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Looking for books that capture the raw, emotional depth of 'Maid' by Stephanie Land? Dive into these 14 compelling titles that shine a light on resilience, the realities of poverty, and the unyielding strength of single motherhood.
The stories in these hand-picked book recommendations will inspire, challenge, and stay with you long after the final page. Trevor Noah's 'Born a Crime,' Malala Yousafzai's 'I Am Malala,' and more offer profound insights into resilience and the impact of adversity on mental health.
And if you want to go deeper, try the Headway app with the key ideas from top nonfiction titles like these in under 15 minutes, in both audio and text formats. Join 50 million users who choose smarter reading with progress tracking and daily growth challenges!
Your smarter reading starts here!
Quick guide to books like Maid: Top five picks
'Born a Crime' by Trevor Noah — resilience through systemic oppression.
'Educated' by Tara Westover — the transformative power of education despite poverty.
'Nickel and Dimed' by Barbara Ehrenreich — investigative look at low-wage America.
'Heartland' by Sarah Smarsh — rural poverty and generational struggles.
'I Am Malala' by Malala Yousafzai — courage to fight for education against oppression.
Keep reading for the full list of books!
14 best books similar to 'Maid' you need to read next
For readers moved by 'Maid,' we've compiled a list of 14 books that examine similar themes of personal struggle, resilience, and intricate relationships. From investigative mysteries to uplifting stories of personal growth, these narratives will keep you captivated and inspired. Let's explore these engaging stories together!
1. 'Born a Crime' by Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah's book is a memoir that generates a new story about identity, systemic oppression, and a homage to his mother while growing up from childhood as a mixed-race child in South Africa before and after Apartheid.
Similarities between the books:
The stories illustrate the transformative power of resilience.
Both stories revolve around family, perseverance, and societal barriers.
2. 'I Am Malala' by Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai's memoir details her struggle for girls' education in Pakistan during the Taliban regime. Her commitment to education — even in light of threats to her life — has made her a global symbol and the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Similarities between the books:
The stories illustrate the power of education.
Both stories are about resilience, advocacy, and overcoming challenges.
The stories inspire readers to stand up for what's right and their beliefs, even when risking and overcoming personal sacrifice.
3. 'Educated' by Tara Westover
Tara Westover's memoir tells the story of her upbringing in a strict survivalist family and her quest to earn a PhD. Despite having no formal education, Westover's resolve drives her to achieve academic success and gain a deeper understanding of the world.
Similarities between the books:
Both narratives emphasize the transformative power of education.
They explore themes of personal development and overcoming family struggles.
The stories inspire readers to chase their dreams despite overwhelming odds.
4. 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' by Mark Haddon
In this captivating novel, Christopher Boone, a fifteen-year-old with a remarkable mind, embarks on a quest to solve the mysterious death of his neighbor's dog.
As Christopher investigates, he uncovers deeper family secrets and learns to navigate a world that often feels foreign to him.
Similarities between the books:
Both protagonists confront significant personal hurdles and societal misunderstandings.
Resilience and determination are key themes in both narratives.
The storytelling style offers an immersive glimpse into each character's inner thoughts and challenges.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
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Try now5. 'Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine' by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant is a socially awkward woman grappling with emotional isolation and a troubled past, including her struggles with mental illness. Her life takes a turn when she meets Raymond, the IT guy from her office, who helps her begin to heal her emotional wounds. This deadpan yet endearing narrative guides readers through a journey of healing and self-discovery.
Similarities between the books:
Both stories focus on protagonists facing social isolation and personal development.
Themes of resilience and overcoming past traumas are significant.
The narratives offer a heartfelt and often humorous perspective on the human experience.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
6. 'Wrong Place, Wrong Time' by Gillian McAllister
Jen's life takes a dramatic turn when her son gets arrested for murder. Desperate to understand and prevent the crime, she discovers her ability to time-travel.
As she navigates through various timelines, Jen's journey becomes a race against time to save her son and uncover the mystery behind his actions, all while striving for a picture-perfect life.
Similarities between the books:
Both stories feature strong maternal figures battling against overwhelming odds.
Themes of time, memory, and personal redemption are explored.
The narrative tension keeps readers engaged in the unfolding drama.
Wrong Place
7. 'Mad Honey' by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
Olivia returns to her hometown with her son after her husband's dark side comes to light. However, when her son's girlfriend is found dead, Olivia is thrust into a fight to prove his innocence while uncovering hidden family secrets.
This gripping narrative delves into the complexities of family relationships and the dark secrets that can tear them apart.
Similarities between the books:
Both stories explore themes of family secrets and personal resilience.
Strong female protagonists confront significant challenges.
The narratives reveal deep emotional and psychological layers.
Mad Honey
8. 'The Seven Rules of Elvira Carr' by Frances Maynard
Elvira Carr, a young woman facing social challenges, embarks on a journey to uncover her family's mysteries and create a new life for herself. With the help of a neighbor, she devises seven rules to navigate the world and overcome her overbearing mother's influence.
Similarities between the books:
Both protagonists encounter significant social and personal challenges.
Themes of self-discovery and personal growth are central, shaped by their experiences.
The narratives emphasize the importance of community and support.
The Seven Rules of Elvira Carr
9. 'The Lazarus Hotel' by Jo Bannister
Six strangers arrive at the luxurious Lazarus Hotel in London for therapy, only to find a single tragic event and new misfortunes link them. As they delve into their shared past, the guests must face their inner demons and discover a path to healing in this psychological thriller.
Similarities between the books:
Themes of interconnected lives and personal redemption.
Both narratives feature characters grappling with past traumas.
The stories highlight the importance of healing and community.
The Lazarus Hotel
10. 'The Golden Couple' by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Marissa and Matthew Bishop turn to the unconventional Avery Chambers for therapy to try to salvage their troubled marriage. As their sessions unfold, buried secrets and lies come to light, testing their relationship and compelling them to confront the truth.
Similarities between the books:
Both narratives delve into complex relationships and personal challenges.
Themes of trust, betrayal, and redemption are at the forefront.
The stories provide an in-depth exploration of each character's emotional journeys.
The Golden Couple
11. 'Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By In America' by Barbara Ehrenreich
Barbara Ehrenreich goes undercover to experience the realities of low-wage workers in America. Her journey sheds light on the systemic issues of poverty, the quest for affordable housing, and the resilience needed to survive on meager wages.
Similarities between the books:
Both works present a critical examination of poverty and economic struggles.
Themes of resilience and the daily fight for survival are prevalent.
The narratives advocate for societal awareness and reform.
12. 'Born Bright: A Young Girl's Journey from Nothing to Something in America' by C. Nicole Mason
C. Nicole Mason shares her journey from a childhood marked by poverty to achieving academic success. Despite facing systemic challenges and emotional struggles, Mason's commitment to education changes her life and serves as a beacon of hope for others in similar situations.
Similarities between the books:
Both narratives emphasize the significance of education and determination.
They explore themes of overcoming challenges and personal growth.
The stories motivate readers to chase their dreams despite obstacles.
Born Bright
13. 'Below Stairs' by Margaret Powell
Margaret Powell's memoir provides a firsthand account of her time as a kitchen maid in the 1920s. Her story sheds light on the harsh treatment and high expectations faced by domestic workers, offering an unfiltered view of class inequality and social dynamics.
Similarities between the books:
Both memoirs present a truthful depiction of the lives of domestic workers.
They share themes of resilience and maintaining dignity amid adversity.
The narratives address the social issues and class inequalities of their respective eras.
Below Stairs
14. 'Heartland' by Sarah Smarsh
Sarah Smarsh's memoir reflects on her upbringing in rural poverty and the systemic obstacles her family encountered. The book examines themes of family, resilience, and the aspiration for a brighter future.
Similarities between the books:
Both narratives critically examine poverty and its effects on families.
They highlight themes of resilience and the quest for a better life.
The stories underscore the importance of family and community support in withstanding poverty's challenges.
What is 'Maid' about?
Bestselling author Stephanie Land delivers a vivid account of her journey as a single mother living in poverty while working as a hotel maid in an American city throughout her memoir 'Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive.'
The narrative, which inspired the trending Netflix series The Maid, plunges readers into the intense reality of economic hardship, social stigma, and the daily grind of raising her daughter, Mia, below the poverty line in one of the richest countries in the world.
Land sheds light on the mental health toll of such struggles and the heartbreak that accompanies systemic inequality. Much like Matthew Desmond's 'Evicted,' Land's work critiques the societal barriers that keep families from attaining middle-class stability.
Her story is a testament to the resilience and strength required to navigate these challenges, earning praise on platforms like Goodreads for its honest and unflinching portrayal of life on the edge of poverty.
In her New York Times bestseller, Land examines how poverty influences identity and impacts families across generations. She illuminates the cyclical nature of poverty and its profound effects on rural families and their futures.
The narrative reaches a turning point with Land's move to Missoula, Montana, marking a shift in her life after years of hardship — a symbol of hope and the pursuit of a better future, echoing the struggles depicted in 'Evicted,' which investigates how housing instability affects lives.
Transform your reading journey with Headway book summaries
From Stephanie Land's moving memoir to the other 14 engaging books like 'Maid,' each narrative provides a distinct viewpoint on resilience, personal challenges, and the quest for a better life. These stories remind us of the resilience of the human spirit and the vital role of empathy and understanding in tackling societal issues.
If you want to explore similar stories but find it hard to carve out time, the Headway app is an excellent choice. Headway offers customized reading plans based on your interests and objectives, enabling you to grasp essential ideas from nonfiction books in under 15 minutes.
With Headway, you can seamlessly incorporate learning into your daily life, whether during your commute, workout, or break. Download the Headway app today and start uncovering a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips!
Frequently asked questions about books like 'Maid'
What is the second book after the 'Maid'?
Stephanie Land's second book is Class: A Guide for the 1% Who Actually Do the Work, published in 2023. It continues exploring themes of economic inequality and working-class struggles, examining how the pandemic affected service workers and diving deeper into class divisions in America.
Which books are similar to 'Maid'?
Books similar to Maid include Educated by Tara Westover, Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich, Heartland by Sarah Smarsh, and Born Bright by C. Nicole Mason. Each explores themes of poverty, resilience, and overcoming adversity through compelling personal narratives.
What themes do these books share with 'Maid'?
These books share powerful themes of personal struggle, economic hardship, resilience, and the impact of poverty on families. They explore complex relationships, systemic inequality, and the transformative power of education and determination. Each offers profound insights into the human capacity to overcome adversity and survive.
What is the Headway app?
The Headway app offers personalized reading plans that condense key ideas from nonfiction books into 15-minute summaries in both audio and text formats. With progress tracking and a sleek, award-winning design, it helps 50 million users incorporate meaningful learning into their daily routines effortlessly.
Why should I read books similar to 'Maid'?
Reading books like Maid deepens your understanding of resilience, poverty, and human strength in the face of adversity. These stories inspire empathy, challenge perspectives on social issues, and offer powerful insights into real struggles faced by individuals and families. They're both eye-opening and deeply rewarding reads.
