Women’s history isn’t a footnote—it’s woven into everything we recognize as progress. It lives in science labs and courtrooms, on battlefields and in living rooms, in moments of public defiance and in the quiet work of showing up every day. This list brings together nonfiction and fiction to honor women who shaped America in very different ways.
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
This nonfiction book tells the true story of African American women mathematicians who worked at NASA during the Space Race. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson used their brilliance to calculate trajectories and solve complex problems that sent astronauts into orbit—all while navigating racism and sexism in the workplace. Reading Hidden Figures made me stop more than once and just sit with it. These women were doing extraordinary work while being treated as if they were invisible. What stayed with me was how they didn’t wait to be celebrated. They simply kept showing up, doing the work, and trusting that excellence mattered.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
In this deeply personal memoir, Michelle Obama traces her journey from a childhood on Chicago’s South Side to the White House. Along the way, she reflects on identity, ambition, motherhood, marriage, and the weight of visibility as the first Black First Lady of the United States. What I loved about Becoming is how grounded it feels. Obama writes like someone having an honest conversation, not delivering a speech. She talks openly about self-doubt, pressure, and learning as she goes, which made her story feel relatable rather than untouchable.
The Radium Girls by Kate Moore
The Radium Girls recounts the tragic and courageous story of young women who worked painting luminous watch dials in the early 1900s. Unaware of the dangers of radium, they fell gravely ill—and then took on powerful corporations in a fight that changed labor laws forever. This book made me angry in the way that only injustice can. These women trusted their employers and paid the price for it—yet they still found the strength to fight back. I kept thinking about how brave they were to speak up at a time when women weren’t expected to question authority.
The Secret History of Home Economics by Danielle Dreilinger
This book explores the origins and evolution of home economics, revealing it as a field created by women to influence public health, education, and social reform. Far from trivial, it was a strategic way for women to enter policy-making spaces during a time of limited access. I didn’t expect to be so interested in this one, and that’s exactly why it stuck with me. It completely changed how I view home economics and the women behind it. What looked “domestic” on the surface was actually smart, strategic, and deeply political.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
This historical novel follows Frankie McGrath, a young nurse who serves in the Vietnam War. Through her experience, the book highlights the overlooked role of women in wartime and the emotional toll of returning home to a country that barely acknowledged their service. This story hit me emotionally in a quiet but heavy way. Frankie’s experience felt lonely, frustrating, and painfully real. What stayed with me most was how little acknowledgment she received for what she endured. It made me think about how many women carry life-changing experiences without ever being asked to tell their side of the story.
The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston
Blending memoir, folklore, and history, The Woman Warrior explores Chinese American womanhood through family stories and cultural myths. Kingston examines identity, silence, and storytelling as she navigates what it means to grow up between worlds. This book felt like listening to someone think out loud—layered, personal, and sometimes uncomfortable in the best way. I loved how Kingston used storytelling to find her voice.
Local Women Worth Highlighting
Women’s History Month is also about celebrating women who are shaping their communities right now. These two local highlights are previews of books available now, and close to home.
Go Clean, Sexy You Cookbook by Lisa Consiglio Ryan
Go Clean, Sexy You Cookbook is the brainchild of Annapolis entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and culinary expert Lisa Consiglio Ryan, owner of the Annapolis Juice Shop. Blending whole-food recipes with seasonal detox plans and lifestyle guidance, the book encourages a balanced, sustainable approach to health rather than quick fixes.
We Lead Volume 3 with a chapter written by Susan Mahaffee
We Lead Volume 3 is a collaborative anthology featuring stories and insights from women across industries, centered on leadership, connection, and collaboration. Among its contributors is local author Susan Mahaffee, founder of People Rise LLC. Chapter 20, “Building an Authentic, People-Centered Business: Own Your Style, Voice, and Impact,” highlights Mahaffee’s thoughtful approach to leadership.
If you have a book, a local author, or a women-centered story you think deserves a spot in future columns, I’d love to hear from you. Email me at ihorton@whatsupmag.com.
