THREE BOOKS OF THREE INSPIRING AND EMPOWERING WOMEN

  

Books centered on women's lives and experiences resonate deeply with readers due to their rich diversity, relatability, emotional depth, and cultural relevance. As society continues to value diverse narratives and seek more inclusive representation, the popularity of literature about women is likely to endure and grow.

Women need to share their stories so other women can find themselves in these stories — so they can feel less alone in a shared struggle, feel inspired by the women who've broken glass ceilings before them, or so these stories can one day serve as a guide for other women.

Are all these books gaining the deserving limelight? Or they still under the radar?

"Under the radar" is an idiom that means something is not getting attention or is unnoticed. 

 There are many books under the radar in this world of books, but here are the three books on three inspiring and empowering women that I personally feel were under the radar.

These are highly recommended for reading for everyone who is looking for inspiration, these empowering books for women are a great place to start. They will anger you, inspire you, and empower you to see that things can change for the better.

These can be read at any time, at any age and surely you won’t be disappointed.

I Am Malala: by Malala Yousafzai, co-written with Christina Lamb.

My Life in Full  by Indra Nooyi

Of Gifted Voice: The Life and Art of M.S. Subbulakshmi by Keshav Desiraju

 

 

 

 I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban is an autobiographical book by Malala Yousafzai, co-written with Christina Lamb. It was published on 8 October 2013, by Weidenfeld & Nicolson in the UK and Little, Brown and Company in the US.

 In “I am Malala,” Malala Yousafzai explores the idea that education empowers women to stand up for their rights so that they can have a positive future.

Malala was shot in the head by the Taliban in 2012 for daring to seek an education. Since then, the young woman has been wowing the world with her courage, her passion, and her dedication to the fight for children's education and the rights of girls around the world.

When we lift up others we all rise higher - Malala is the brave saint that lives this truth and inspires millions to do the same. Malala is inspiring because she is speaking up for the rights of those who have no voice. She bravely holds a lamp for girls to be educated.

The author is trying to educate readers, as well as trying to convince the reader to assist in the Malala Fund's goal to make education available for all children.

She spoke out on educational rights and the oppressive behaviors of the Taliban through her life story. Malala's experiences help readers catch a glimpse of the Swat culture and issues. Malala's insider point of view in Pakistan reflects global issues that need to be spotlighted.

The United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education, Gordon Brown, launched a petition in her name, using the slogan “I am Malala,” demanding that all children worldwide be in school by the end of 2015—a petition that helped lead to the ratification of Pakistan's first Right to Education Bill.

The main theme to take away from the book is Malala's response to human rights violations with regard to women and education in Pakistani culture under Taliban rule. Malala's story highlights the importance of freedom of speech and the risks some children take in order to get an education.

In the first section of the book, Malala describes a happy and safe childhood and the awe she felt for education from the time she was a toddler. While the family does not experience violence firsthand, in the other section of the book, Malala shares the tumultuous history of Pakistan to lay the groundwork for her own story.

No matter what your circumstance or who you are leading, never give up on what you believe in- is the loud message of the book.

Malala is an icon, renowned for her support for education and women's rights. As a result, one of the most prominent themes in I Am Malala is the theme of fame itself: how heroes and role models, known by millions of people they've never met, can contribute to change or distract from it.

 Malala Yousafzai is an exceptional young leader whose journey is rooted in her unwavering commitment to advocating for girls' education and her fearless fight against the Taliban's oppressive regime in Pakistan. Although she may not have done so intentionally, Malala knew how to inspire people.

Malala demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite threats and the risk to her life, she stood up for what she believed in and continued her fight for education. As a leader, even in challenging circumstances, we should stand up for what we believe in, our convictions.

She sets the book so that you can learn about her country without the tainted view of the media and people's assumptions. Regardless of it not being the “best” written book, I think it is still significantly important and highly recommend it.

'My Life in Full' by Indra Nooyi is a memoir that offers insights into the life and career of one of the world's most powerful businesswomen. It provides a first-hand account of the challenges and triumphs of navigating corporate America as a woman and a person of color.

In her memoir, My Life in Full, Indra discusses her vision for a society that enables women and young family builders to integrate work and family better, so that they can prosper and we can build a more supportive, inclusive, and productive economy.

The first woman of color and immigrant to run a Fortune 50 company — and one of the foremost strategic thinkers of our time — she transformed PepsiCo with a unique vision, a vigorous pursuit of excellence, and a deep sense of purpose.

 Under her leadership, the company increased its profitability while also working to improve environmental sustainability and the healthiness of its food offerings. Nooyi is also a major philanthropist.

An autobiography of a female, immigrant CEO that is full of heart. The Indian former CEO of PepsiCo narrates her rise to the top. Growing up in a Hindu Brahmin household in Madras (renamed Chennai in 1996), India, Nooyi learned the importance of family, and as a self-described “tomboy,” she loved to buck tradition.

Indra Nooyi, a business leader and strategic thinker, is widely considered to be one of the top CEOs in the world for her leadership of the global behemoth PepsiCo for 12 years.

Nooyi's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders worldwide. Her story is a reminder that with passion, hard work, and a clear vision, anyone can overcome barriers and achieve remarkable success.

Indra Nooyi indirectly instilled in many through the book the confidence to believe that as a leader, we have the power to influence and impact the lives of many. She exemplified how leadership is not just about driving business success, but also about fostering a culture of care, compassion, and inclusivity.

The book effectively speaks up to maintain a balance between personal and professional responsibilities through effective time management, delegation of tasks, setting priorities, and maintaining open communication with family and colleagues and ensures the match of apt content with the title- MY LIFE IN FULL –WORK, FAMILY, AND OUR FUTURE.

 

Of Gifted Voice: The Life and Art of M.S. Subbulakshmi by Keshav Desiraju is a book that examines the life and art of the classical vocalist M.S. Subbulakshmi. The book's specialty is in exploring the musical tradition Subbulakshmi was part of, and the impact of the gramophone, radio, and talkie on music. It also covers the decline of traditional performing families, the appearance of women on public platforms, and Subbulakshmi's concert style. 

Of Gifted Voice looks at her life and times, and the great musical tradition she belonged to and to which she brought so much, against the larger backdrop of the developments in the world of Carnatic music. The book also delves into Subbulakshmi’s brush with films as well as her concert style and that of her celebrated contemporaries.

M.S. SUBBULAKSHMI’S life was one of extraordinary achievements. Although she was portrayed in many ways – as a musician who sought and achieved an all-India appeal; a philanthropist and supporter of noble causes; an icon of style; a woman of piety and devotion; and a friend and associate of the good and the great – she was first and foremost a classical vocalist of the highest rank, of unmatched gifts, who lives on in the musical history of India.

Though her story has often been told, we know little of the woman behind the image and the musician behind the public persona. Of Gifted Voice attempts, with warmth and keen-eyed perception, to understand the music, the history, the artiste, and her incomparable presence.

At the crack of dawn, MS Subbulakshmi’s Vishnu Sahsranamam woke up the Gods and his devotees in South India. Soon, Carnatic music became synonymous with MS. This is a sentiment shared by many music lovers and it also comes across in Keshav Desiraju’s Of Gifted Voice: The Life and Art of MS Subbulakshmi.

A research-intensive biography, Of Gifted Voice, takes readers through the mellifluous years of Subbulakshmi on stage, in front of the camera, her camaraderie with famous politicians and musicians with information about her contemporaries, making it a wholesome package. The chapters also serve as a guide on concert lists, songs and their ragams, and the singer's and her peers' presentation style.

 Of Gifted Voice attempts, with warmth and keen-eyed perception, to understand the music, the history, the artiste, and her incomparable presence.

A torchbearer of Carnatic music- Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi played a vital role in taking Carnatic music beyond geographical and cultural boundaries, making it accessible to people from all walks of life.

It would be difficult to overstate the talent and the impact made by Smt. M.S. Subbulakshmi, not just in the field of Carnatic music, but also as a philanthropist and a person who placed her life at the service of her country and its people. She was both much larger than life and utterly human in her interaction with others.

These three books will create interest in non-fiction books thereby expanding knowledge, helping you to think critically, and improving self-awareness. When writers craft a nonfiction novel about their experiences, life events, or research, their intent is (I hope) for good. They want to share their story, thoughts, or experiences and hope others can learn from them.

Non-fiction books attract me because I love to know how others live their life, how they face the challenges of life, and how they find unique ideas to reach their goal.

What do you say?  Which books do you think are under the radar?  Do share it in the comments.

 (This blog post is a part of Blog Chatter's #TBRChallenge- prompt for September, Details here)

     ( This blogpost is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile" (link to https://bohemianbibliophile.com/))