Page 30 - Blue Valley News August/September 2021

LIFESTYLE

FIVE BOOKS YOU SHOULD READ THIS

WOMEN’S MONTH

By Michelle L. Raymond

In honour of Women's
. The first author needs no introduction.
Month, I have selected 1Elizabeth Gilbert's latest book City of
five highly recommended Girls is truly charming.
books from five amazing
female authors. The story takes place in 1940 and follows
the extravagant life of New York City's
showgirls. Elizabeth's research and
hese are absolute must-reads, even inspiration for the book came from (what I
if you are not a bookworm. Some can only imagine being wildly entertaining
Twill tickle your sense of adveture, and captivating) conversations with a
while others might appeal to your more retired dancer. And much of the story is
conservative side. Either way, there is based (somewhat loosely) on this woman's
something for everyone here. And since life and love experiences.
reading is a COVID-friendly activity, I feel
quite shameless in my over-indulgence in What is not common knowledge is that
it. The hardest thing for me was choosing while writing this book, Elizabeth was
only a handful to share. going through a traumatic time watching
her partner and best friend fight cancer.
The book became an escape from the
inevitable reality of losing someone she
loved dearly.
It was hard to choose just one Elizabeth
Gilbert book. Honestly, I'd recommend any
of them. She is a reader’s delight!

2 . This next one is more for the left-brain oriented types.
Remember Suze Orman? Love her or not, the woman knows about money and how to
manage it.
I recommend this book to all women, especially younger women who are just starting their
careers or are thinking of getting married. I have even considered gifting this book as a
wedding present, but it might not be received well by some. Suze Orman's Women and
Money is filled with the stuff they don't teach you in school and university. The book has
been adapted for the South African climate and includes Rand values and how to check
your credit score with TransUnion. Although it may not be a book you will read with a good
glass of wine in a bubble bath, you will realise its value from the first page, as it’s a perfectly
practical and simple-to-use guide to empowering women to own or co-own their financial
well-being.

3 . Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes.

Maya Angelou said, "Everyone who can read should read this book." Enough said.
This is not an easy read. The author's writing style is very rich and mature, much like the
feeling you get when indulging in a beautifully cooked lamb shank with a velvety red wine
jus. It is a remarkable book though.
She unpacks and rewrites fables and folklores that different cultures have kept alive over
generations, through storytelling to their children and grandchildren. Many of these
stories, heard in our younger years, are so entrenched in our belief system that they have
become a part of who we are. What I have found most intriguing is how these stories have
dictated the way we view women, love and power. Just think of all the old Disney princess
movies.
So, if you have the appetite for magic and medicine, this one is a must!

28 • Issue 4 2021 • BLUE VALLEY NEWS