Books that Feature the Theme of Femininity

This thematic Collection highlights Books that Feature the Theme of Femininity. Through novels, plays, and works of nonfiction, the selections in this Collection explore the feminine experience in a variety of historical settings and cultures as they examine topics such as gender roles, feminism, and what it means to be feminine.

The Women

by Kristin Hannah

Publication year 2024

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes War, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Perseverance, Shame & Pride, Femininity, Death, Family, Friendship, Self Discovery, Safety & Danger

Tags Historical Fiction, Gender & Feminism, Trauma & Abuse, Military & War, World History, Romance

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The Women of Brewster Place

by Gloria Naylor

Publication year 1982

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Gender Identity, Race, Community, Femininity, Justice

Tags Historical Fiction, Relationships, African American Literature, Women`s Studies, Modern Classic Fiction, World History, Classic Fiction

First published in 1982, The Women of Brewster Place is Gloria Naylor’s debut novel and remains the African American author’s best-known work. The Women of Brewster Place was awarded the National Book Award for Best First Novel and was adapted into a miniseries in 1989 and a television show in 1990. Described as “a novel in seven stories,” the text consists of seven chapters that act as short stories, each one detailing the life of a Black woman living... Read The Women of Brewster Place Summary

The Writing Retreat

by Julia Bartz

Publication year 2023

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Sexual Identity, Femininity, Coming of Age, Self Discovery, Religion & Spirituality, Fame, Loyalty & Betrayal, Literature

Tags Horror & Suspense, LGBTQ+, Mystery & Crime Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction

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Thirst

by Varsha Bajaj

Publication year 2022

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Justice, Perseverance, Femininity, Family, Social Class, Colonialism, Community, Economics, Education

Tags Social Class, Realistic Fiction, Children`s Literature, Social Justice, Modern Classic Fiction, Indian Literature

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This One Summer

by Mariko Tamaki

Publication year 2014

Genre Graphic Novel/Book, Fiction

Themes Friendship, Memory, Nostalgia, Femininity, Childhood & Youth, Mental Health, Coming of Age, Family, Mothers

Tags Coming of Age, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction

This One Summer is a Canadian young adult graphic novel written by Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by her cousin, Jillian Tamaki. Mariko Tamaki has written several graphic novels, and has worked for both Marvel and DC Comics. This One Summer was originally published in 2014 by Groundwood Books, and follows the summer experiences of two young girls approaching adolescence and watching their parents cope with the various pressures of adulthood. The novel has been the... Read This One Summer Summary

Three Women

by Lisa Taddeo

Publication year 2019

Genre Biography, Nonfiction

Themes Femininity, Sexual Identity, Masculinity

Tags Love & Sexuality, Gender & Feminism, Trauma & Abuse, Women`s Studies, Modern Classic Fiction, Biography

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Tracks

by Robyn Davidson

Publication year 1980

Genre Autobiography / Memoir, Nonfiction

Themes Environment, Self Discovery, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Fear, Loneliness, Femininity, Animals, Place

Tags Travel Literature, Action & Adventure

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Travel Team

by Mike Lupica

Publication year 2004

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Coming of Age, Teamwork, Femininity, Family

Tags Realistic Fiction, Sports, Children`s Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

Travel Team is a young adult novel by Mike Lupica published in 2004. Lupica is a former newspaper columnist with experience writing sports commentary for the New York Daily News. In addition to his young adult novels, Lupica has written several books for adults, including autobiographies co-written with Reggie Jackson and Bill Parcells. Lupica has also appeared on ESPN and on several sports-oriented radio shows. This guide refers to the 2006 edition published by Puffin... Read Travel Team Summary

Trick Mirror

by Jia Tolentino

Publication year 2019

Genre Essay Collection, Nonfiction

Themes Community, Femininity, Appearance & Reality

Tags Gender & Feminism, Women`s Studies, Modern Classic Fiction, Psychology, Psychology, Self-Improvement, Arts & Culture, Politics & Government

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Two or Three Things I Know for Sure

by Dorothy Allison

Publication year 1995

Genre Autobiography / Memoir, Nonfiction

Themes Sexual Identity, Family, Gender Identity, Femininity, Masculinity, Race, Good & Evil, Literature, Loyalty & Betrayal, Trust & Doubt, Truth & Lies, Self Discovery

Tags LGBTQ+, Gender & Feminism, Trauma & Abuse, Women`s Studies, Love & Sexuality, Biography

Two or Three Things I Know for Sure is a 1995 memoir by American author and activist Dorothy Allison, a native of Greenville, South Carolina. A coming-of-age story that examines feminism and lesbian identity in the context of the patriarchal norms of the South, the book uses both narrative and photographs to tell the stories of the women in Allison’s family and their complex relationships with the men who both loved and abused them. Her... Read Two or Three Things I Know for Sure Summary

Untamed

by Glennon Doyle (Melton)

Publication year 2020

Genre Autobiography / Memoir, Nonfiction

Themes Gender Identity, Sexual Identity, Femininity, Trust & Doubt

Tags Gender & Feminism, LGBTQ+, Women`s Studies, Self-Improvement, Biography

Published in 2020, Glennon Doyle’s Untamed is her third memoir. An accomplished writer, philanthropist, and activist, Doyle documents her lifelong journey of self-discovery and uses personal experiences to encourage women on their own respective journeys towards freedom. Through the intersections of gender, sexuality, religion, and race, Doyle unpacks the social conditioning that affects the lives of all humans, particularly women. Ultimately, Doyle offers a reflective guide to navigating life by looking internally and honoring one’s... Read Untamed Summary

Valley of the Dolls

by Jacqueline Susann

Publication year 1966

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Fame, Loyalty & Betrayal, Equality, Femininity

Tags Addiction & Substance Abuse, Dramatic Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Classic Fiction

The novel Valley of the Dolls, originally published in 1966, is a fictional exposé of the lives of three young career women who meet in New York City in 1945, just after the end of World War II. Anne, a recent Radcliffe College graduate, works for a law firm that represents well-known entertainers. Jennifer is an astonishingly beautiful showgirl who marries a famous singer. Neely, only 17, is a budding singer and dancer who eventually... Read Valley of the Dolls Summary