5 essential books on feminism that are a must-read

From fables with a feminist twist to incisive personal essays, take your pick!

08 June, 2023
5 essential books on feminism that are a must-read

We’re halfway into the year and if your New Year’s resolution was to read more, we’ve got you covered. And while it’s always fun to dip our noses into swoon-worthy romances or heart-racing thrillers, reading up on issues like feminism is just as important to be a well-read, badass woman in today’s world! If you are just entering the world of feminist literature and want to learn more about the nuances of it, then consider these five books a window into the topic. 

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

we should all be feminists


Don’t be fooled by the size of this small, pocket-sized book, the contents of it are powerful, fiery, and far-reaching. In the book, Adichie argues that binary conversations around gender are not what young boys and girls should be raised on, and calls for an overhaul in the way we look at feminism and gender stereotypes. She also touches upon topics like sexual violence, and behaviour that marginalizes womend around the world. 

Feminist Fables by Suniti Namjoshi

fables


Suniti Namjoshi is an Indian queer poet whose work spans across fables, poetry, children’s books, and novels that challenge existing stereotypes about sexism, racism, and homophobia. Namjoshi has been influenced by well-known feminist writers like Virginia Woolf, Adrienne Rich, among others, and has been an active member of the feminist and LGBTQIA+ movement. Feminist Fables, which was published in 1981 remains her most note-worthy work and is a must-read, where she has reworked popular fairy tales and mythology and written them from a feminist angle. How cool!

A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf

A room of one's own


Virginia Woolf is one of the ‘original’ feminist writers who questioned the male dominance in the literary field and challenged the notion that women were not as capable in writing as compared to men. In this essay published in 1929, she points to the systemic stereotypes and failures that suppressed women writers of the time. This is considered as one of the foundational works of feminist literature, and holds true even today, decades after it was published. 

Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

bad feminist


Roxane Gay is one of the most powerful queer and feminist voices to emerge out of this generation, and Bad Feminist is one of her best work. It is a collection of essays that touch topics like politics, criticism, and feminism. Through these insightful essays, Gay takes us through her personal journey as a woman of color, black culture, and the state of feminism today. This one is definitely a must read, and an inspiration for the reader on how we can do better.

Feminism Is For Everybody by Bell Hooks 

feminism


Bell Hooks, a renowned author, educator, and social critic of her time has written books that are still relevant today. Though her book All About Love is more popular, this one on feminism is still an essential read. In the informative book, Hooks breaks down the concept of feminism in an easy-to-understand tone, and explains and examines inclusive, intersectional feminism in a way that is practical and entertaining. 

Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit

men explain things


Ever heard of the term ‘mansplaining’? This book is where it originated from. Author Rebecca Solnit wrote a collection of personal essays that explore the various themes of modern feminism through dark humour and plenty of wit. If you’re looking to deep dive into contemporary feminism and its moments in the 2010s, then this book is for you. You’ve been forewarned: It is likely to induce second-hand anger at the way women have been treated.

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