"Year of reading women" declared for 2014

[Erica]

After published studies indicate a huge imbalance in how male and female writers and reviewers are treated, several journals, reviewers and readers are vowing to make 2014 the "Year of Reading Women."

Learn more about the idea and its responses in the literary world: http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014...

Would you be willing to read nothing but female authors throughout 2014? Why or why not?

[Kristen]

While I consider myself a feminist, the idea of marginalizing one group in favor of another bothers me immensely. I would instead strive for a balance of male and female authors in my reading (and purchasing!) choices. However, many thanks for bringing this important issue to light!

[Erica]

I've considered taking on the challenge. Though I'm already nearly finished with a male-authored book (started before I learned of this), I think the switch would be interesting.

Kristen, I'm definitely in the same boat of wanting to read a healthy mix of all authors from a variety of backgrounds. I would never want to limit myself to just one type of author.

I think the idea of #readwomen14, however, is that it's truly a challenge – but a challenge that can come with some great rewards. Even if the bias toward male writers is unconscious or unintentional, exercises like this can really highlight and expose female authors in a way that might start to impact that bias in the publishing world.

I'll let you know if I decide to participate!

[Samantha]

Most of the books that I read are written by women. However, when I pick up a book I don't read it differently because its written by a male or a female. I choose to look at them as a person writing a story. I agree that finding a balance would be a better choice.

[Genny]

While I think we need to support and promote female authors, to be honest I don't chose my books based on the gender of the author. I do find it an interesting challenge and one that while I may not partake in, I think I will be looking more closely at my reading list at the end of the year to see if I tend to pick more male or female authors.