Top Ten Tuesday: Classic Female Writers 101

It would be my dream to take a class composed of solely female writers. I have talked about the lack of diversity on my required reading lists as an English major many times here on the blog. So today I have composed a reading list that I would love to see in a female writers class. I have read all these and will link you to my reviews. 

Hosted by: The Broke and the Bookish

There are many improvements I would love to make to this list and many books by women I need to read yet. You will notice that there is only one woman of color on this list, which of course means I need to get to my giant TBR pile of books by women of color. 

 

1.  Persuasion by Jane Austen- 1817

Of course Austen had to make this list, this is one of my favorite Austen's and after studying it in class, I have really come to appreciate it and think about it quite often. This is a great Austen to start with, but of course I recommend all of her other works as well. 

2. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley- 1818

The only word to describe this novel is masterpiece; Shelley wrote this when she was only nineteen and it is one of the most brilliant novels I have ever read. The themes in this novel are so in-depth but the writing and plot are so easy to follow. This is a must read.

3. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte-1847

Jane Eyre is one of the most resilient characters in all of literature. I love this character-study novel and Jane's bravery. This is the only Charlotte Bronte I have read so far, but of course I have plans to read more.  

 

4. The Awakening by Kate Chopin- 1899

Kate Chopin is my home-girl. Her short stories will blow you away, and The Awakening is such a brave piece of writing for its time. I first read it in high school and hated it because I couldn't connect to it at the time, but reading it again while in my early-twenties blew me away. 

5. Trifles by Susan Glaspell- 1916 (Scroll to the bottom of the post for thoughts on this one)

This is a brilliant one act play that I am itching to reread. It has the cutting wit that great feminist pieces often have.

6. A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf- 1929

This classic essay touches on the struggles of the woman artist and scholar. Trust me, it will have you nodding your head along in agreement the entire way through. 

 

7. Passing by Nella Larson-1929

This is a book that doesn't get enough love! This is a novel about race and women and has a great ending. I was so engaged the entire time I read this. 

8. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath- 1963

One of my all-time favorite novels and one of my all-time favorite authors, Plath is a must read. If you are a young female student, this book will save your life. The brunt honestly that Plath writes with shocks and pleases me oh-so-much. 

9. Memoirs of a Beatnik by Diane di Prima- 1969

This is the memoir that di Prima was asked to write by her male publisher and not her real memoir (read my review for more info. on this because it's so interesting and infuriating.) This novel is a must read because of the commentary it makes on what is considered "interesting" from women writers. I'm really eager to read di Prima's real memoir, and make sure you check out her poetry too because its great.

10. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood- 1985

Atwood is a modern staple in women writers, and this novel is disturbing and so important. If I could put one book in the hands of every human, it would be this one. 

What books did I miss? What did you think about any of these reads? 

Have a great school year if you're headed back to school!