LA VOZ HISPANA
article #3

Pensando en Nosotras
The Strong Woman and the Novel

Ever notice that female characters in today's books are dull and boring, either playing the fashion victim, the klutz or the damsel in distress? Me too. So being that it's winter and we're all stuck inside anyway, I thought I'd recommend some books that include strong female characters. So grab some hot cocoa and let's get to reading!

The Secret Life of Bees
by Sue Monk Kidd

This is a beautiful, romantic and dynamic story of a young woman whose life has spun out of control by a sudden tragedy--the death of her mother. The novel is set in the South in the early sixties, and tells the story of an unlikely alliance--Lily and her stand-in black mother Rosaleen--as they leave their town and move in with three black sisters who teach them about their lives as beekeepers. As you read this you will feel nothing but compassion for the heroine Lily as she falls in love, struggles with the pervasive issue of racism, and eventually grows into a strong young woman.

The Harry Potter series
by JK Rowling

Join Harry, Hermione and Ron at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as they embark upon multiple adventures to take down the evil Lord Voldemort. Hermione, the main female character of the novel, starts out being described as a "bossy know-it-all," but turns out to be the smartest one of thr trio and the one to rescue the group from one too many a perilous situation. This is definitely a book that demonstrates that girls can be the hero too!

Like Water for Chocolate
by Laura Esquivel

What makes this book so amazing is the "magical realism" style in which it is written. By incorporating magical and fantasy elements into an otherwise realistic story, the author creates a larger-than-life tale filled with romance, recipes and magic during the time of the Mexican Revolution. The ending will blow you away and you will truly feel the joy, pain and agony that this young Latina woman experiences in her quest to escaper her oppresion and find true love.

The Color Purple
by Alice Walker

This book holds a spot in my top five favorites of all time. If you truly want to understand suffering and the power of transformation, read this. Celie is an abused, neglected, beaten young black woman who overcomes virtually every obstacle life throws at her to grow into a powerful and inspirational woman.

*all of the above titles are available in English and Spanish at www.amazon.com