Winter is coming and all we want to do is curl up with some hot cocoa and a book. But as we all know, the fight for gender equality never stops. So, we put together a list of feminist books that will allow you to enjoy the cozy weather while educating yourself on and analyzing intersectional feminism. But don’t worry, they’re not all analytical essays or basic “We Should All Be Feminists” recommendations that you’ve heard a million times before.
We’ve included a variety of books so that everyone can find something they’ll love!
Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez
"Furia" is a novel geared towards young adults. It follows a young woman living with a traditional, patriarchal family. But she leads a double life playing futbol, something her parents would never approve of or allow.
She is given a fantastic opportunity with her futbol team, but she needs to juggle her dreams and her family.
Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit
For something more scholarly, "Men Explain Things to Me" is a collection of feminist essays written by a feminist and environmental activist.
This book launched the now infamous term “mansplaining” and examines the interactions and dynamics between men and women and how the power and social implications of gender affect them.
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
Based on real feminist sisters, "The Invention of Wings" is a historical fiction novel that follows the Grimke sisters and their lives, along with the life of a slave girl on their family plantation named Handful.
The Power by Naomi Alderman (dystopian fiction in which teenage girls get incredible power)
In "The Power", teenage girls suddenly get incredible powers that can mean the difference between life and death. Not only is this a riveting story, it is also an analysis of gender and our society.
Assume Nothing: A Story of Intimate Violence by Tanya Selvaratnam
As the title shows, this memoir brings the world a first hand story of domestic abuse. So many women are victims of domestic violence, but many think it would never happen to them. It is far too common for women to fall victim to violence by an intimate partner, and "Assume Nothing" sheds light on this epidemic.
The Good Girls Revolt by Lynn Povich
"The Good Girls Revolt" tells the true story of a group of female journalists in the 1970’s who sued their workplace for “systematic oppression” and how their struggle connects to women and feminism today.
As we have discussed on this blog previously, education is the most important part of the fight against gender bias, discrimination, and violence.
Books like these are a useful and fun way that everyone can use to learn more about these issues from the comfort of their home.
Let us know how you like them and if you have any other recommendations on our social media!
And don’t forget: an even more powerful way to fight sexism from your home is downloading SafeUP and becoming a guardian so you can help women near you feel safe and empowered!