The best part of english classes was discovering new authors because of assigned summer reading. I'd pretend to "complain," but I loved when my mom took me to the public library to find books I'd eventually cherish. From Maya Angelou's pivotal memoir to Barbara Kingsolver's assessment of one family's mission work, I learned women could be powerful wordsmiths.
As much as I love reading contemporary romance books or political thrillers that remind me of Paradise, the following novels are the ones I revisit when my TBR list is too overwhelming!
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Zadie Smith's White Teeth outlines a friendship between two people from different backgrounds, showing how life isn't always confined to certain "rules." The things Archie Jones and Samad Iqbal found after fighting together in World War II have a profound effect on their friendship as well as their lives. From falling in love again to producing children who challenge the world around them, these two friends struggle to maintain a lease on the things they thought to be true.
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Last but not least, there's this incredible work of Barbara Kingsolver. I find myself revisiting The Poisonwood Bible because the themes of it feel more relevant than ever. From the blind faith of Baptist preacher Nathan Price to his wife finally finding her voice after their youngest daughter died, neither they or their children leave the Belgian Congo unscathed. Despite their best efforts to adapt, this family learns that their ignorance stemming from a domineering patriarchal household caused them to be chewed up and spit out. That sometimes there's more than one way to find God, love, and justice if we're willing to look.
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This must be the week of astonishing book news because Liz Moore's The God of the Woodsis getting a TV adaptation! Published last year, the true crime-inspired novel received nods from the New York Times, NPR and PEOPLE. It also landed on our personal book club list, earning a 5-star rating from us.
If you stop everything to watch every "missing person" case that appears on TV, you'll love getting acquainted with The God of the Woods!
The God of the Woods starts off camp counselor Louise's realization that a prominent camper named Barbara Van Laar is missing. The young girl's disappearance has a trickle down effect that immediately reminds everyone of the similar situation that happened to her brother Bear years ago. It's ironic because everyone remembers how devastating the events surrounding Bear was, but everything isn't as it seems.
Not only are the Van Laars wealthy, they're also well-connected to resources that have helped them spin certain narratives that had damning effects on people unfortunate enough to be in their vicinity. What's worse is there are some people in Shattuck who know more than the family thinks they do.
If you binge watched the Ruby Franke documentary, you'll love reading about the mysterious connection between the Van Laar children's disappearance and the effect it had everyone. It's told from various POVs, but the dots connect in such a way that'll leave your mouth hanging open.
According to Deadline, Sony TV's so impressed with working with Liz Moore that it's greenlit The God of the Woods and The Unseen World "for series development."
Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty will be executive producers for The God of the Woods TV series! Deadline also reports they're behind the Long Bright River series that's currently streaming on Peacock!
Not yet! But we have a few ideas about who should play a few of the key characters! We'd love to see the following:
A TV premiere date hasn't been announced yet, but we'll let you know as soon as it is!
We can't wait to see how The God of the Woods series pans out!
In the meantime, learn more about Margaret Atwood's novel The Testamentsand it's upcoming TV adaptation!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This Women’s History Month, celebrate strong, complex, and unforgettable female characters who challenge the status quo. These books with strong female leads span centuries and continents, offering a powerful look at resilience, rebellion, and reinvention. Whether you’re in the mood for historical heroines seeking justice, fierce detectives uncovering dangerous secrets, or contemporary women navigating love, loss, and identity, these must-reads showcase the many ways women carve their own paths — no matter the obstacles in their way. So here are all the books with strong female leads we're excited about this year!
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Nineteen-year-old Sarah Bonetta Forbes, once a princess of the Egbado Clan, wants revenge against the British Crown. Stolen from her homeland and turned into royal property, she vows to destroy those responsible, starting with her own godmother, Queen Victoria. To bring down the monarchy, Sally must navigate court politics, manipulate the Queen’s inner circle, and align with a dangerous London crime lord. She even exploits the affections of Prince Albert, using him as a pawn in her deadly game. But when Queen Victoria forces her into marriage, Sally faces an impossible choice. With her freedom slipping away and her heart on the line, she must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice for vengeance.
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History professor Sidney Taylor is stuck shuffling papers in DC after an inconvenient discovery stalls her career. When an anonymous invitation offers a million-dollar reward to find a missing artifact in Robbinsville, North Carolina, she can’t resist — especially with a chance to visit her grandmother. Following centuries-old clues, Sidney embarks on a thrilling treasure hunt, but soon realizes she’s entangled in a dangerous conspiracy. As secret societies, ancient bloodlines, and witches come into play, she uncovers a truth that shakes her to the core. What she finds isn’t just an artifact — it’s a revelation that threatens the very foundation of America itself.
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In this powerful coming-of-age memoir, Joan Sung reflects on her Korean American identity while learning to forgive her Tiger Mom. Raised in a home shaped by intergenerational trauma, Sung bravely breaks the silence that haunts her family. With honesty and courage, she shares her journey of growing up with a mother who struggled to understand American society. As she navigates the challenges of being both Korean and American, Sung exposes the microaggressions, fetishization, and racism she faced. She connects her personal experiences with the broader issues affecting Asian American communities, exploring how the COVID pandemic brought long-standing violence and discrimination to the forefront.
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Junie, a sixteen-year-old enslaved on Bellereine Plantation, has lived her life tending to the white master’s daughter, Violet, and grieving the death of her sister, Minnie. When guests arrive from New Orleans, bringing changes to Violet’s life, Junie’s world is turned upside down. In an act of desperation, Junie awakens Minnie’s ghost, and her sister remains tethered to the living world unless Junie can release her. With the help of Caleb, the coachman, Junie discovers hidden secrets about Bellereine. As the Civil War looms, she faces a life-altering choice about love, freedom, and the sacrifices she must make in the fight for her future.
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After a decade with the LAPD, Sonny Rush moves to quiet Haven, California, to care for her mother and join her godfather’s PI business. Her first case finding a missing goldendoodle with a Versace collar seems harmless enough. But Figgy’s disappearance quickly leads to an unexpected reunion with her wealthy ex and a much darker mystery. When a teenage boy’s body is found on a popular trail, Sonny realizes Haven is not as idyllic as it seems. As she digs deeper, she uncovers secrets more twisted than anything she encountered in LA. A cryptic warning from a local makes one thing clear. In Haven, nothing is what it seems and finding the truth might cost Sonny everything.
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Two teenagers connected through family secrets and ancient magic unite in Ibi Zoboi’s new novel. Fifteen-year-old Marisol is the daughter of a soucouyant, a fireball witch who must feed off the lives of others every new moon. She hoped their old traditions would be left behind when they emigrated from the islands, but her mother keeps her bound to her magical past. Brooklyn isn’t a place for witches, with its bright lights and locked doors. Seventeen-year-old Genevieve, struggling with a worsening skin condition, longs for answers about her estranged mother. When a new nanny arrives to care for her family’s twins, a hidden connection to Marisol is revealed. As the girls uncover secrets, they realize that their magic, hidden beneath their skin, may prove more destructive than they imagined.
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Ali is a Hollywood publicist responsible for keeping gay celebrities in the closet, which is ironic since she is a lesbian herself. When she is assigned rising star Cara Bisset, whose breakout role is in a straight romantic blockbuster, managing Cara’s image becomes her toughest job yet. Cara is bold and unwilling to hide who she is, leading to a series of close calls. Ali is sent on a global press tour to keep her in line but instead finds herself drawn to Cara’s confidence. Still grieving the loss of her partner, Ali begins questioning the closeting system she has upheld. As Cara’s fame grows, they must decide whether to play it safe or risk everything for love.
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Margaret Ryan has the perfect life by 1960s standards—three children, a husband, and a home in a suburban neighborhood. But when she meets Charlotte Gustafson, the newest neighbor, Margaret is pulled into a life-changing journey. She starts a book club, inviting Charlotte and two other women, Bitsy and Viv, to read The Feminine Mystique. As the women bond over the book, they begin to realize that the American dream they were sold doesn’t fulfill their deeper desires. Together, they form a strong sisterhood and unknowingly set off a feminist revolution.
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In Portrait of a Feminist, Peruvian American feminist Marianna Marlowe shares her journey from childhood in California, Peru, and Ecuador to adulthood as an academic, wife, and mother. Through braided memories, she explores the development of her feminist identity and the influence of patriarchy in her life. Marlowe examines the challenges of growing up in a family shaped by cultural and religious differences, confronting issues like misogyny, unequal marriages, and class structures. With insightful writing, she reflects on how feminism has shaped her and raises critical questions about its future evolution and relevance in today’s world.
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Marguerite’s life of privilege is shattered when she is orphaned, and her guardian squanders her inheritance. Forced to accompany him on an expedition to New France, their journey takes a tragic turn. Marguerite is accused of betrayal, brutally punished, and abandoned on a remote island. Stripped of her former life and surrounded by harsh elements, she must rely on her inner strength and a newfound faith to survive. As the island is blanketed in ice, Marguerite’s fight for survival becomes a testament to resilience and defiance. Isola is a captivating historical epic inspired by the real-life struggles of a sixteenth-century heroine, Marguerite de La Rocque.
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When tech mogul Brad Jones is found drowned off the Marin coast, his death is ruled a suicide. But his wife, Dr. Anna Jones, a renowned cyber-psychologist, suspects foul play. Driven by grief and doubt, she begins to investigate Brad’s past, uncovering secrets that lead her into the world of Silicon Valley’s elite. As Anna digs deeper, she crosses paths with Scott and Kristy Lyle, powerful figures with high-level connections. The more Anna uncovers, the more she realizes Brad’s death is linked to a dark secret that powerful people will kill to protect. Caught between truth and danger, Anna must decide if she will risk everything to expose the deadly forces at play.
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Tess Lee is a world-famous novelist whose books inspire people to believe in hope, yet she struggles to find own happiness. Jack Miller is a federal agent working in counterterrorism, scarred by years of violence and dedication to his job. When Tess and Jack meet, their connection is instant, but old wounds soon resurface. Jack struggles with the loss of a loved one, and Tess faces her painful childhood. As they struggle with their pasts, they must decide if unconditional love can heal their invisible scars and help them find light after years of darkness.
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Trends come and go, but some home decor styles refuse to stay cooped up in the past. Whether you love a bit of nostalgia or prefer to keep things fresh, these once-forgotten design choices are making a strong return. The question is — are they outdated or iconic? The answer: Design is cyclical. Designers are always looking to the past for inspiration, reinventing old trends for a new generation. Whether you embrace them fully or pick and choose elements, incorporating a touch of nostalgia into your space might just be the unexpected refresh your home needs.
Michael P.H. Clifford
If you shudder at the thought of ‘70s wood-paneled basements, don’t worry — today’s take on this trend is far more refined. Think sleek slatted wood walls, painted paneling, and natural finishes that add warmth and texture to modern spaces.
Kirsten Blazek, founder of a design firm A1000XBetter, designed this office for her friend Jennifer. “She is a thrifter and nothing makes her happier than treasure hunting for vintage items,” says Kirsten. “She especially loves mid-century ceramics and both she and her husband have a special love of 1970’s inspired design.”
Wayfair
Remember the warm, earthy tones, wrought iron details, and heavy wood accents of early 2000s tuscan kitchens? They're making a return — but in a more refined way. Instead of ornate finishes, today’s take on this trend embraces natural stone, terracotta tiles, and a softer, more Mediterranean aesthetic. These rustic pendant lights from Wayfair are a great example of that!
Gavin Cater
Gray reigned supreme for years, but rich browns — think chocolate, caramel, and coffee hues — are reclaiming their spot as the go-to neutral. Whether it’s a moody brown wall, a cognac leather sofa, or dark wood furniture, these shades are bringing warmth and depth back into interiors. This moody bathroom designed by Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn of the celebrity-loved design firm House of Rolison is case in point.
This design staple of the ‘50s and ‘60s is stepping back into the spotlight. Whether it’s classic black and white marble or a softer version in muted tones, this pattern brings timeless charm with a modern edge.
Flor
I've always loved the cozy feel of wall-to-wall carpeting in bedrooms — it instantly makes the space more inviting! But to get it right, quality matters. Today’s options are far more refined, with high-end textures and durability that help prevent wear and tear. Flor carpet tiles are an especially smart choice — not only do they add warmth, but if a stain happens, you can simply swap out a single tile instead of replacing the entire carpet.
Gavin Cater
Florals, chinoiserie, ruffles, pleats, and fringe return again and again as we embrace cozy, curated spaces with a timeless, classic touch.
Shade Degges
Wallpaper went from must-have to outdated and back again. Right now, bold patterns, oversized florals, and Art Deco-inspired designs are dominating walls, turning them into statement pieces rather than simple backdrops. This House of Hackney London Rose wallpaper is so gorgeous and romantic in a bathroom designed by Karan and Sapna Aggarwal of L.A. design firm Bungalowe.
Arterberry Cooke
Ultra platform beds are falling out of favor as canopy beds, once considered old-fashioned, are making a major return. From minimalist four-poster designs to draped, romantic styles, they bring a sense of drama and coziness to bedrooms.
After years of sterile, all-white bathrooms, vintage-inspired bathrooms with a bit more soul are coming back. Clawfoot tubs, pedestal sinks, and pretty shower curtains instead of harsh glass doors are turning modern bathrooms into nostalgic escapes. The key? Mixing vintage elements with sleek, modern fixtures to keep the look intentional rather than outdated.
The kitchen trend everyone’s loving right now is the banquette for their cozy “stay a while” vibe. They come in styles to suit any aesthetic, from cottage to modern, and you can find ones from West Elm, Pottery Barn, McGee & Co., Target and more in our latest banquette roundup.
McGee & Co.
I never thought I'd say this, but wicker is back from your mom's 80s porch in an elevated, refined style. "I wanted this outdoor lounge to feel like a Southern veranda — inviting, layered, and effortlessly elegant," says Shea McGee, whose lovely Haviland Outdoor Sofa is designed in wicker and new for spring.
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