It’s Women’s History Month. Since I’m a happy woman 24/7/365 it isn’t a big deal to me.
However, I am also a booklover, and will take any excuse to celebrate good books, stories and writers. This includes some wonderful independent books by women writers. These range from science fiction to romance, and to non-fiction critical analysis. All of then share one thing in common beyond the gender of their writers: they are all a joy to read!
Saving Cinderella: What Feminists Get Wrong About Disney Princesses and How to Set It Right by Faith Moore
As the classic princess tale is often an easy target for the “strong femal” revision of storytelling, Moore celebrates the women behind the original Disney fairy tales. They aren’t the often-conceived “damsels in distress” but women with who place, hopes and dreams ahead of self-pity, and use kindness and intelligence to over come the evils of others. There’s nothing mean-spirited or hateful towards these critics in Moore’s commentary. She blends some well-researched history on these characters, some of the origins of the misconceptions about them, and her own love for the genre to present her perspective. It is interesting to me that in many of these original stories, a young, kind and beautiful girl is enslaved and emotionally tortured because of the jealousy of another woman. Sometimes it seems like these most vocal critics of the traditional princess story are doing the same thing.
The Order of the Crystal Daggers Series by C.S. Johnson
Johnson is one of these writers that just has a knack for telling fun and original stories in several different genres. She has created steampunk, dystopian futures, hilarious superhero satire, and more. She even does a great job with a genre I usually don’t enjoy: romance. One of her latest books, Heart of Hope and Fear, is the third book in a historic spy thriller. She uses the romantic aspect to give this tale of secrets, spies, betrayal, and family loyalty a hint of fairy tale fantasy. Johnson’s heroines like the series’ protagonist Eleanora Svobodová are not only strong and wise, but all their values are in place. Set in Prague in the early 1870s, this is sleek and clean series to get wrapped up in.
Love & Aliens: The Abnormally Normal Life of Claire Sullivan by Traci Skene
Stand-up comic Traci Skene is no stranger to the writing. She and her husband, Brian McKim were not only behind the founding of the website SHECKYMagazine, but in some great advice books for aspiring comics, Comedy Techniques and The Comedy Bible. She is also behind the laugh-out-loud self help book, Sometimes Ask a Man. Skene most recently penned her first fiction novel. This is a fast and furiously fun amalgam of science fiction, romance, political commentary, adventure, and one of the most weirdly charming cast of offbeat characters assembled. Set in Las Vegas during those wacky days of the pandemic lockdown overkill, Vegas dancer Claire Sullivan’s handling of her life-altering “alien encounter” is filled with some perfectly-penned humor and a lot of heart. Great weekend read for an inter-dimensional escape
Dear Author: Letters from a Bookish Fangirl by Laura A. Grace
Whether we are starting out on our author’s journey or looking for our next inspiration, Grace offers some beautiful encouragement. The formant is unique, as it is written as a series of letters rather than the standard “good advice” book. When you’re tripping over words, stuck in a creative hole, or wondering if you just wasting your time in the first place, one thing that is in invaluable is the encouragement from a reader. Grace’s words, even from the very beginning, remind us why we love to write, and love to read. This holds true for all levels of hobbyist or fan fiction creator. It also works for someone working on their first — or tenth — novel or novella. Grace’s letters are like a warm, welcoming hug. A devoted manga lover, Grace is also expanding her own journey with her contemporary Christian fantasy, Gathering Faith, expected out this fall in Manga form.
Rogue (Vampire Red #1) by Moriah Jane
This Jane’s first book in her Vampire Red series where a young vampire hunter named Willow in modern day Maine finds herself utterly fascinated by the powerful vampires and their culture. This is a conflict for her as she also wants to hunt them down and destroy the ones who killed her other mother. Of course, there are those who also want to kill her. Willow finds herself having to make unlikely allies to protect herself. What is so refreshing about her work is it is clean! My 12-year-old has been wanting to “get into vampire stories”, but they are often such steamy romance ventures This series is not a flat, boring substitute for that kind of book. It is an intriguing adventure with a cool heroine and a multifaceted look at the dark and powerful vampire society (which is very much out in the open) in her world. Readers won’t even miss the romantic element. Get it for yourself and pass it on to your tween or teen reader. If you find yourself hooked: Jane currently is working hard on the second book in the series.
This month, take some time to check out new and independent works, including these books by wonderful, creative, funny and insightful women.
