Cover The Tatler team picked the books that speak to them as women and that they recommend reading ahead of International Women’s Day 2025
The Tatler team picked the books that speak to them as women and that they recommend reading ahead of International Women’s Day 2025
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The Tatler team picked the books that speak to them as women and that they recommend reading ahead of International Women’s Day 2025
As International Women’s Day approaches on March 8, the Front & Female editors, writers, and the wider Tatler Asia team have curated a selection of impactful books that resonate with women’s experiences, from inspiring to transformative.
This collection features powerful narratives, such as Clarissa Ward’s On All Fronts, which details her courageous journey as a war correspondent and the vital role of journalism in uncovering untold stories. Jane Robinson’s Bluestockings offers a vivid look at the pioneers of women’s education in Britain, while Dean Spade’s Love in a F*cked-Up World challenges conventional notions of love and relationships.
Through these compelling works, readers are invited to explore themes of resilience, identity, and the enduring fight for equality, making them essential additions to your reading list this International Women’s Day.
You might also like: ‘Butter’ author Asako Yuzuki on feminism, fatphobia and the rise of women-centric Japanese novels
‘On all fronts: The education of a journalist’ by Clarissa Ward
Above Cover of ‘On all fronts: The Education of a Journalist’ by Clarissa Ward (Photo: Instagram / @clarissawardcnn)
Cover of ‘On all fronts: The Education of a Journalist’ by Clarissa Ward (Photo: Instagram / @clarissawardcnn)
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I picked up journalist Clarissa Ward’s memoir On All Fronts following the collapse of Syria’s Assad regime in December 2024. It had been on my shelf for some time—probably purchased after reading In Extremis, the outstanding biography of fellow war correspondent Marie Colvin—but it seemed like the right time to read a firsthand account of someone who had spent years reporting from Syria and across the Middle East.
The book did so much more than deepen my understanding of Syria. It was an inspiring testament to Ward’s resilience, bravery and the power of storytelling. Ward, like Colvin, is a rare woman in the field of war reporting, but she proves without question that she belongs, not just through her courage on the front lines but in her commitment to shining a light on those caught in conflict, especially women and children, whose stories are often overshadowed. Ward is also unflinchingly honest about the struggles and sacrifices of being a female international correspondent and the tension between ambition and personal commitments. More than Ward’s personal story, On All Fronts explores the role of journalists in an era of misinformation, the importance of bearing witness, telling untold stories and pursuing truth, and the impact of conflict on ordinary citizens—all topics that made the book, which was published in 2020, even more timely reading that I had anticipated.
- Rachel Duffell, Front & Female regional content director, Tatler Asia
‘Bluestockings: The remarkable story of the first women to fight for an education’ by Jane Robinson
Above Cover of ‘Bluestockings: The remarkable story of the first women to fight for an education’ (Photo: courtesy of Jane Robinson)
Cover of ‘Bluestockings: The remarkable story of the first women to fight for an education’ (Photo: courtesy of Jane Robinson)
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I must have read Bluestockings more than 10 years ago, but I’ll never forget the anecdotes and insights shared about the first women to fight for women’s university education in Britain. From the bizarre to the bewildering, these stories remind us how far women have come for the right to education—an encouraging reminder of what is possible in the face of seemingly unchanging adversity.
‘Love in a f*cked-up world: How to build relationships, hook up, and raise hell together’ by Dean Spade
Above Cover of ‘Love in a f*cked-up world: How to build relationships, hook up, and raise hell together’ by Dean Spade (Photo: Instagram / @spade.dean)
Cover of ‘Love in a f*cked-up world: How to build relationships, hook up, and raise hell together’ by Dean Spade (Photo: Instagram / @spade.dean)
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I came across Love in a F*cked-Up World during a time when I was looking to expand my definition of love—I wanted to explore the beauty of platonic relationships, which I had been neglecting to the benefit of my romantic ones.
Trans activist Dean Spade’s book is a beautiful challenge to the cultural myths surrounding love and connections and allowed me to recognise the energy and space that celebrating love in all its forms requires. As society has long taught women to center their lives around romance, this book is an invitation to empowerment: it will surely transform how you view relationships and encourage you to take charge of your own narrative.
- Salomé Grouard, digital editor and Front & Female lead, Tatler Hong Kong
‘Matrix’ by Lauren Groff
Above Cover of ‘Matrix’ by Lauren Groff (Photo: courtesy of Lauren Groff)
Cover of ‘Matrix’ by Lauren Groff (Photo: courtesy of Lauren Groff)
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Matrix breathes life into the experiences of Marie of France, a poet who lived in England during the 12th century. With undulating, lyrical prose, she adds dimension to a fictional mystic who transforms a struggling monastery into a separatist, female utopia. I enjoyed seeing how Groff braided the themes of queerness and religiosity together, creating an undeniable page-turner.
Over the decades, Marie navigates her warped perception of her homeland and beloved queen, addresses the problems in the personal lives and landscapes of the abbey, and reaches old age. I was riveted by the strength of her voice and the depth of the bonds between the characters—even when they disagree with each other, they still recognise the value of sisterhood and celebrate each other's unique strengths. The stream-of-consciousness style may not be for everyone, but it just enhanced the atmosphere for me.
- Celine Dabao, Front & Female and Homes writer, Tatler Philippines
‘Fatty Fatty Boom Boom’ by Rabia Chaudry
Above Cover of ‘Fatty Fatty Boom Boom’ by Rabia Chaudry (Photo: courtesy of Rabia Chaudry)
Cover of ‘Fatty Fatty Boom Boom’ by Rabia Chaudry (Photo: courtesy of Rabia Chaudry)
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Rabia Chaudry’s memoir Fatty Fatty Boom Boom is a powerful meditation on food, identity, and self-acceptance, written with unflinching honesty and deep warmth. She explores the complexities of body image and culture through a deeply personal lens, offering a perspective that is both intimate and universally relatable. What sets this book apart is its rich, affectionate portrayal of Pakistani culture—far from the usual narratives, it is a world bursting with love, family, and, above all, food. Chaudry’s descriptions of meals are nothing short of poetic, each dish a sensory experience woven with memory and meaning. This is a book for anyone who has ever grappled with their reflection, their heritage, or the emotional weight of what’s on their plate.
- Jennifer Choo, Homes regional managing editor, Tatler Asia
‘We will be jaguars’ by Nemonte Nenquimo
Above Cover of ‘We will be jaguars’ by Nemonte Nenquimo (Photo: courtesy of Nemonte Nenquimo)
Cover of ‘We will be jaguars’ by Nemonte Nenquimo (Photo: courtesy of Nemonte Nenquimo)
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While I generally prefer fiction over non-fiction, this is one non-fictional piece of literature that has left a deep impact on me with its message of hope and resilience. It’s a memoir written by Nemonte Nenquimo, an Amazonian woman who has become a formidable voice in climate change activism.
From a child belonging to an increasingly marginalised community to an empowered leader, Nenquimo challenges the systems of racism, colonialism and capitalism in every turn of her journey. The book shares how she spearheaded an alliance of Indigenous nations across the Upper Amazon, leading her people to a historic victory against oil. companies, safeguarding over half a million acres of rainforest.
As a woman of colour navigating the subtle yet pervasive rules of racism and colonial hangover in my own life, her journey feels like a personal triumph to me.
- Suchetana Mukhopadhyay, Digital Content Manager, Tatler Hong Kong
‘Women who run with the wolves: Myths and stories of the wild woman archetype’ by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Above Cover of ‘Women who run with the wolves: Myths and stories of the wild woman archetype’ by Clarissa Pinkola Estés (Photo: courtesy of Clarissa Pinkola Estés)
Cover of ‘Women who run with the wolves: Myths and stories of the wild woman archetype’ by Clarissa Pinkola Estés (Photo: courtesy of Clarissa Pinkola Estés)
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Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype by Clarissa Pinkola Estés is a classic, an essential reading for anyone invested in women’s empowerment.
Published in 1992, this book is groundbreaking to this day, as it explores the wild woman archetype through a rich tapestry of myths and stories, urging women to reconnect with their innate instincts, strength and authenticity. By delving into myths and stories that have been silenced or marginalised, the book serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and creativity inherent in every woman. It encourages readers to break free from societal constraints, challenge patriarchal narratives, and embrace their unique identities, paving the way for a transformative feminist awakening. Could not recommend enough.
- Salomé Grouard, digital editor and Front & Female lead, Tatler Hong Kong
Salomé Grouard was Digital Editor and Front & Female Content Lead at Tatler Hong Kong. Primarily focused on managing Tatler Hong Kong’s digital platform and content, she also covers gender equality, the music scene and sports through interviews with industry leaders, experts and trendsetters.
Interview highlights include renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, Korean actor Park Seo Jun, singer Jorja Smith, Chinese TV host Yue-Sai Kan, YouTuber Kimono Mom, Japanese rapper Awich, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter Mikey Musumeci.
She has also produced stories on revolutionising sexual wellness in Asia, activism within the surfing community, Asian trans musicians reclaiming their narratives through music and looked at the toxicity of gym culture through the lens of the plus-size community. She also covers music festivals, such as Hong Kong’s Clockenflap and Bali’s Suara.
