12 Books That All Adult Women Should Read (or Reread)

In Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, Eleanor Oliphant is as off-beat as they come. Her view of the world is unlike any other leading lady's. She is intelligent, very literal, socially off, and more so, saturated with a haunting history that is a direct reflection of her unique traits. Her individuality and perspective are hilarious, frustrating, heartbreaking, and charming and, mostly, will make you become a loyal cheerleader and supporter of her and her journey. It's one of the best reads and characters that have been developed in a long time.

In Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, the March sisters tell a classic, American tale of the love of family during a very specific time in America. Jo March, the second eldest March sister, is a woman before her time. She is ambitious and smart and longs for something different than what is expected of her. Her self-discovery and journey have stolen the hearts of readers throughout history, and her distaste for settling is one that was glaringly different from a girl in her place in history.

In The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Katniss Everdeen comes from a world we cannot relate to. Never having luxuries or comforts, she grew up edgier, rougher, and as a provider. When she is faced with entering the Hunger Games, it's her defiance, strong spirit, and hard demeanor that hide a heart of gold — and make you fall in love with her. She is a fighter, and her determination is unique to most heroines in young adult novels who have come before her.

This gorgeous novel, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, is as heartfelt as it is beautifully written. Kya is a young girl without any family, support, or money and yearns to find her place as she struggles to survive. It's a tale of mystery and a perspective of a particular place in a part in America's history that is not often touched upon.

It may be a fairy tale, but this version of Cinderella is anything but a dainty damsel in distress. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine is about a strong-willed, brilliant, defiant, and loyal young woman. Mixed with a little sass, humor, and magic, you have the recipe of a character who is fun to follow but also inspiring. She fights for her freedom, and her good heart and destiny give the fairy-tale ending with a twist that makes you feel like she really earned it.

Skeeter Phelan in The Help by Kathryn Stockett is so misplaced in her world, you can't help but love her. Having finished college (to actually earn an education rather than find a husband), having zero tolerance for prejudice, and with a desire for a big writing career, she struggles to find her place in Mississippi in the 1960s. Her compassion and ability to stay on her course alter a community and initiate a growth that seems close to impossible.

In Me Before You by JoJo Moyes, Louisa Clarke is as offbeat and weird as they come. Harboring pain and fear from an incident in her past but with a big heart and great sense of humor, she finds herself falling in love with a man who is a quadriplegic and under her care. He shows her the opportunities in life she's avoiding, and she shows him — and the readers — what unconditional love and acceptance really look like.

In Baby Proof by Emily Giffin, Claudia Parr and her husband see troubled times in their marriage when they can't get on the same page about having children. When so many stories revolve around motherhood, what about the women who don't feel a desire to discover that part of life? Claudia's unique take on her situation, fears, and emotions of betrayal present a dynamic woman who challenges what the "norm" is considered to be.

In Fangirl: A Novel by Rainbow Rowell, Cath's fangirldom is where she hides under pain and insecurities, and her journey to let go of her security blanket, and lifetime passion, creates a funny, unique narrative.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman is a classic tale of a little girl who shows great bravery under some very scary circumstances. It's a fantastic example of a heroine who shows heart and determination very young.

In Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh, Harriet is one of the classic characters little girls are first introduced to who marches to the beat of her own drum and follows her heart of what she is interested in. There is a little coming-of-age vibe throughout, but her sheer cheek and determination make her a unique heroine we hope grows up to be the strong woman we can see.

In Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Elizabeth Bennet and her love story with Mr. Darcy are classics among romance novels, but it is not a typical story. Elizabeth, also like Jo March, is a woman before her time and does not settle, but instead finds just want she wants by being strong and honest.