Staff Picks by Tag

The Power Notebooks By Katie Roiphe Cover Image
$27.00
Unavailable at this time.
ISBN: 9781982128012
Published: Free Press - March 3rd, 2020

When Roiphe isn't unflinchingly examining her own flaws as what our society wants a woman to be, she is picking apart the very essence of femininity. Occasionally I felt skewered by the barbs she hurls heedlessly into the void, but ultimately I felt empowered to be my own flawed self and appreciate my power, be it soft, hard, or something altogether different.


Review by Kitri

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The Winter of the Witch: A Novel (Winternight Trilogy #3) By Katherine Arden Cover Image
$18.00
ISBN: 9781101886014
Availability: On our shelves now at one or more of our stores
Published: Del Rey - October 1st, 2019

Beginning with the first book, The Bear and the Nightingale, this beautiful fantasy trilogy is set in a version of medieval Russia in which history and myth coexist. In Witch yet more characters from Russian folklore are woven in as fiery heroine, Vasya, faces the foes of Moscow, Rus', and humanity... whether the powers that be are behind her or not.

 

I recommend reading this dark, mystical book on a chilly night (forecast looks promising) — but only after finishing the first two in the trilogy!



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Women & Power: A Manifesto By Mary Beard Cover Image
$15.95
ISBN: 9781631494758
Availability: Out of stock, usually available in 3-10 days
Published: Liveright - December 12th, 2017

Carrying this book feels like carrying a knife. Like a sharp and discreet weapon, it's easily brandished when confronted with the notion that power disparity among the sexes and "women's issues" are really a baseless non-issue. Beard takes an important step (one we could all take) to trace such insidious notions back to their dirty roots. 



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A Road Unforeseen: Women Fight the Islamic State By Meredith Tax Cover Image
$19.99
ISBN: 9781942658108
Availability: On our shelves now at one or more of our stores
Published: Bellevue Literary Press - August 23rd, 2016

If you have any interest in the fight against totalitarian theocracy, then you must read A Road Unforeseen. I found it to be a thorough, well organized primer on Kurdistan, ISIS, and the self governing region known as Rojava. Meredith Tax is a phenomenal researcher, and makes this deeply complicated topic very readable. Still not convinced? THIS IS ABOUT WOMEN FIGHTING AN INSANE DEATH CULT.


Review by Anje

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Berserker By Emmy Laybourne Cover Image
$10.99
ISBN: 9781250180766
Availability: Out of stock, usually available in 3-10 days
Published: Square Fish - October 16th, 2018

This violent, glorious book is about a 16 year old female Berserker who has to flee Norway in 1883 for the American West in order to evade the strictures of the law long enough to seek guidance from a long lost uncle who just may be able to help her contain her instinct to mercilessly slaughter anyone who threatens her family.

Berserker combines all the best parts of Norse mythology, historical fiction, and a solid Western. Think Vikings meets True Grit.


Review by Anje

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Akata Witch (The Nsibidi Scripts #1) By Nnedi Okorafor Cover Image
$11.99
ISBN: 9780142420911
Availability: On our shelves now at one or more of our stores
Published: Speak - July 11th, 2017

Join 12 year old Sunny Nwazue as she uncovers her hidden magical abilities, gets inducted into a secret society where knowledge truly is power, and boldly faces off against all of the dark creatures the spirit world throws at her. Oh, and eats lots of fufu and egusi soup. Honestly, what's a good fantasy series without incredible feasts?


Review by Anje

Review by Anje

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The Trouble with Women By Jacky Fleming Cover Image
$12.99
Unavailable at this time.
ISBN: 9781449479763
Published: Andrews McMeel Publishing - September 20th, 2016

"Women have been retrieving each other from the Dustbin of history for several thousand years now..."

Jacky Fleming is doing just that with this work of wit. In it we are confronted with the laughable ideas about women held by male 'geniuses' of the past, ideas that have facilitated the erasure of women's voices and accomplishments throughout history. Dripping with sarcasm and accompanied by charming illustrations, this is an easy laugh out loud read that you will want to share.



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The Witching Hour: A Novel (Lives of Mayfair Witches #1) By Anne Rice Cover Image
$9.99
ISBN: 9780345384461
Availability: Out of stock, usually available in 3-10 days
Published: Ballantine Books - March 22nd, 1993

Shifting focus from her usual Vampire Chronicles, Rice walks us through the doors of a New Orleans manor and introduces us to the long line of Mayfair Witches. With a sophisticated blend of the preternatural, macabre, and dramatic, we explore the sprawling history of the Mayfair family tree and discover the origins of the women's power as well as the ominous male entity that has haunted them for generations.