Belleville Public Library discussion

Ayaan Hirsi Ali

I have read three of her books including the outstanding Infidel. She is a distinguished journalist. She successfully abandoned her constraining religious roots in Somalia - and went to live in Holland to escape a forced marriage. Her life journey is extraordinary.

Excellent choice Mike. I have read Ayaan's book "Infidel" and I completely agree with your review.


Which leads me to think of another book in a somewhat similar vein; Malala Yousafzai's "I Am Malala" (co-written by Christina Lamb). I can't help but think of the extrordinary lives of these two women, and of the persecution they both suffered at the hands of their religious upbringing.

While the path these women took to enlightenment and education differed widely (Aayan ultimately rejected her Islamist background, while Malala chose to remain within her faith), the story of these two women and how they found empowerment is an inspiration to women all over the world.

Very appropos for International Women's Day.

My favourite female author is Rainbow Rowell. Rainbow Rowell

I have read all of her books and my favourite book of all time is probably Eleanor and Park. Eleanor & Park

I was skeptical about Landline, because I thought that the concept behind it sounded corny or like something I wouldn't be interested in, but I really loved it, too.
Landline

If you haven't given her writing a try, I would very much recommend it.

When I look at my books on Goodreads (and bookshelves at home), I realize that I read mostly female authors and mostly mystery. So, it stands to reason that my favourite female author is Dame Agatha Christie. I've read and reread her books for over thirty years. These delightful whodunits never fail to entertain. Although some things may seem a bit dated to the modern, first-time reader, I believe her novels stand the test of time.

Wow! Tough choice. I love the writing of Ann Patchett such a sensitive, intelligent writer: Truth and Beauty A Friendship is an amazing example of her depth The essays in The Secret of a Happy Marriage also. Then there is the wonderful Miriam Toews, the stunning body of work of Isabel Allende, and one of my favourite novels of all time The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver...

I wish to add two more very worthy writers:

Rachel Carson

The famed author who literally introduced ecology to us in the 1960's - and all its ramifications - with the assault of pollutants with her book Silent Spring

Also Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, who wrote several books and articles exposing corruption in Russia. For this she was assassinated in 2006.

@Mike: I had read Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" in high school, just when environmentalism was beginning to find its roots. Her book was ground-breaking to be sure; and as relevant today (perhaps even more so) as it was back then.
Two very excellent women authors, who made a positive contribution to society. Excellent choices, Mike.


As we celebrate International Women's Day, the tendency would be to look to women authors who changed the world with their writing, who gave inspiration, or somehow inspired us to lead better lives, or changed the world forever just by the strength of their writing and the power of their words.

Another such author that comes to mind is AYN RAND, and her two epic tomes: The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged.



These two books profoundly inspired generations of women and men (and continue to do so) from all levels of society -- from homemakers to politicians -- on relevant topics ranging from political, social, economic, and academic fields; and encouraged readers to re-evaluate their political and ethical views.

Actually, we haven't even mentioned Jane Austen yet...talk about a continuing influence on society...

All great points and I have one more to add for your consideration! While the content of many books I've read by female authors may not change the way people think, I still love their books for the sheer joy they give me. When a female author breaks new ground or the New York Times bestseller list, it should remind us of times when women didn't use their own names to publish because they weren't taken seriously by the world at large and women were discouraged from reading novels and even newspapers! I believe wherever and whenever a woman puts pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and makes a living by writing, it's a beautiful thing. Whether your favourite author just won the Nobel prize or the Edgar award, we should celebrate their success and achievements as women. We've come a long way!

I thoroughly enjoyed following this discussion. I totally agree with Ann. Some of my favourite historical novels have been about women breaking ground in fields of service or occupations that were previously exclusive of women! We are all uniquely and wonderfully made, and should have the freedom to use our gifts and abilities to serve others and in so doing find joy and fulfillment in life!