“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.
The author's historical mysteries feature lovable sleuths and high society intrigue that'll keep you coming back for more.
Together with The Woolfer, we're giving away a tote bag and an Amazon Fire 7 tablet loaded with books by amazing female authors.
They broke through barriers to get their voices heard.
The legendary feminist and activist reveals the books that have influenced her life and outlook.
These authors are just a few of the important voices in the sci-fi and fantasy community who have brought us strong, feminist characters.
These fascinating biographies deserve a spot on your must-read list.
Love the oldies, but looking for something new? You’ve come to the right place.
When a high school English teacher is haunted by her own subject matter in real life, who can she trust?
The Only Woman in the Room paints a fictionalized portrait of the Hollywood actress who was so much more than a pretty face.
By Olivia Mason
Get reacquainted with the original story that stole the hearts of readers everywhere.
By Olivia Mason
The ability to understand a child’s imagination is just one of the reasons why the A Wrinkle in Time author’s work has stood the test of time.
Centered around ethical dilemmas and family dramas, these novels deserve spots beside your Picoult collection.
By G.G. Andrew
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of her groundbreaking book, Crawford talks about abuse, what she hopes readers take away from her story, and new projects on which she’s focused.
The acclaimed author of A Country Year and A Book of Bees has passed away at 83.
The Guadeloupean writer took home the The New Academy Prize, which is replacing the Nobel Prize in Literature this year.
Remembering a prolific writer who brought history vividly to life.
By Carolyn Cox
We're partnering with Fab Over Fifty to bring readers a new kind of book club.
Learn more about this political leader in Antonia Felix’s new book, Elizabeth Warren: Her Fight. Her Work. Her Life.
Consider your post-Agatha Christie slump solved.
By Olivia Mason