Happy International Women’s Day!

What is International Women’s Day?

(via www.internationalwomensday.com)

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

International Women’s Day (IWD) has been observed since in the early 1900’s – a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies. International Women’s Day is a collective day of global celebration and a call for gender parity. No one government, NGO, charity, corporation, academic institution, women’s network or media hub is solely responsible for International Women’s Day. Many organizations declare an annual IWD theme that supports their specific agenda or cause, and some of these are adopted more widely with relevance than others.

“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights,” says world-renowned feminist, journalist and social and political activist Gloria Steinem. International Women’s Day is all about celebration, reflection, advocacy, and action – whatever that looks like globally at a local level. But one thing is for sure, International Women’s Day has been occurring for over a century – and is growing annually from strength to strength.

Click here to learn more about International Women’s Day

To celebrate International Women’s Day, I decided to take a moment to reflect upon some of my favorite women authors who have made an impact in my life over the years…

Jane Austen is arguably one of the most influential women authors of all time. I would have to say I agree. Her novels are timeless, and I have no doubt that Jane Austen’s works will continue to be read and studied for many more years to come. Unfortunately, I have only ever read her most popular novel, Pride and Prejudice. One of my goals for 2016 is to read her other 5 novels.

article-2060600-00FF7071000004B0-499_468x524 — Emily Bronte

Emily Bronte is known for being one of the Bronte sisters, and as the author of Wuthering Heights. In Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte introduced me to my love of gothic style fiction. The pain and anguish in this novel took my breath away.

c-e-brock-charlotte-bronte-writer — Charlotte Bronte

Charlotte Bronte is known as being one of the Bronte sisters, and for her novel Jane Eyre. Jane Eyre is one of my all time favorite books. It has everything that I love in one novel; a strong female lead, a love story, and gothic style elements.

Louisa May Alcott is the author of Little Women. I remember watching the movie adaptation of Little Women with my Grandmother while growing up. Since I was a bit of a tomboy, Jo was my favorite character. I was completely charmed by this story. I actually only recently read the book for the first time. Part of me regrets not reading it sooner, but I am glad I read it as an adult. It allowed me to appreciate the masterpiece that it truly is.

Who hasn’t read the Harry Potter series and fallen in love with it? I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who read Harry Potter and did not like it. I remember my aunt getting the first book for my brothers and me when I was in grade school. Little did I know I was about to read on of the most beloved series of all times. J.K. Rowling has the gift of storytelling that appeals to all ages.

Nora Roberts is who I like to refer to as the “writing machine.” I mean really, how many books has she written? I can’t even count the number of books that I have read by Nora Roberts. My favorite NR books would have to be The Reef and High Noon. I have yet to read one of her books that I haven’t liked.

I have so much respect for Jodi Picoult. She has the guts to write about topics that are taboo and uncomfortable to talk about. She is queen of the plot twist and keeps me on my toes. My favorite Jodi Picoult novel would have to be Plain Truth.

31vLff2THUL._UX250_ — Rosina Lippi (aka Sara Donati)

Rosina Lippi (aka Sara Donati) holds a special place in my heart. She introduced me to my favorite genre, historical fiction and is the author of my favorite historical fiction series of all times, the Into the Wilderness series. I fell in love with her characters and how her stories would draw me into their world.

After being introduced to historical fiction by Rosina Lippi, I discovered Diana Gabaldon. Diana is known for her Outlander series. She is a very gifted writer, who has this ability to make you pick up her impossibly long novels and devour them. After finishing one of her books, you will always be left wanting more.

Gail Carson Levine is another author who holds a special place in my heart. She is the author of Ella Enchanted, my favorite book as a child. Ella Enchanted is where my love of reading really began. Unfortunately, I was not impressed with the movie adaptation 😦

Who are your favorite women authors? Comment and let me know!