25 Books Women Love
We at AOL Shopping wanted to put together a list of books every woman should read, so we asked our readers that very question. This is what we got: an eclectic group of books, all recommended by women for women. Whether these books inspired these readers, made them think, laugh or cry, they all share one common factor: they are books women want to pass along! You're bound to discover a new book here or get moved to read an old favorite. We sprinkled in some of our staff's favorites too (you know we wouldn't be able to resist). And we know this isn't the end-all, be-all list of books. That's why we actually want you to join in the conversation! What books would you recommend to other women? With your comments, in the end, we'll get much more than 25 books to add to our reading lists!
Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage by Elizabeth Gilbert (Buy Committed starting at $15)
"Questions the institution of marriage from all perspectives. But before you read Committed, you must read Gilbert's earlier memoir: Eat, Pray, Love. Every woman I've given a copy of this book has come back to me saying she couldn't put it down, and every woman I've ever spoken to about the book says there is something Gilbert discusses that seems to have been written just for her." -- Alice Girardot
Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult (Buy Handle with Care starting at $6.99)
"Jodi Picoult can tell a story in a way that is unlike any author I have come across. Her books are always gripping and this one, which came out in 2009, is no exception. In this novel, Picoult challenges the reader to ask the question: "What length would you go to as a parent to help your child."
-- Joyce Carole (Joyce also suggests Anna Karenina)
The Help by Kathryn Stockett (Buy The Help starting at $8.99)
"This first novel by Stockett is amazing. It is one of the few books that I have read that touched on every emotion: anger, humor, humility, excitement, intrigue and passion. It is set in Mississippi in the early 60's and supersedes all of the stereotypes that you would have about a novel at this racially charged time. You can't stop reading it and when you are finished, you wish the book would continue. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in a little more depth than the usual but wants to be entertained all the same."
-- Marquette Heaven
Making Toast by Roger Rosenblatt (Buy Making Toast starting at $12.86)
"A 176 pager and great memoir of what it's like to lose a child and helping a family to recover from the loss. I recently lost a loved one and have been having a hard time with my own grief as well as my family struggling to deal with theirs. This book reminds us the value, strength and importance of a family. A great comfort and a must read!" -- Michelle Basile
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan (Buy The Last Olympian starting at $10.79)
"I love book anthologies, and this one especially since it is based on Ancient Greek myths, which has some excellent stories. The author did a wonderful build-up to his final book in this anthology. He stayed true to the genre along with showing a great deal of respect for religion and disabled individuals (Percy has dyslexia). Overall, I fell in love with the series again after reading this book." -- Dawn Lucan
Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi (Buy Reading Lolita in Tehran starting at $11.56)
"This memoir is Azar's story of how she started a class in her home about Western literature after she resigned from teaching at the University of Allameh Tabatabei in Iran. It explores the effect reading the West's best literature can have on those who read it. It also sheds light on the what life is like in an oppressive war zone. As a woman, I feel it is important for women all over the world to read about the experiences of women from their own firsthand accounts."
-- Wendy Withers
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man by Steve Harvey
(Buy Act Like a Lady ... starting at $11.38)
"This is a funny and endearing look into all the bad relationship advice women have been giving each other for years. Steve Harvey has successfully decoded what men are made up of, how they think, what motivates them and how they love. It was an incredible eye opener. I wish I had read it 10 years ago. Yes, it does give up the relationship games played for generations. However, it empowers women to take control of their standards and treat themselves how they
want to be treated first. And that is true love." -- Robin Aguilar
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
(Buy The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao starting at $6.87)
"Peppered with Diaz's electrifying (and uproariously hilarious) language, this book takes you back to those high school and college days, a time you wished you'd been nicer to boys, nicer to girls, nicer to yourself. But it leaves you somehow invigorated that you are who you are. Now."
-- Lori Gordon (Lori also suggests How Proust Can Change Your Life)
Pursue the Passion by Brett Farmiloe (Buy the Purse the Passion starting at $20)
"Life is complicated enough for women without the burden of a frustrating work life. This book explores the notion that doing what you love will surely bring you not only a paycheck, but a sense of real satisfaction. There's a staggering statistic showing that more than 75 million people hate their jobs. This book will inspire you that anything is possible and life is far too short to hate what you do for 40+ hours per week."
-- Sharon Murphy
The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown(Buy The Lost Symbol starting at $15.47)
"Don't let the movies inspired by Dan Brown's novels fool you -- his written word is powerful and a nail-biting page turner. This is his latest mystery thriller also featuring the symbologist Robert Langdon, who we first met in Angels & Demons and The Da Vinci Code. I love that the story keeps me guessing, and puzzle lovers will race to solve the clues before Dan Brown reveals them. Or, if you're like me, you can stay completely clueless right up to the conclusion!"
-- Kareena Macasaet
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah (Buy Winter Garden starting at $14.57)
"I think that every woman should see or begin to see their own mother in a different light. I challenge anyone to read this book (published in 2010) without having to use a tissue or two... maybe three. After tragedy strikes, a family is left to care for their Russian frigitd and sometimes cold-hearted mother. As the story develops, it is learned through her fairy tales that the mother had suffered greatly during Stalin's reign in Russia." -- Sarah Brooks
Confessions of a Shopaholicby Sophie Kinsella
(Buy Confessions of ... starting at $0.50)
"This was my first real introduction into chick lit. Anyone who has ever justified a purchase by calling it an "investment" will appreciate this well written, funny and light hearted book. It is the first in a series of super successful Shopaholic books by Kinsella." -- Marquette Heaven
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Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (Buy Little Women starting at $9.40)
"My personal all-time favorite classic is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you have sisters or not, you'll appreciate the importance of sisterhood, of keeping your own identity even in a disciplined world, of doing the right thing, and finding love. And it's so much fun to read. Perfect to share with a tween-age daughter or neice!" -- Alice Girardot (Alice also suggests Little House on the Prairie)
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
(Buy I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings starting at $6.99)
"Granted, most everything written by Maya Angelou is worth reading more than once but this one stands out as a five star read." -- Kris P. (Kris also suggests The Bell Jar and the The Color Purple)
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant(Buy The Rent Tent starting at $9.00)
"If you are a fan of historical fiction this book will not disappoint. Weaving stories about the life of women in biblical times filled me with a sense of female strength and kinship. Anita Diamant has created an inspiring story that leaves you thinking. Please just remember it is a work of fiction inspired by the Bible, but definitely takes some liberties." -- Clare Valudes (Clare also suggests The Birth of Venus and The Poisonwood Bible)
The Biblical Story of Ruth(Buy The Story of Ruth starting at $13.60)
"Most commonly found in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible, this short story continues to enthrall the hearts of women all over the world. Simply magical." -- Kris P. (Kris also suggests The Swan House)
Push by Sapphire (Buy Push starting at $5.96)"There is a reason why Precious has won a number of awards this year. Push, the novel the movie is based on, is a story everyone should read. It is an important book because, unfortunately, many young women around the world suffer similar fates to the novel's heroine." -- Wendy Withers
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald(Buy The Great Gatsby starting at $9.80)
"Fitzgerald will enchant you with line after line of elegant prose filled with romantic imagery and metaphors. His language is beautiful, but his story is tragic. This deception echoes further within the characters and their lives, revealing truths of the human condition and the hollowness of the American Dream. Fitzgerald is a true poet, well-versed in the study of humanity; and this is his masterpiece. You'll fall in love." -- Gina Nguyen
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells
(Buy Divine Secrets ... starting at $3.99)
"Getting to know your own mother is like getting to yourself. As women, we are each a piece of our mother and her history. As a reader, I got hooked on "Divine Secrets" because of the rich detail of the histories of the characters and their relationships with each other." -- Sarah Brooks
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne (Buy The Scarlet Letter starting at $7.94)
"It is a fascinating exploration of religion, morality, love, revenge, and the need to live an authentic life. It is a must-read for me, because it explores the decisions we make as women and how we let society around us dictate our actions and even our emotions." -- Wendy Withers
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen (Buy Pride & Prejudice starting at $5.78)
"One more awesome love story! While the movie is excellent there's nothing like reading the actual black and white print of a five star romance to make your heart skip a beat and the breath to catch in your throat." -- Kris P. (Kris also suggests Mrs. Dalloway)
Are You There God. It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
(Buy Are You There God? ... starting at $12.95)
"Published in 1970, I am not sure how I, or other pre-teen girls, would have survived those formative years without Blume. Tackling female "development', religion and boys, Blume hits all the right marks. You can truly identify with Margaret's struggles and laugh along with her, even during her most traumatic life experiences." -- Sharon Murphy
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck (Buy The Good Earth starting at $0.61)
"In this Pulitzer Prize winning novel, Buck tells the harsh reality of peasant life in China during the 1930's. This includes the women of the Chinese culture and their sacrifices. Her book continues to entertain and inspires us nearly 80 years later. It is a brilliant piece of literature, one of value for every generation." -- Susan Mayfield (Susan also suggests The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks)
The Five Love Languages by Gary Demonte Chapman
(Buy The Five Love Languages starting at $6.75)
"I love books that can give you insight into your relationships and offer advice on how to improve your relationships. Chapman's concept is that everyone speaks and understands love through a certain love language and by knowing yours and your significant other's love language, you can have a better relationship. I got a lot out of this and you can really apply it to all your relationships in life."
-- Genevieve Cruz (Genevieve also suggests Captivating)
The Volcano Lover by Susan Sontag (Buy The Volcano Lover starting at $0.72)
"So I'm on a retro reading binge at the moment, and this moment very much revolves around Susan Sontag. This is one of the most literary of the literary fiction I've read. And it involves art. It plunges to the depths and crests of character development. Sontag is brilliant in this. There's so much more to savor. It definitely merits another read."
-- Lori Gordon (Lori also suggests The Matisse Stories )
-- Lori Gordon (Lori also suggests The Matisse Stories )
Did you enjoy this list? Forward to your fellow females! Don't forget to tell us what books you'd add to the list. Use the comment box below.
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Comments page 4 of 4
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emmygrace said 3-13-2010 @3:20AM
Angle of Repose by Wallace Stenger. Rich and wonderful!
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Maggie said 3-14-2010 @6:12PM
Yes, definitely Angle of Repose, though not just for women.
Also, The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy, Animal Dreams, Barbara Kingsolver, and Bel Canto, Ann Patchett. Also Cold Sassy Tree, Olive Ann Burns and Fair and Tender Ladies, Lee Smith. Enjoy!
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blossom said 3-13-2010 @3:50AM
Any and all of Ken Follet's books, and also Louis Lamour, and Cornwell, The Archers and any of his books, All of Pearl Buck's books, Far Pavilions, Serpentine, any and all of Tom Clancy
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Mary Lou McPhaul said 3-13-2010 @3:56AM
My all-time favorite book: A Prayer For Owen Meany by John Irving. I have just re-read it and got even more out of it than the other times I read it.
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Elizabeth said 3-13-2010 @4:36AM
Wally Lamb "The Hour I First Believed"
replyAbsolute best book I have read as yet
Could not put it down. It is honest
and brilliant writing.
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Mary said 3-13-2010 @5:57AM
This is so fun to read all of the comments! Just remembering some of the above books mentioned & books that have been on my:need to read list! Great suggestions!
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Malanyb said 3-15-2010 @9:35AM
The Diary of Mattie Spenser by Sandra Dallas. Haven't found anyone yet that hasn't loved this book. Even people that don't like to read have read this book and couldn't put it down.
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bluestocking said 3-15-2010 @5:12PM
Nice list. You might also enjoy the "response" book written by a woman: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0615305237 --Act Like a Gentleman, Think Like a Woman. Pretty funny.
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Ginger said 6-14-2010 @5:35PM
Yes, Gone With the Wind, Anna Karenina, also Mrs. Mike by the Freemans is based on a true story of a 15 y.o. girl in about 1905 who goes from Boston to the Canadian wilderness in Alberta, and being the only "white woman" in hundreds of miles, marries the Canadian Mountie, Mike, within the year--Irish characters with crazy, wild nature, Indians, drunks, and rum runners, pestilence, etc. Wonderful story I read in my teens.
replyAlso many books by Rumor Godden, but start with China Court (refers to the China works in Cornwall, England) with a family tree in the flyleaf. Always a good start.
I would add An Incidence of the Fingerpost--powerful story
Naturally, Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice and Emma and Persuasian.
I could go on....
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Rebecca Stanton said 9-14-2011 @7:44AM
Nine Parts of Desire by Geraldine Brooks, is a favorite of mine. I read it in high school, and it really gave me a much deeper understanding of how strong women are. Being as it is a nonfiction book, I think it's a must read. She writes very well, and opens your eyes to a completely different culture and religion.
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