Books With Strong Female Characters Over 40

[WomensVoicesForChange]

We're looking for your thoughts about books with strong female characters in midlife and beyond. Authors, too, in the prime of their late midlife and older. Strong women are key.

Which authors, which books get it right? Where, and how do they get it wrong or seem out of touch?

[Kathi Harris]

A book I immediately think of is Medusa: the Beginning By Kathi Harris. One of the main characters is a very strong woman in midlife. the author is also a woman of that age. This book is not only science fiction, but has a strong love relationship theme. Excerpts from the book can be seen on www.larksong.org. Does anyone know if there is a spot for science fiction books on this website?

[john]

As a Sci-fi author I certainly hope so.

[Kathi Harris]

So, John, What is the name of your sci fi book? Tell me about it.

Kathi

[Marie]

Elizabeth Talbot aka Bess of Hardwick was a poor woman who learned to manage her assets better than a man could and grew to be very rich, if only her last husband wasn't a fool she would have been even richer.

Books:
"Bess of Hardwick" by Mary Lovell (non-Fiction) Awesome book!
"Arbella: Englands Lost Queen" by Sarah Gristwood
"The Other Queen" by Phillippa Gregory (very fictional account of Mary Queen of Scots but the portrayal of Bess got it right)

[Sharon Lee]

I recently read a new author's book "The Living List" by Sonya Lynn. It's a first published effort, and I enjoyed it. Her web site is www.authorsonyalynn.com. She has a good size excerpt on the site that you can read and ordering information.
It's about a woman just turning 50 who suddenly finds herself abandoned by her husband and has to completely start over. She has a grown-up daughter who really supports and encourages her to reach out and explore her community. I really liked the strong dynamic between mother and daughter, and it was very refreshing to see their relationship grow as two supporting adults, rather than just a parent and child. The main character doesn't start out strong so watching her find her inner strengths, use them and become a new independant woman was inspirational.

[Caitlin Hamilton Summie]

may i suggest addie kavangh from IN HOVERING FLIGHT? i worked on the book as a publicist, but i will never forget addie. she wasn't perfect, but she was fierce. indeed, one might say that of any of the mothers in this book. in their own way, they were each incredibly strong.

[Rachel Hare]

So my favorite "girl power" book of all time is probably The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. This book, in general, makes you proud to be a woman. It's based on the bible, but it's a work of fiction. The characters are independant and strong in the face of unbelievable adversity. One of the most enjoyable parts of this book is that the author takes you on a journey through generations of a family full of strong female characters. I HIGHLY reccomend this book.

[Sharazad Moore]

Mary Higgins Clark is well over forty, even though her books usually feature female protagonists. Sue Grafton is also older and her character, Kinsey Millhone is about to turn forty in the mystery series. I can't recommend the Kinsey Millhone books enough.

[Louise]

I love the Kinsey books - can't wait for the next one... when is that?

[Samantha]

Nicholas Sparks always creates strong female characters... one that sticks out to me is Savannah from the novel Dear John.