Conscious by Chloé

Chloé Lepeltier - Conscious By Chloé

Everyday inspiration for a sustainable and creative life

20 Female Authors I've Read or Will Read in 2017

My 2017 Feminist Reading List by Conscious by Chloé

Considering the current climate and in line with last year's resolution to read only female authors, I've ferociously dived into my 2017 reading list.

Having a female-author reading list for the past 2 years has been an incredible experience. It has broaden my horizons in ways I could not have imagined.

Also, did you know that September 8th is International Literacy Day?

What a better occasion to share with you some of a list of 20 Female Authors I've Read or Will Read this year.

I am really not good at telling stories, summarizing a news article or reviewing books (I'm working on it though) so ,if you don't mind, I'll just make a comment about why I chose to include a book on my list, what happened while or after I read it, when applicable. I hope it will make sense to you and make you want to read more in general, and about experiences of women in particular.

Because just title is catchy. Just kidding. I listen to La Poudre, a French feminist podcast and write down every book recommendation from guests. This one came up quite a few times, so I'll read it as soon at the 30 people before me on the library waitlist finish reading it...

I've been reading many first-person narratives in the past couple years, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Lena Dunham. Jessi Klein's was both enlightening and entertaining.

Because, Virginia Woolf.

Because I want to know and understand why.

Part manifesto, part memoir. I can't wait to dive into it!

Have you listened to her Girlboss Radio interview? Have you watched her TED talk? Now, read this book!

Because we should. Her TED talk says it all.

Because I really want to read more poetry (and it seems to be Instagram favorite author).

I love this neologisms: manspreading, mansplaining, manterrupting.

I'm planning on reading everything Didion wrote. This one was highly recommended to me, it's on my library borrowing list.

I read this one during my lunch breaks while working in Switzerland in June: Love story, gender fluidity. It sparked many unexpected conversations with my coworkers.

I'm at this age and place in my life when people expect you to have kids. My mind isn't totally made up on the subject, but this book was definitely worth reading, only to be aware that there is no unique path.

I hear it's a classic.

I have to admit I stopped mid-book. But I might get back to it, since the reviews are so good!

I have to admit that I was not familiar with Sandberg's career path, and her infamous TED talk. Even though I do not work for a company, many, many aspects of the book resonated in me. I was amazed at how good the writing was, and appreciated the author's effort to include as many narratives and experiences as possible.

I forgot why I put it on my list. But I trust the past me who considered it worth reading. I'll report back.

I convinced the owner of the small I worked at for a bit to carry this book almost only because I wanted to read it during my working hours (that's considered research, right?). Some of my personal heroes are featured in this beautiful book. I might actually buy this one and add it to my highly curated collection (books are heavy to move, so only the ones I'm gonna read and read again make the cut).

Again, I do not work for a company. But was intrigued by the title. Plus, I bonded with a classmate (from the Agent of Change training) over it soon after I started reading it. An easy read, illustrations, generally badass.

My friend Julie lent it to me when I was a young adult. I am dying to read it again more than 10 years later in the light of my experience. Despentes is a French myth, author, director, activist. Her Vernon Subutex series is next on my list!

I listen to the 2 Dope Queens Podcast and wanted to learn more about one of its creators.

PS: If there is one more book I would add to the list, it would be Andrea Bemis' Dishing Up the Dirt. Yes, I read cooking books like any other book and actually took Andrea's book on my Washington State Road Trip.

Have you read any of these books? Do you have any recommendations? I'd love to read more stories experienced by women from various backgrounds and origins. Please share them with me in the comments!