Societal expectations? Please. For the female protagonists in these 3 debut novels, it’s time to break the mold.

Being a woman involves a nearly impossible balancing act, at every stage of life.

They’re told: Be confident — but not too confident. Excel in a respectable, lucrative vocation — but don’t neglect the kids. Embrace your inner sex goddess and look beautiful — but not too skinny, too chunky or too slutty. Make your voice heard — but never disrupt.