Women Who Love Books Too Much : Bibliophiles, Bluestockings and Prolific Pens from the Algonquin Hotel to the Ya Ya Sisterhood

From Barnes & Noble

It's no secret that books about books breed reading. by celebrating women writers of almost every possible ilk, Brenda Knight's new opus expands the trumpet call of her Women of the Beast Generation, which earned the 1997 American Book Award. Knight groups her authors into provocative grouping such as "Mystics, Memoirists & Madwomen," "Banned, Blacklisted & Arrested" and, Joyce Carol Oates's favorite section, "Prolific Pens." In addition to writers, our editor biographies female librarians, bibliophiles, and leaders of salons. Festive & fun, Women Who love Books Too Much will be a rousing gift for women, aspiring writers and men who don't yet appreciate the talent of women writers.

Children's Literature

Like delectable hors d' oeuvres, Knight's mini biographies of women who have impacted history, literature and popular culture will whet the appetite for more. Extensively researched—and written with wit and style—there is something for all tastes in this square little book. From Enheduanna, a Sumerian poet and the first recorded writer to J. K. Rowling of Harry Potter fame, Knight profiles the famous, the infamous and the forgotten. She presents the first ladies of literature; mystics and madwomen; women who were banned, blacklisted and arrested; and the salonists and culture makers. She takes a look at prolific writers, adored authors and literary dynasties like the Brontes, the James, and the Marys—Wollstonecraft and Shelley. Supplemental material includes a resource guide, a list of further readings, book group resources, book groups on-line and a bibliography. 2000, Conari Press, $16.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Ellen R. Braaf

Library Journal

More about writing than book lovers, this book consists of short (mostly 500- to 1000-word) essays on over 70 women writers as diverse as Sappho, Danielle Steele, and Zora Neale Hurston, as well as many lesser-known writers. Knight, author of the American Book Award-winning Women of the Beat Generation, divides the book into well-known women writers, famous writing families, spiritual authors, banned writers, prolific writers, style-setters, and "adored" authors. Material on most of these authors will already be a part of library collections that support women's studies curricula. However, the volume's easily understandable and inspiring style, augmented by concise entries, an appendix on book groups, and a resource guide, make it an entertaining introduction to women writers. Recommended for all young adult collections and public libraries.--Angela M. Weiler, SUNY Coll. of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\

Internet Book Watch

Women Who Love Books Too Much blends cultural and social history with a dash of comic angst, considering how readers and writers interact as a group and affect society. Writers' biographies form the foundation of this consideration, documenting authors whose works changed both their lives and those of others. An absorbing, revealing work is created which is both fun to read and pointed in its observations.
—Internet Book Watch