I spent a summer minimester reading and discussing women’s issues with my favorite professor (who was a man with a daughter) and only half a dozen girls. It was a small, intimate class and I learned a lot about myself and who I wanted to be.
One of my favorite college courses was a Women’s Literature Study.
I have three daughters and a son. I want them to love women authors too. I want my girls to grow into strong women. I want my son to be respectful of women.
While some of these titles have graphic content, they are important works to understand women around the world and how we struggle for identity, to be heard.
Throughout history, men have had power and control.
Women were in the background, in the kitchen, in the nursery, hidden away from the world, unseen and unheard.
Many of these authors challenge social, cultural, and political ideas. Their voices will not be silenced.
This is a book list for a mature reader. I read most of these titles in college and beyond. These would be great options for a book club.
I look forward to reading these books again and discussing them with my daughters when they’re ready.
My Top Ten Women Authors
1. Margaret Atwood
I love Atwood’s writing style and her focus on gender politics. When people ask what my favorite book is, I am quick to say Surfacing. It was a life-changing read for me.
2. Amy Tan
Spellbinding stories of Chinese and Chinese-American women and their struggles as mothers and daughters and to be seen and heard throughout history.
3. Sandra Cisneros
A writer focusing on the cultural identity of Chicana women amidst the isolation of misogyny and white American dominance.
4. Julia Alvarez
She grew up as a Dominican American in New York. She focuses primarily on issues of cultural assimilation and identity, as evident in the combination of personal and political tones in her writing.
5. Isabel Allende
Her works focus on mystical realism as she writes from personal experience, focusing on South American women‘s relationships.
6. Barbara Kingsolver
She focuses on topics such as social justice, biodiversity, and human interaction with their communities and environments.
7. Alice Walker
In all her written works, Walker examines the creative inheritance of one’s maternity. She has been an activist all her adult life: for civil rights, the poor, women – all living beings. She coined the term “Womanism” as the black women’s struggle for gender equality, as opposed to the term “Feminism” that primarily focuses on white women.
8. Kate Chopin
Regional Cajun and Creole race interests and feminism mark Chopin’s writing style. Specifically The Awakening is recommended for its frank approach to sexual themes. The main character leaves her marriage to have an affair. It was shocking for the times and received much criticism. Desiree’s Baby focuses on matters of race and moralism.
9. Jhumpa Lahiri
An Indian American author, born in London and raised in Rhode Island. She highlights the immigrant experience, the clash of cultures and assimilation, and the poignant, tangled ties between generations.
10. Azar Nafisi
After resigning from her job as a professor at a university in Tehran due to repressive policies, the author secretly gathered seven female students to read forbidden Western classics every week in her home. She wrote about it in Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books. Celebrate our freedom of education and learn about the desperation of these women to learn.
Some other Good Books About Women:
The author originally traveled to Afghanistan to offer humanitarian aid. Soon, she learned she could create an extraordinary community of women by empowering them through the art of beauty.
This novel challenged the sexual morals of late Victorian England. The themes and events certainly offer many discussion opportunities.
The main character’s voice is silenced. She is only able to express herself when she cooks. Esquivel employs magical realism and writes like a screenplay. Setting is turn-of-the-century Mexico.
Lorey Lyons says
I might actually be interested in looking into some of Alice Walker’s writings, if only to better understand the differences between “Womanism” & “Feminism”. I don’t actually agree with much of today’s 3rd wave Feminism, but a true feminist is about Equality. Not just for the social advancement of women, especially that of just white women. In fact, when the women marched for equal right in the early 1900’s, black women were there, arm in arm. I’ll be the first to agree that I don’t understand the complete struggle that people of other colors, creeds, sexes, religions, etc go though, but to basically lump feminism with racism is kind of a hard reach for me. Could be interesting to learn more.
Found you at Good Tips Tuesday. Thank for sharing!
Jennifer says
I did a HUGE paper at university on Womanism. It is fascinating. Funny what feminism has turned into in our modern times.
Alison says
This is a great list and I look forward to checking out some of the authors that are new to me. Thank you for linking up at the #ThoughfulSpotBlogHop this week! :)
Jennifer says
Thanks! I’ve enjoyed these authors over the years.
MB says
On the subject of strong women I do find the book of Esther quite inspiring :)
Jennifer says
Oh, yes! She’s one of our favorite Bible stories!
otilia says
Thank you so much for sharing with the #pinitparty
Jennifer says
Thanks for the linkup!
Lulastic says
YESS! Another great list- THANK YOU!! I’m a huge fan of some of these authors and others are totally new to me, will seek them out :D
Calleen Petersen says
New authors to explore! If only I wasn’t back in college right now and could read more of what I want. I’d sign up for another Literature class just to be able to read but alas, the college has said that I can’t take any more Literature classes. . .
Jennifer says
ack! no more lit courses! I majored in reading (literature) lol
Michele Morin says
Marilynne Robinson tops my list for fiction. Thanks for sharing yours!
sue says
me, too – Loved HOME the best.
and maeve binchley!!!
Lauren Sparks says
I love this topic. Wish I could pass my love of reading on to my daughter. She thinks she isn’t interested and it makes me so sad. Visiting you from tea and word wed link up. laurensparks.net
Jennifer says
There’s always time to find an author or book that sparks for her. We do lots and lots of read alouds even into teen years.
Lisa notes says
I love seeing this list, Jennifer. I’m always on the lookout for great women authors and it looks like you’ve found them. Thanks for sharing!
Donna Reidland says
Thanks for your list and your thoughts about each one. Hope you have a great week!
Gayl says
Thanks for sharing this list. I’ll have to check out some of these authors. I’ve heard of some but not all of them. Blessings to you! I’m your neighbor at #TeaAndWord.
Angela Johnson says
Very interesting. I also have a daughter. I need to save these and let her read them as well.
Debbie Kitterman says
Jennifer – thanks for the great recommendations and list of new authors to look into. we are neighbors today over at Meg’s #Tea&Word :)
Ellen Hawley says
Can I add Andrea Barrett, Ann Patchett, and Naomi Alderman? They’re consistently interesting and write well.
Jennifer says
awesome! Thanks for the recommendations!
sue says
love louise penny and martha grimes! and barbara kingsolver !
Rebecca Jones says
I like to read about women’s lives, usually I only get to read short biographies. I believe the idea of submission to the husband is more of being on the same mission, God wanted equality and a threefold cord. The abuse of women went on for years, Jesus did come and began setting them free. John 8:36. whether or not we agree on religion or politics, we have a lot of common experiences to share and encourage other with, thanks for the list.
Jennifer says
I love the threefold cord analogy!
~Karrilee~ says
Adding some of these authors to my must-read list right now!
Meghan Weyerbacher says
Thanks for sharing!
Tina at Mommynificent says
Thanks for sharing this list at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com!
Tina