Critical Lessons in Feminism
How contemporary feminist thought and theory is shaping new and future policies.
Published on March 12, 2021
Bad Feminist: Essays
Roxane GayEverything from professional Scrabble to abortion to Lena Dunham comes under loving scrutiny in Roxane Gay’s profound essays on how you can love potentially problematic activities, people, or media, and still be feminist. Told in simplistic yet soul-crushing prose, these musings show how media affects us.
Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches
Audre Lorde“Sister Outsider” takes a hard look at intersectional feminism through the essays and speeches of leading feminist and civil rights activist Audre Lorde.
She Come By It Natural: Dolly Parton and the Women Who Lived Her Songs
Sarah SmarshIf you love Dolly Parton (and who doesn’t?), this book’s for you. In her new book, Sarah Smarsh expands on themes from her memoir “Heartland,” exploring the experiences of working-class women through the life and music of the country icon. Many of these women see themselves in Dolly’s songs, and like the singer, reject the label of “feminist” but fiercely live the spirit of the word.
Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower
Brittney Cooper“This is a book written by a grown-ass woman for other grown-ass women,” writes Brittney Cooper in the first line of her book. It’s the start to understanding the root of her “eloquent rage,” the idea that Black women are mad as hell, and they have every right to be. Cooper’s book identifies the power of organized anger as a source for positive change, and how it has shaped powerful Black women along the way.
Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women's Anger
Rebecca TraisterRebecca Traister’s powerful history explores the ways that women’s collective rage has been a transformative force in politics. Between the 2020 presidential election and January 6 insurrection, the ongoing battles over abortion rights, and beyond, this story has never been more relevant.
Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women's Anger
Soraya ChemalyThe power of women’s rage is, well, all the rage these days. All that silent seething about large systemic issues and the little everyday slights is now boiling over and fueling large-scale action. A thorough chronicle of the ways the patriarchy attempts to discredit women.
How to Be a Woman
Caitlin MoranThis humorous memoir about the struggles of modern womanhood from journalist and broadcaster Caitlin Moran is an engaging rallying cry for female empowerment.
Girl Up: Kick Ass, Claim Your Woman Card, and Crush Everyday Sexism
Laura BatesMost of the books on this list show you the plague of everyday sexism, but not necessarily how to deal with it and start changing the culture. Laura Bates, one of fourth-wave feminism’s first leaders, provides practical advice to avoid succumbing to toxic stereotypes. Required reading for children of all genders.
The Guardian9 min read
Me Too Founder Tarana Burke: ‘You Have to Use Your Privilege to Serve Other People’
After Weinstein, Burke’s slogan was adopted overnight by people sharing their experiences of rape and sexual assault. The women’s activist is using her high profile to help the young women she has spent decades fighting for – those who have suffe
Tarana Burke, who came up with the now iconic phrase “Me Too” years ago, has a healthy skepticism about her newfound recognition. Despite this media spotlight, she’s focused on the work she’s been doing for years — helping women who have been sexual assaulted.
Outspoken: Why Women's Voices Get Silenced and How to Set Them Free
Veronica RueckertHave you ever been called bossy, pushy, or loud, just because you have a point of view? These labels are assigned to women constantly, at work, at home, and in personal relationships. “Outspoken” is an analysis of the current state of the female voice, and a guide for women to recognize the value of their voices. Author Veronica Rueckert’s book aims to make mansplaining a thing of the past.
Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language
Amanda MontellWords matter. It’s time to take control of the gendered language that society has thrust upon women, from bitch to slut. Amanda Montell, reporter and feminist linguist, takes the whole thing apart and goes back to the root of language, from curse words to derogatory slang. History, science, and popular culture created this world, in which women are criticized for the sound of their voices and vocabulary. Montell’s humor gives an engaging slant to the history of the word slut (and others), all while plotting to reclaim its power.