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  • Writer's pictureAltynai Tamerlanova

Rachel Wood, Founder of Rare Birds Book Club, Shares Her Top 5 Reads by Female Authors

“There's nothing we love more than helping readers discover writing by women, and what better way to help visitors discover Edinburgh's rich literary history than by shining the spotlight on three brilliant Scottish writers, whose work has captured the imagination of readers around the world," says Rachel Wood, founder, and owner of Rare Birds Book Club, a female-owned book shop in Stockbridge, Edinburgh that celebrates and promotes women’s writing.


To 5 women books - Rachel Wood

The book store recently collaborated with InterContinental Edinburgh The George to introduce Scotland's Inspiring Females in an exclusive package that pays homage to the property's own literary ties and former guest, Susan Ferrier. Travelling book worms can feast their eyes on hand-picked book bundles from Rare Birds Book Club, so one can experience a real-life literary dream during a stay at the historic estate. Curl up in the cosy suite or room of your choice and get lost in the stories of Scotland's most influential female authors.


In celebration of female literary talent, we ask Rachel Wood, the founder and owner of Rare Birds Book Club, to share her recommendations on the wonderful books by women that people love reading, discussing and recommending to others. There is a stunning range of classics and modern masterpieces here for anyone with a taste for great fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, poetry and more, to appreciate. Add these five wonders to your reading list:


Rachel Wood, Founder and Owner of Rare Birds Book Club, Shares:

Marriage by Susan Ferrier top 5 women books csptimes


We loved this because it’s the original tale of when Scottish high society meets a rebellious female who doesn’t want to be told what to do or who to marry. Written in 1818, it’s one for regency fans who enjoy historical fiction and want to tick off one of the Scottish greats.


* Featured in the Bespoke Book Bundle *


Trumpet by Jackie Kay  top 5 female books


We loved this because it’s a heart-wrenching modern classic about how far people will go for the person they love. A story about lies, deception, and loss from Scotland’s Makar, this is a book that will have you thinking long after you’ve finished reading.


* Featured in the Bespoke Book Bundle *


Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark top 5 women books csptimes


We loved this because it’s a quintessential Edinburgh classic, portraying the glamour, unconventional ideas, and manipulative charm of teacher Miss Jean Brodie. Although this book is over 60 years old, it’s a timeless novel with themes of independence, passion, and ambition which are still relevant today.


* Featured in the Bespoke Book Bundle *


Aria by Nazanine Hozar top 5 women books


We loved this because it’s a sweeping epic that views the collapse of a country into a revolution through the eyes of one young woman. Heartbreaking, truthful, gritty, and based on true events, it’s the type of fiction where you walk away having learned something you never knew before.


top 5 women books csptimes Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo


We loved this because it’s a furious and deeply necessary dive into the life of modern Korean women, which strongly resonated with us in the best way. It’s like a stick of dynamite; it’s impossible to get to the end without feeling fired up by this incredibly compact telling of one woman’s experience of misogyny.

InterContinental Edinburgh The George launched its Scotland's Inspiring Females package for Women’s History Month in March in partnership with the female-owned bookstore, Rare Birds Book Club, to encourage guests to explore Scotland’s female literary greats. Their top three books feature in the book bundle package offer guests, who book a stay from March 8, 2022 (International Women’s Day), the chance to add the bespoke book bundle to their stay.


To book, contact reservations team on edinburghthegeorge@ihg.com or +44 131 225 1251


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Rare Birds Book Club


Website: rarebirdsbooks.com | Instagram: @RareBirdsBooks | Facebook: @RareBirdsBooks | Twitter: @RareBirdsBooks | Email: hello@rarebirdsbookclub.com | Visit: 13A, Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, EH4 1HU, Scotland, United Kingdom

InterContinental Edinburgh The George


Website: edinburgh.intercontinental.com | Instagram: @InterContinentalEdinburgh | Facebook: @InterContinentalEdinburgh | Email: edinburghthegeorge@ihg.com | Phone: +44 131 225 1251 | Visit: 19-21 George Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH2 2PB, United Kingdom

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