Now then. As a woman this is a subject very close to my heart. International Women’s Day, the recognition of the movement of women’s rights all over the world.
Here in the UK we take equal rights between men and women for granted. That also includes the absolute right to an education. How important! In some parts of the world girls cannot expect to be sent to school, instead they are forced into early marriages or sent to work. Now do you see what I mean by how lucky we are here in the UK and the rest of the world who believe in the education of women!
Personally, I could not imagine not being able to express myself through writing. And I certainly could not imagine being unable to read books, magazines, blogs, articles, poetry, lyrics to songs, recipes, maps, ingredients on food labels, instructions on medicine bottles. This could go on forever! Yes, not being able to READ or WRITE is not a desirable situation for anyone!
So in celebration and recognition of International Women’s Day, the author of Sharon’s Writers Tidbits, yes me, is going to tell you her top seven favourite books, written of course by women. They are in no particular order:
- Val McDermid: The Mermaids Singing (1995). A gruesome crime/thriller. Not for the faint-hearted.
- Martina Cole: The Goodnight Lady (1994). The tale of one young woman’s struggle to climb out of poverty.
- Lynda La Plante: Above Suspicion (2004). The story of the multiple deaths of prostitutes the finger pointing to a very unlikely suspect.
- Zadie Smith: White Teeth (2000). Follows the lives of two male middle-aged friends and their families. It is funny in places and has a unique writing style. Contains an oddball mix of characters. The book is set in London, which is always a plus for me personally.
- Emily Bronte: Wuthering Heights (1847). This great book needs no explanation except to say it is first and foremost, a love story. The book is moody and broody with lots of atmosphere.
- Renee Swindle: Please, Please, Please (1999). The story of a young American woman who falls in love with her best friend’s boyfriend. An amusing and intriguing book.
- Danielle Steele: Fine Things (1987). An interesting romance that uses a male central character. A lovely heartwarming story.
So read as much as you can from female and male writers.
Enjoy the journey!
Until next time, happy writing, S
