I’ve known my sister to go on reading binges from time to time, but I think she would read more if she immersed herself in feminist literature because she self identifies as a feminist, and remains critical of our culture. This mix of non-fiction and fiction feminist books will hopefully show her, and any feminists in your life, the many authors whose writings inspire critical conversation.
1. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This is a great starting title for a fearless feminist. Adichie writes of her authentic experiences and offers a slew of compelling reasons for why we should all don the label ‘feminist’ and begin to unravel harmful sexual politics.
2. How to be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
Moran offers a comical approach to the tricky subject of feminism with her book that is both autobiographical and an astute observation at the daily ways in which we all experience the oppressors of sexism. If your sister is a feisty feminist, then she might be interested to see how even the little things, like getting a Brazilian bikini wax, add up to a big problem.
3. Rad Women Worldwide: Artists and Athletes, Pirates and Punks, and Other Revolutionaries Who Shaped History by Kate Schatz and Miriam Klein Stahl
This is a book for all the little girls and grown women who haven’t seen themselves in history. My sister will be thrilled by the radical inclusion of this book, as will any feminist who has ever been frustrated by the lack of real female heroes in our common narrative.
4. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
There are plenty of riveting fiction titles that have feminist themes. This is one of them, albeit it a terrifying one. Atwood doesn’t spin a harrowing tale here, but it’s a must read for any feminist because it speculates of a future where women are stripped of all their rights. What’s most terrifying, is that this fiction world wasn’t always dystopian. The protagonist of the novel remembers the time before the totalitarian regime, when she could live her life freely and without judgement.
5. Difficult Women by Roxane Gay
Difficult Women offers a vivid array of stories about all types of women. It’s not a book specifically about feminism, rather, it’s a book that will appeal to feminists with its diverse stories about modern women.
6. The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
Based on the inspirational story of historical figure Sarah Grimke, Kidd crafts a beautiful narrative that will inspire a headstrong feminist to remain loud and proud in their fight for equal and fair rights.
Which books would you recommend to a fearless feminist sister, friend, or colleague in your life?
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