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If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for novels, poetry collections, and stories that speak to the heart—stories that make you laugh, cry, and the ones that you take extra long to finish just because you don't want it to end!

This week, I’ve got a little trio of powerful must-read books that do just that. So, grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine, no judgment), get comfy, and let’s dive into Revenge of the Mooncake Vixen by Marilyn Chin, How to Pull Apart the Earth by Karla Cordero, and Sandra Cisneros’s Woman Hollering Creek.

1. Revenge of the Mooncake Vixen by Marilyn Chin

First up, we’ve got Revenge of the Mooncake Vixen by Marilyn Chin, a novel that is part memoir, part magical realism, and a whole lot of wit. The story centers on the wild and chaotic lives of two Chinese-American sisters, Moonie and Mei Ling, who are on a quest to reclaim their heritage, family honor, and—of course—revenge.

Chin’s writing is unapologetically bold, with moments that will make you laugh, cringe, and marvel at her lyrical prowess. The story touches on themes of identity, culture, and the struggles of being caught between two worlds—one foot in the American dream, the other in Chinese tradition. What I love most about Revenge of the Mooncake Vixen is how it tackles the challenges of growing up as an immigrant with such humor, honesty, and, dare I say, a little bit of sass.

This must-read book is a rollercoaster of emotions—sometimes hilarious, sometimes dark, but always thought-provoking. If you’re into unapologetic characters and sharp, quirky storytelling, this one’s for you.

2. How to Pull Apart the Earth by Karla Cordero

Next, let's dive into the poetry collection How to Pull Apart the Earth by Karla Cordero. This book is the kind of poetry that pulls you in and demands to be felt. It’s a journey of self-discovery, healing, and grappling with the complexities of identity. Cordero’s poems explore the space between the personal and the political, touching on themes of family, love, loss, and the immigrant experience with such tenderness and rawness that you can’t help but be moved.

What I loved about this collection is the way Cordero uses the language to weave together such personal stories with universal themes. It’s not just a book of poems; it’s an experience. Her voice is deeply intimate, yet the themes are vast, making this a collection you’ll want to return to again and again.

Cordero’s voice is one that demands attention, and her poems will linger long after you’ve finished reading.

3. Woman Hollering Creek by Sandra Cisneros

And last, we have Woman Hollering Creek by the one and only Sandra Cisneros. This collection of short stories is a perfect example of Cisneros’s brilliant storytelling—a mix of magical realism, humor, and emotional depth. Set in the borderlands between the U.S. and Mexico, the stories in Woman Hollering Creek explore the lives of women navigating love, loss, and longing in a world that often doesn’t understand them.

Cisneros’s writing is rich and layered, with each story delving deep into the complexities of being a woman in a culture that often marginalizes you. The title story, Woman Hollering Creek, is a perfect example of Cisneros’s mastery. It’s haunting, poetic, and filled with emotion. Through her characters, Cisneros gives voice to the voiceless and brings a sense of belonging to those who might otherwise feel invisible.

The beauty of Cisneros’s work is how she blends the personal with the political—whether she’s writing about the struggles of women in a patriarchal society or the magic of everyday life, she does so with such a unique and powerful voice.

3 Must-Read Books By Powerful Women That Will Inspire You

Each of these authors brings something powerful to the table. Marilyn Chin’s humor and fierceness in Revenge of the Mooncake Vixen challenge expectations of what it means to be an immigrant in America. Karla Cordero’s How to Pull Apart the Earth offers a raw and beautiful exploration of identity through poetry. And Sandra Cisneros? Well, she’s just a legend, weaving tales that explore the depth and strength of women everywhere.

If you’re looking to explore diverse voices, challenge your perceptions, and have your heartstrings pulled in different directions, I highly recommend picking up these books this spring. They’ll not only entertain you but also make you think—about identity, culture, love, and the strength of women’s voices. These are books that are hard to put down, and once you finish, you’ll be glad you picked them up.

Maria Jungers is the Founder and Editor in Chief of In Her Space Journal. She is also a graduate student, marketing writer, and advocate for voices that are often left out. Maria loves the impactful work that she accomplishes as a writer and is always searching for ways in which she can serve others through her purpose. Her poetry and digital literature have been featured in 318 Journal, an online platform dedicated to innovative and contemporary creative works.