Anyway, in honor of the holiday, the Better World Books team has narrowed our list of most amazing, substantial and generally badass women (and through thorough debate and numerous arm-wrestling tournaments) down to 10.  We’ll be the first to admit that it is not all inclusive, but it’s a start … Just in case you don’t feel comfortable conversing on any of these fine women, we’ve included book suggestions:

(Listed in NO particular order … seriously, that would be impossible)

Dian Fossey – Gorillas in the Mist

Maria Faustina Kowalska – Diary of…

Mother Teresa – In My Own Words


Princess Diana by Richard Buskin


Jehan Sadat – A Woman of Egypt

Eleanor Roosevelt by Russell Freedman


True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis deMontfort

Lynne Cox – Swimming to Antarctica

Jane Goodall – In the Shadow of Man

Rosa Parks – My Story

So get reading and here’s your excuse to worship the ladies in your life (as if you don’t all the time)

Every once in a while, you read a book that crosses the line of entertainment  and into the realm of life changing. I am no longer the same since reading SOLD by Patricia McCormick. An easy read, this cleverly written tale follows thirteen year old Lakshimi’s life in Nepal , and the devastation that led to her sale into child prostitution. The realities of the torment that follow, literally had me covering my mouth, in an attempt to stifle the moans of anguish I felt for her. As I read of Lakishimi’s struggles to survive in this world so new and so devastatingly cruel, I found myself, hand over my heart, thinking of ways to rescue her. But in the end, I found myself sighing with relief and celebrating her victory. READ THIS BOOK! It will give you a perspective on life that is sure to change you forever…hopefully.