Book about woman doing something interesting

[Anonymous]

Have you read any books featuring a female main character doing something interesting outside of being a mom/romantic partner? Solving mysteries, looking for treasure, building a business, testifying in congress…idk.

I’m looking for inspiration to pass the time this winter.

Nonfiction is also excellent.

It’s ok if the character is a wife and mom but I’d like the story to be focused on something else.

[Anonymous]

The Mrs. Pollifax books by Dorothy Gilman are a lot of fun. Written during the Cold War, they’re about a widowed grandmother who devides to become a spy.

[Anonymous]

Have you ever read My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin? It was published in 1901, but every bit as relevant a portrait of an independent woman's coming of age 122 years later.

There is also a lovely 1979 film adaptation starring Judy Davis and Sam Neill, which is a nice treat after reading the book.

[Anonymous]

The Quickening by Elizabeth Rush
Writers & Lovers or Euphoria by Lily King

[Anonymous]

It's old, but I love Katharine Graham's Personal History (autobiography).

[Anonymous]

Non-Fiction/Memoir: West with the Night by Beryl Markham.

[Anonymous]

I spend way too much time recommending this but I loved it and most people haven’t heard of it so: Truth Be Told by Bev McLachlin — she was Chief Justice on the Canadian Supreme Court and this is her memoir. It’s fascinating and I found it very engaging. I bought the audio book; not sure if it’s on any of the usual listening services, sorry.

On a much lighter note, I’ve recently been rereading Elizabeth Peter’s Vicky Bliss mysteries which are about an art historian who occasionally solves crime.

[Anonymous]

Walks far woman was really good!

Also, book club just read this
The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff

i didn't read it b/c I could not attend that meeting.

Might try to read it - I also like adventure stories.

[Anonymous]

The Great Circle (pilot)
Lands of Lost Borders (biking the Silk Road)
Welcome to the Goddamn Ice Cube (sled dog driver)

[Anonymous]

What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma by Stephanie Foo is really good. She's a journalist and a very engaging writer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma by Stephanie Foo is really good. She's a journalist and a very engaging writer.

I second this recommendation.

I also loved The Arbornaut (field biologist who studied treetops—fascinating!)

Self Care: A Novel - satire about the self care industry and wellness influencers

Bully Market - wall street career woman challenges the patriarchy

The Sun Sets in Singapore - novel about African origin expats in Singapore

[Anonymous]

The Finlay Donovan books are a blast. It's a single mom who accidentally becomes a hit person. I can't remember if there are 3 or 4 of them, but I adore them.

Also, read The Bee Sting. It has 4 main characters and is just so fantastic.

[Anonymous]

Lots by Barbara Kingsolver, esp Animal Dreams.

[Anonymous]

Marie Benedict books like the Personal Libarian

Second Life of Muriel West

Women in White Coats

Alice I have been author Melanie Benjamin

Mrs Tom Thumb author Melanie Benjamin

[Anonymous]

Brave the wild river (nonfiction about female botanists on a rafting expedition)
The signature of all things by Elizabeth Gilbert
Search by Michelle Huneven
Various memoirs by Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Tammy Duckworth, and Katie Porter (I like comedy and politics)