What’s On Your Booklist

Here are the top feminist books that I love.

  Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism (1981) by bell hooks: This influential text examines the socioeconomic, educational, and sexual devaluation of Black women, highlighting the intersections of race, class, and gender and critiquing mainstream feminism for its exclusion of women of color.

  Women, Race, & Class (1981) by Angela Y. Davis: Davis takes a bold and introspective look at the intersections of race, class, and gender, providing a critical analysis of how these systems of oppression impact women’s lives.

  The Color Purple (1982) by Alice Walker: This powerful epistolary novel, set in segregated Georgia, tells the story of Celie, a young Black woman born into poverty, and explores themes of abuse, resilience, and female empowerment. It’s lauded for its portrayal of women breaking away from traditional gender roles.

  Sister Outsider (1984) by Audre Lorde: A collection of influential speeches, essays, and interviews by the self-described “Black, lesbian, feminist, socialist, mother, warrior, poet.” Lorde explores the intersections of race, sexuality, and gender, arguing for a more inclusive and intersectional feminism.

  The Handmaid’s Tale (1985) by Margaret Atwood: A powerful dystopian novel that depicts a totalitarian society where women are stripped of their rights and reduced to their reproductive function. It serves as a stark warning about patriarchal control and the erosion of female autonomy.

  The Beauty Myth (1990) by Naomi Wolf: This nonfiction book argues that the concept of beauty, as defined by society, is a political tool used to control women and maintain male dominance. It critiques the pressures women face to conform to impossible beauty standards.

  Feminism Is for Everybody: Passionate Politics (2000) by bell hooks: In this accessible and insightful book, hooks demystifies feminism, presenting it as a movement for liberation that benefits everyone, not just women.

  Bad Feminist (2014) by Roxane Gay: A collection of sharp, witty essays that explore what it means to be a modern feminist, grappling with the complexities of identity, popular culture, and personal experiences.

  We Should All Be Feminists (2014) by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Adapted from her popular TEDx Talk, this concise and eloquent essay uses personal experiences to explore the realities of gender inequality and advocate for a more inclusive understanding of feminism.

  Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men (2019) by Caroline Criado Perez: This book reveals the shocking gender bias embedded in data, policies, and products, demonstrating how a world built for and by men systematically ignores half of the population, often with disastrous consequences.

  Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot (2020) by Mikki Kendall: Kendall highlights how women of color are often neglected in mainstream feminist conversations, arguing for a feminism that addresses the fundamental needs and struggles of marginalized women.

Ultimately, whether it’s navigating the complexities of a career or the rich tapestry of personal life, community provides the scaffolding for women to build confidence, gain wisdom, find unwavering support, and collectively thrive. It’s about empowering each other to reach our full potential in every aspect of our lives.