Byline: LAURIE HERTZEL; STAFF WRITER
Special to the Star Tribune
The controversy started last fall, when novelist Jodi Picoult voiced loud annoyance that Jonathan Franzen was getting more attention than most female writers typically get.
It continued when the women's literary group VIDA voiced louder annoyance after determining that most book reviews are written by men, and most of those reviews are of books also written by men. (The New York Times, for instance, reviewed 283 books by women last year -- and 524 by men.)
There was so much outrage you might have missed the quiet evolution that was going on, sort of off to the side: the rise in the number of interesting, intelligent novels written by women. It's been a steady, strong growth over the past several years.
We're not talking about romance novels, or sassy, consume-it-in-one-bite chick lit. And we're not talking, exactly, about Pulitzer- or Booker-winning stuff by the likes of Jennifer Egan or Hilary Mantel. We're talking about something in between -- thoughtful and entertaining fiction, written by women and (let's face it) read primarily by women.
"It does seem like there's a huge growth of multitalented female writers who are coming out with books on this level," said Michael Taeckens, a senior publicist for Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, N.C. "I think there are a lot of readers who don't really want to read chick lit -- not that there's anything wrong with that, but they're looking for something more. At the same time, they're not looking for the next 'Finnegan's Wake.'"
In recent years, Algonquin has published a flurry of such books by women -- the bestselling "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen, "Pictures of You" by Caroline Leavitt and "A Friend of the Family" by Lauren Grodstein, to name a few. Taeckens came up with many other titles, published by others, without even pausing to think.
"'The Help,' by Kathryn Stockett. 'Major Pettigrew's Last Stand.' Writers like Alice Hoffman and Jacqueline Mitchard and maybe even Anne Lamott and Sue Miller fall into this category," he said. "It seems like there are now, within the past two years or so, a lot more of those Anne Lamotts and Sue Millers out there."
Taeckens isn't sure if more women are writing these books, or if publishers are just more open to publishing them. "It might be a demand in the marketplace," he said. "There's a really big thirst for this kind of book. I think book clubs definitely play a huge role in it, and independent booksellers, as well. It's really nice to see. There are a lot of talented writers out there."
The Internet, and Oprah
Ellen Akins, a novelist and college instructor, agreed. "I think it is increasing as women go through MFA programs and study writing more," said Akins, who has won the Whiting Award and an award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and teaches in Fairleigh Dickinson University's MFA program. (She also reviews books for the Star Tribune.)
These books are about homey, intimate things: relationships, friendships, things left unsaid, decisions to be made -- "books about feelings for educated women," Akins calls them.
"I don't think women are suddenly more talented," she said. "I think there's just more access and more attention. It came together with a better reading public, too, a better audience for those books.
"And I would put Oprah into the mix, too, frankly. She single-handedly increased that audience."
The Internet, with blogs, virtual book clubs, Twitter, Facebook and sites devoted to reading, such as Goodreads and Shelfari, has also played an enormous role.
"The online culture is really important for book buzz," Taeckens said. "This is a place where people get an awful lot of book recommendations."
Word of mouth -- virtual or actual -- has made the fortune of many of these books, such as "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society," which became a bestseller through indie booksellers passionately hand-selling it, and book clubs championing it.
Susan Gilbert-Collins, who grew up in South Dakota and was educated at the University of Minnesota, is the author of "Starting From Scratch," a novel about a young woman grieving her mother's death.
"My awareness of how many women are reading has really grown since this book has come out," she said. "It's interesting, because I didn't think a lot in terms of women's fiction until I actually had an agent. She started using the term 'women's fiction,' and I found it a little unsettling at first. I love fiction, any fiction that's good, but then I started realizing that women are really the biggest readers out there of fiction. And book clubs -- I started to realize how important they are. I hadn't thought of it as such a far-reaching phenomenon. My awareness kind of blew open a little."
Still, Gilbert-Collins is not sure if there are more women writing, or just more writers overall. "I think there are so many serious people trying to write, maybe because of MFA programs, I don't know. I wonder if women are sort of gaining confidence for some reason. It's a risk, to write.
"My agent commented last summer that the quality she receives -- and she receives a lot of women's fiction -- is so high she can afford to be really picky right now."
Good news for readers, though not necessarily for writers. And for reviewers? Who knows? Maybe VIDA's next report won't be as bleak.
Laurie Hertzel is the Star Tribune books editor. She is at 612-673-7302.
THE LUCK OF THE BUTTONS
By Anne Ylvisaker
When I finished reading "Dear Papa," Anne Ylvisaker's first fiction book for young readers, I couldn't wait for what she might write next. I haven't been disappointed. My recommendation for summer reading is her third and latest book, "The Luck of the Buttons." No matter your age (I have an AARP card), this book is a delight. Tugs Button, the protagonist, will take you on a wonderful romp. Ylvisaker's prose reads like poetry as she creates beautiful images that never feel contrived or self-conscious. If I could afford it, I would buy this book for everyone I know who knows how to read.
Eunice Jensen, Anoka
A TRIO OF IDEAS
Good summertime reads: "Water for Elephants" (Sara Gruen), "The Help" (Kathryn Stockett) and "Prayers and Lies" (Sherry Wood Emmons). Great dialogue, complex characters, engaging plots. Who could ask for more?
Carrie Magnuson, Minneapolis
The Autobiography of Mark Twain
By Mark Twain
It has been on my nightstand since Christmas. I think summer will be a great time to travel into the past with an excellent narrator.
Donna Ruud, Andover
CUTTING FOR STONE
By Abraham Verghese
"Cutting for Stone" is my hands-down, highly recommended book for summer reading this year. The first page captured me and held me prisoner until the story ended. Honestly, until I finished it, I didn't want to do a single other thing except read this book! It is the book I offer to customers in our bookstore who are looking for an engaging, well-written story. (Of course, Chris Cleave's "Little Bee" is pretty terrific, also.)
Susie Fruncillo, White Bear Lake
THE LAKE OF DREAMS
By Kim Edwards
I have been an avid reader since I was a young girl, 10 or so (now 84), so I feel well qualified to recommend a book or three for summer reading at any time. First choice: "The Lake of Dreams," by Kim Edwards (the gal who wrote "Memory Keeper's Daughter," which I also loved). Second choice: "A Reliable Wife," by Robert Goolrick. You can't go wrong on any of these. Keep you page-turning!
Shirlee Heinz, Minnetonka
SUDDENLY, SOME IDEAS
Summer is catch-up and on-the-go reading for me. Camping. Beach. Travel. Fast and light. Into my book bag goes "Sudden Fiction: American Short-Short Stories," "New Sudden Fiction: Short-Short Stories," "Sudden Fiction International: 60 Short Stories," and "Flash Fiction Forward: 80 Very Short Stories." These books contain a variety of stories by familiar and new authors. All quick reads. "Sudden Fiction: American Short-Short Stories" has a marvelous afterword with brief essays by the authors about the traditional short story and the new form.
Carol Cochran, Minneapolis
THE LOON LAKE FISHING MYSTERIES
By Victoria Houston
Great summer reading. The characters, retired dentist Paul Osborne and police chief Lewellen Ferris, solve murders and do a little fishing when time allows. The setting is northern Wisconsin. I have read the first 10 books. Another should be available soon. The first one was "Dead Angler." The following "Deads" are very entertaining. As a mystery lover, I am hooked.
Sue Hanson, Bloomington
WHERE THE GOD OF LOVE HANGS OUT
By Amy Bloom
If you like Raymond Carver, Amy Bloom's "Where the God of Love Hangs Out" is terrific.
Orval Lund, Winona
SARAH'S KEY
By Tatiana de Rosnay
A favorite summer read is "Sarah's Key." You will not forget this well-written, compelling masterpiece. So profound it is hard to put down. You deserve to read this.
Fran Simonson, Edina
COMING OF AGE
A couple of my favorite summer novels are "Summer of '42" by Herman Raucher, and "City Boy" by Herman Wouk. Both are hilarious coming-of-age guy-centric love stories. Unfortunately these gems seem to go in and out of print, but they're both easy to find used.
Kurtis Scaletta, Minneapolis
COMING OF AGE, PART TWO
For the summer I am recommending two coming of age books: "The Gate at the Stairs" by Lorrie Moore -- honest evocation of someone going off to a new world in college; and "Brooklyn" by Colm Toibin -- heartfelt story of the time after World War II when young people all were trying to find their way in a world so changed. For short story, "Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It" by Maile Meloy, and for historical novel "The Great House" by Nicole Krauss took my breath away.
Pam Kearney, Edina
DANDELION WINE
By Ray Bradbury
It takes place in the summer of 1928 in a small town in the Midwest: thought-provoking, slightly magical stories of the people who live there as seen through the eyes of 10- and 12-year-old brothers.
Karen Kandik, Minneapolis
THE GARDEN OF EDEN
By Ernest Hemingway
His best work, IMHO. Yes, it was unfinished when Hemingway died, but it doesn't read that way. For my money, it brilliantly captures writing, an unstable partner, and a mutual decision to invite a third party into the relationship -- and how these three elements ricochet off each other toward catastrophe. As for why in the summer, "Eden" is set in the French Riviera during summertime, and every aspect of the story feels soaked with the heat and the sunshine and the ocean air.
Matthew Tiffany, Brunswick, Maine
Big Wheat
By Rich Thompson
Though set in the fall harvest season, local writer Rich Thompson's mystery, "Big Wheat," is a very satisfying read. Taking place in the early 20th century at the advent of mechanized threshing, the book has a tight plot, great characters, and is well-researched.
Barbara DaCosta, Minneapolis
A MOVABLE FEAST BY ERNEST HEMINGWAY
Wine, sun, Europe. Tough to beat.
Jeff O'Neal, Brooklyn, N.Y.
LITTLE BEE
By Chris Cleave
Unputdownable. Also, "Incendiary," by the same author, which I've just picked up. Seriously good writing; but topics are anything but light. Perfect for that summer afternoon at the lake.
Julie Muehlberg, Minneapolis
ENCHANTED APRIL, ELIZABETH AND HER GERMAN GARDEN
By Elizabeth von Arnim
I re-read these books every summer. The latter is perhaps my favorite: Her daughters are named April, May, June, her husband is never referred to by name but is always called "the man of wrath." Jerome K. Jerome's "Three Men and a Boat" is also a fun summer read.
Betsy Vinz, Moorhead
THE GREAT GATSBY
By F. Scott Fitzgerald
I love re-reading Gatsby in summer. And I'm a big Raymond Carver fan, as well as a Raymond Chandler (Phillip Marlowe) fan.
Chuck Leddy, Boston
GONE WITH THE WIND
By Margaret Mitchell
The Civil War began 150 years ago, and this year is the 75th anniversary of the publication of "Gone With the Wind." Our book club is taking the entire summer to read it.
Barbara Wright Carlson, Mounds View
HARRY POTTER, START TO FINISH
I'm going to be reading all the Harry Potter books (for an All-Harry Potter Books Bars meeting in July). And they definitely make me think of summer. They all begin and end in summer, and I had to dodge spoilers for two weeks after I bought book seven so I could take it up to the lake for the week and read it nonstop.
Linda White, Maplewood
RIVETHEAD: TALES FROM THE ASSEMBLY LINE
By Ben Hamper
You'll laugh and cry, and in today's economy you could be next!
Danny Klecko, St. Paul
ERAGON
By Christopher Paolini
I read it and its sequel, "Eldest," during the summer when I worked at my school dining commons. It still brings memories of sitting by the school swimming pool on hot days.
Wathira Nganga, Haledon, N.J.
