7 Biographies About Women Worth an All-Nighter

Marie Claire said Why You Should Read It: Because she's the notorious RBG! The woman is a living legend and a soldier for equality.

Marie Claire said Why You Should Read It: If you're a true bibliophile, you'll enjoy the life story of Ruth Rappaport. It was her love of books that propelled her through life, from the restricted readings of Nazi Germany to the Library of Congress.

Marie Claire said Why You Should Read It: Henrietta Lacks was one of the greatest contributors to medicine in modern history—and she didn't even know it.

Marie Claire said Why You Should Read It: Get to know the woman behind some of the most well-revered books and short stories in history. Hurston's life was all but boring—from her early childhood in Eatonville, the first all-black town, to her relationship with voodoo.

Marie Claire said Why You Should Read It: Girl runs away from home. Girl heads to Paris. Girl becomes one of the most well-known courtesans of the 1840s. Not your typical storyline and definitely worth a read.

Marie Claire said Why You Should Read It: Because who doesn't love a good Royal's story? This one tells the underdog narrative of Catherine the Great, a once unknown German princess who ascended the Russian throne, taking one man down at a time.

Marie Claire said Why You Should Read It: Finally, a history lesson that doesn't feel like a history lesson. Paula J. Giddings brings Ida B. Wells' work to life as she details her experience as the child of two slaves in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to her crusade against America's brutal lynching policies.