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“The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.”
—Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey, 1818
Historically, women (and people of color) have been sorely underrepresented on many reading lists. To help change that, we're highlighting women authors who more than deserve your attention.
Discover classic women authors who flew under the radar with male pen names, and re-discover those who broke the mold and dominated their genres (hello, Agatha Christie!) or invented new ones (see: the history of Mary Shelley writing Frankenstein).
You can also browse books by Black women, by early Irish female writers, or even books by royal women. For more modern and global women’s fiction, we suggest books that pass the Bechdel test, books by Elena Ferrante, and even books by women crime writers. Regardless of what you’re looking for, all of the recommendations below will add some much-needed feminine perspective to your reading list.
Follow your favorite fiery literary heroine through eight books that are as heartfelt as they are light-hearted.
By Orrin Grey
The Anne of Green Gables author led a far less idyllic life than her famous characters.
Settle in for dramatic storytelling.
"Luxury has never appealed to me, I like simple things, books, being alone, or with somebody who understands.” ―Daphne du Maurier
By Orrin Grey
Our favorite recommended reads for fans of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.
Everyone's favorite Marxist-feminist, “first great millennial” author.
By Kasey Noss
A journey through the work of Alice Walker.
By Greta Shull
A mix of novels that will pull you in and hook you until the very end.
“Oh I know the whole world prefers a woman who doesn't know her power, but I'm sick of all that.” ―Taylor Jenkins Reid
The writer who shaped the young adult genre.
Beat the heat with these bone-chilling reads.
By Orrin Grey
Her depictions of race, religion, and history are uniquely poignant and informative.
Taking girl boss to a whole new level.
Immerse yourself in the world of the Elm Creek Quilters.
The author of Woman on the Edge of Time was way ahead of her own.
The oft-honored author deserves a place on your shelf.
By Orrin Grey
Centered around ethical dilemmas and family dramas, these novels deserve spots beside your Picoult collection.
By G.G. Andrew
The grande dame of Caribbean literature passed Monday night at a hospital outside Marseille.