7 books that every fierce feminist needs to read

Books have long been a source of empowerment, offering both an escape and a deeper understanding of the world around us. They challenge stereotypes, dismantle patriarchal ideas, and explore the many layers of womanhood. Whether it’s a story of falling in love, self-discovery, the complexities of familial bonds, or a sharp social commentary on the female experience—even dystopian tales that feel eerily real—literature has a way of capturing the nuances of life.

As we celebrate Women's History Month this March, here are seven books that remind us why our stories matter. Written by women, for women, they deserve a spot on your reading list—whether you're looking for inspiration, insight, or just a great read.

Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton 

If you haven’t read this book yet, what are you waiting for? With wit and honesty, Alderton captures the chaos of love, work, sex, friendship, and heartbreak in your 20s. Her storytelling feels like a chat with a friend, reminding you that you’re never truly alone in this wild ride called life.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath 

Once you read the fig tree analogy in this book, indecisiveness will haunt you forever. Through the lens of 19-year-old Esther Greenwood, the story delves into mental illness, societal pressures, and the never-ending search for self. What seems like the start of her dream life soon becomes suffocating as she grapples with feelings of inadequacy and the weight of expectations. The book has a compelling narrative that will keep you hooked till the very end. 

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood 

The Handmaid’s Tale is a modern classic that paints a chilling picture of a dystopian society where an oppressive government rules. In the Republic of Gilead, women like Offred are forced into servitude as handmaids, bearing children for the powerful elite. Atwood masterfully depicts a world where women have no rights, serving as a stark warning of what could happen if those rights are stripped away. A gripping read, it’s a reminder of why women can’t afford to be apolitical.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel has been adapted into films more times than we can count. But the book remains a favourite for a reason. It follows the lives of four sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate growing up in 19th-century America. Each sister is uniquely different, yet their unwavering support for one another defines the heart of the story. Through moments of joy and heartbreak, the novel beautifully captures the essence of sisterhood, resilience, and growth. Loved for generations, it reminds us of the enduring power of love, family, and friendship in overcoming life’s challenges.

Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay 

Feminism isn’t without its flaws, and Roxane Gay highlights this in her collection of honest and hilarious essays. She points out the irony of holding feminist icons to impossible standards and unpacks themes of race, class, and pop culture in the conversation around feminism and its flaws. With wit and sincerity, Gay encourages us to rethink what feminism truly means and how we can work towards a fairer society. Rather than a critique on feminisim, her book serves as a tool to bridge the gaps found in it.

The Vegetarian by Han Kang 

Written in a very Kafkaesque manner, The Vegetarian delves into themes of cultural expectations, body image, conformity, family dynamics, abuse, and mental illness. The book follows the story of Yeong-hye and how her decision to turn vegetarian affects her relationship with her family and loved ones. Contrary to the title, the book does not detail the benefits of being a vegetarian; instead, it subtly deals with the patriarchal oppression and female resistance in Korean society—a country long critiqued for its abuse of women and patriarchal values, sparking movements like the 4B movement.

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

If there is one thing we can thank TikTok for, it’s BookTok, which helps us rediscover forgotten literary gems like this one. Written by Jacqueline Harpman, this sci-fi novel follows an anonymous girl who has spent her life confined in a bunker with thirty-nine other women, guarded by men they are forbidden to interact with. No explanation is given for their captivity. Having been taken there as a child, the protagonist has no memory of the world outside. One day, they escape—but to where? The novel explores themes of womanhood, discovery, intimacy, death, and absurdism.

All images: Amazon.in 

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