"Women and Literature," by Madison Ingram

J.K. Rowling. Jane Austen. Harper Lee. Charlotte Bronte. Margaret Atwood. Mary Shelley.

Any of these names ring a bell? If they don’t, you are missing out on some of the best fictional pieces ever written. The six writers listed above are just a few examples of very prominent women writers in history. Women’s literature is often classified into its own category which can be viewed as problematic. In a world of male dominated societies, women's writing has been ignored due to women being societally inferior to men. Often, women’s writing was frowned upon and was rarely published. Many women would write in their spare time storing their work away in a bookshelf. Years or even centuries later, individuals find the work and it receives recognition. Today, it is still common for literature courses to not explore the writing of women or for women writers to be outnumbered by males. Luckily, I attend an institution that notices this problem and makes strides to include the work of women in our courses. I have selected some of my favorite books written by women and have included a general overview about what each book entails in hopes that readers will take time out of their day to explore the work of women in literature.

The Outsiders

By S.E. Hinton

“No one ever said life was easy. But Ponyboy is pretty sure that he's got things figured out. He knows that he can count on his brothers, Darry and Sodapop. And he knows that he can count on his friends—true friends who would do anything for him, like Johnny and Two-Bit. But not on much else besides trouble with the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids whose idea of a good time is beating up on “greasers” like Ponyboy. At least he knows what to expect—until the night someone takes things too far.”

Just Listen

By Sarah Dessen

“To find the truth you’ve got to be willing to hear it. When she’s modeling, Annabel is the picture of perfection. But her real life is far from perfect. Fortunately, she’s got Owen. He’s intense, music-obsessed, and dedicated to always telling the truth. And most of all, he’s determined to make Annabel happy.”

To Kill A Mockingbird

By Harper Lee

“A gripping, heart-wrenching, and wholly remarkable tale of coming-of-age in a South poisoned by virulent prejudice, it views a world of great beauty and savage inequities through the eyes of a young girl, as her father - a crusading local lawyer - risks everything to defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.”

Crank

By Ellen Hopkins

“Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter: gifted high-school junior, quiet, never any trouble. But on a trip to visit her absentee father, she meets a boy who introduces her to crank. At first she finds it freeing, but soon Kristina's personality disappears inside the drug. What began as a wild, ecstatic ride turns into a struggle through hell for her mind, her soul, and her life.”

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

By J.K. Rowling

“When Dumbledore arrives at Privet Drive one summer night to collect Harry Potter, his wand hand is blackened and shriveled, but he does not reveal why. Secrets and suspicion are spreading through the wizarding world, and Hogwarts itself is not safe. Harry is convinced that Malfoy bears the Dark Mark: there is a Death Eater amongst them. Harry will need powerful magic and true friends as he explores Voldemort's darkest secrets, and Dumbledore prepares him to face his destiny.”

In your newly found time at home, I encourage you to read and discover new authors and reread the old books on your shelf. Now is the best time to get in touch with your creative side through reading, writing, and art. At Janus, we are working hard to publish your work and provide readers with some new material.