Discover books similar to "Big Girls Don't Cry"

Sue Monk Kidd

The Secret Life of Bees

This novel tells the story of Lily, a 14-year-old girl growing up in the American South during the 1960s. After her beloved black housekeeper Rosaleen is beaten and jailed for attempting to vote, Lily helps her escape and the two embark on a journey that leads them to a bee farm tended by three black sisters. Here, Lily finds solace, love, and a new perspective on the world. Like 'Big Girls Don’t Cry', this book explores themes of race, identity, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Kathryn Stockett

The Help

Taking place in Mississippi during the 1960s, this novel follows the lives of three women: Aibileen, a black maid who has raised 17 white children; Minny, another black maid who has a reputation for being sassy; and Skeeter, a young white woman who aspires to be a writer. Together, they tell the story of what it's like to work as a black maid in a white household during this time period. This book, like 'Big Girls Don’t Cry', explores themes of race, gender, and social justice.

Jeannette Walls

The Glass Castle

This memoir tells the story of the author's unconventional childhood, growing up with parents who were more interested in their own pursuits than in providing for their children. Despite the poverty, uncertainty, and chaos of her upbringing, Walls manages to find her way in the world and build a successful career as a journalist. Like 'Big Girls Don’t Cry', this book explores themes of resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit.

Rebecca Skloot

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

This book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor black tobacco farmer whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge or consent in 1951. These cells, known as HeLa, became one of the most important tools in medicine, leading to numerous scientific breakthroughs. But Henrietta herself remained virtually unknown, and her family was left in poverty. This book, like 'Big Girls Don’t Cry', explores themes of race, class, and the ethical implications of scientific progress.

Alice Walker

The Color Purple

This novel tells the story of Celie, a young black woman growing up in the American South during the early 20th century. Abused and oppressed by her family, Celie finds solace in her friendship with Shug Avery, a singer and blues musician. Together, they help Celie find her voice and discover her own power. Like 'Big Girls Don’t Cry', this book explores themes of race, gender, and the struggle for self-determination.

Markus Zusak

The Book Thief

Taking place in Nazi Germany, this novel tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl who discovers the power of words and the importance of books. With the help of her foster father, she learns to read and begins to share her love of books with others, even as the world around her is torn apart by war and hatred. Like 'Big Girls Don’t Cry', this book explores themes of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of literature.

Amy Tan

The Joy Luck Club

This novel tells the story of four Chinese women who emigrate to America and form a mahjong group called the Joy Luck Club. Through a series of interconnected stories, we learn about the lives of these women and their daughters, and the cultural and generational differences that both unite and divide them. Like 'Big Girls Don’t Cry', this book explores themes of identity, culture, and the complex relationships between mothers and daughters.

Barbara Kingsolver

The Poisonwood Bible

This novel tells the story of the Price family, who move to the Belgian Congo in 1959 in order to convert the locals to Christianity. But their mission quickly goes awry, and the family is forced to confront the harsh realities of life in a foreign country. Like 'Big Girls Don’t Cry', this book explores themes of culture, identity, and the consequences of imperialism and colonialism.

Colson Whitehead

The Underground Railroad

This novel tells the story of Cora, a young slave who escapes from a Georgia plantation and makes her way north along the Underground Railroad. Along the way, she encounters a cast of characters who help her on her journey, and she is forced to confront the horrors of slavery and the challenges of freedom. Like 'Big Girls Don’t Cry', this book explores themes of race, identity, and the struggle for justice and equality.

Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner

This novel tells the story of Amir, a young boy growing up in Afghanistan in the 1970s. Haunted by a childhood betrayal, Amir flees to America and starts a new life, but he is unable to forget his past. When he learns that his childhood friend Hassan is in danger, Amir returns to Afghanistan to try and make things right. Like 'Big Girls Don’t Cry', this book explores themes of identity, culture, and the power of redemption.

Khaled Hosseini

A Thousand Splendid Suns

This novel tells the story of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, whose lives intersect in Kabul during the late 20th century. Both women are victims of the patriarchal society in which they live, and both are forced to make difficult choices in order to survive. Like 'Big Girls Don’t Cry', this book explores themes of gender, identity, and the struggle for self-determination.