Alarice's Authentic Journeys

This month is Women’s History Month, and while I love celebrating remarkable women and girls all year long, there’s something special about having a full month where we all pause and do it together.

Not because we have to. But because it’s worth reflecting on the women who came before us—the ones who created paths where there were none, opened doors that looked permanently closed, and showed us the way when the road ahead wasn’t exactly clear.

Every year, I try to find a small way to highlight women during the month. Sometimes it’s conversations. Sometimes it’s sharing stories. This year, it’s books.

And honestly, this idea started in a very normal place: our family room.

It also happens to be Read Across America Week, and many schools—including my kids’—are running reading challenges. The goal is simple: see how many books and minutes of reading students can log throughout the month.

Five days in, the students have already read 108,667 minutes. Which is incredible!

What I love about these books is how they sneak history into the story without it feeling like a history lesson. They pull kids into real moments in time, but through characters and experiences they can relate to.

And in our house, reading has always been a little nightly ritual. This month, it looks a little different. One of us reads a chapter, then we pass the book to the next person. Sometimes there are dramatic voices involved. Sometimes a lot of questions. But mostly it’s just a really peaceful way to end the day.

So here’s my small challenge for you:

Pick a book. Read a chapter aloud with someone. Take turns listening and reading.

There’s something surprisingly calming about sharing a story that way. Stay tuned this month, as I will share some family reading book ideas with you.

In the spirit of Women’s History Month, I’d like to share a few books written by women that I’ve enjoyed recently. My reading taste tends to bounce around—mystery, adventure, growth, leadership, and a little humor mixed in.

Basically, whatever keeps me turning the page.

A few favorite reads from the past year (all written by women)

• All We Ever Wanted—Emily Giffin does it again with her storytelling that has its characters questioning whether you have the courage to stay true to your values.
• Good Dirt—Charmaine Wilkerson tells the story of how the family pieces together the connection between childhood tragedy and a beloved heirloom.
• Heartwood—Amity Gaige takes you on a journey as a search and rescue team race against time when a hiker goes missing.
• Isola—Allegra Goodman tells the story of a woman fighting for survival in the 1500s.
• Say You’ll Remember Me—Abby Jimenez artfully makes us think about what is important in life and what’s worth remembering.
• The God of the Woods—Liz Moore is a phenomenal storyteller who can engulf us into a gripping thriller layered with family secrets.
• What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez—Claire Jimenez tells the story of a family who has to face their past and look towards a future with or without Ruthy in it.

I also wanted to highlight growth and leadership books written by women I’ve had the chance to meet or know personally. Supporting other women’s work matters—and it’s pretty incredible to see the insights and experiences they’ve turned into books.

Growth and leadership books worth checking out

• Banking on Artificial Intelligence—Theodora Lau demystifies the hype around AI and makes you question what is in store for the future.
• Digital Body Language—Erica Dhawan shares how you can build clarity, trust, and collaboration no matter the distance.
• Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors—Erica Rooney helps others navigate their paths to success through her own experience breaking through class ceilings and sticky floors. Bonus – check out HER Collective – her newly launched organization that blends networking and coaching all in one.
• Hearts, Minds & Wallets—Jennifer Morgan gives you thoughtful examples and practical tips you can incorporate into your daily interactions.
• Pivot—Jenny Blake teaches us how to navigate career changes no matter the size – big or small.
• Power Moms—Joann S. Lublin, a WSJ editor and mother, compares the generations and how each navigates emotional and professional changes balancing life and career.
• Show Your Worth—Shelmina Babai Abji speaks to the power of being intentional and strategic and the importance of knowing your unique value.
• Something Major: The New Playbook for Women at Work—Randi Braun re-writes the plays of the game with sage advice.
• Uncolonized Latinas—Valeria Aloe shows us how to open our hearts, minds and eyes to the Latina community through the heartwarming stories she shares.
• Walking in My Shoes—Christine Duque shares what resilience and determination look like and the value of uplifting and supporting each other.

Next week I’ll share my “to be read” list—because like most readers, that pile is always growing faster than I can keep up with. Follow me on Goodreads, and you will know how long that list really is!

Until then, I’d love to know, what are you reading right now?