The Woman’s History Book Tag

Who run the world? Girls!

Welcome back to my regular schedule – let’s just say that the past few weeks have been a wild time. Today, we’re getting back into the swing of things with an empowering and well over due book tag.

The lovely Belle from Belle Can Read tagged me for the Woman’s History Book Tag way-back-when in March. In true Reading By Starlight fashion, it’s taken me three months to complete. In my defense: I have a major back log of tags. But, thank you so much for the tag, Belle [and sorry it’s taken so long]! Belle’s blog is actually required reading and she even has a booktube account. Be sure to check out her videos because Belle’s channel is the kind of wholesome content we all need right about now.

Let’s get started!

☆ Thank the person who tagged you and link back to their post
☆ Link to the creator’s blog in your post
☆ Answer the questions below using only books written by women
☆ Feel free to use the same graphics
☆ Tag 8 others to take part in the tag

The Cruel Prince is an urban fantasy book about Jude, a morally grey human who is stolen away and whisked off to live in the treacherous court of Faerie. Being a human in Faerie is tough and while Jude wants to belong, she is raised to keep her head down in order to survive – and for good reason. But what makes Jude so compelling is how unapologetically human she is. Despite her fears and vulnerability, Jude quickly learns to adapt to this dark, complex world. Jude doesn’t just sit around – she’s fierce and brave as she schemes relentlessly to claim a position in the court.

Stalking Jack the Ripper introduced readers to miss Audrey Rose Wadsworth, a nineteenth century feminist and student of forensic science. Audrey Rose is truly perfect for this list – she is a firm believer of gender equality and won’t conform to societies expectations. More at home in her grandfather’s laboratory than her parlor, Audrey Rose is curious, intelligent and fiercely independent with a wit as sharp as her scalpel.

In All the Stars and Teeth, Amora Montara is the crown princess of Visidia, future High Animancer and heir to a fierce, unrelentingly dark power. But while Amora was raised in a sprawling palace, the King shelters her from the kingdom’s shifting politics. When the truth emerges, Amora is forced to question everything she knows and is thrust into a quest to save her reign. What I loved about Amora is her genuine love for her people. She had this fierce loyalty to her kingdom and will do anything to protect it. That and the fact that she’s brave and adventurous with a will of steel.

Margaret Rogerson’s sophomore novel, Sorcery of Thorns is one of the most beautifully lyrical books I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. For starters, the protagonist is a badass sword brandishing feminist who literally lives in a Hogwarts-esque library. Then there’s the prose. Let me tell you, the way Margaret Rogerson writes Summershall is just – well there just aren’t any words. I could practically see the dust motes dancing in the musty, stagnant air. I could feel the dampness permeating the drafty, stone walls. I could smell the mild, earthly scent of the leather bound volumes and the crisp notes of old parchment.

I will always credit Throne of Glass and Aelin Ashryver Galathynius for teaching me that you don’t need to sacrifice your femininity in order to be a warrior. Aelin’s character grows so much over the course of the series, evolving from the sassy, arrogant assassin to a calculated and self-sacrificing leader. As the heir to the throne of Terrasen, Aelin will do whatever it takes to see her family safe and her country liberated.

These Broken Stars is a high-stakes survival adventure with a science fiction twist. When the Icarus, a luxury space liner, is yanked from hyperspace and sent plummeting into an uninhabited planet, Lilac LaRoux, the richest girl in the universe and Major Tarver Merendsen are the sole survivors. At first glance, Lilac seems a red haired, feisty but spoilt little rich girl drowning under the weight of her father’s secrets. And yet, she is more complex than she seems. Forced to trek across isolated terrain with meager supplies, Lilac quickly adapts to her new reality. She’s intelligent and hands-on, boasting a quiet strength.

What makes Song of the Current different to most YA pirate themed books is it’s strong willed, highly capable heroine Caroline. Criminally underrated, Caro the definition of bad ass. She’s stubborn, feisty and more than able to hold her own aboard her father’s wherry. I also love that she’s a non-conformist in her world. Living along the murky waterways of the Riverlands, Caro forsakes stays and gowns in favor of breeches – and she doesn’t care what others think. Then there’s the fact that she’s street smart. Our girl knows how to navigate her way around a bargain or a tavern.

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is an eighteen century romp across the Continent featuring a ton of misadventures involving highwaymen, pirates and gypsies. But this is not just a swoon-y LGBTQ+ romance set against the backdrop of a grand tour – the Gentleman’s Guide actually tackles some very difficult topics. Homophobia, sexism, racism, PTSD and parental abuse are explored tastefully as our flawed, privileged characters gallivant across Europe. The history of queer culture itself is explored, highlighting and challenging societies misguided views that homosexuality was sinful and illegal.

I will never stop recommending The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon. In fact, I love starting my New Year’s off right with an annual re-read. The Sun is Also a Star is surprisingly philosophical for a YA novel and deserve all it’s hype. Grounded in scientific fact, The Sun is Also a Star is a story about fate and features a diverse cast of characters. It’s about cause and effect – you’ll stop and question the role you play in the gathered consciousness of the universe.

Full of joy and heart, Anne of Green Gables is an enchanting, uplifting classic whose valuable lessons can be enjoyed at any age. L.M. Montgomery’s iconic red-headed little orphan, Anne Shirley teaches us that life is all about the little things. Anne has this uncanny ability to appreciate beauty and find wonder – we need only open our eyes. As we enter adulthood, I think we lose touch with the simplicity. Anne rekindles our inner child. Having a strong, vivid imagination can change the world.

Christie & Thi | Daria | Emma | Jamie | Julie | Nish & Ngoc | Octavia | YOU