The Book of the Courtesans by Susan Griffin. A look at the virtues and mindset that created courtesans throughout history, and an excellent grounding for our own modern spin on it.

Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés. Myths of the sacred feminine - not just the happy fluffy ones, either. An examination of the importance of creative work in women's lives, and a call to relearn our intuitive sides.

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. A mystical, semi-religious meditation on many of life's milestones and heartaches.

The History of Sexuality, Vol 1 by Michel Foucault. An explanation and review of modern sexual history, more along the lines of thought-provoking discourse than extensive study.

Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko. Stories and the importance of sharing and connectedness, communicating ideas through fantasy and ritual.

A Vindication of the Rights of Women by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley.

A Woman's Thoughts About Women by Dinah Maria Mulock, a Victorian woman's screed on the subject of the woman's role in her society.

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings Autobiographical, memoirs of Maya Angelou

The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon Translated and edited by Ivan Morris, the memoirs and writings of a lady-in-waiting to the Empress of Japan called Sei Shonagon, who lived and wrote during the Heian period.

Diane de Poitiers by M. Capefigue. A biography of a woman who took life on her own terms and became the mistress of the King of France

Memoirs of Madame de Pompadour by Mme Du Hausset. Marquise des Lumiéres, the beloved mistress of Louis XV