When we talk about the best authors of all time, names like Shakespeare, Dickens, and Hemingway often dominate the conversation. But what about the brilliant minds whose stories shaped the hearts, minds, and revolutions of generations—yet were sometimes overlooked simply because they were women?
This article is here to change that narrative.
From historical writers that are as influential as any man from their era, to modern writers that are as influential today as they are bold, we’re diving deep into the world of female authors who transformed the literary landscape. These popular lady authors wrote tales that moved nations, started feminist movements, and gave millions of readers their favorite cool books for women. Whether you’re looking for great reads for women, books for female empowerment, or just want to explore some of the best authors ever, this list is the perfect place to start.
Let’s celebrate these incredible voices—each one a lighthouse in literature’s vast ocean.
1. Jane Austen – The Original Queen of Wit and Romance
When you think of famous female authors, Jane Austen is one of the first names that comes to mind—and for good reason. With her razor-sharp observations of English society and her unforgettable characters like Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, Austen crafted some of the best books for women even centuries later.
Her iconic novels like Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma are more than just romantic stories. They’re biting social commentaries wrapped in charm and wit. Jane Austen was a trailblazer—a historical writer that is as influential today as she was in the 1800s. She gave women a voice when society tried to silence them.
✨ Fun Fact: During her lifetime, Austen published anonymously. Her books simply read “By A Lady.”
2. Toni Morrison – A Force of Soul, Story, and Social Power
Toni Morrison didn’t just write books—she opened eyes, broke hearts, and stitched them back together again. As one of the greatest writers of all time, her novels like Beloved, The Bluest Eye, and Song of Solomon peeled back the layers of race, identity, and history in America.
She was unapologetically honest, weaving lyrical beauty with brutal truth. Morrison belongs on every list of popular feminist authors, not just for her activism, but for the way she gave Black women a literary space to exist in all their fullness.
If you’re building a shelf of good female books or searching for great reads for women, Morrison’s work is not optional—it’s essential.
3. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Modern Storytelling with Impact
A modern writer that is as influential as any classic name, Chimamanda has become a global literary star. Her books—Half of a Yellow Sun, Americanah, and the essay We Should All Be Feminists—strike a deep emotional and intellectual chord.
Chimamanda’s storytelling bridges cultures, continents, and conversations around race and gender. She’s one of those popular women authors whose work resonates across generations, making her a standout among the best authors of all time—especially in today’s evolving world.
Her writing is the kind of cool book for women that makes you think, laugh, and cry all within a single chapter.
4. Virginia Woolf – The Mastermind of Stream of Consciousness
One of the best writers of all time, Virginia Woolf didn’t just write novels; she changed how novels could be written. Her groundbreaking use of stream-of-consciousness narration in books like Mrs. Dalloway and To the Lighthouse redefined storytelling forever.
As one of the earliest popular feminist authors, Woolf also gifted the world her iconic essay A Room of One’s Own, which argued that women need their own financial and creative independence to thrive.
🌀 Her voice still echoes in modern classrooms and coffee shops, where you’ll often find popular books for women inspired by her work.
5. Maya Angelou – The Poet Who Sang for the Caged Bird
“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” isn’t just a book title—it’s a mantra for every woman who’s ever felt voiceless.
Maya Angelou was a powerhouse of poetry, memoir, and activism. Her words uplift, her presence inspires, and her life was a tapestry of art and courage. As one of the popular female authors of the 20th century, Angelou gave a whole generation of women, especially Black women, permission to tell their truth.
Her autobiographical series and collections are considered top books for women, especially those navigating trauma, identity, and self-worth. She was—and is—one of the best authors ever, hands down.
6. Louisa May Alcott – A Tale of Sisters, Strength, and Sincerity
Little Women has never gone out of style—and neither has Louisa May Alcott.
If you grew up dreaming of writing books, painting in an attic, or traveling the world like Jo March, you’re not alone. Alcott’s semi-autobiographical masterpiece is one of the most enduring popular books for women of all time.
Her writing perfectly balances humor, hardship, and hope, and her characters feel like lifelong friends. Alcott wasn’t just one of the popular lady authors of her time—she was one of the greatest writers of all time, especially in children’s and coming-of-age literature.
7. Margaret Atwood – The Prophetess of Dystopia
Before The Handmaid’s Tale became a hit series, it was already a cultural warning sign. Margaret Atwood’s dystopian tales explore power, gender politics, and what happens when societies forget their humanity.
Her work spans decades, and she’s undeniably one of the best writers of all time in speculative fiction. Atwood belongs on every list of popular feminist authors because she doesn’t just point out the problems—she imagines the terrifying consequences of ignoring them.
Her books are not only great reads for women, but eye-openers for anyone who’s ever underestimated a woman’s rage or resilience.
8. Elena Ferrante – Mystery Behind the Masterpiece
Who is Elena Ferrante? No one knows for sure, and that’s part of the charm.
What we do know is that her Neapolitan Novels—especially My Brilliant Friend—have become some of the most popular books for women in the last decade. Her characters are messy, complex, brilliant, and brutally honest—just like real women.
Ferrante’s anonymity adds to her mystique, but her writing does all the talking. She’s a quiet storm in the world of modern writers that are as influential as the classics.
9. Zora Neale Hurston – Ahead of Her Time, Always
With Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston cemented herself as one of the best authors ever—though she didn’t always receive her flowers during her lifetime.
Today, Hurston is recognized as one of the greatest writers of all time, especially in African-American literature. Her lyrical prose, vibrant settings, and unapologetically strong female characters make her work good female books to read again and again.
She was bold, she was brilliant, and she deserves a permanent spot in your literary collection.
10. J.K. Rowling – Magic, Controversy, and Cultural Phenomenon
Love her or disagree with her, there’s no denying that J.K. Rowling changed the world with Harry Potter. She went from an unemployed single mom writing in cafes to one of the most popular female authors on the planet.
The wizarding world she built introduced millions to the joy of reading. The series remains a global phenomenon and a top book for women, kids, and adults alike.
Rowling’s story is one of perseverance and creative genius, which is why many still consider her among the best authors of all time.
✨ Rising Stars and Modern Literary Queens
While we’ve paid homage to historical writers that are as influential, it’s time to highlight modern writers that are as influential in our current era. These women are not only breaking bestseller charts—they’re reshaping conversations around identity, love, trauma, and justice.
11. Celeste Ng – The Architect of Family Secrets
Celeste Ng made a quiet but thunderous entrance into the literary world with Everything I Never Told You, and followed it with the explosive Little Fires Everywhere. Her nuanced exploration of race, class, motherhood, and family secrets has made her one of the most popular women authors today.
Her novels are beautifully written, and they also make you pause, reflect, and talk. That’s what puts her among the best writers of all time—she doesn’t just tell stories, she opens dialogues.
Her books are great reads for women who want depth, introspection, and emotional resonance.
12. Roxane Gay – Unfiltered, Fierce, and Feminist
When it comes to popular feminist authors, Roxane Gay is a must-read. From her essays in Bad Feminist to her gut-wrenching memoir Hunger, Gay explores identity, trauma, and modern womanhood with radical honesty.
She gives voice to the uncomfortable truths so many women hold inside. Her writing belongs to every list of books for female empowerment and self-reflection.
🔥 Her Twitter presence is just as powerful as her prose—bold, brave, and unafraid to challenge the status quo.
13. Sally Rooney – The Millennial Mind Whisperer
Normal People, Conversations with Friends, and Beautiful World, Where Are You have turned Sally Rooney into a literary icon for a whole generation. Her minimalist style and emotionally complex characters speak deeply to modern readers navigating love, communication, and existential dread.
Rooney is a modern writer that is as influential as the literary giants before her, especially among readers looking for good female books that don’t sugarcoat life.
If you’re on a hunt for popular books for women in their 20s and 30s, Rooney’s novels are a must.
14. Taylor Jenkins Reid – Queen of Cool, Fictional Fame
Whether it’s the glamorous life of Daisy Jones & The Six, the emotional punch of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, or the family drama in Malibu Rising, Taylor Jenkins Reid knows how to keep readers hooked.
She writes the kind of cool books for women you binge-read in two nights and then think about for weeks. With her cinematic style and compelling female protagonists, she’s earned her spot among the popular lady authors of today.
15. Brit Bennett – Generational Talent in the Making
Brit Bennett’s The Mothers and The Vanishing Half have made her a household name. Her storytelling flows like poetry and strikes like lightning. Her exploration of racial identity, family dynamics, and the complexity of choices made and unmade is powerful.
Bennett writes good female books that are rich in emotion, intelligence, and heart. She’s proof that the future of literature is female—and it’s bright.
📚 Curated Reading Lists for Every Mood
Let’s face it—your TBR (To-Be-Read) pile is never-ending. But if you’re specifically looking for the top books for women, here’s a breakdown by mood or genre to help you out:
💖 For When You Want Romance with Depth:
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
- It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
These are great reads for women who love a heart-tugging plot with layered characters and meaningful themes.
🎭 For When You Need Emotional Healing:
- Hunger by Roxane Gay
- Untamed by Glennon Doyle
- Wild by Cheryl Strayed
These books double as therapy sessions, offering some of the most good female books about self-discovery, healing, and growth.
🔍 For the Mystery and Thriller Fans:
- Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
- The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
- Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
These are popular books for women who enjoy suspense, secrets, and shocking reveals.
📖 For the Literary Purists:
- Beloved by Toni Morrison
- The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
- White Teeth by Zadie Smith
Timeless, powerful, and poetic. These are books for female readers who crave depth and literary beauty.
🌍 For Stories That Span Cultures:
- Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
- The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
These belong to the best books for women who want to explore global narratives and complex identities.
🔥 Why Reading Female Authors Matters More Than Ever
It’s not just about representation—it’s about resonance. When you read the works of famous female authors, you’re stepping into the hearts and minds of women who dared to speak their truths, often against all odds.
The voices of popular lady authors across history have fought for more than just shelf space. They’ve carved out places in our souls. They’ve challenged what we read, how we think, and who gets to tell the story.
Reading books by female authors isn’t just a literary choice—it’s a revolutionary act.
🌟 Final Thoughts from Riya’s Blogs
Here on Riya’s Blogs, we’re big believers in curating content that feels like a friend’s recommendation and reads like a deep conversation over coffee.
Whether you’re just getting into fiction or have been devouring classics for decades, there’s always more room for the greatest writers of all time, especially when they’re women who wrote boldly, loved fiercely, and lived out loud.
So next time you’re wondering what to read, remember this: behind every popular female author, there’s a story you didn’t know you needed.
And behind every good female book, there’s a message that just might change your life.
Want to read a bit more? Find some more of my writings here-
The Magic of Love on Pages: A Deep Dive into the Best Romance Fiction Books
The Rise of the Old Money Brunette: A Timeless Hair Trend That’s Here to Stay
The Orange Peel Theory: The Softest Test of Love You Didn’t Know You Needed
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