On feminist fantasy

Feminism and fantasy are two things that could stand to be combined more often. It's been on my mind a lot lately that there aren't always strong women in fantasy and I think we could stand to have a few (or a lot) more of those.

If you're interested in reading some feminist fantasy, here are a few books I recommend you start with:

• The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula K. Le Guin - While the first book of this series is also completely worth the time, this sequel shows a matriarchal society of priestesses and one young woman's struggle with finding her place in it - or deciding if there's a place for her at all. It's an early inclusion of women in fantasy and Le Guin has influenced so many future feminist fantasy writers that she cannot be overlooked on this list.

• Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones - This is another classic fantasy book that's excellent for young (and old) readers. Sophie is a young girl put under a terrible curse that causes her to entirely change her life - and learn to utilize the gifts that she has.

• City of Lies by Sam Hawke - This brand new book (released July 3rd) takes place in a matriarchal society. While most of the rest of the book doesn't delve too much into feminism, I'm excited to see where this series will go and how the matriarchal society will be brought up in future books.

• Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb - In a book full of seafaring adventures, traders' guilds, and fierce pirates, there isn't room for women, right? Wrong. Robin Hobb shows us a world (and a family) where women are fighting for their voice and the ability to join in high sea adventures. It's a swashbuckling book with plenty of strong women to look up to.

• Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey - This is the most sex-positive fantasy story I've ever read. Phèdre is part dominatrix, part spy, part politician, part diplomat, and part survivor of terrible trauma. Her story is complex and fascinating and it's wonderful to see all the ways in which she can succeed.

• The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin - This book follows Essun, a middle aged woman searching for her daughter as the world ends around her. Women are the main focus of this story - their lives, their experiences, their mistakes, and their misfortunes, along with their successes and joy. Essun is complicated and fascinating and a wonderful character to get to know - and to learn from her experiences.

What books would you add to this list? Have you read any of the books on this list?

On books about realistic moms

Moms are often given a bad rap in books - especially YA books. The mom is mean and evil or nonexistent or (at best) can't understand their child. Books about parents of adult children are even more confusing as that relationship becomes more nuanced and distant. Here are a few books that represent moms realistically and might give some power and strength to moms out there:

• Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb - Ronica Vestrit is a mom who is trying her hardest. She's spent years managing the family business while her husband sails around trading, while still trying to raise her two daughters well. Once her husband passes, Ronica is tasked with making some tough decisions, especially regarding her daughters. She makes plenty of mistakes and has a lot of learning to do about her children, but she's willing to admit to her mistakes and to give her daughters opportunities to make their own mistakes and learn their own lessons. Ronica is the kind of mom so many people have (or should have)- tough, no nonsense, and independent, but still humble enough to admit her shortcomings. Ronica's story arc throughout the series helps you (and her kids) see her as an active member of the family, not just as the mom.

• Woman No. 17 by Edan Lepucki - Told from the viewpoints of a wealthy mother struggling to connect with her children and a young artist trying to emulate her own mother, this story is all about motherhood. Lady Daniels is trying to write a memoir about raising her selectively mute teenage son while struggling to connect with him and tolerate her other toddler son. Esther has just graduated from college and been hired as a nanny by the Daniels, all for the purpose of spending the summer on her most ambitious art project ever - becoming her mother for the summer to better understand the woman who helped raise her. This story tells all about motherhood and learning about yourself, with all it's complexities and difficulties.

Pieces of Happiness: A Novel of Friendship, Hope and Chocolate by Anne Østby - Five friends retire together to Fiji and work to support each other, especially as they all go through the growing pains of growing old. Most relateable is Sina, whose relationship with her adult son is struggling as he continues to mooch off her and she struggles to set boundaries. This story shows some of the difficulties of being a good mom while sometimes having to play the bad guy in order to help your child grow.

• My Monster Mama Loves Me So by Laura Leuck - This lovely and delightful picture book helps children to identify ways that they can tell their mom loves them - and is still an adorable read for adults.

Have you read any of these books? What realistic moms do you enjoy reading about? What books give you a positive look at parenting? What books can you relate to as a parent?