Books that celebrate women who changed the world

Since time immemorial, women have been actively participating in everything that make up a civilization. There is no activity left that they've spared, no stones left unturned. Although it is pretty difficult to encompass all those terrific women who have built up the society by bits and pieces, here are 10 books that celebrate 10 iconic women from history.

One of the bravest and most inspiring women currently walking the earth, Malala Yousafzai is a teenage Pakistani women’s education advocate. She is also the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Her tear-jerker of a memoir chronicles her life, her choices and her family who wanted her to be educated and live with her head held high.
Image: Orion Publishing Group

This thought-provoking book examines Oprah's immeasurable impact on people close to her and the public at large, from her literary and political influences, to her candour about her own ups and downs with mental and physical health issues, including the tumultuous childhood of the world famous talk show host and influencer.
Image: Jaico Publishing House

This 1903 autobiography of the extraordinary Helen Keller, who managed to accomplish a plenty much without sight, hearing, or speech. A wonderful book and an inspiring read, the autobiography brings out the goosebumps and makes us reconsider our every little excuse.
Image: Fingerprint! Publishing

Celebrated today as one of the world's greatest exponents of non-violent political defiance since Mahatma Gandhi, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize only four years after her first experience of politics. This book is her extraordinary biography.
Image: Rider

This wonderful biography amalgamates images and words to tell the awe-inspiring story of Marie Curie, and her life of love and discoveries, and her way to become the first woman to win the Nobel Prize.
Image: Dey Street Books

This is a classic poetic memoir by the legendary feminist icon, Maya Angelou. According to James Baldwin, this book “liberates the reader into life simply because Maya Angelou confronts her own life with such a moving wonder, such a luminous dignity.”
Image: Little, Brown Book Group

When Julia Child moved to Paris in 1948, she spoke no French and knew nothing cooking. But soon, she was enchanted by the culture and the cuisine. She decided to take classes at the Cordon Bleu that changed her life forever. She became the first big culinary star, influencing the world with her cookbook, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” and her television show, “The French Chef.” This memoir talks about all that.
Image: Anchor

Another Nobel Peace Prize winner to join the list, Shirin Ebadi is an Iranian lawyer and human rights activist who was the first Iranian to receive the Nobel Prize, and the first award winner to have her Prize confiscated by her own government. This is her fantastic memoir.
Image: Rider & Co

An enchanting, facsimile edition of Kahlo’s diary, this covers the last ten years of her life in reminiscences, dreams, love letters, poems, and watercolor illustrations, all in the artist’s own hand.

One of the most compelling and robust characters in history, Cleopatra charted a world where she was worshipped, loved, and feared by men and women alike. Schiff’s biography seeks to reveal a shrewd politician, a leader, and a warrior.
Image: Back Bay Books