Nothing is as heart-warming as seeing all of the recent marches and movements that bring awareness of women’s issues into the public consciousness. However, with current affairs, it has been hard to stay motivated when it comes to all things feminism. That’s why I’ve turned to to some wonderful pro-women books written recently by badass female writers, covering topics that range from political to academic to just plain relatable. Whether you’re a committed feminist who knows the ins and outs of current topics or someone who is battling with claiming the F-term, there is a book for you!
1. Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay
My personal favorite, this collection of personal essays cover everything from openly watching trash tv to mouthing the lyrics of way too many misogynistic songs to the emotional hardships of navigating life post sexual assault. As a woman of color, a college professor, and a pop culture critic, Gay sassily slices into everything that’s wrong with our society today, while also proving that we can all claim the title of feminist.
2. Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit
“After my book Wanderlust came out in 2000, I found myself better able to resist being bullied out of my own perceptions and interpretations. On two occasions around that time, I objected to the behavior of a man, only to be told that the incidents hadn’t happened at all as I said, that I was subjective, delusional, overwrought, dishonest—in a nutshell, female.”
3. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The title says it all! “We spend too much time teaching girls to worry about what boys think of them. But the reverse is not the case. We don’t teach boys to care about being likable. We spend too much time telling girls that they cannot be angry or aggressive or tough, which is bad enough, but then we turn around and either praise or excuse men for the same reasons.” Preach!
4. Pro: Reclaiming Abortion Rights by Katha Pollitt
“[Abortion] is an essential option for women — not just ones in dramatic, terrible, body-and-soul-destroying situations, but all women — and thus benefits society as a whole.” Hell yeah it is!
5. Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Feminist sarcasm, a healthy dose of self-deprecation, hilarious anecdotes, and Amy Poehler’s badass attitude? Everything I’ve ever wanted!
6. How to be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
In her hilarious book, Moran writes openly about masturbation, abortion, periods, and everything else that fits under, what she calls “All That Patriarchal Bull Shit.” I think this passage sums up everything I love about Morgan’s wit and sarcasm that make the book worthwhile!
7. Vagina by Naomi Wolfe
After surviving an injury to her spine that caused a major drop in her ability to orgasm, Wolfe embarked on an academic/medical/feminist quest to discover the link between the vagina and brain. She proves that sexual violence and negative comments regarding female sexuality shut down synapses in the female brain, which can cause psychological harm on many women. She also finds that good consensual sex with a respectful, thoughtful, and communicative partner (yes she referenced talking about sex openly with our partners yay!) can make a woman happier, achieve more pleasure, and become more confident!
8. What Will It Take to Make a Woman President? by Marianne Schnall
Finally, someone is asking the question head on! What will it take for a woman to be president here in the United States? “Margaret Thatcher was elected prime minister of Great Britain three times. Argentina, Iceland, the Philippines, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Finland, Ireland, Liberia, Chile, and South Korea have elected female heads of state.” Honestly, come on!
Tapping into the range of gendered issues women face in modern day society, these accomplished women authors shine light on all great things: women supporting women, body positivity, the importance of women’s rights, female sexuality, and how to tear down gender barriers one step at a time!