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Chiara's avatar

Thanks! Can we share our recommendations? I'd add Wayward, by Emilia Hart

Ellen Rosewall's avatar

I just finished Lindy West's new book, Adult Braces. It's more personal than her other books but still laugh out loud funny (how does she do that??). In it she takes a road trip to come to terms with herself and her marriage. And she comes to some very interesting conclusions.

Kim Nicol's avatar

I'd add Circe, by Madeline Miller. And for film: TEETH. It's satire / dark comedy, though promoted as horror https://morbidlybeautiful.com/teeth-and-female-agency/

Allison Evans's avatar

You might also like The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz. I tend to read female authors exclusively when it comes to fiction, because I want their take on female characters. The last male author I read, who did women characters really well, was Larry McMurtry. He made them multidimensional characters. I loved the way he wrote.

Jennie Young's avatar

This is really interesting because I've recently become enamored with the music of James McMurtry---specifically because of his nuanced lyrics---and I just found out he's Larry McMurtry's son!

Jennie Young's avatar

What's your first rec for a McMurtry book? I haven't read anything by him yet . . .

Allison Evans's avatar

I’d start with “All of My Friends Are Going to Be Strangers.” It’s one of his earlier books. I love the double meaning of the title. I loved his writing.

I know his son James is a musician, but I haven’t really listened to him. But will seek out his music.

Jennie Young's avatar

Okay, downloading now -- thank you! 🙏

Allison Evans's avatar

Excited to get your take on it.

Andrea Carter's avatar

Lonesome Dove and Buffalo Girls. I read these when I was a teenager. They're still on my book shelf. It was early 90s

Jennifer Grotpeter's avatar

Chiming in to add some classics- The Awakening, and Yellow Wallpaper.

Also, Braiding Sweetgrass is one of the best things I've ever read. Also, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

Jennie Young's avatar

Teaching yellow wallpaper is one of my absolute favorite things to do! I used to have my high schoolers draw their own panel, and then we'd wallpaper the classroom with them.

Toni's avatar

If you like horror and enjoy feminist rage/feminist serial killer books (like I do), I recommend the following:

Mary by Nat Cassidy

Maeve Fly by CJ Leede

They Never Learn by Layne Fargo

Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker

The Eyes are the Best Part by Monika Kim

Diane Barnes's avatar

Great resource! Thank you.

Janet's avatar

Thank you so much for this list, utterly unlike any other list I've seen.

Very happy to see Megan Giddings here. She has a newer book out too, that I loved, "Meet me at the Crossroads." Despite it's name, its both the most and least religious/spiritual book I know. Big recommendation.

Dorothy Dancer's avatar

Thank you soooo much!!! This is fantastic!!! 🤩🥰📚

Allison Evans's avatar

The only one I have read is, “My Murder.” I read it when it came out maybe three years ago? It was pretty interesting, but I’m not sure why you’re considering it feminist other than it centers the protagonist? Maybe I need to skim it again.😄

Jennie Young's avatar

they're not ALL feminist; I'm not sure I'd say this one is either, but part of the game of choosing books for undergrad lit courses is straight-up student interest, and they are very engaged by crime.

Nadina Taylor's avatar

Wonderful! Thanks so much Jennie!

Juliet C.'s avatar

Nice to see so many of my favorites on this list. Can’t wait to check out your recommendations. I’d also like to add Cleopatra & Frankenstein by Coco Mellors and Men Have Called Her Crazy by Anna Marie Tendler.

If you liked Elinor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Such a Fun Age, Luster and My Year of Rest and Relaxation, you’ll love those.

Judith Kepes's avatar

Thanks. Might I recommend Eowyn Ivey (Snow Child author) latest book Black Woods Blue Sky

Jennie Young's avatar

I read it! I should add this too, thank you for the reminder! I didn't love it as much as Snow Child, but I did think it was very good.

Digital Canary 💪💪🇨🇦🇺🇦🗽's avatar

Michelle Min Sterling’s “Camp Zero” is an excellent modern feminist-centred novel, if you’re looking for a new read Jennie.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61273342-camp-zero

Kate Vieira's avatar

I love a reading list! Thank you! Just finished Sonora Jha's new novel Intemperance about a 55yr old professor of feminist studies who decides to find love by inviting eligible men to perform feats in an ancient ritual . . .

Jennie Young's avatar

Omg never heard of it and I'm already in love, lol --- downloading now . . . Thank you, Kate! Hope things are well in Madison! 🦡❤️

Rachel Biederman's avatar

Science fiction enters the chat:

- The Broken Earth trilogy by N.K Jemisen

- The Left Hand of Darkness (novel) and She Unnames Them (short story) by Ursula K. LeGuin

- Kindred, Octavia Butler

- The Space Between Worlds, by Micaiah Johnson

- Ancillary Justice, by Ann Leckie