13 Contemporary Women Authors You Should Be Reading RN

Ashley Macey
Nov 22, 2016

Cozying up with a warm mug of tea and a good book is one of our favorite November past times. But instead of reaching for our usual faves (whether that’s a hard-hitting classic novel or a guilty pleasure rom-com), the current political drama has gotten us in the mood for some #girlboss literature. Here are 13 contemporary female authors who are slaying the literature game. Get ready to be inspired.

1. Amy Tan: Touching on topics that are mega relatable — from mother-daughter relationships to growing up as an Asian-American — Amy’s amazing collection of stories often features strong women overcoming hardships and resonates with people across the globe.

Best known for:The Joy Luck Club ($10)

2. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Born in Enugu, Nigeria in 1977, Chimamanda is a proud feminist who is definitely on our to-read list. Along with her extraordinarily popular TED talk, “The Danger of a Single Story,” Chimamanda’s fresh perspective on controversial topics and unique voice has skyrocketed her literary career… and we’re obsessed.

Best known for:Americanah ($9)

3. Roxane Gay: The sheer amount of work that Roxane Gay has accomplished in her career is ridiculous (in the best possible way!). From being a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times to creating her own Marvel comic to penning amazing non-fiction titles, Roxane’s tell-it-like-it-is style makes her both relatable and readable.

Best known for:Bad Feminist ($9)

4. Helen Oyeyemi: Helen is a British novelist whose work with magic realism has gained her numerous accolades and critical praise. Now an author of seven amazing titles, her books span a myriad of topics — from a fantastic Snow White retelling to an acclaimed novel on keys (both literal and metaphorical).

Best known for:Boy, Snow, Bird ($10)

5. Sarah Waters: A resident of London and often named one of Britain’s best young novelists (she’s been short-listed for the Man Booker Prize THREE times), Sarah’s best known for her Victorian society novels featuring iconic lesbian protagonists.

Best known for:Fingersmith ($10)

6. Donna Tartt: Named one of TIME’s Most Influential People in 2014 (alongside the likes of Hillary Clinton and Beyoncé, FYI) and winner of the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction, there’s no wonder why this powerhouse girlboss made our list. She uses a unique prose based on 19th-century literature and her books often touch on themes of social class. Her third novel, The Goldfinch, was one of the most talked-about books in 2014 and is soon to be a feature film. Get it, girl!

Best known for:The Goldfinch ($12)

7. Eleanor Catton: Born in Canada and raised in New Zealand, Eleanor Catton is an award-winning novelist with work published in a dozen languages. Not only did she win the Man Booker Prize for her 832-page novel, The Luminaries, but at 28 years old, she’s the youngest ever author to receive the award. And here we were patting ourselves on the back for choosing slacks instead of sweatpants this morning…

Best known for:The Luminaries ($11)

8. Taiye Selasi: Writer, photographer, humanitarian… Taiye Selasi is a master of all trades. Topping many best books lists with her debut hit, this Nigerian and Ghanaian girlboss is definitely one to watch for in the coming years.

Best known for:Ghana Must Go ($11)

9. Zadie Smith: Born in Northwest London in 1975, Zadie has published five novels, all of which have been critically acclaimed. Her novel White Teeth, about two wartime friends, was included in TIME magazine’s list of 100 best English-language novels from 1923 to 2005. So yeah, she’s kind of a big deal.

Best known for:White Teeth ($10)

10. Emma Donoghue: You probably know this author behind the novel that inspired the Academy Award-nominated film with the same title (and earned a Best Actress statue for star Brie Larson), but Emma has actually written nearly 20 amazing works. Winning countless awards, she’s the real deal. And yes… her newest novel, The Wonder ($17), is on our Christmas list ;)

Best known for:Room ($10)

11. Toni Morrison: Provocative, iconic and all-around inspiring, there’s a reason why Toni Morrison is an American legend. She wrote her first book, The Bluest Eye,while teaching at Howard University and raising two children (oh, and the novel went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction). Toni also received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993. A weekend with one of her novels — think Song of Solomon orBeloved — will most definitely have you wanting more.

Best known for:The Bluest Eye ($9)

12. Margaret Atwood: Although many Canadians know her through assigned literature, Margaret Atwood’s literary prowess expands far beyond the classroom. With 16 novels, eight children’s books and a graphic novel under her belt (let alone winning both the Booker and the Giller prize), she’s truly an international phenomenon deserving of a space on your to-read list.

Best known for:The Handmaid’s Tale($9)

13. Gillian Flynn: If you, like millions of Americans, have fallen in love with the twisted beauty of Gone Girl, you’re in for a treat: Gillian Flynn has a TON of other outstanding novels for you to binge. Get your spooks here, folks!

Best known for:Gone Girl($9)

Who is your current literary obsession? Tweet us by mentioning @BritandCo!

(Featured photo via Venturelli/Getty)

11 Cute House Shoes That Are Way Better Than Your Old, Worn Slippers

Why choose between comfort and practicality when you can have both with cozy house shoes that work just as well outside as they do inside? These 11 house shoes are perfect for lounging around at home, stepping out to grab the mail, or picking up a quick coffee – they’ll all definitely keep your feet warm and supported, no matter where the day takes you!

Get ready to upgrade your at-home footwear game with these comfy and chic house shoes. You’ll never want to take them off!

SeaVees

SeaVees Tiburon Trekkers

I have these slip-ons, and I truly wear them everywhere. From the climbing gym to coffee shops and grocery stores, they're so comfy, and they've only gotten comfier as I've worn them more.

Though I wear 'em out pretty frequently, I tend to reach for them the most as house shoes to protect my feet (and also keep them warm!) for walking my dog, household chores, and work-from-home days.

The suede upper material makes them the perfect elevated-yet-casual shoe for staying in or going out, plus they boast a durable Vibram sole that easily stands up to outside terrain.

Anthropologie

UGG Tazz Platform Slippers

One thing UGG truly nails in the way of house shoes is warmth. Their signature lining (in this case, made of upcycled wool) is perfectly dense and soft, so you never have to worry about your toesies getting too cold.

What seals the deal on this pair in particular for me is their trend-factor – all the cool girls are wearing UGGs at the moment. The platform soles give you a nice boost, too, so you're not stuck leaving the house for errands in a scuffed-up, worn-flat slipper.

Nordstrom

Dearfoams Fireside Sydney Genuine Shearling Scuff Slippers

You'll also get so much warmth from these house shoes' 100% Australian sheepskin lining. It's designed to regulate temperatures, so your feet won't feel overly hot or cold – just right! I simply adore this cozy baby pink color, plus how easy the style is to slip on and off.

Amazon

Knuaka Happy Face House Shoes

These house shoes earn major style points in my book. The happy face just makes me happy! The faux fur material they're made of reminds me of boucle, which is oh-so bougie.

These are also fitted with a memory foam insole, so you can step and stand in them for hours on end without pesky foot pain. The outsoles are dense and durable so you can easily walk on pavement when it's time to leave the house.

Chacos

Chacos Ramble Rugged Canvas Clogs

Chacos describes these clogs as a "hoodie for your feet," and suddenly, I need them. The soft fleece lining undoubtedly make these feel like proper house shoes, though the water-resistant canvas upper and textured outsole come prepared for any terrain.

I would absolutely invest in these to wear outdoor rock climbing or camping, but let's be real – I would never take them off when I'm at home. I'm particularly obsessed with the adjustable strap that always ensures a snug, cozy fit.

Free People

Laidback London Jude Slippers

These moccasin-esque slippers are sturdy enough for indoor and outdoor wear, thanks to the high-quality rubber soles. The shearling lining looks insanely warm and cozy, whether you wear 'em with or without socks.

They're definitely stylish enough that you could easily style them with cuffed jeans and a vintage cable knit sweater for when you need to beat a case of cabin fever. Obsessed!

Birkenstock

Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling Slippers

Though your regular ol' Birkenstock Bostons could suffice as house shoes, these slippers are specifically designed to wear around your place. While the outer portion of these shoes is made from a low-pile wool, the insides are lined with genuine shearling for maximum warmth. Plus, how cute is this pop of red?!

L.L. Bean

L.L. Bean Daybreak Scuffs

L.L. Bean makes the cutest house shoes around – specifically these slides that come in multiple colorways with a variety of motifs. Shoppers have said that these make "a great slipper with a little whimsy," which already has me sold! Your cold feet will certainly fall in love with the super-soft fleece lining on these babies.

Anthropologie

UGG Tasman Crafted Regenerate Slippers

UGG strikes again! These almost remind me of boat shoes, so you could surely take them outside to run errands or attend a book club meeting. They're lined with 60% upcycled wool and 40% TENCEL Lyocell to keep your steps extremely warm and comfortable. I love the stitching and paneling on the outer part for added visual interest!

Teva

Teva ReEmber Terrain Slip-Ons

If you're not super into heavily-lined house shoes, these Teva slip-ons are perfect for you. They're beloved by outdoorsy people because they're an easy, comfy shoe to slip into after long backpacking trips or painstaking climbing sends.

The foam footbed is unbelievably cushy, so every step will feel like pure heaven. The outsole is quite the opposite – it's super durable and fitted with enough traction to grip outdoor terrain. If you are craving a bit more warmth at home, just layer 'em up with some cute socks!

Amazon

EverFoams Fuzzy Open-Toe Slippers

These slippers balance warmth breathability perfectly, thanks to their open-toe design. I like that the double straps look a bit more polished than if they were to have just one. The faux fur material on the upper and memory foam insoles work together to deliver all-day comfort to your feet, while the non-slip rubber soles can truly handle any surface – inside or out.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more cozy styles for the season!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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'Sullivan's Crossing' Season 3 Is On Its Way! And The "Emotionally Charged" Episodes Are Coming SOON.

Sullivan's Crossing season 2 just wrapped up on The CW, but we're not saying goodbye to any of our favorite characters just yet — at least, I hope so. I've been worried sick about Sully (Scott Patterson) since the finale ended with him trapped in the diner as it went up in flames, but Deadline confirms Sullivan's Crossing season 3 will premiere in 2025, meaning we don't have to wait multiple years to reunite with Maggie (Morgan Kohan), Cal (Chad Michael Murray), and the rest of the gang — and find out what happens to Sully (like SOME shows).

Here's everything we know about Sullivan's Crossing season 3, coming in 2025 and starring Morgan Kohan & Chad Michael Murray.

Will there be a season 3 for Sullivan's Crossing?

Yes, Sullivan's Crossing season 3 is on its way! “We are so excited to return to Sullivan’s Crossing next year for a third season,” Brad Schwartz, CW's President, tells Deadline. “Roma, this talented cast, and the entire creative team have built an incredible world full of emotionally charged storytelling that has resonated with viewers over the last two years. And tonight’s season finale includes a can’t-miss cliffhanger that will leave fans clamoring for more.”

Showrunner and executive producer Roma Roth (who's also behind Virgin River) expressed how excited she is to return to the Crossing too! “I am beyond thrilled that we get to continue telling this beautiful story about love and family with this extraordinary cast,” she says. “The love and support from both the fans and The CW has been overwhelming, and we can’t wait to show them what we have in store next.”

How to watch season 3 of Sullivan's Crossing?

Sullivan's Crossing season 3 will premiere on The CW in 2025! You can watch seasons 1 and 2 on The CW now (and rewatch until new episodes drop).

What happened in the Sullivan's Crossing season 2 ending?

Y'all know it's never a dull day at the Crossing (like seriously, can we please give Cal, Maggie, and Sully a BREAK?). In the Sullivan's Crossing season 2 finale, Sully and his friends successfully win the auction for the Crossing, meaning it's staying in the family (along with Sully's new partners Frank and Edna) and not going to Glenn.

Maggie finally tells Cal she's in love with him and they share the kiss we've all been waiting for. But before the episode ends, the group learns that the diner's caught on fire — and Finn and Clover are trapped inside. Sully and Cal run inside to get everyone to safety, and while Cal returns with Finn in tow, Sully remains inside as an explosion goes off. ("You have got to be kidding me," we all say in unison.) After so much back-and-forth in his relationship with Maggie, we can't say goodbye to him yet! But we'll have to wait for Sullivan's Crossing season 3 to see just what happens.

Read up on the 10 Heartwarming & Cozy TV Shows you can binge watch this holiday season.

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41 Fashion Favorites That Transition From Winter to Spring

Finding new pieces for your wardrobe is wonderful, but what's even better is finding pieces that transition from season to season. While you're stocking your winter wardrobe, be sure you're buying pieces that you can carry with you into the spring. We've looked for the best transitional pieces on Amazon and found plenty that you're going to want to get your hands on. With these, you can stay stylish no matter what the weather is like.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

This Shirt Dress Can Be Layered

Amazon

The best thing about this button-down shirt dress is that it can be layered easily. During the winter, pull jeans or leggings on under it or a coat on over it and wear it on its own in spring and even in summer.

See it on Amazon

This Mock Neck Top Goes Well With a Cardigan

Amazon

Sure, this mock neck blouse looks incredible all on its own, but it looks amazing under your favorite chunky cardigan, too. Wear it all year long with or without your favorite layers.

See it on Amazon

This Cropped Button Up Is Springy and Fun

Amazon

Style this cropped top with your favorite winter jeans and jacket, or wear it with a flirty spring skirt. This top is warm enough for winter but not so warm that you'll overheat during those warmer spring days.

See it on Amazon

These High-Waisted Jeans Fit So Beautifully

Amazon

Wear these super comfortable drawstring pants with all your favorite outfits, no matter the season. This pair of high-waisted jeans is cozy for winter but not too heavy for spring.

See it on Amazon

This Furry Faux Zip-Up Is Cozy and Cute

Amazon

Pull this faux fur jacket on over whatever you're wearing, no matter the season. This jacket is warm and cropped beautifully to show off your favorite pair of pants or your cutest skirt.

See it on Amazon

These Baggy Boyfriend Jeans Are Stylish and Comfy

Amazon

You can't go wrong with a pair of baggy jeans, and these particular jeans are some of our favorites. The looser fabric and the slouchy silhouette make them a winner for any season.

See it on Amazon

This Top Has One Shoulder in Winter and One in Spring

Amazon

This beautiful cold shoulder top will see you through the winter and into spring in style. Show off your clavicle and keep yourself cool when it's warmer out. Choose from a handful of gorgeous colors.

See it on Amazon

This Oversized Sweater Vest Works for Any Occasion

Amazon

Whether you're dressing up for a fancy event or you're trying to keep it casual, this sweater vest works. The knitwear is casual and slouchy and looks great with anything from T-shirts to button-ups.

See it on Amazon

This Ribbed Sweater Clings Beautifully

Amazon

Create a gorgeous silhouette with this ribbed sweater. This quarter zip top works on its own, or you can pull it on as an extra layer over your favorite shell or under your go-to winter jacket.

See it on Amazon

This Drop Shoulder Sweater Is Wonderfully Slouchy

Amazon

This beautiful, chunky sweater is just oversized enough. The drop shoulder on the top keeps you looking elegant and style-forward without being too hot or sweaty for warmer spring days.

See it on Amazon

This Fleece Vest Is Baggy and Fun

Amazon

Stay warm and stay stylish with this oversized vest. The outer layer looks fantastic with your favorite pair of jeans and long-sleeve top but looks just as great with a T-shirt thrown under it.

See it on Amazon

This Shacket Rings in the Spring

Amazon

Most shackets are a darker brown or orange, making them great for the fall. However, this jacket in the blue and white colors makes it the perfect transitional piece for winter to spring.

See it on Amazon

Layer This Dress Up for Warmth

Amazon

This flowy t-shirt dress is made with long sleeves to keep you warm on top but cool on the bottom. Add jeans, leggings, or even palazzo pants under it to keep you warm on cooler days.

See it on Amazon

This Short Sleeve Sweater Is Young and Fun

Amazon

You can wear this thick sweater with practically anything. The thick knit of the top keeps you warm, while the lack of sleeves keeps you from getting too hot. Choose from a handful of great colors and patterns.

See it on Amazon

These High-Waisted Cargo Pants Are Just Baggy Enough

Amazon

You're going to love styling these baggy cargos with anything in your wardrobe. The stretch in the pants makes them a far more comfortable option than any of your usual go-to bottoms.

See it on Amazon

We're Obsessed With the Sweetheart Neckline on This Top

Amazon

This sweater top isn't as thick as it looks, which makes it far more breathable for warmer days. The sweetheart neckline is to die for, adding so much class and depth to any of your outfits.

See it on Amazon

This Dressy Cardigan Levels Up the Look

Amazon

No matter what you're wearing, this dressy cardigan levels up your style. The jacket works for more laidback outfits with sweats or your favorite office wear with slacks and thick sweaters.

See it on Amazon

This Waffle Knit Button Down Works Well for Layering

Amazon

Layer up your favorite outfits with this button-down. This outer layer is flexible, breathable, and so fun to style. Choose from a handful of gorgeous colors, including one bright, bold pink.

See it on Amazon

Stay Cool in This Striped Sweater

Amazon

Not all sweaters have to be thick and toasty. This T-shirt sweater helps you go from winter into spring, working well under your favorite jackets but keeping you cool when it starts to get warm out.

See it on Amazon

The Internet Is Obsessed With These Drawstring Pants

Amazon

Don't worry; the drawstring pants trend isn't going anywhere. These comfortable, baggy pants come in all sorts of colors, including a great palette of options for the spring season.

See it on Amazon

This Sweater Top Is Light and Breezy

Amazon

Wear this top with anything. The sweater is light, breezy, and also still thick enough to keep you warm during that strange in-between every year when the winter turns to spring.

See it on Amazon

This Sleeveless Sweater Top Goes Well With a Long-Sleeve

Amazon

Pull on your favorite long-sleeve top, and then add this sweater shirt over it. The top is a great way to add some cozy layers without overwhelming or overheating yourself.

See it on Amazon

This Cropped Sweater Vest Looks Great With Jeans

Amazon

This sweater vest also looks fantastic with your favorite winter dress or a nice button-up and slacks combo. Choose from a handful of gorgeous, classic colors to fit your wardrobe's color scheme.

See it on Amazon

This Casual Cardigan Is a Great Combo of Fun and Elegant

Amazon

If you're looking for a cardigan you can wear dressed up or down, this collared cardi is the way to go. The single button keeps your sweater secure without it feeling tight and constrictive.

See it on Amazon

This Top Is the Ultimate Layering Piece

Amazon

This skin-tight long-sleeve shirt was made for layering. The lighter fabric means you can easily pull jackets and sweaters on top of one of these tops in any of the many gorgeous colors.

See it on Amazon

These High-Waisted Pants Are Elegant

Amazon

Style these corduroy pants with your favorite tops, all through winter and spring. The material is flexible and breathable and looks fantastic with sweaters, button-ups, and even T-shirts.

See it on Amazon

We Love This Faux Suede Skirt

Amazon

This gorgeous skirt is just long enough, looks fantastic with a tall pair of boots and a nice, chunky sweater, and is the perfect fabric texture to take you from freezing winters to chilly springs.

See it on Amazon

Try This Elevated Tee

Amazon

If you love a good jeans and T-shirt combo but want something a little more elegant, style this ribbed top with your go-to jeans. The top is cozy without being hot and looks great in winter and spring.

See it on Amazon

We're in Love With These Sleeves

Amazon

Give your outfit an infusion of style with the gorgeous sleeves on this top. This silky, button-up blouse might be a little too thin for winter, but pull on a cardigan, and you're good to go!

See it on Amazon

We Love the Cut on These Jeans

Amazon

The hem of these wide-leg jeans is so stylish and fun. The oversized boyfriend look makes them effortlessly chic and stylish, making them a must for your transitional wardrobe.

See it on Amazon

This Bomber Is One of Our Favorites

Amazon

You're going to love this fantastic bomber jacket and the shiny texture of the fabric. Choose from a few great colors and patterns to find just what you need to fill that transitional spot in your wardrobe.

See it on Amazon

Enjoy This Thinner Sweater

Amazon

You don't always have to have a thick, chunky sweater just to stay warm. This thinner sweater top is a beautiful choice for the days when the seasons start to turn from frigid to chilly.

See it on Amazon

These Wide Leg Pants Are Flexible and Slouchy

Amazon

You're going to love this gorgeous pair of slouchy pants. These are a great option for staying warm and elegant at the same time. Choose from a handful of neutral, classic colors.

See it on Amazon

This Sweater Top Is Fun and Different

Amazon

Go with something totally different with this beautiful bolero-style top. The crossed design makes your outfit look a little texture and a whole lot of fun, adding extra warmth to any 'fit.

See it on Amazon

We Love the Texture on This Button-Down

Amazon

This awesome button-down top is one of our favorites, and it's totally unexpected in your closet. The textured pattern adds depth and dimension to all your favorite outfits.

See it on Amazon

These Baggy Boyfriend Jeans Are In Right Now

Amazon

And we think they'll stay that way. These distressed jeans are a great option for the trending oversized look. Pull your favorite oversized sweatshirt on to warm up this pair of pants.

See it on Amazon

This Striped Sweater Vest Is Very Coastal

Amazon

Go with the coastal vibes with this beautiful striped sweater vest. The lightweight layer looks really great with your favorite button-up tops or looks good on its own with oversized jeans on warmer days.

See it on Amazon

There's No Shortage of Patterns With These Palazzo Pants

Amazon

These gorgeous pants are a beautiful option for adding style and pattern to any of your outfits. The wide-leg look is a great option for staying in style no matter how much trends change.

See it on Amazon

This Elevated Polo Is So Fun for Transitional Seasons

Amazon

Take this elegant, upscale polo with you from winter to spring and again from fall into winter. The collared top is beautiful and figure-hugging, showing off your curves and looking great with a nice skirt.

See it on Amazon

This Denim Jacket Is a Classic

Amazon

You really can't go wrong with a denim jacket, and this one is a classic. The jacket works with dresses, blouses, tank tops, and more to offer a little extra warmth without sacrificing style.

See it on Amazon

This Flowy Top Is Luxurious and Fun

Amazon

The wide, bell sleeves on this gorgeous top, coupled with the fun color choices and the funky texture, make it a luxurious, exciting choice you're going to love styling every chance you get.

See it on Amazon