RASASC Women Celebrate World Book Day

On the 23^rd April 1995, World Book Day was created by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading. Today it is marked in over 100 countries around the globe with a mission to change lives through a love of books and shared reading.

Whilst World Book Day primarily aims to encourage young people to discover the pleasure of reading, its’ main message “that reading is fun, relevant, accessible, exciting, and has the power to transform lives” is relevant for every one of all ages.

The challenges of the past year have meant some of us have found solace, adventures and freedom in books, whilst some of us have found it near impossible to focus and take in new stories.

Ahead of this year’s World Book Day on 4^th March, we asked women at RASASC what books and stories by women have kept them entertained and connected this year.

We hope they offer some inspiration and sense of shared joy.

The Improbability of Love by Hannah Rothschild

“It’s a novel about love, passion and deceit, written with humour and compassion and it left me with a sense of joy and hope.”

Women Talking by Miriam Toews

“Miriam Toews is one of my absolute favourite authors. I have never read a book of hers I didn’t love. Her prose is at the same time heart-breaking and hilarious. I have never known anyone write the way she does – stark, bleak and full of heart.”

Animal by Sara Pascoe

“I listened to this on audible. It is a wonderful story about female’s relationships with their bodies and sexuality. I enjoyed it a lot and it is quite funny in places.”

All about Love by bell hooks

“The acclaimed first volume in her “love song to the nation”

The Salt Path by Raynor Winn

“The true story of Raynor and Moth is one of courage and hope in the face of adversity. Of how one woman responds to her experiences of change, loss and tragedy with an unusual decision that creates a process whereby she comes to terms with her new reality, and ultimately finds a new way of living that becomes sustainable for her, and inspiring for her readers”

Finding my Voice by Nadiya Hussain “

“A lovely read and she adds the odd recipe too which is nice”

The Choice by Edith Eger

“A very moving and powerful read about survival, hope, and humanity. Had a profound impact on me”

White Tears, Brown Scars by Ruby Hamad

“Essential reading for anyone who considers themselves a feminist”

Toksvig’s Almanac by Sandi Toksvig

“I loved listening to this on audible, it is a funny and illuminating book which highlights amazing and sometimes infamous women that I never knew existed”

Milk and Honey by rupi kaur

“Milk and Honey is a collection of poetry and prose about survival. About the experience of violence, abuse, love, loss, and femininity”