Best Women Author Recommendations

“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.

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The Author of The Other Einstein Brings Hedy Lamarr's Incredible Story to Life

The Only Woman in the Room paints a fictionalized portrait of the Hollywood actress who was so much more than a pretty face.

Rediscover the Magic of P.L. Travers' Mary Poppins

Get reacquainted with the original story that stole the hearts of readers everywhere.

100 Years: The Life and Work of Madeleine L’Engle 

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. 

Mommie Dearest Author Christina Crawford Opens Up About Her Past and How She’s Moving Forward

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.

Remembering Nature Writer Sue Hubbell, 1935-2018

The acclaimed author of A Country Year and A Book of Bees has passed away at 83.

Maryse Condé is Awarded the Alternative Nobel Prize in Literature

The Guadeloupean writer took home the The New Academy Prize, which is replacing the Nobel Prize in Literature this year.

The Tamarind Seed Author Evelyn Anthony Passes Away at 92

Remembering a prolific writer who brought history vividly to life. 

New Book Club: Discover Fantastic Reads and Get to Know the Authors

We're partnering with Fab Over Fifty to bring readers a new kind of book club.

Beyond Politics: An Inside Look at the Life of Elizabeth Warren

Learn more about this political leader in Antonia Felix’s new book, Elizabeth Warren: Her Fight. Her Work. Her Life. 

First Read: Fear of Flying, by Erica Jong

Jong's ferocious take on female sexuality, independence, and infidelity is still striking to new readers, 45 years after it was first published.

8 Books Like Before We Were Yours

From harrowing stories of orphans to multi-generational sagas, these books will captivate you.

9 Books for Fans of Sharp Objects

These thrilling mysteries will keep you hooked long after the miniseries ends. 

New Trailer Offers First Look at Bel Canto

Julianne Moore and Ken Watanabe star in the adaptation of Ann Patchett's novel based on the Lima hostage crisis.

Shonda Rhimes to Adapt Julia Quinn's Historical Romance Series

The Grey's Anatomy and Scandal creator is bringing the Bridgerton series to Netflix.

10 Captivating Writer Biographies

See these talented authors in a whole new light.

The 10 Best Mr. Darcys: From Favorite Films to Books

He's bewitched us, body and soul—on the page and on the screen.

Jane Austen’s Unfinished Novel Sanditon is Being Adapted for PBS

Acclaimed screenwriter Andrew Davies, who also wrote the 1995 Pride and Prejudice miniseries, will be adapting the novel for the small screen.