Off the top of my head books by woman that are just as worthy (and in some cases more worthy): Geek Love by Katherine Dunn; The Giant’s House by Elizabeth McCracken; Beloved by Toni Morrison; Veronica by Mary Gaitskill; Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson; and The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.

I would also argue that listmakers, book reviewers, and readers themselves are part of the larger, structural problem. It’s not that women aren’t writing books that are worthy of inclusion on this list (and many others) its that the men who make these lists (or write reviews or buy books) cannot seem to acknowledge their own sexism.

I want the answer to be no, but it’s not. I look at that list and am unable to think of a book written by a woman that deserves to be there more than something already there.

Here’s the difference. I agree there is an issue about gender and authorship, but it is not Flavorpill’s fault. Looking to Flavorpill (I now use Flavorpill as a place holder for individuals and groups making calculated decisions) is a red herring. Rather, the problem is larger and structural.