The other day it occurred to me that I’m always reading books with a female protagonist. It’s not by design and I see no issues with it. Thanks to my predilection, I have read many books with some of the fiercest, most humane, fully realized female characters. Here are some of the books that I enjoyed during the month of March, a time to recognize the impact women have made on the world. Although we should be recognized every day…obviously.

If I Disappear by Eliza Jane Brazier

“It’s easy for a man to be good, just like it’s easy for a woman to be crazy.” This quote encapsulates this thrilling story of a woman driven to solve a grisly mystery. Far from home, Sera sets out to a ranch hidden in the wilderness where her favorite podcaster has gone missing. What she finds is a strangely hostile town and an odd family that appears to be harboring secrets. Sera’s wiliness and tenacity see her through to an ending of twists and turns.

The American Daughters by Maurice Carlos Ruffin

The real hidden history of Black female spies is uncovered in this electrifying (fictional) tale of an enslaved woman recruited to join the ranks of the incredibly brave women working to undermine the efforts of the Confederacy. Ady is a fearless young woman living in antebellum New Orleans whose foiled escape from bondage leads to tragedy, but ultimately triumph. Working under the watchful eye of her enslaver, she and a strong group of women fight for freedom using ingenious tactics. Ady also finds herself within a stirring love story amidst it all.

Never Saw Me Coming by Tanya Smith

Tanya Smith grew up as a very smart girl, and as most smart Black girls know … that can get you into trouble. Tanya’s trouble starts when, as a young kid, she becomes the Robin Hood of the hood, helping her community financially with her advanced technological skills. Eventually, greed takes over and she finds herself way in over her head with her money-making schemes. This brilliant, true story of a scammer come undone by love and the system will keep you glued to your chair.

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis

The true story of the early 20^th century automotive entrepreneur C.R. Patterson and his family is shared in this sparkling tale of the Davenports, a wealthy Black family in Chicago. Though their lives seem to be filled with major business deals, flashy society events and endeavors towards marriage, the Davenports will find that the looming threat of Jim Crow can touch them and their world, too. The fiercely independent Davenport children still need to find their spouses amidst the chaos, though. The love triangles, political strife and family dysfunction that ensues will upset the balance. After reading this, you will undoubtedly be locked in for the rest of the series and the television adaptation.

Evil Eye by Etaf Rum

Etaf describes the aching emptiness of depression and soul-gnawing feeling of anxiety so well in this novel. As readers enter the protagonist Yara’s maze of a mind, we feel every disappointment and hurt as she tries to navigate motherhood within a patriarchal culture, while pursuing her dreams. It’s a tale as old as time as she tries to avoid the intergenerational trauma that is haunting her every move. Yara’s journey is wholly relatable and readers will be cheering for her every step of the way.

Stay tuned for more book recommendations!