I have more rules about the types of books I won't read than the types of books I will read:

  • I won't read anything with England, Ireland, or Scotland as the setting
  • I don't like books about the 20's or the 30's
  • I don't like books about World War I or World War II
  • generally speaking I don't read anything recommended by Oprah, thus I don't read books that drag you into the depths of depression or those that chronicle real-life ordeals
  • and usually (*cringe*) I don't read Canadian... with the odd exception...
I'm fairly open to genre, including historical, romance, futuristic, a bit of sci-fi, and I am perfectly happy with something from the children's, young adult, or adult collections. Oh, and I don't like pocket paperbacks, like the kind you'd buy in the 7-11. I don't like the way they feel.

But what I've started to notice is that most of the books I do read have one very noticeable theme: strong, female leads. Not in a "rising up out of the ashes", violence and misery kind of way, but women who end up dealing with life changing situations in exceptional ways. Recently, these titles have included:
Funny how that happens, huh? It's not something I actively seek out, but even looking back at my Library Thing catalogue most of the titles are female centered.

Any suggestions for next reads?

Posted by Library Lady at 3/22/2010

6 comments:

Allison Fairbairn said...

But didn't you read a million Philippa Gregory books? And what about Jane Austen? England.

I can't recommend books right now (unless you like decorating books), but I saw the first half of another AWESOME Jane Austen adaptation - Emma, with Johnny Lee Miller (from Hackers and Angelina Jolie fame) as Mr. Knightly. SO GOOD!!

10:57 am
Violette said...

If, as you say, you're down with the YA books, might I recommend Shannon Hale and Tamora Pierce? They're some of my fave authors and write in the YA Fantasy genre. Almost all of their books have wonderful, strong, female protagonists.

11:25 am
jennysararyan said...

never let me go made me weep at it's perfectness.

i think it might be the egg of the literary world.

4:06 pm
Anonymous said...

I'm reading Impossible by Nancy Werlin right now, about an Elfin curse that gets handed down from mother to daughter - it sounds like fantasy, but its more realistic fantasy as its a contemporary setting. Really good so far!

-hurr_ah

12:24 pm
Anonymous said...

Oh, and also: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

-hurr_ah

12:30 pm
Library Lady said...

Ugh! You guys are awesome! I have a pile of these on My List in the catalogue now.

Bless you, I'll never go hungry for something good to read... Not for awhile at least!

4:20 pm

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