Recently, many women who represent feminism do not really understand what it means and the aim of the feminist movement. Feminism is a social and political movement aimed at advocating for equal rights and opportunities in all spheres of life for all genders, women, the girl child and children. This movement seeks to challenge inequalities at all levels—education, workplace, politics, etc.
The feminist body wants to ensure that the girl child has a strong voice in the community, workplace, and politics. So, if you must understand all that has to do with this subject, you need books on feminism. We are here to help you; don’t get yourself all worked up by searching the internet. In this post, we’ll share the 11 best books about feminist to understand feminism. Stay glued till the end!
1• “The Bluest Eye By Toni Morrison
- Audible Audiobook
- Toni Morrison (Author) – Toni Morrison (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 07/19/2011 (Publication Date) – Random House Audio (Publisher)
“The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison is a novel that focuses on the African American experience when it comes to racism. This book addressed the destructive effect of racism. Toni Morrison used his powerful storytelling style to make this book, Bluest Eye, famous in American literature. Reading this novel will open your eyes to understanding everything about race, color, and identity and gain the ability to stand the taste of time.
2• “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman” By Mary Wollstonecraft
- Audible Audiobook
- Mary Wollstonecraft (Author) – Sierra Kline (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 05/25/2021 (Publication Date) – InAudio (Publisher)
Mary Wollystonecraft published this book, “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman” which is a foundation project she did in the history of feminist literature. In this book, Mary Wollstonecraft teaches that there should be an equal education for both genders. She further said that women are logical thinkers and can make big things happen. So, they shouldn’t be confined to domestic activities alone. This Wollystonecraft work made way for feminist movements and is also one of the famous novels on gender equality.
3• Circe By Madeline Miller
- Audible Audiobook
- Madeline Miller (Author) – Perdita Weeks (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 04/10/2018 (Publication Date) – Hachette Audio (Publisher)
Madeline Miller is the author of Circe, which Back Bay Books published. This is more of a modern retelling of the myth of Circe. The story talks about power, identity, and change. Also, it gives a new outlook on the character, mainly shown as a one-dimensional villain. The book explored mythology and humanity. Reading this book will also open your eyes to some women’s experiences.
4• “Feminism Is for Everybody” By Bell Hooks
- Audible Audiobook
- bell hooks (Author) – Robin Miles (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 11/17/2017 (Publication Date) – Post Hypnotic Press Inc. (Publisher)
“Feminism Is for Everybody” by Bell Hooks is a seminal project that exposes all individuals to the feminist theories. The author emphasizes on why all genders should embrace feminism and goes further to break down all the principles that have to do with the idea of feminism. Bell Hooks also detailed the historical foundation of feminism and why it’s still relevant today and wrote the book in the way of a formal invitation to readers to Embrace the idea of feminism.
5• “A Room of One’s Own” By Virginia Woolf
- Audible Audiobook
- Virginia Woolf (Author) – Juliet Stevenson (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 08/04/2011 (Publication Date) – CSA Word (Publisher)
Virginia Woolf owns this work on feminists, “A Room of One’s Own,” an essay from her series of teachings, which she shared in 1928. Reading this book will open your eyes to the importance of engaging in literature and intellectual pursuit for all women. The book is a clear picture that women of all classes need financial freedom as well as physical space in order to be creative. Virginia Woolf argued about the several historical limitations on the girl child’s education and creativity. This is a must-read for everyone.
6• “Sister Outsider” By Audre Lorde
- Audible Audiobook
- Audre Lorde (Author) – Robin Eller (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 04/26/2016 (Publication Date) – Tantor Audio (Publisher)
Sister Outsider, written by Audre Lorde, raises more varied perspectives than ever before and contributes to the conversation around intersectional feminism, which has increased in prominence in recent years. Audre Lorde has done a significant percentage of seminal collections, essay and this has contributed to the core goal of feminism. This book focused on racism, sexism, and homophobia and elevated the conversation about these issues from a Black, queer, feminist aspect.
7• “Redefining Realness” By Janet Mock
- Audible Audiobook
- Janet Mock (Author) – Janet Mock (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 08/25/2015 (Publication Date) – Tantor Audio (Publisher)
Janet Mock is one of the most famous American trans activists. She has made a memorable mark and a name for herself. She authored the book “Redefining Realness,” which concentrates on how women are underrepresented. Janet Mock biography, a trans woman from a poor background whose oldness made way for. She became one of the most recognized advocates, showing how essential self-development and self-recognition can enhance a woman’s life. You should check this book out.
8• “Men Explain Things to Me” By Rebecca Solnit
- Audible Audiobook
- Rebecca Solnit (Author) – Luci Christian Bell (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 08/27/2014 (Publication Date) – Audible Studios (Publisher)
Men Explain Things to Me is a mind-blowing and fantastic book on feminism written by Rebecca Solnit. In this book, Rebecca Solnit addressed issues where Women’s opinions are dismissed majorly by those men who feel they know better. Rebecca Solnit touches on the border issue where women are looked down on and stresses on the importance of recognizing women’s voices. You should read this book if you are a feminist.
9• “In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens” By Alice Walker
- Audible Audiobook
- Alice Walker (Author) – Lynnette R. Freeman (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 11/28/2023 (Publication Date) – HarperAudio (Publisher)
This collection of essays, speeches, and reviews by Alice Walker emphasizes on political and personal views about being a feminist. Her writing, which she calls “womanist prose,” covers many of things, including the civil rights movement, anti-nuclear sentiment, analyses of other writers, and her reflections as a Black woman, mother, and feminist. These are all fascinating reads that offer insight into the thoughts of an extraordinary woman and also gives a thought-provoking look at feminism in the late 20th century.
10• “The Handmaid’s Tale” By Margaret Atwood
- Audible Audiobook
- Margaret Atwood (Author) – Claire Danes (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 01/01/2012 (Publication Date) – Audible Studios (Publisher)
“The Handmaid’s Tale” is a dystopian novel by Margaret Atwood. The now Emmy-winning television series centers on Offred, a lady whose life is strictly regulated because she is a “handmaid”. A woman who is employed to serve as a reproductive vessel for the ruling class. Margret Atwood examines issues of control, authority, and the fallout from radical beliefs. The Handmaid’s Tale is a striking critique of gender inequality and is a stimulating read when considering the possible fallout from societal extremism.
11• “Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women’s Anger” By Rebecca Traister
- Audible Audiobook
- Rebecca Traister (Author) – Rebecca Traister (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 10/02/2018 (Publication Date) – Simon & Schuster Audio (Publisher)
Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women’s Anger” is a book on feminism by Rebecca Traister that looks into how women’s rage may spark constructive transformation. Exploring the historical control of women’s fury, the book presents clearly that women’s anger is an explosive force that can spark political and social uprisings. Author Rebecca Traister explores a range of historical illustrations, from the cause of women’s franchise to modern activism, in which women’s rage has been a vital force behind development.
Below are answers to some questions on feminism you should know about:
What are the 5 Types of Feminists?
There are 5 types of feminists, and we’ll explain them below:
1• Liberal Feminists: They are known as those women who believe in and are focused on achieving gender equality through legal and political means.
2• Radical Feminists: These are radical women focused on addressing the root causes of gender inequality and are interested in changing societal structures.
3•. Marxist or Socialist Feminists: This type focuses on the intersection of gender and class. They emphasize economic factors and analyze the problems women go through in society.
4• Black Feminists: Recognize the intersectionality of race and gender, addressing the unique challenges women of color face.
5•. Postcolonial or Third World Feminists: This type of feminist focuses on the impact of colonialism, imperialism, and globalization on women, especially in the non-Western parts of the world.
What is Considered a Feminist Novel?
Any novel that deals with issues connected to women’s experiences, the problems they face, and what society demands of them is regarded as a feminist novel.
Where Do I Start with Feminism?
Being new to feminism can be confusing sometimes when you don’t know where to start. However, you can begin by reading the following books to understand all you need to know about feminism:
- The Feminine Mystique” by Betty Friedan
- Audible Audiobook
- Betty Friedan (Author) – Parker Posey (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 08/11/2009 (Publication Date) – Audible Studios (Publisher)
- “Bad Feminist” by Roxane Gay
- Gay, Roxane (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 336 Pages – 08/05/2014 (Publication Date) – Harper Perennial (Publisher)
- You can also read “We Should All Be Feminists” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Although it’s more complex
- Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 64 Pages – 02/03/2015 (Publication Date) – Anchor Books (Publisher)
- Another book with more insights into feminism is The New American Feminism by Courtney Martins.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- English (Publication Language)
- 241 Pages – 04/27/2010 (Publication Date) – Seal Press (Publisher)
Online Platforms like TED Talks always feature talks about feminism. All these Feminist books and platforms can serve as an avenue to learn all you need to know.
What is Hood Feminism?
Hood feminism is known as a part of feminism that focuses on the intersectionality of gender. This also has to do with their race, and pays unique attention to the issues women go Through in marginalized or less fortunate communities.
Conclusion
Understanding feminism as a woman helps you know your rights. Before joining the feminist movement, ensure you read the books we shared above, or if you are one already, these books will help upgrade your knowledge of what the feminist revolution is all about. There are also women’s liberation movement books you can read to get started for African-American Women, Black Women, and American Women.
