An exploration of classic heroines and their equally admirable authors,
The Heroine’s Bookshelf shows today’s women how to tap into their inner strengths
and live life with intelligence and grace.

Jo March, Scarlett O’Hara, Scout Finch—the literary canon is brimming with  intelligent,  feisty, never-say-die heroines and celebrated female authors. Like today’s women, they placed a premium on personality, spirituality, career, sisterhood, and family. When they were up against the wall, authors like Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott fought back—sometimes with words, sometimes with gritty actions. In this witty, informative, and  inspiring read, their stories offer much-needed literary intervention to modern women.

The Heroine’s Bookshelf was released by Harper on October 19, 2010.  Lauded as everything from “a frothy literary latte” to “like having a friend with you on your literary journey,” the book has been featured in the New York Times, The Washington Post, Ms. Magazine, The Denver Post, and more. The Heroine’s Bookshelf won the 2010 Colorado Book Award in the Nonfiction: General Category.

Praise for The Heroine’s Bookshelf

“…like attending that dinner party you’ve always dreamed of, where your favorite authors and their literary creations sit around talking late into the night. Erin Blakemore’s thoughtful prose and graceful voice make each chapter a joy to read. This book is a gem!”

Kelly O’Connor McNees
Author of The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott

“A fascinating exploration of beloved female characters in fiction and the complex women who created them.”

Kirby Larson
Author of the Newbery Honor book Hattie Big Sky

“Erin Blakemore invites us to be part of a sisterhood of strong heroines that transcends time and expands the limits of our imagination. She manages to show us not only how to read, but also how to juice our favorite novels for examples of how to live.”

Susannah Carson
Author of A Truth Universally Acknowledged

“Erin Blakemore reunites us with the women whose literary lives inspire us, and she helps us discover the reserves of strength and power to be found in these favorite books. This book is a unique tribute to women writers and an extraordinary gift to readers as well.”

Wendy McClure
BUST Columnist and author of The Wilder Life