with her personal history, as well as her place in the larger context of world history.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Michelle’s reflections on her family and childhood and experience as a young Black girl in America are insightful and sincere, and not a single anecdote is without contribution to the greater tale of her life. She paints a rich picture of her background, so much so that you almost forget what’s coming. This book would be worth reading even if it wasn’t the story of a First Lady of the United States, but that bit does not let you down either.
The Colour Purple by Alice Walker
This book was the best thing I was made to read in high school - heavy, but ultimately hopeful, and such a moving insight into the life and resilience of Celie and the women around her.