Hot Girls Read Books

The Women by Kristin Hannah is a stunning novel that might just be the best book we’ve read this year. This book is too incredible not to dive into the details! We were so captivated by it that we stayed up way too late for several nights in a row, unable to put it down. Here’s a look at why this novel made such a deep impression on us.

Book Summary

(taken straight from Amazon)

Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path. As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is over-whelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets―and becomes one of―the lucky, the brave, the broken, and the lost. But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam. The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.

Without further delay, here’s our Top Five Reasons Why The Women Was Absolutely Amazing

1. Insight into a Time in American History that Admittedly, We Weren’t Well Enough Aware Of

One of the greatest strengths of The Women is its deep dive into the Vietnam War era from a unique vantage point. Kristin Hannah doesn’t just give us the war’s highlights; she brings to life the complexities of this turbulent time in American history. We love when a book teaches us something we didn’t know before and we really learned so much about the Vietnam War and its effects on American society in the 60s and 70s, which is something we clearly didn’t know enough about. (There was a lot of Googling involved, but we’re smarter because of it!). This book offers a rich historical tapestry that goes beyond just the battles and delves into the emotional and psychological ramifications of the conflict.

2. Exploration of Love and Vulnerability in Its Many Forms

The Women excels in exploring various facets of love and vulnerability. Through the lens of Frankie’s experiences, we see different kinds of love—love for country, friendship, romantic love, and the unspoken yet powerful bond between parent and child. The novel portrays these emotions with a tenderness and honesty that make the characters’ struggles and triumphs feel real and relatable. The trauma of war and the challenge of coming home are depicted with such depth that it’s impossible not to be moved.

3. A Good Reminder That (SOME) Men Can Do You Dirty!

Let’s face it: sometimes, even the guys who seem like real stand-up guys might surprise you—sometimes in the worst ways. The Women is a brilliant reminder that not everyone’s intentions are as pure as their smile might suggest. We won’t name names (spoilers, remember!), but let’s just say that, ladies, always keep one eye open and maybe don’t take everything at face value. The novel serves up a hearty dose of heartbreak on top of disappointment on top of more heartbreak, proving that even the most seemingly honorable men have their secrets. You’ll want to hug your best girl friends real tight after you finish this book.

4. A Raw and Honest Portrayal of Trauma and PTSD (before anyone knew what PTSD was)

Part 2 of The Women is a gut-wrenching exploration of trauma and its aftermath. When Frankie returns from the war, the book’s portrayal of her struggles is so vivid and real that I felt my heart break for her. The writing is so gripping and heartfelt that I wanted to reach through the pages, hug Frankie, and reassure her that her experiences mattered. The novel does a remarkable job of showing that trauma manifests differently for everyone and that there’s no shame in the way one processes it. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding.

5. Strong Female Characters Who Don’t Rely on a Love Story

One of the most refreshing aspects of The Women is its focus on strong, complex female characters who aren’t defined by their romantic relationships. Frankie’s journey is about her courage, patriotism, her career as a nurse, and her spiral and personal growth following her return from Vietnam. The novel doesn’t hinge on a love story to provide her character depth or resolution. Though her relationships play a large role in the book, Frankie’s worth is not tied up in her romantic entanglements and her rebirth is all her own. So often in the book we found ourselves thinking, if only she hadn’t lost her love(s) or her brother to the war, she would have someone to lean on, but that’s not the story K.H. is going for, because only Frankie can pull herself out of her despair, no one else. The Women truly celebrates female strength, resilience, and independence, but will drag you through hell first.

This book is a literal masterpiece. We finished it a few days ago and still can’t stop thinking about it. This beautifully written, emotionally powerful novel that offers a fresh perspective on the Vietnam War through the experiences of women in that era who are too often forgotten or dismissed, despite their sacrifice. With its rich historical insights, deep exploration of love and trauma, and strong, multidimensional female characters, this book is a standout read that’s worth staying up late for and will be a hard one to top for the rest of the year (though we look forward to trying!).

If you haven’t picked up The Women yet, don’t skip this one! Prepare to be moved, educated, and utterly captivated by this incredible story.

Have you read The Women? Let us know in the comments what you thought!