Monday, Publisher's Weekly announced it's annual Best Books of [2009.] I was excited that Victor Lavelle(Big Machine) made the list, but surprised by this statement:
It disturbed us when we were done that our list was all male. -Louisa ErmelinoAll male? As in no women women writers made the list?
Out of over 50, 000 books they reviewed this year, not one of those books written by a woman made the top 10. Moreover, none were books written with a Christian worldview(point for another discussion later.)
I remember back in 2007 NPR completed a survey that suggested women read more than men about nine books a year. So hearing the news that not one book picked in 2009 were written by a woman gave me pause. Is it that the books we typically read most aren't well written? or is there a PW standard that isn't realistic for most women readers? I'm curious about this, because I was sure Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie[That Thing Around Your Neck] would have made the list this year.
Is there a female author, who published a book this year you believe should have been on the short list for the Best of 2009?
Don't forget I'm compiling the Christian Fiction Best Books of 2009 as we speak. Stay tuned. I will make my announcement in December.
Kudos again to Victor for making it. Here's a snippet of Big Machine's opening lines. Great writing for sure...
EXCERPT
Chapter OneDon’t look for dignity in public bathrooms. The most you’ll find is privacy and sticky floors. But when my boss gave me the glossy envelope, the bathroom was the first place I ran. What can I say? Lurking in toilets was my job. Click here to read more.
