5 Inspiring Books By Kick-Ass Women To Devour This Week

This collection of thirty short stories is a bit of a departure for Ahern who's better known for more straightforward romances. Each story is focussed on one woman, at a big moment in her life. Whether making a life changing decision or simply surviving a mortifying incident in the office, each of them is seizing the reins of their own existence and making themselves heard. As accessible and warm as you'd expect from Ahern, and some are even surreal bordering on wacky, but there is a new sense of grit too. Buy this for a friend having a tough time. Other novels with inspiring women at their heart…

Hilsum is Channel 4 New International Editor, and importantly was Marie Colvin's good friend. It's hard to imagine anyone else managing to capture the spirit of this tough and troubled but glamorous and brave war reporter any better. It's also hard to believe that this isn't a novel, that someone as brave, brilliant and bewitching as Colvin actually existed, so thrilling is this biography. She was doubtlessly troubled - who wouldn't be after seeing what she had? - but remained extraordinary and inspiring. Hilsum's reporter's tone combined with her personal anecdotes are a perfect mix. Simply reading about Colvin makes you feel braver, and more alive.

Dani is in prison, after a life which has already presented her with some harsh challenges. Now, her daughter is in care, her release date seems forever away and she is desperate to be reunited. When she gets a new cellmate, Martha, everything changes. Told with flashbacks to Dani's past and a supernatural subplot that isn't as bizarre as it might be, what makes this debut shine is the author's insight into life in a women's prison. It's not a world more erudite authors might bother with, but Ayrton has shone a worthwhile spotlight with this is a snappy, atmospheric thriller.

This classic is receiving a fresh reissue this month, in time for the Steve McQueen's film adaptation. Three women find their husbands killed during a security van heist, and decide not to help the police, but to finish the job themselves. Having been sidelined for too long, they discover they're actually pretty good at the business in hand, and perhaps they rather enjoy it. Set in early 1980s London it feels grubby and gritty and authentic - and given that it's 25 years old, it is still fresh, funny and not just a little inspiring…

Dawson's Creek, Freaks & Geeks and Cougartown alumna tells her story from growing up in Arizona desperate to be famous, to making it as an actress and realising it's perhaps not all it's cracked up to be, to then becoming an Instagram superstar and late night talk show host. It's funny as hell but also gets dark, but is never not hopeful. It's like having her call you with all the good gossip while knowing she cares about you too. It has the best burn about mansplaining ever, and feels fresh, modern and honest.