20 feminist books about women's rights to add to your reading list right now
The only reading list you'll need this International Women's Day
Feminist books play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of gender, power, and social justice. By amplifying diverse voices and perspectives, these 20 books challenge societal norms, shed light on inequalities, and inspire action toward a more equitable world.
Whether through personal narratives, scholarly analysis, or thought-provoking fiction, feminist literature encourages critical thinking, pushes boundaries, and fosters empathy—something we're increasingly lacking in our individualistic society. In a world where gender biases not only persist but are growing evermore pronounced, feminist books are essential tools for raising awareness, promoting equality, and empowering readers to question the status quo and advocate for change. They offer not just a reflection of the challenges women face but also the strength, resilience, and collective power needed to overcome them.
Here are 20 to add to your reading list right now.
New releases:
Amanda Nguyen's memoir of surviving assault (and making it to space) is a deeply moving and inspiring account of resilience, activism, and the power of hope in the face of unimaginable adversity. In her debut, Nguyen takes readers on a journey through trauma and loss, strength and survival, as well as her relentless efforts to create meaningful change in the world. Nguyen's writing is raw, vulnerable, and beautifully crafted, and her debut is not just a memoir—it's a call to action.
Six Conversations We're Scared to Have by Deborah Frances-White is a thought-provoking and witty exploration of the difficult, often uncomfortable conversations that many of us avoid but desperately need to have. Fans of her wildly funny and important podcast The Guilty Feminist, will find that her writing is equally as accessible and engaging, making complex issues feel approachable without watering down their significance. This book encourages readers to confront their own fears and biases while fostering deeper, more meaningful connections.
No One Wants to See Your D*ck by Jess Davies is a bold, unapologetic exploration of modern relationships, self-image, and the complexities of navigating social media and intimacy in today's world. Through a series of candid essays, Davies tackles themes of body positivity, consent, and the pressures of societal expectations, all while challenging the norms of how we express vulnerability.
Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves by The Atlantic's Sophie Gilbert is a sharp, insightful analysis of how media and pop culture have shaped how women view themselves and each other. Through a mix of cultural critique and thoughtful research, she dissects the subtle yet powerful ways the media has played a role in turning women against themselves, often pitting them in competition rather than solidarity.
Essential reading:
Best feminist books to buy now:
Invisible Women is a groundbreaking book that exposes the gender data gap based on Caroline Cried Perez’s research. From iPhone size to publicised heart attack symptoms, this book breaks down all the ways that the world has been designed for men, and not women.
My Body is a collection of essays by Emily Ratajkowski that explores feminism, sexuality, power, men's treatment of women and women's rationalizations for accepting that treatment. They cover moments from Ratajkowski's life while investigating many important issues, such as the perverse dynamics of the fashion and film industries.
Rodham is an alternative US history novel imagining a world where Hillary ‘Rodham’ Clinton had never married former President Bill Clinton and had pursued her own political career instead.
This instant New York Times bestseller follows the story of a girl who learns to live - and then escape - an invisible life. Qian Julie Wang's memoir is an unforgettable account of what it means to live under the threat of deportation as she moves from China to New York with her family.
Hood Feminism is an important piece of modern text, analysing the failings of the mainstream feminist movement and how we can save it.
This book is made up of ten short stories that document the young female experience in the modern world.
Girl, Woman, Other follows the lives of 12 women in the United Kingdom over the course of several decades. Divided into four parts, each section focuses on a trio of women whose lives are woven together, looking at how race, sexuality and gender among other themes intersect to shape their experiences.
The Second Sex (or Le Deuxième Sexe) is an iconic piece of feminist literature by French existentialist Simone de Beauvoir, discussing the treatment of women throughout history.
Newsnight's Emily Maitlis takes you behind the scenes of some of her biggest news stories, and what really happened when the camera stopped rolling.
From the author of Everyday Sexism and Girl Up, Laura Bates brings us a shocking account where she goes undercover to expose vast misogynist networks and communities.
Outspoken features 50 speeches by iconic women who spoke out even when they weren’t being listened to. From Joan of Arc and Greta Thunberg to Michelle Obama and Jameela Jamil, all of these women are using their voices to make change.
The Truth Will Set You Free But First It Will Piss You Off is an illustrated collection of Gloria Steinem’s most empowering essays and outrageous quotes throughout her life.
Ok, so this isn't technically a book, but podcasts count, right? This IWD, Net-A-Porter are launching the next series of their 'Incredible Women' Podcast, titled ‘The Disruptors’, that celebrates the barrier-breaking women of today. They have incredible guests including Arlo Parks, Laverne Cox and Supriya Lele, and the best news is that during the 8-14 March, for every listen of the first episode NET-A-PORTER will donate £1 to charity partner Catalyst, a global non-profit organisation which works with over 800 companies around the world to build workplaces for women and help advance them in their careers.
