This episode's topic: Strong women characters

Diane's pick kicked of a dynamite discussion of books featuring strong, memorable women characters.

Conversation included discussion of the Bechdel test as applied to books, what makes a memorable woman character, unforgettable villainous women characters, and whether or not men can write strong, independent, and memorable women characters well.

We visit with such memorable and lovable characters as Loretta Thurwar and Hurricane Staxxx, Frankie McGrath, Lauren Olamina, Lisey Landon, Avalon Dale and Primrose Meath, Elphaba and Glinda, Elizabeth Zott, and the inimitable, unforgettable Annie Wilkes.

Check out some of the titles discussed in this episode:

• Chain Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
• The Women by Kristin Hannah
• The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
• Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
• Lisey's Story by Stephen King
• Educated by Tara Westover
• Harmless Women by Rebecca Sharpe
• Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout
• Finding Chika by Mitch Albom (not available from Patchouli Joe's)
• The Dead Detective by J.R. Rain and Rod Kierkegaard Jr.
• After Oz by Gordon McAlpine
• Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
• Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
• The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
• Misery by Stephen King