As summer approaches, Women’s March Rockford and friends have book recommendations that reflect our values, inspire our work and motivate us to grow.
These books have impacted our lives and sometimes in transformative ways.
Women’s March wants to share the stories and information in these books with our community with the hope that other lives will be changed and conversations will be initiated.
Empowerment, Healing
“The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah
This WWII book presented familiar experiences that are relevant today. It matters because it shows how the slow creep of fascism occurs and that doing small things matters and is a representation of ordinary women doing extraordinary things.
“Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus
A hilarious and poignant read about a young woman who had dreams of becoming a scientist. Despite her brilliance, those dreams were crushed by the gender limitations of the 1950s and by the impact of a sexual assault by her college professor. The story is a lesson in how to overcome challenges by sheer will and determination.
“When Women Were Dragons” by Kelly Barnhill
A great read about the choices we make, the choices that are made for us and how we can be our authentic selves. It’s a great feminist story that’s fun to read and had us thinking.
“Are You Mad At Me: How to Stop Focusing on What Others Think and Start Living for You” by Meg Josephson
Reading this is like talking with a friend and a therapist at the same time. Josephson shares stories, reflection questions, and ideas for boundary-setting in order to embrace the unconditional love that we each deserve.
“Ninth Street Women: Five Painters and the Movement that Changed Modern Art,” by Mary Gabriel
Gabriel tells the story of five women whose work was essential to the Abstract Expressionist movement in NYC, but whose importance, until recently, has been ignored.
“Educated” by Tara Westover
One woman’s journey to educate herself when education was not valued by her family. The challenges she faced and overcame pursuing her education is an inspiring story. Serves as an education on different cultures and values in the U.S.
“Women & Power – A Manifesto” by Mary Beard
Traces misogyny’s ancient roots from Homer’s Odyssey to modern times, examining how women have been historically excluded from power and public speech, while proposing a redefinition of power itself. Sound familiar?
Friendship, Women Supporting Women
“Atmosphere” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“The Book Club for Troublesome Women” by Marie Bostwick
“The Women” by Kristin Hannah
All three historical fictions about women doing something courageous during their time in history. Each book depicted a strong theme of female friendships. The support from other women is so important, at times even more important than romantic relationships.
“The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane” by Lisa See
This book is about the hardships of being born in China and escaping dire conditions in a remote village where tea was harvested. The story follows a journey and the difficulties the protagonist faces, including searching for the infant she gave up to an orphanage.
“The Storyteller’s Secret” by Sejal Badani
This book encouraged me to read about other cultures. A young American journalist of Indian heritage learns about her grandmother’s challenging journey through a diary. There are uplifting events along the journey that give you peace.
Social Justice, LGBTQ
“Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” by Isabel Wilkerson
A powerful and important lesson on the ways racism continues in the United States and how we all participate.
“The Care We Dream Of: Liberatory & Transformative Justice Approaches to LGBTQ+ Health” by Zena Sharman
An inspiring read that uses both radical imagination and real-world examples to help the reader see how much more is possible if we approach our healthcare systems from a lens of justice and liberation for all.
“The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle The Master’s House” by Audre Lorde
Essential reading from a mother of three, a Black lesbian’s perspective. Must read.
For Fun, Great Reads
“This American Woman: A one in a million memoir” by Zarna Garg
Zarna is an immigrant and her story depicts strength, bravery, love, courage and resiliency. There were so many laugh out loud moments.
“Lost Goddesses of Early Greece” by Charlene Spretnak
For thousands of years before the classical myths were recorded, the spiritual presence of the Goddess in her myriad forms was the focus of religion and culture.
Self-Improvement, Financial Wellness
“The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel
It isn’t just data, formulas, and math that somehow feel exclusive and out of reach, building wealth has a whole lot to do with behavior.
“Floored: A Woman’s Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage” by Sara ReardonPelvic floor health is a must know for every woman. Discomfort does not have to be part of motherhood and aging.
We know that one book can change or influence a life. Now, more than ever, we need to keep reading, keep growing, and keep learning. We encourage you to take a break from social media and pick up a good book.
Maria Oliveri has been a Women’s March Rockford board member since January 2026. She is a first-generation immigrant and a proponent of women’s rights, equity, inclusion and diversity. Written with fellow board members Danielle Coleman and Ann Dempsey.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Summer reading recommendations from Women’s March Rockford | Opinion
Reporting by Maria Oliveri, Special to the Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Maria Oliveri, Special to the Rockford Register Star | USA TODAY Network
