Must-Read Books by Female Authors: Philly Native Edition
Apart from being the “City of Brotherly Love,” Philadelphia is one of our country’s greatest creative meccas. From fashion designers and chefs to painters and technological pioneers, this city has it all. If you didn’t already know, Philly is also home to some amazing authors! Let’s check out a few ladies telling stories out of our neck of the woods:
The Price of a Child by Lorene Cary
Lorene was born and raised in Philadelphia and is an author, educator, and social activist who exudes true love for our city. She continues to break down barriers and impress scholars and students alike. Her first published novel, The Price of a Child, is set in 1855 and tells a tale of a Ginnie, a Virginian slave from Nicaragua who escapes via the Underground Railroad to the streets of Philadelphia with only two of her three children. This undeniable page-turner explores the painful prices of freedom and racism within America’s history. Lorene is an exceptional writer who exquisitely expresses true human emotion through written words. The Price of a Child is a must read that addresses hard hitting issues of the past, which are still prevalent in society today.
In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner
Jennifer is a Philadelphia based author and television producer who has given birth to some of the best feel good novels of this century. One of her most popular works is the novel In Her Shoes – made even more famous by the movie remake starring Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette, which is fabulous as well. The story follows two sisters, in their late twenties/early thirties, who couldn’t be more different. One has brains, one has beauty, both share the same shoe size. Through family tragedy, the trails of growing up, and accepting yourself; this funny yet heart wrenching novel is a must read for any girl who has been through hard times with family… and within themselves.
Bound by Donna Jo Napoli
Donna is a writer of children’s books, young adult fiction, and a talented linguist. Her impressive career as a linguistics college professor has led her to Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. One of her most notable works is the novel, Bound. This story follows the young Xing Xing, set in ancient China, as she becomes bound to her step-mother’s and, step-sister, Wei Ping’s every command following her father’s death. We also learn of Wei Ping’s painful experience of having her feet brutally ‘bound’ to have them appear smaller; an act that symbolized elegance in ancient Chinese times. Bound is the ancient Chinese equivalent to the story we know as Cinderella. It is a beautiful portrayal of the lives of ancient Chinese women along with the trials and tribulations of the era.
Bossypants by Tina Fey
If you don’t know who Tina Fey is, shame on you! Tina is an actress, comedian, writer, and producer; best known for writing/starring on Saturday Night Live and writing/co-starring in the movie Mean Girls. Born in Upper Darby, a suburb of Philadelphia, Tina knew she wanted to be in comedy from an early age. In her autobiography, Bossypants, she takes us step by step on her life journey thus far and guarantees laughs along the way!
After going over her younger days, she delves right into her career choices throughout the years. She so kindly hands out advice about how to make a name for yourself in a male-dominated industry. Tina also touches on love, balancing work and family, and even self confidence. She just gets being a woman in this day and age! If you want to be inspired, laugh at hilarious childhood photos, and enjoy quotes such as, “…to say I’m an overrated troll, when you have never even seen me guard a bridge, is patently unfair,” you HAVE to read this book.
We hope you enjoy these female Philly native authors as much as we do. Did we leave out your favorite? Let us know who we forgot!
