Top Six New Releases to Embrace Women This Month
Words by Aspasia Celia Tsampas
In March, we celebrate the achievements of yesterday, today, and tomorrow’s women. While all year round we should be recognizing these women and striving for achievement, this month allows us to reflect on all the great women among us and how they have impacted our lives, from the real-life heroines to the fictional ones that live in-between the pages. In honor of them, here is a list of six new releases, by women and about women, that made it just in time to help you embrace and commemorate Women’s History Month.
The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls by Anissa Gray; published February 19, 2019
An ode to mothers and daughters, this debut novel by Anissa Gray follows Althea, the eldest sister but substitute mother to two younger sisters, and her struggle as her family is dragged through the mud in a scandal. In powerful and dominating prose, Althea and the rest of the Butler family must rally around each other to protect their identities and the relationships around them. Overall, this page-turner will surely keep readers on their toes as they follow both women on a journey driven by hope.
The Source of Self-Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, and Meditations by Toni Morrison; published February 12, 2019
Toni Morrison, the revered and celebrate author of American classics The Bluest Eye and Beloved,as well as the winner of the 1993 Nobel Prize in Literature, returns with an elegant and powerful nonfiction collection. This highly anticipated new release includes a series of Morrison’s speeches, thoughts, and values throughout her career, including reflections on some of her own work. Spanning four decades, the literary visionary examines aspects of society, culture, and art. As always, she holds nothing back in her continuous pursuit in understanding the American reality.
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas; published February 5, 2019
Award winning author Angie Thomas returns to the literary scene with On the Come Up. After the immense success and subsequent movie for her last book The Hate U Give, her latest does not disappoint with its poignant prose and relevant subject matter. A tribute to hip hop, the novel follows Bri, a teenager who aspires to be a great rapper. This book will inspire many to overcome a less than ideal situation to fight for their dreams.
Where Reasons End by Yiyun Li; published February 5, 2019
This heart wrenching novel will surely leave you in tears. In her newest book, Yiyum Li imagines a conversation between a mother and the teenage son she lost to suicide. Dedicated to the memory of the author’s own son who took his life just months before the novel’s conception, Li offers an extremely intimate look at grief and the love of a mother and son. After leaving China and a career in science at age 20 to pursue writing, Li channeled her anguish into Where Reason Ends. Her ability to turn the darkest mourning into something so important is reason enough to read this outstanding novel.
Watch Us Rise by Renée Watson, Ellen Hagan; published February 12, 2019
This young adult novel is the perfect contemporary example of feminism for the younger generation. Utilizing the digital platform to spread their new Women’s Rights Club, NYC high schoolers Jasmine and Chelsea learn that anyone can have a voice. Even when countless authority figures attempt to silence these young revolutionaries, the girls will risk it all for their generation to be heard.
The Mermaid’s Voice Returns in This One by Amanda Lovelace; published March 5, 2019
As the third and final installment in the Women Are Some Kind of Magic trilogy,award winning poet Amanda Lovelace returns with this timely feminist prose.Centered around the #MeToo Movement, the popular mermaid story takes a hold ofher own agency in a twist of fate. With beautiful language and importantthemes, this poetry collection is a quick read that will leave you ponderingfor days.
