Growing up in a home where books were the ultimate entertainment (and my parents’ favorite way to keep me occupied), I spent most of my childhood either lost in their pages or outside playing with friends until the streetlights came on. I was practically the unofficial eighth member of The Secret Seven, solving mysteries with a snack in one hand and a book in the other. And when I wasn’t busy cracking cases, I was off on adventures with The Famous Five, convinced that I, too, had the heart of an explorer—if only my neighborhood had more hidden treasures and secret tunnels. But as I grew older and swapped childhood adventures for deeper, more thought-provoking reads, I had a literary wake-up call. Enter the female authors who didn’t just tell stories; they set fire to outdated ideas and forced people to look at the world differently. These women weren’t just writing—they were shaking up the status quo with every page. They made me question, rethink, and even unlearn things I once believed to be true.
Some of them wrote with a sharp wit that made me laugh and wince at the same time. Others painted such raw and unfiltered portraits of society that I could practically feel their frustration bleeding through the pages. And the best ones? They made me uncomfortable in the best possible way—forcing me to sit with thoughts I hadn’t dared to explore.
These women didn’t fit into neat little boxes, and thank goodness for that. They wrote about things people preferred to whisper about, challenged norms that were long overdue for an overhaul, and built worlds where women weren’t just side characters but forces to be reckoned with. They weren’t afraid to ruffle feathers, and let’s be real—what’s progress without a little disruption?
So this Women’s Day, I want to celebrate these literary trailblazers—the women who didn’t just tell stories but started conversations that still echo today. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from them, it’s that words aren’t just ink on paper—they’re catalysts for change.
Let's start with one of the most beloved, sharp-witted, and quietly rebellious authors of all time—Jane Austen.
Jane Austen (1775–1817) is one of the most beloved novelists in English literature, celebrated for her sharp wit, unforgettable characters, and keen observations of society. Her novels hilariously expose the absurdities of class, marriage, and social expectations, all while delivering some of the best slow-burn romances ever written. With her biting humor and deep understanding of human nature, Austen’s influence has endured for centuries, inspiring everyone from literary scholars to rom-com enthusiasts. If there were a literary hall of fame for creating the perfect blend of sass and sophistication, Austen would undoubtedly have a front-row seat.
From the moment I first read Pride and Prejudice, I was hooked. I must have read it a thousand times (probably more if you count all the adaptations I’ve binged). Elizabeth Bennet’s quick wit and refusal to be anything other than herself made her an instant favorite, and let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a grumpy, socially awkward, yet secretly soft-hearted Mr. Darcy? The novel is a masterclass in how first impressions can be wildly misleading, and every reread feels like catching up with old friends who never fail to entertain. Plus, if verbal sparring were an Olympic sport, Elizabeth and Darcy would take the gold medal without question.
At its core, Pride and Prejudice is about love, growth, and learning to get over yourself—a lesson we could all use now and then. Austen pokes fun at the idea that marriage is just a financial arrangement while proving that true connection is built on mutual respect and understanding. But beyond all the social critique, the book is just plain fun. It’s like comfort food for the soul—something I return to whenever I need a dose of humor, wisdom, and the reassurance that even the proudest of grumps can have a change of heart. With its brilliant dialogue, unforgettable characters, and timeless humor, Pride and Prejudice remains one of my all-time favorite reads.
"I am determined that only the deepest of admiration and respect shall do." - Elizabeth Bennet
Next, we move on to the fiercely independent and endlessly compassionate Louisa May Alcott.
Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) may have written Little Women over 150 years ago, but its charm, wisdom, and heart remain as fresh as ever. With a keen eye for human nature and a knack for storytelling that balances humor and depth, Alcott created a novel that feels less like a book and more like a warm, slightly chaotic family gathering. Her ability to capture the triumphs and struggles of the March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—makes this novel not just a beloved classic, but a personal guidebook for anyone navigating the messy, wonderful adventure of growing up.
From the very first page, Jo March had my heart. Bold, ambitious, and unapologetically herself, she wasn’t just a character; she was a revelation. She showed me that being passionate, stubborn, and a little unconventional wasn’t something to tame—it was something to embrace. Jo’s relentless pursuit of her dreams, her love for storytelling, and her refusal to fit into society’s neat little boxes inspired me to chase my own ambitions without apology. And let’s be honest—her fiery temper and occasional foot-in-mouth moments only made her more relatable.
But Jo wasn’t the only one who left a mark on me. Meg taught me about the beauty of responsibility and love, Beth reminded me of the quiet strength in kindness, and Amy proved that growth and ambition aren’t mutually exclusive. Each of the March sisters had something to offer, making Little Women a novel that doesn’t just tell a story—it feels like a conversation with old friends. Whether I need motivation, comfort, or just a reminder that life’s messiness is part of its magic, I find myself returning to this book time and time again. Louisa May Alcott didn’t just write a novel—she gave us a timeless, heartfelt reminder that dreams are worth pursuing and that the bonds of family and friendship are some of the most powerful forces in life.
"I like good strong words that mean something." - Jo March
Now, let’s dive into the world of mystery and suspense with the queen of crime herself, Agatha Christie.
Agatha Christie (1890–1976) wasn’t just the Queen of Mystery—she was (and still is) the undisputed mastermind of the literary whodunit. With her razor-sharp plotting, unforgettable detectives, and ability to turn even the most innocent-looking character into a prime suspect, she redefined the crime novel. Her books don’t just keep you guessing; they make you question everything you think you know, and Murder on the Orient Express is one of her most dazzling feats of deception.
My introduction to Christie came courtesy of my dad, who casually handed me a battered old copy of Murder on the Orient Express and changed my reading life forever. One page in, and I was hooked—utterly and irrevocably. The elegant yet claustrophobic setting, the mismatched group of passengers, the murder that seems impossible to solve, and of course, Hercule Poirot with his meticulous methods and delightfully exaggerated mustache. It was the ultimate puzzle, and I found myself flipping pages at a speed that should have set off smoke alarms. From that moment on, I was a full-fledged Christie addict, devouring every locked-room mystery, cunning red herring, and brilliant twist she could throw at me.
But what makes Christie’s work so irresistible isn’t just the intricate plotting—it’s the sheer fun of it all. She understood that the best mysteries aren’t just about solving a crime; they’re about unraveling human nature, peeling back layers of deception, and embracing the thrill of the unknown. Murder on the Orient Express isn’t just a book—it’s an experience, a masterclass in misdirection, and a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected answers are the most satisfying. To this day, nothing beats the feeling of cracking open one of her novels and knowing I’m about to be completely outsmarted, yet again.
"It is the brain, the little gray cells, on which one must rely." - Hercule Poirot
Next, we turn to the incomparable Maya Angelou, whose words transcended mere poetry to become a powerful force for social change, personal healing, and unapologetic strength.
Maya Angelou (1928–2014) wasn’t just a poet, writer, and activist—she was a force of nature, a voice that resonated across generations, cultures, and continents. Her work explored identity, race, resilience, and the power of words to shape our realities. Few books have the raw emotional power and unflinching honesty of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, a memoir that isn’t just a story—it’s a testimony, a lesson, and a beacon for anyone who has ever felt silenced or displaced.
As a woman of color living abroad, Angelou’s words struck a deep, personal chord within me. Her experiences of navigating a world that often seeks to diminish and define you felt achingly familiar. She taught me that my voice matters, that my story has weight, and that strength is not just in survival but in the ability to stand tall despite the odds. Her journey of self-discovery and empowerment reminded me that no matter where I am in the world, I carry my history, my culture, and my worth with me. Angelou’s writing didn’t just inspire me—it anchored me.
What makes I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings so extraordinary isn’t just the beauty of its prose or the brilliance of its storytelling; it’s the unwavering honesty and courage that Angelou poured into every page. She transformed pain into poetry and adversity into wisdom, showing that resilience is a form of rebellion. Even now, when I feel lost or unseen, I return to her words, and they remind me that I am not alone, that my existence is valid, and that my voice—like the caged bird’s song—deserves to be heard.
"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." - Maya Angelou
Next, we explore the lyrical brilliance of Sarojini Naidu, often hailed as the Nightingale of India.
Sarojini Naidu (1879–1949) wasn’t just a poet—she was a firebrand, a revolutionary wrapped in lyrical grace, and a voice that refused to be ignored. Known as the Nightingale of India, she had this rare gift of blending the delicate with the defiant, spinning words into poetry that felt like a song and a battle cry all at once. The Bird of Time is a masterpiece that doesn’t just whisper about love, patriotism, and identity—it sings, soars, and leaves an imprint on your soul.
As a brown woman, discovering Naidu’s poetry felt like uncovering a hidden bridge back to my roots. In a world that often tries to water down identities, her words were a fierce, unapologetic reminder of where I came from. She wrote of India not just as a place, but as a feeling—one of resilience, beauty, and an unshakable spirit. Through her verses, I felt an almost electric connection to my heritage, as if her words were telling me, “You belong, no matter where you are.” It was inspiring to read a woman who refused to be boxed in, who dared to dream, speak, and demand space in a world that wasn’t always ready to listen.
What makes The Bird of Time so unforgettable isn’t just its beauty—it’s the way it dares to be bold and tender at the same time. Naidu turns the ordinary into the extraordinary, painting emotions with words that dance off the page. She made me see poetry as more than just pretty verses—it’s power, it’s purpose, it’s the ultimate form of self-expression. Even now, whenever I feel disconnected or out of place, I return to her poems, and it’s like hearing an old, familiar tune reminding me exactly who I am. And that, I think, is the true magic of her work.
"We want deeper sincerity of motive, a greater courage in speech and earnestness in action." - Sarojini Naidu
Lastly, we turn to the unforgettable Harper Lee, whose To Kill a Mockingbird stands as a powerful testament to the importance of justice, empathy, and moral courage.
Harper Lee (1926–2016) didn’t just write a novel—she gave the world a mirror, one that reflects both the best and worst of humanity with unflinching honesty. To Kill a Mockingbird is more than just a book; it’s an experience, a lesson, and a call to empathy wrapped in the innocence of childhood and the harsh realities of prejudice. With its unforgettable characters and piercing social commentary, it remains one of the most powerful literary works ever written.
I still remember the first time I read it—after a professor at school strongly recommended it, urging me to see the world not just as it is, but as it should be. It was an eye-opener, a crash course in justice, morality, and the deep-seated prejudices that shape society. Through Scout’s curious and often bewildered eyes, I began to understand the quiet strength of Atticus, the heartbreaking innocence of Tom Robinson, and the dangerous power of deeply ingrained biases. It wasn’t just a book—it was a wake-up call, one that made me question, reflect, and, most importantly, see.
What makes To Kill a Mockingbird so remarkable is its ability to tackle such weighty themes with both grace and humor. It’s a book that doesn’t just demand to be read—it demands to be felt. Even years later, I find myself returning to its pages, rediscovering its lessons, and marveling at its timeless relevance. Harper Lee didn’t just tell a story; she gave us a blueprint for empathy, courage, and the unyielding fight for what is right. And for that, I will always be grateful.
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view." - Atticus Finch
Today, we honor their creativity, their courage, and their unyielding spirit. So, here’s to the women who made waves in the literary world and beyond, proving that a single story can change everything. May we continue to be inspired by their boldness and use our own voices to create ripples of change. Happy Women’s Day to all the fearless women who write, create, and inspire—your words are the world’s greatest treasure!