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March is almost here, and you know what that means – it’s Women’s History Month!
This month is all about honoring the incredible women who’ve shaped history, culture, and our lives in so many ways.
As a book lover, it’s the perfect time to read some stories about strong women, written by amazing female authors.
I’m super excited about celebrating this special month with you through the power of books, and I can’t wait to share some fun and easy ways to make the most of it!
So, here are some ways we can celebrate Women’s History Month in a way that honors the amazing women who have impacted our world, both in real life and through literature.
From reading inspiring stories to sharing the love with friends, you’ll totally have fun with these 10 heartwarming ways to spend this month!
1. Read Books by Women Authors
First up, one of the best ways to honor Women’s History Month as a book lover is to support women writers.
There are so many talented female authors out there, and by reading their books, we get to experience their unique perspectives and stories.
It’s all about boosting the voices of women who have so much to offer.
Here are a few books by women authors that I’ve absolutely adored, and I think you’ll love them too:
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (Fantasy): This book weaves magic and mystery into a breathtakingly beautiful story that will sweep you away.
- An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (Literary Fiction): This novel is a heartbreaking, thought-provoking exploration of love, race, and the criminal justice system.
- Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (Thriller): A gripping, twisty tale of friendship, secrets, and betrayal.
- The Alice Network by Kate Quinn (Historical Fiction): A fascinating story set during and after World War II about women spies and their resilience.
These are just a few examples, and trust me, there are plenty more where they came from.
I’m always on the lookout for more books by women to add to my ever-growing TBR (to-be-read) list.
And if you’re thinking about what other books to add to your list, you can check out this list of the best memoirs by women who are killing it.
2. Create a Women’s History Month Reading List
Next, why not create your very own Women’s History Month reading list?
It’s such a fun way to get organized and intentional about the books you’ll be reading this month.
You can feature books by female authors or books that tell the stories of inspiring women.
Here’s what my list might look like (and a few ideas to get you started):
- The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin (Literary Fiction): A beautiful, emotional story about fate, family, and the power of choices.
- Circe by Madeline Miller (Fantasy/Greek Mythology): A mesmerizing reimagining of the Greek myth of Circe, told from the perspective of the powerful witch herself.
- The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah (Historical Fiction): A gripping novel set during the Great Depression, focusing on one woman’s journey through hardship and survival.
For a fun reading challenge, how about aiming for 10 books this month?
They can be by female authors or feature women as main characters.
You could also challenge yourself to read books from different genres to mix things up.
Want to take a peek at my own Women’s History Month reading list? Check it out here.
3. Organize a Virtual Book Club
If you love chatting about books (and who doesn’t?), why not organize a virtual book club this month?
You can create a space where everyone can read books by or about women and discuss them together.
It’s a great way to connect with others, share your thoughts, and celebrate the power of literature.
Here are some tips for hosting a fun virtual book club:
- Pick a book ahead of time and give everyone enough time to read it.
- Set a date for your meeting and choose a platform (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.) to gather.
- Make it inclusive! Encourage everyone to share their thoughts and ideas, no matter how big or small.
Trust me, it’s always so fun to hear different perspectives on the same book, especially when it’s one that celebrates women.
If you want some ideas of fun and lovely things to do to kick up things at your book club meeting, here are some tried and trusted ideas.
4. Host a Virtual Book Swap with Books by Female Authors
A virtual book swap is such a fun way to exchange books with friends or fellow book lovers, especially when the books feature female authors.
This could be an excellent way to expand your bookshelf while celebrating Women’s History Month.
It’s also a wonderful way to discover new authors that you may not have picked up otherwise.
I’ve hosted a few book swaps in the past, and they’ve always been such a blast.
If you’re thinking of hosting one, here’s how to make it easy:
- Create a list of books you’re willing to swap.
- Set up a virtual meeting spot to chat and share books.
- Make sure to include a few women authors on your list, and don’t forget to recommend your faves.
I’ve written lots of posts on the best book club books, so take a pick from any of these posts:
5. Donate to Charities That Support Women and Girls
Another meaningful way to celebrate Women’s History Month is by supporting women’s causes.
If you’re a book lover, consider donating books to schools, libraries, or women’s shelters.
There are also many organizations that support women’s education, health, and rights, and a donation to these causes can go a long way in empowering women.
In the past, I’ve donated books to local women’s shelters, and it’s such a rewarding experience.
I’d encourage you to look into charities that align with your values, whether that’s promoting education for girls or supporting women’s health initiatives.
6. Celebrate Women in the Bookish Community
The bookish community is full of incredible women doing amazing things – whether they’re authors, book bloggers, or influencers.
This month, why not take some time to highlight and celebrate those women?
A few women I adore (and you should definitely check out) are:
- Jamie from Perpetual Page-Turner – She shares amazing reviews and book recommendations.
- Cindy from Book of Cinz – A Carribean bookstagrammer who shares beautiful photos and book recommendations that always leave me inspired.
- N.K. Jemisin – A brilliant author whose work is a must-read for any fantasy fan. I absolutely loved The Fifth Season and can’t wait to read more of her books.
You can follow these women on social media, engage with their content, or even send them a message to show your support. It’s all about uplifting each other!
7. Host a Herstory Movie Night
Sometimes, a good book-to-movie adaptation is all you need to feel inspired.
This month, host a Herstory movie night featuring films about strong, empowering women.
A few of my favorites include:
- The Great Lillian Hall – I feel this movie is very important because it explores growing older, acknowledging that the world is changing, and getting in touch with our innermost selves. I even reviewed the movie on the blog, so check it out!
- Hidden Figures – This is an inspiring story of three African-American women who played a pivotal role in NASA’s space program.
- The Iron Lady – There’s no way to talk about boss ladies without mentioning Margaret Thatcher! This movie is based on her life, and I feel it’s an important watch for every woman.
- Little Women – Easily one of the best movies about sisterhood and growing up, Little Women is a lovely watch for girls finding their own path. This movie is based on an actual book and, in this post, I collected my fave quotes from the text.
Watching these films is such a great way to celebrate the achievements of women in history.
8. Host a Women’s History Month Readathon
Who doesn’t love a good readathon?
Hosting or joining a readathon focused on women’s stories can be such a fun way to dive into new books and celebrate Women’s History Month.
I’m planning on hosting one in the future, where we’ll read books by female authors and share our thoughts along the way.
If you’re interested in hosting your own readathon, here are some tips:
- Set a reading goal (e.g., finish one book a week). You can create a reading challenge like this one here.
- Create a list of books featuring powerful female characters or stories about real women – Here’s a list of the very best historical fiction books featuring very amazing women.
- Get cozy, and enjoy the reading experience!
9. Write About Women in Your Life Who Inspire You
Writing can be such a powerful way to reflect on the women who have made a difference in your life.
This could be through journaling, writing a blog post, or simply sharing your thoughts with friends.
I love writing about the women who inspire me, from my sisters to my favorite authors.
If you’re up for it, take some time to reflect on the women who’ve impacted you, and write about their influence on your life.
Whether it’s a personal essay or just a heartfelt note, it’s a meaningful way to honor them.
10. Create a Women’s History Month Pinterest Board
Pinterest is one of my favorite places to get inspired, and it’s a great platform for celebrating Women’s History Month.
Consider creating a Pinterest board dedicated to women authors, female literary characters, book quotes, and artwork by women.
It’s a fun way to collect ideas and keep yourself motivated throughout the month.
You can pin book recommendations, share your favorite quotes from female authors, or even find artwork that represents the strong women you’re reading about.
I also created a Pinterest board for Women’s history month – Check it out here!
11. Support Women-Owned Bookstores
Another way to make a positive impact is by supporting women-owned bookstores.
These bookstores often offer a unique, curated selection of books and can be a great way to discover new reads.
Plus, you’re supporting a business run by women.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can check out local women-owned bookstores in your area or even support online stores run by women.
Some great online stores include The Lit Bar, which is a women-owned bookstore in the Bronx, or Bookshop.org, which supports independent bookstores across the country.
12. Gift Books to the Women in Your Life
A beautiful way to celebrate Women’s History Month is by gifting books to the women in your life.
Whether it’s your mom, sister, best friend, or colleague, books make such thoughtful and personal gifts.
You can gift books by women authors or books that feature empowering female characters.
I’ve gifted books to friends before, and it always feels so rewarding to share the love of reading with others.
Some great books to gift include The Help by Kathryn Stockett, Educated by Tara Westover, or The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.
13. Think About on Your Favorite Female Literary Characters
Lastly, take some time to reflect on your favorite female literary characters and think about how they’ve influenced you.
These characters often inspire us, teach us valuable lessons, and leave a lasting impact on our lives.
A few of my favorite fictional women include:
- Jo March from Little Women – A fierce, independent spirit who defied the expectations of her time.
- Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – A brilliant, complex character who takes charge of her own story.
- Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice – A witty, sharp, and unapologetically herself character.
What about you? Do you have a favorite female literary character? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
In this post, I’ve written about some of my favorite female fictional characters that I think everyone would love.
And there you have it – 10 fun and meaningful ways to celebrate Women’s History Month as a book lover.
Let’s take this month to appreciate the amazing women who have shaped the world through their stories and to keep lifting each other up.
Remember, Women’s History Month doesn’t have to end when March does.
Keep celebrating women’s voices, achievements, and stories all year long.
After all, literature has the power to inspire and honor women, and that’s something we can carry with us every day.
