The era of the biography-as-regurgitated-history-textbook is long gone. It's time to give biographies their fair shot, and these real-life stories of everyday women changing the world will give your fiction books a run for their money. They'll amaze you, move you and often times give you the laugh you need. Ahead, some of our favorite biographies about amazing women.
1. ‘Ruth Bader Ginsburg’ by Jane Sherron De Hart
Why You Should Read It: Because she's the notorious RBG! The woman is a living legend and a soldier for equality. In this biography by Jane Sherron De Hart, you'll learn all there is to know about the SCOTUS Justice, from her days as a high school baton twirler to her road to the U.S. Court of Appeals.
2. A Well-Read Woman
Why You Should Read It: If you're a true bibliophile, you'll enjoy the life story of Ruth Rappaport. It was her love of books that propelled her through life, from the restricted readings of Nazi Germany to the Library of Congress.
3. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks’ by Rebecca Skloot
Why You Should Read It: Henrietta Lacks was one of the greatest contributors to medicine in modern history—and she didn't even know it. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks tells the story of a female tobacco farmer whose cells were taken without her permission and used to develop the polio vaccine, among several other major scientific advancements. It's a gripping testament to both science and society's disregard for black life and an absolute must-read.
4. Wrapped in Rainbows
Why You Should Read It: Get to know the woman behind some of the most well-revered books and short stories in history. Hurston's life was all but boring—from her early childhood in Eatonville, the first all-black town, to her relationship with voodoo.
5. The Girl Who Loved Camellias
Why You Should Read It: Girl runs away from home. Girl heads to Paris. Girl becomes one of the most well-known courtesans of the 1840s. Not your typical storyline and definitely worth a read.
6. Catherine The Great
Why You Should Read It: Because who doesn't love a good Royal's story? This one tells the underdog narrative of Catherine the Great, a once unknown German princess who ascended the Russian throne, taking one man down at a time.
7. Ida: A Sword Among Lions
Why You Should Read It: Finally, a history lesson that doesn't feel like a history lesson. Paula J. Giddings brings Ida B. Wells' work to life as she details her experience as the child of two slaves in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to her crusade against America's brutal lyching policies.
•••
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
-
Princess Diana’s Personal Trainer Spent Four Years Unaware She Was Required to Curtsy to HerThe Princess of Wales’ response? “That’s why I love you.”
-
The Queen Was Starting to Get Fed Up with This Royal Duty in Recent Years
Who wouldn’t be annoyed?
-
Prince Charles is “Deeply Ashamed” of Infamous Camilla Phone Call
The 1990s headlines are almost too bizarre to be believed.
-
Take a Tour of Ali Wentworth's Awe-Inspiring Personal Library
The author and actress shares her favorite reads in 'Shelf Portrait.'
-
SuChin Pak Is No Longer Settling for Your Definition of Courage
In an excerpt from a new book, the journalist details the racist incidents at MTV News that shaped her early career and how she's only recently been able to dismantle that trauma.
-
What 'Femininity' Means in 2022
Malala, Amanda Gorman, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and more define the word on their own terms.
-
The Most Eagerly Anticipated Fiction by Women in 2022
Just in case you needed something to look forward to.
-
Malala Yousafzai on Her Reading Journey and Helping Expand Children's Access to Books
The activist shares what's on her bookshelf and why she's passionate about kids reading more than just textbooks.
-
Join #ReadWithMC: Marie Claire's Virtual Monthly Book Club
Never feel guilty about skipping book club again.
-
Gossiping With DeuxMoi, the Internet's Lady Whistledown
The woman behind social media's "Society Papers" dishes on being the keeper of Hollywood's secrets and names her Diamond of the Season.
-
What Happened to Marina Thompson in 'Bridgerton'?
She has a way bigger role in the Netflix series than in Julia Quinn's books.
