Book Critic and author, Ellen Heltzel, joined us today to tell us about five books she thinks every female book club should read and why:

1. "To the Lighthouse," by Virginia Wolff -- delineates the two paths that women can choose or combine, -- motherhood and career.
2.  "Away," by Amy Bloom -- a testimony to one woman's capacity to survive, and her undying love for her child.
3.  "Amy and Isabelle," by Elizabeth Strout -- captures eloquently the tensions common in the relationship between mothers and adolescent daughters (worry, resentment, etc.).
4. "Atonement," by Ian McEwan -- romantic love that transcends class and family loyalty, tears guaranteed! (Enjoy  the book AND the movie!)
5. "The Inheritance of Loss," by  Kiran  Desai -- a look at the newly emerging global marketplace through one young woman's life and the disruptions change brings to one mountain village in India.

For more recommendations by Ellen, check out her website.