Set in the 1980s in Ilesa, Nigeria, Ayobami Adebayo’s debut novel, Stay With Me, occurs in the midst of the country’s political tumult, but explores societal pressures, tradition, gender, family, sacrifice, and redemption. It traces the story of a marriage through the wife and the husband’s points of view. Adebayo’s prose captivates and her characters are fully realized, making for an affecting tale.
More than a collection of personal essays, Little Weirds, by actress, comedian and author Jenny Slate, offers memoir-like intimacy and impossible-to-categorize insight. From moments of vulnerability to acts of eccentricity, Slate encourages readers not only to read but to play along as the planet goes about its strange business.
The Western world is undeniably built for men. So not just on International Women’s Day, but every day of the year, we should actively seek ways to advocate for women. One of the easiest ways is reading more women writers, seeing more shows by women artists, watching more films by women—altogether listening to, celebrating and amplifying these voices. Here, we’ve gathered together a list of …