Recs if you like Mrs. Dalloway...

I've seen so many people say they don't read classics as they aren't diverse, and I wanted to give some suggestions that are.

This is a list of classics written by authors who are not Straight, Cis, White, and Men as the title suggests. I am also aiming to include a variety of cultures and regions in this list. If your looking for something more focused (e.g. diverse US classics) check out the lists I posted in the comments.

Suggestions are more than welcome!

Based on the list/book published in 2006, general editor Peter Boxall.

books featured in the cozy video game “tiny bookshop”

Books recommended by musician Lucy Dacus, a solo artist and member of the band boygenius. Pulled from her goodreads list.

Classic books by U.S. BIPOC/fem/LGBTQIA Authors. Inspired by my post in US classic lit quest, I wanted a place to share all the wonderful recommendations by the PB community from the forum! 'Classic' refers to enduring, high-quality works that have stood the test of time, featuring universal themes, memorable characters, and artistic merit that remain relevant and insightful about the human condition across generations, often studied for their cultural significance and literary excellence.

my personal wlw library so… a lot of classic lesbian lit, basically

classic literature only written by women, because why would a man be there??

Books for those who want to be well-read without the debt (created by someone with said debt)

Note: I will be deleting my PB account within the next two weeks, and I believe this list will be erased. Feel free to screenshot it if you see anything that interests you! ☺️ 3/17/2026

the warm, fragmented interiors of women navigating emotional turmoil, relational dysfunction, identity crises, and existential malaise. intense, immersive, atmospheric, and deeply felt. stories of mundanity and despair, but also of a different beauty, some subtler strength. let's wallow freely and without shame.

note: open to recs, but those focused on interiority rather than romance (e.g. not Normal People)

Penguin asked its readers in 2022 for the must-read classics. This is that list!

the texture of sun-warm sheets, time alone with a book, the lattice of light through the trees in the early evening, the comfort of an ordinary routine, a fleeting exchange, an everyday kindness.

these works of fiction observe, preserve and venerate the beautiful mundane, the small things of life.

recs very much welcome :)

well, this is all the books read by rory in the gilmore girls tv show.

books that span a single day (or less!)

This list gathers over 300 books mentioned or read on the show so you can sip coffee, order in, and read along with Rory Gilmore and the other Stars Hollow residents.

Queer books and books written by queer authors that are featured in the indie game "Tiny Bookshop", a cosy bookstore management life sim by the studio Neoludic

books where shit goes down in 24 hours or less

A challenge to read all books mentioned or referenced in the American TV Show, Gilmore Girls. Books are referenced by all characters in the show. The Mojo Collection, dictionaries, instructional books, and travel books will not be included in the list.

Happy reading!

All genres, no teenagers or early 20s heroines. Open to suggestions because we need to read about women of all ages and walks of life.