Which Animes Feature Strong Female Leads Overcoming Adversity Like 'The Constant Princess'?

As someone who has always been drawn to stories of resilience and triumph, I find novels featuring orphans overcoming adversity incredibly inspiring. 'Oliver Twist' by Charles Dickens is a classic, but there are many others that delve into similar themes. 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Brontë is a powerful tale of an orphaned girl who rises above her harsh upbringing to find independence and love. 'Anne of Green Gables' by L.M. Montgomery follows the spirited Anne Shirley as she transforms the lives of those around her with her imagination and determination. Another compelling read is 'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett, where the orphaned Mary Lennox discovers a hidden garden and, in turn, heals herself and those around her. 'David Copperfield' by Charles Dickens, another Dickensian masterpiece, chronicles the life of an orphan who navigates through various hardships to ultimately find success and happiness. 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak offers a more contemporary take, with an orphaned girl finding solace in books during the horrors of World War II. These novels not only highlight the struggles of orphans but also their incredible strength and ability to overcome adversity.

I’ve always been drawn to novels with strong female leads, and 'The Kingmaker’s Daughter' is a fantastic example. If you’re looking for similar vibes, 'The Book of Longings' by Sue Monk Kidd is a must-read. It’s about Ana, a bold and ambitious woman in biblical times who defies societal norms. Another favorite of mine is 'Circe' by Madeline Miller, which reimagines the life of the mythological witch with depth and resilience. For something more grounded in history, 'The Alice Network' by Kate Quinn features two women—a spy and a young socialite—who team up to uncover secrets. These books are packed with courage, intelligence, and determination, making them perfect for fans of strong female characters.

Finding books with strong female leads like 'ttyl' can be an exciting journey, especially if you enjoy stories where girls take center stage with authenticity and grit. 'ttyl' by Lauren Myracle is a standout because of its raw, unfiltered portrayal of teenage girls navigating friendship and life through instant messages. If you're looking for similar vibes, 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' by Ann Brashares is a great pick. It follows four best friends who share a pair of magical jeans, each dealing with their own struggles while supporting one another. The characters are deeply relatable, and their bond feels as real as the ones in 'ttyl'. Another fantastic choice is 'Eleanor & Park' by Rainbow Rowell. While it’s a romance at its core, Eleanor’s character is a force of nature—unapologetically herself despite her tough circumstances. Her resilience and sharp wit make her a memorable lead. For something more contemporary, 'Dumplin'' by Julie Murphy is a gem. Willowdean, the protagonist, is confident, funny, and unafraid to challenge beauty standards. The book’s humor and heart make it a joy to read, and Willowdean’s voice is as bold as the girls in 'ttyl'. If you’re into darker, more intense stories, 'The Hate U Give' by Angie Thomas features Starr, a girl who finds her voice after witnessing police brutality. Her journey from silence to activism is powerful, and her strength is undeniable. For a lighter but equally compelling read, 'To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before' by Jenny Han follows Lara Jean, whose love letters get sent out unexpectedly. She’s quirky, thoughtful, and grows a lot throughout the series. These books all share that same spirit of authenticity and female empowerment that makes 'ttyl' so special.

I've always been drawn to books with strong female leads, especially those with the same gripping mystery and drama as 'Pretty Little Liars.' One of my favorites is 'One of Us Is Lying' by Karen M. McManus. It follows four high school students who become suspects in the death of a classmate, and each has their own secrets to protect. The female characters, particularly Addy and Bronwyn, are brilliantly written, showing resilience and growth as they navigate the chaos around them. The book has that same addictive quality as PLL, with twists that keep you guessing until the last page. Another great pick is 'The Lying Game' by Ruth Ware. It revolves around a group of friends who reunite after years apart, only to confront the lies they told as teenagers. The protagonist, Isa, is a compelling character whose determination to uncover the truth drives the narrative. The atmospheric setting and intricate plot make it a perfect read for fans of dark, suspenseful stories with complex female leads. The book explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of deception, much like PLL. For something with a bit more psychological depth, 'Sharp Objects' by Gillian Flynn is a standout. Camille Preaker, a journalist returning to her hometown to investigate a murder, is a flawed but deeply relatable protagonist. Her struggles with addiction and family trauma add layers to her character, making her journey all the more gripping. The book’s dark tone and unsettling revelations make it a must-read for anyone who enjoys morally ambiguous female leads and twisted narratives. If you’re looking for a lighter but equally engaging option, 'Truly Devious' by Maureen Johnson is a fantastic choice. Stevie Bell, an amateur detective, enrolls in a prestigious school to solve a decades-old cold case. Her sharp wit and determination make her an unforgettable lead, and the dual timeline keeps the mystery fresh and exciting. The book blends humor and suspense in a way that feels unique, offering a refreshing take on the genre. Lastly, 'The Cheerleaders' by Kara Thomas is another gem. It follows Monica, whose sister was part of a cheerleading squad that died under mysterious circumstances years earlier. When new clues emerge, Monica takes it upon herself to uncover the truth. Her tenacity and emotional depth make her a standout character, and the book’s exploration of grief and justice adds a poignant layer to the mystery. It’s a perfect blend of suspense and heart, with a protagonist who feels incredibly real.

'Educated' stands out in the memoir genre because Tara Westover’s journey isn’t just about overcoming adversity—it’s about rewriting her entire understanding of reality. Unlike many memoirs that focus on external struggles like poverty or illness, Westover’s battle is intellectual and emotional, clawing her way from a survivalist family’s isolation to the halls of Cambridge. The book’s power lies in its duality: it’s both a searing indictment of extremist upbringing and a testament to self-invention. Where other memoirs might emphasize resilience through community support, 'Educated' is strikingly solitary. Westover’s isolation makes her eventual breakthroughs feel seismic. Compare this to memoirs like 'The Glass Castle', where familial bonds persist despite chaos, or 'Wild', where nature forces reckoning. 'Educated' forces readers to confront the cost of knowledge—how education can both liberate and alienate. The prose is unflinching, with moments of brutality balanced by crystalline introspection. It’s less about triumph and more about the fractures left behind.

If you want women who weaponize their trauma like Lisbeth, check 'Sharp Objects'—Camille’s self-destructive journalism mirrors that raw intensity. The miniseries 'Alias Grace' gives us a Victorian-era enigma: is Grace Marks a victim or master manipulator? 'Killing Eve' flips the script by making the assassin (Villanelle) and pursuer (Eve) equally unhinged. Don’t sleep on 'The Woman in the Window' either; Anna’s paranoia becomes her superpower in a Hitchcockian maze. These characters don’t just survive—they dissect the systems trying to crush them.

I’ve always been drawn to MC club romances where the female leads aren’t just damsels in distress but hold their own against the gritty, dangerous world of bikers. One standout is 'Reaper’s Property' by Joanna Wylde. The heroine, Marie, is sharp-tongued and fearless, refusing to back down even when faced with the intimidating Reapers MC. Another favorite is 'Ride Steady' by Kristen Ashley. Carissa starts off vulnerable but grows into a resilient, independent woman who challenges the hero at every turn. And let’s not forget 'Knox' by Jay Crownover—the heroine, Rule, is a tattoo artist with a fiery personality who doesn’t hesitate to stand up to the brooding biker. These books are perfect for readers who want heroines with backbone, women who don’t just survive the chaos of MC life but thrive in it. The chemistry between the leads is electric, and the tension is always high, making for addictive reads.

If you’re into royal struggles like 'The Constant Princess', you’ll love 'The Other Boleyn Girl' by Philippa Gregory. It’s a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and power in the Tudor court. The rivalry between Mary and Anne Boleyn is intense, and the political machinations are fascinating. Gregory’s ability to weave historical facts with fiction makes it a page-turner. Another great pick is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It’s a deep dive into Thomas Cromwell’s rise in Henry VIII’s court. The novel’s intricate portrayal of power dynamics and moral ambiguity is masterful. Mantel’s writing style is dense but rewarding, offering a fresh perspective on familiar historical events. For a lighter read, 'The Queen’s Fool' by Philippa Gregory is also worth checking out. It’s a story of loyalty and intrigue set against the backdrop of Mary I’s reign.