My favourite books written by women

I read a lot and always have done - and so, I think it's about time I compiled a list of the books I would (and have) wholeheartedly recommend to my friends; all written by women.

Ida B ...and her plans to maximise fun, avoid disaster and (possibly) save the world by Katherine Hannigan // This is a kid's book, there's no doubt about it - but it's so NICE and lovely and well-written, so easy to read and so full of love and laughter that I had to throw it in. I've recently lent it to Sam and I can't wait for her to read it because it's just happy.

House Rules by Jodi Picoult // Honestly I'd recommend any and all of Jodi's books because she's such an incredible writer, but I think House Rules is my favourite. It perfectly captures the life and personality of a boy with Asperger's Syndrome, his family and a difficult situation. It's heart-warming and emotional and just wonderful.

The Secret Life of Bees and also The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd // I first read The Secret Life of Bees when I picked it up in a charity shop years ago, and it became a firm favourite straight away. Sue Monk Kidd writes about racial issues and family life in a way that holds power and creates empathy; The Invention of Wings is like that too. She has an exquisite ability of transporting you to a different time and place, and everything is so beautifully put together.

Anything Sophie Hannah has ever written // Okay, so I couldn't choose a book by Sophie Hannah that I love more than any of her other's. She has a series about Spilling CID, and they're just incredible - the dark and twisted ideas set in reality, believable no matter how far-removed they are from anything you've ever actually experienced. Her other books are like that too, and she is the kind of writer (and human) I'd like to be.

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler // I loved this book on so many levels - I didn't see the twist coming at all. It's intelligently written, full of questions and ideas and bursting at the seams with love. I fell head over heels for the characters and for KJF's way with words; I could read it over and over.

So there you have it - my favourite ever books written by incredible women. What are your's?