I did lots of Women’s Studies classes in College, but I also read a lot of books on feminism, gender and women’s issues outside of the syllabus – and I’ve continued to read and gather books that relate to these topics. Now that I have a daughter to raise, my interest has been revived and I am looking back over my feminist reading history as well as planning my feminist reading future. Here are some of the books I’ve read – and haven’t – that I think are worth checking out!
Books I’ve read and recommend:
Cunt – Inga Muscio
Full Frontal Feminism – Jessica Valenti
Bitches, Bimbos and Ballbreakers – The Guerrilla Girls
Books I haven’t read yet but have heard great things about:
Too Fat Too Slutty Too Loud – Anne Helen Petersen
Girls Will Be Girls – Emer O’Toole
Pro: Reclaiming Abortion Rights – Katha Pollitt
Here We Are – Kelly Jensen, Ed.
I’d love to hear from you if you’ve read any of these books and loved them or think there were better ones that should have been on this list instead. I’d also love to hear which feminist and gender studies books you loved and would recommend!
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly link-up feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Every week TTT has a different topic, and everyone who links up has to create a link of ten items that fit that topic. To see past and upcoming topics, go here.
This is such a good take on this week’s theme! I would add Bad Feminist and since you are a reader How to be a Heroine!
You’re the second person to suggest Bad Feminist – and duh! Totally should have been on my TBR part of the list. I’ve got How to Be A Heroine, but I haven’t read the whole thing because I haven’t read all of the books it covers, and spoilers! But it’s a great idea, particularly because I think it would be a great companion to some of the classics if read in an educational setting. Great suggestions!!
I read a great book about fifteen or twenty years ago that was fascinating. It’s called Woman: An Intimate Biography. Also, when I read stories about women who are not allowed to receive an education or actively participate in life, it sparks my feminism. Book like Handmaid’s Tale….
Here’s my list of stories about teaching in tough schools. I hope you will stop by!
I have that one on my shelves! I actually should pick it up and give it another go now that I’m a mom. I think it might be a good one to help me see my own body in a more positive light than I currently do with all the post-baby changes! Thank you for reminding me about it, and for adding it to my list! It reminds me a little of The Story of V which I don’t remember super well, but remember being similarly easy to read and fascinating. I am right with you on stories about oppressed women. I just read The Power by Naomi Alderman which re-imagines a world in which women have the power (literally – they can give off electric shocks and incapacitate adversaries). I haven’t read all of Handmaid’s Tale yet, but from the bit I have read it’s got a similar feel – and Margaret Atwood is quoted on the cover! I’d recommend giving it a try if you’re looking for something in that vein. Great additions!
“We Should All Be Feminists” was on my list as well. I also think you should add “Bad Feminist” to your list, it`s really good. Personally, I am also a fan of Caitlin Moran, though I know people have mixed opinions about her books.
Carmen / Carmen`s Reading Corner
I thought about putting Moran on my list, but I have about three of her books I haven’t read yet, and I didn’t know which to include so I skipped her. If you have recommendations about where to start, I’d love to hear them! I also have Hunger by Roxane Gay, and if I like that I’ll circle back to her earlier work. Either way thanks for adding it to the list!