Fiction and Non-Fiction Books About Women in Politics
In this list of fiction books about women in politics, you’ll see first daughters, female politicians, women in the suffragette movement, and activists.
I have always been interested in politics especially when it comes to women in politics since we are so under-represented. Because of that, I have always been drawn to fiction books about women in politics.
You will also see a few non-fiction books in this list of political books as well. I hope that while being entertained, you will also be inspired by these amazing women to go out and vote! More than ever before, this list of books seems permanent to the world of today!
The Best Fiction Books About Women in Politics
Best Contemporary Fiction
Charlotte Walsh Like to Win – Jump to review
Best Thriller
The Seantor’s Wife – Jump to review
Best Historical Fiction
Invention of Wings – Jump to review
Best Non-Fiction
Becoming – Jump to review
Best Romance
Red, White, and Royal Blue – Jump to review
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Fiction Books about Women in Politics
Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win
Author: Jo Piazza
Year: 2018
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This political fiction book struck the perfect balance between lighthearted and serious. I was fascinated by the titular character’s quest to be the first female senator in PA. It’s a delicious look at what happens when a woman tries to have it all.
Charlotte Walsh is running for office in a race crucial to the Senate in DC. After leaving her high-powered Silicon Valley job, she relocates to the suburbs of PA to kick off her campaign. But she isn’t prepared for how nasty politics can be – or how much she might have to sacrifice to win.
Why Kirsten loves it
The dynamics at play when running for office drew me in, but I stayed for her marriage and her struggles to be everything to everyone. I loved the references to places I was familiar with making this a must-read for any local and a perfect pick for a list of contemporary fiction books and books about women in politics!
Find this book in: Cozy Books for Fall / Books about Women in Politics / Contemporary Fiction Novels
Plot
Oh, Hillary. Who would you have become without Bill? Have you found yourself pondering this before? Then look no further than Sittenfeld’s contemporary fiction story of what would have happened to Hillary had she ditched Bill when he was unfaithful before their marriage.
Why Kirsten loves it
It had me longing to know what course our country would be on had the events of this political novel been true. We can’t wait to see this book adaptation.
Find this book in: Ultimate List of Contemporary Fiction / Books About Women in Politics / Books Becoming Movies
Plot
As soon as I realized this was a classic Jane Austen retelling of Sense and Sensibility, I knew I had to read it!
This version is set in D.C. and the key characters are involved in politics. It feels very appropriate post-election. I loved seeing the connections back to Jane Austen’s original work.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is probably one of my favorite retellings sense and sensibility and it’s a fun political fiction story.
Find this book in: Fiction Books About Women in Politics / Jane Austen Retellings / Classic Book Retellings / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021
Plot
The Bushes are modern-day American royalty. This story, while heavily fictionalized, is based on the life of Laura Bush. It covers her young life, meeting her husband and his illustrious family, and also his presidency.
I didn’t know much about the Bush dynasty prior to reading this and while I realize it is political fiction, it gave me some good insight into the political world of America.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is such an interesting and well-written book. It gave me such insight into a different world.
Find this book in: Fiction Books About Women in Politics
Plot
This month’s reading challenge focused on Women in Politics so I picked up campaign widows as a light-hearted look at the spouses left behind when political campaigns hit the road.
It is completely non-partisan, truly not identifying either political party, just making a commentary on the social politics of Washington D.C.’s elite.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book was like a Washington D.C version of Sex and the City and I loved it!
Find this book in: Fiction Books About Women in Politics
Thriller Political Fiction Books
Plot
In this political fiction book, Sloane Chase is a philanthropist and is married to Senator Whit Montgomery. When her lupus starts acting up, they decide to hire a home health aide to help Sloane.
At first, Athena seems like she is the perfect fit, but then Sloane starts to become sicker. She thinks that Athena is trying to seduce her husband and replace her.
As this story progresses, we get to hear from numerous characters as they debate and interfere in Sloane’s health.
Why Kirsten loves it
I saw some of the plot twists coming but the ending definitely caught me off guard.
Find this book in: Fiction Books About Women in Politics
Plot
State of Terror is Hillary Clinton’s first fiction book and she teamed up with mystery writing heavy-weight, Louise Penny to create an action-packed political thriller.
This story involves a Secretary of State globe-trotting to try to stop an impending terrorist attack from happening. In the process, we are privy to Louise Penny’s astute observations on human nature.
While this book is not a part of the Three Pines Series, Chief Inspector Gamache does make a cameo appearance toward the end of the book which will thrill fans of this series. If you love fast-paced action-based thrillers, this is a must-read!
Why Kirsten loves it
I love that the book is so fast-paced! It was a page-turner for sure!
Why Jackie loves it
I love finding Chief Inspector Gamache in this political thriller. This is a different book for Penny and I think she did a fantastic job.
Find this book in: Louise Penny Books / Fiction Books About Women in Politics
Plot
Sarah Vaughan, othe author of Anatomy of a Scandal, is a killer when it comes to legal thrillers with a one-two punch. This particular story revolves around Emma, a British MP on trial for murder charges.
The victim? A tabloid reporter with a scoop on an inflammatory story revolving around the MP’s daughter. But it’s so much more complicated than that and secrets unravel at every turn. If you love political fiction, this is a great pick!
Why Kirsten loves it
The story is multi-faceted and left me guessing what would happen next. It was a page-turner for sure.
Find this book in: Fiction Books About Women in Politics
Historical Fiction Books about Women in Politics
The Invention of Wings
Author: Sue Monk Kidd
Year: 2014
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: January 2014 Oprah’s Book Club Pick
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I picked this book up in Charleston when I was there for a visit in October of 2018. I wanted to pick up a book about the city. When I found out that our hotel was next to the Grimke sister’s home, I knew this was the book for me.
This book tells the story of Sarah Grimke, one of the first female abolitionists, and the enslaved Handful. Starting in Charleston on a plantation and ending in Philadelphia in the pre-civil war era, the story explores the life of Sarah, the daughter of a slaveholder, as she fights for the rights of women and enslaved people.
Why Kirsten like it
I found the story compelling – the political portion of Sarah’s work was particularly appealing. Sue Monk Kidd is a fantastic writer and the story flowed in such a wonderful way.
While I learned many valuable lessons, it did give me pause that the story was written by a white woman. I would recommend All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore if you are looking for an additional account of the problems facing enslaved people at this time.
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction Novels / Oprah’s Book Club / Fiction Books About Women in Politics
American Princess
Author: Stephanie Marie Thornton
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Range: 18+
Plot
We all know I love a good Royal Read but I don’t usually get to read a book about American royalty. We may not have an actual royal family, but dynasties like the Vanderbilts, Carnegies, Kennedys, and Roosevelts serve as good replacements. This particular story is about Alice Roosevelt, daughter of our 26th president, Teddy Roosevelt.
This historical fiction political novel covers her life from the moment her father became President to her second breast cancer surgery. And what a doozy of a life she led!
Why Kirsten loves it
It is impossible to read this book and not wonder how her antics would have been perceived had she lived in today’s society. I read it in a few days and adored it!
Find this book in: Fiction Books about Women in Politics / Royal Reads
Plot
Most people know about Jackie’s life during her White House years, but hearing the tale of what caused her to marry Aristotle Onassis was fascinating. I loved the dual narrators of Jackie and Onassis’s long-time lover, opera singer Maria Callas. It’s a perfect political novel about music!
Why Kirsten loves it
Excuse me while I gush about Gill Paul‘s newest biographical fiction book, Jackie and Maria. Gill Paul is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me. I loved Another Woman’s Husband and The Lost Daughter, about the Windsors and Romanovs respectively. Paul’s take on a new dynasty, The Kennedys, is equally compelling.
Find this book in: Novels About Music / Biographical Fiction / Books About Women in Politics / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021
Plot
I had no idea the Kennedy girls were just as interesting at the Kennedy boys. This Historical Fiction biography told the story of Kick Kennedy during her stay in London before and during WWII. I found her to be a fascinating character.
Kick was a rebel, following her heart and standing up for what she believed in. I had so much sympathy for everything she went through in her life.
Why Kirsten loves it
I always love Kerri Maher’s historical fiction novels and this was no exception. Kick was one of the most fascinating subjects for a biographical fiction that I have ever read. I spent so much time googling photos of her during this time of her life that I felt like I knew her by the time the book was finished.
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction Novels / Best Books about WWII / Books About Women in Politics
Non-fiction Books About Women in Politics
Becoming
Author: Michele Obama
Year: 2018
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: November 2018 Oprah’s Book Club Pick
Age Range: 15+
Plot
I am so happy that I finally read this book. Michelle Obama is a brilliant woman who has such an incredible story to tell. I was intrigued by her life and her upbringing.
I listened to this book and was so happy to hear the story read by Obama herself. Obama is a brilliant woman and it was a pleasure to hear her story told in her voice. There is something about her voice that is so calming and soothing.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is one of my favorite non-fiction books about women in politics. As nonfiction books go, this one is a must.
Why Jackie loves it
I also listened to this one and I think the audio version is a must. I loved hearing this book read by the former first lady!
Find this book in: Ultimate List of Best NonFiction / Feel Good Nonfiction Books / Books about Women in Politics / Books by BIPOC Female Authors
Plot
This is one of the nonfiction books that reads like fiction. This memoir about Beck’s life as the stenographer in the Obama White House was like Sex and the City meets Scandal.
I had no idea how juicy things got in Washington! I also appreciated how much Beck respected the Obamas and the work they did for our country.
Why Kirsten loves it
Find this book in: Feel Good Nonfiction Books / The Ultimate List of the Best Non-Fiction Books / Fiction Books About Women in Politics
Plot
This non-fiction book about women in politics is all about the first ladies. I had no idea what a job being the First Lady really is…an unpaid one at that! This intimate look at the many hats the modern First Lady plays showcases all the women from Jacqueline Kennedy to Michelle Obama who have been FLOTUS.
I was fascinated to see the differences between Hillary Clinton to Lady Bird Johnson. I know FLOTUS is one job I never want to have, but I have such respect for all the women who have held that office.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is a fascinating glimpse into the life of a First Lady and I found myself having more respect for the women who have help the position.
Find this book in: Fiction Books About Women in Politics / Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners
Political Fiction Romance Books
Red, White & Royal Blue
Author: Casey McQuiston
Year: 2019
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
We don’t think about royals and the LGBTQ community because we don’t usually see openly gay royals, which is so sad in today’s society. And to think it all starts with a NYE kiss!
This charming book is a fabulous pick from LGBTQ romance novels. I crushed hard for their romance and found myself smiling the entire time. (Also love the nod to a female president…where do I sign up for one of those?)
Trigger Warnings
Homophobia
Why Kirsten loves it
The LGBTQ romance is charming but add in a female president and I am all in.
Why Jackie loves it
Not only is the relationship between these two charming but a female president and a royal angle as well makes this a must-read!
Find this book in: Royal Romance Books / Enemies-to-Lovers Books / New Year’s Books / British Romance Novels/ Books With a Color in the Title / British Books / Best YA Romance Books
Plot
Marva has been waiting to vote her whole life. Duke just wants to get it over with. When Marva sees Doug turned away at the voting booth, she takes it upon herself to right the wrong. Maybe sparks will fly.
The characters never brought up political affiliations, but instead, they focused on the importance of the act of voting, as well as how prevalent voter suppression is. This would be a great gift to any new 18-year-old to convince them to register!
Why Kirsten loves it
I LOVE that Brandy Colbert wrote a book for YA readers about the importance of voting WITHOUT BEING POLITICAL. It was so impressive.
Find this book in: Fiction Books About Women in Politics
Bringing Down the Duke
Author: Evie Dunmore
Year: 2019
Genre: Political Romance
More info: Book 1 of 4 from A League of Extraordinary Women
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Evie Dunmore’s debut novel spanned a series of badass women during the Suffragette era. While the story is a romance, don’t let that fool you! You’ll get a history lesson on the suffrage movement in English History as well as a lesson on Estate and Inheritance laws — which were still of utmost importance a few decades later when Downton Abbey takes place.
Annabelle Archer has the scholarship to be one of the first women to study at Oxford. In order to keep it, she must spy on the Duke of Montgomery and try to persuade him to the suffragette’s cause.
Why Kirsten loves it
The chemistry between these two crackled off the page in this romance. If books are up your alley, this book is perfect for you. I loved Dunmore’s portrayal of strong women who stuck to their guns.
Find this book in: Enemies-to-Lovers Books / Books Like The Love Hypothesis / Historical Romance Novels / Books like Bridgerton / Fiction Books About Women in Politics
More Books about Women in Politics We Want to Read
Expert Tip
With an election coming up in November, it may be hard to read as many books as you would like about women in politics. We recommend picking one fiction and one nonfiction to start
- Talking about political beliefs with friends can be hard, sometimes it is easier to talk about books
- Encourage eligible voters to go out and exercise their constitutional rights!
Related Content
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an example of political fiction?
There are a lot of books on this list of fiction books about women in politics that are a good example of political fiction. The Seantor’s Wife and State of Terror are two great examples of political fiction books that are thrillers.
Epilogue
Have you read any of these nonfiction and fiction books about women in politics? Which book are you most looking forward to reading? There are a few on this list that I want to delve into before the next election!
