Growing up with three older brothers, and now the mom of three boys, girlfriends are so important to me. Not only maintaining those relationships in my own life, but reading books immersive in strong female characters and sisterhoods gives me an outlet away from all the boys in my life!   

Little Women

by Louisa May Alcott

 After watching the recent movie, I was compelled to reread this classic. Spending time with the March sisters and Marmee transported me to a world filled with laughter, angst, creativity and compassion. I highly recommend revisiting the Civil War era with Jo, Beth, Meg, and Amy, as they navigate their roles in their family and society. Also, having first read this as a tween and now as an adult definitely changes the way I see the characters. Mrs. March is an amazing leader. Try rereading a childhood favorite and notice the differences! 

The Almost Sisters 

by Joshilyn Jackson

 

An unexpected pregnancy brings sister Leia and Rachel together again in their grandmother’s southern mansion. Family secrets are uncovered in the attic and though their grandmother’s dementia is advancing, they are determined to get answers by enlisting the help of a childhood girlfriend, Wattie. Jackson’s writing is quirky and heartfelt, as she winds this tale of sisters and friendships. I especially recommend listening to the audiobook, as Jackson narrates her characters delightfully.   

The Oysterville Sewing

 by Susan Wiggs

 

Returning home after a career disaster and with two foster children in tow, Caroline begins to rebuild her life. She becomes involved in the local sewing shop and encounters a group of women in need of a sisterhood. Echoing the Me Too movement, Caroline brings women together as they find common ground and heal with one another. Wiggs’ story pulls the reader into Caroline’s life and doesn’t let go.

Mrs. Everything

by Jennifer Weiner 

Spanning decades from the 1950s in Detroit through the present time, we follow two sisters and their complicated relationship with each other. Their journeys are followed separately, yet they are naturally intertwined as time goes on. The time periods become characters themselves, as the sisters are affected by women’s movements or lack thereof.