My uncle recently mentioned to me that he's never read any book written by a woman. Apparently this is because he doesn't think they'll be any good - he seems to think women can only write romance novels. I find this both horrific and hard to believe, but he seemed serious. So, Hive Mind, I need your help in drafting a list of the very best books written by female authors. Help me teach him the error of his ways! [more inside]
posted by badmoonrising on Jul 29, 2009 - 92 answers

I just finished John Fowles, The Collector, and I need it's opposite. Spoiler inside. [more inside]
posted by duckus on May 5, 2009 - 18 answers

I read a lot of young adult lit with great female characters. But I'm not a teenager anymore and would like to find something analogous for 20-something women. So, where are the books about young, intelligent, humorous and/or interesting women? Novels, short stories, memoirs and essays welcome. More information about what I've already read inside. [more inside]
posted by wsquared on Mar 10, 2009 - 40 answers

Women writers like Neal Stephenson, are there any? [more inside]
posted by exceptinsects on Oct 5, 2008 - 18 answers

Please recommend me some great books about the home front during WWI or WWII. [more inside]
posted by booksandlibretti on Jul 21, 2008 - 26 answers

I'm looking for a fairly recent book about leadership during times of major change written by a female author. [more inside]
posted by salvia on Feb 15, 2008 - 4 answers

In your opinion, who are the best female science fiction authors? What are the best scifi books written by women? [more inside]
posted by taz on Feb 8, 2008 - 106 answers

Looking for books about or by female travelers/adventurers/volunteers abroad. [more inside]
posted by zhivota on Sep 17, 2007 - 26 answers

What books should I read if I want to impress women? (NOTE: I am NOT looking for books on 'how to pick up chicks') [more inside]
posted by Elmo Oxygen on Jun 27, 2007 - 79 answers

I’d like to read some fiction books where the heroine is intelligent, 40+ years old, not incredibly gorgeous or incredibly wealthy or incredibly famous, but with responsibilities (like teenage kids or a career), who has explicit & hot sex. Chick lit all grown up, you might say. [more inside]
posted by b33j on Jun 14, 2007 - 24 answers

Help me to let go of my bias against women's fiction. What fiction books written by women would a "real" man like? [more inside]
posted by Xurando on Feb 13, 2007 - 77 answers

Can a woman write a novel like a man? [more inside]
posted by gummo on Oct 25, 2006 - 103 answers

What are some good biographical/autobiographical books about inspiring women I could put together into a set for my 12-year-old niece? [more inside]
posted by troybob on Oct 19, 2006 - 30 answers

I would like to make an effort to read more books by women authors. [more inside]
posted by corpse on Apr 30, 2005 - 52 answers

My wife likes reading biographies and memoires, particularly of women in culture and the arts. Think "Reading Lolita in Tehran" rather than, say, "Mornings on Horseback." Any recommendations for a birthday present?
posted by mojohand on Jul 26, 2004 - 17 answers