There's no better way to celebrate International Women's Day than by getting your read on with these seriously inspiring feminist books.
We don’t know about you, but we can always find a great excuse to squirrel up at home with a good book. And if you’re like us, there’s nothing we like better than a nice glass of pinot noir and some peace and quiet to go with it. So, this International Women’s Day (8 March, woot woot!), send the kids to a park with their scooters and settle down with one of these feminist books. And here’s to empowering yo’self, and your sister-friends!
Books about women, feminism and empowerment
1. You Don’t Have to Like Me: Essays on Growing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding Feminism by Alida Nugent
There’s often the misconception that feminism is a dirty word, and Alida Nugent used to believe that too. Eventually, she found out that it’s not true, and since then, Alida has embraced the identity wholeheartedly. In this collection of essays, Alida touches on topics such as struggling with an eating disorder during her teenage years, being biracial, and of course, declaring herself a feminist.
2. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
A Booker Prize winner, this novel tells the interconnected stories of twelve Black British women and their struggles. All of them lead vastly different lives, but their paths intersect when it comes to identity – age, race, sexuality, and class. If you need more convincing, this feminist book has won plenty of awards since its release and received glowing reviews from both critics and readers.
3. The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden by Jonas Jonasson
You know the trope of the girl being saved by a strapping, hunky man. Well, no damsel in distress can be found in this irreverent novel. Nombeko Mayeki, born in 1961 in a shack in Soweto, was destined to grow up and die early on in her life. However, her life ends up going on a completely different path. Nombeko works as a housecleaner, makes her up way to chief advisor, and ends up saving the world. Curious about how it turns out? You have to pick this book up to find out…
4. Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown
Molly Bolt is the adoptive daughter of a dirt-poor couple in America. Beautiful and witty, Molly later finds that wherever she goes, women are drawn to her. And she’s not afraid to love them back. Molly’s journey is all about defying the odds and being true to herself, no matter the stigma in society or what life throws at her. Cue the tears and laughter as you follow her rollercoaster ride of sapphic relationships in all shapes and sizes.
5. My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Nothing screams female empowerment than a story about a female serial killer! Korede and Ayoola are sisters who are close to each other. However, the latter has a sociopathic tendency of stabbing her lovers to death. Luckily for Ayoola, her older sister is always there to (thanklessly) help clean up her messes. Fun and frightening, this quick and easy read will keep you on edge as you flip through the pages.
6. Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal
Reese Witherspoon chose this novel by local author Balli Kaur Jaswal for her book club, and that’s a big deal! When her father’s death leaves Nikki’s family financially strapped, she takes up a job teaching creative writing at the community centre. The Sikh widows who turn up thought it’s a basic English literacy class, not expecting it to be a short story writing course. However, that’s where the fun and excitement of this book start.
7. Paper Girls by Brian K Vaughan, Cliff Chiang, Matt Wilson, and Jared K. Fletcher
This mystery sci-fi comic book series chronicles four tween newspaper delivery girls who inadvertently get caught in between two warring factions. If you’re a fan of Stranger Things and want to read something thematically similar with colours that pop out, then this graphic novel comes highly recommended!
8. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
How could we talk about Greta Gerwig’s adaptation without featuring the book in this list? This well-known beloved novel follows the story of the March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy – as they navigate womanhood, sisterhood, and survival in New England during the American Civil War. Despite its title, Little Women is far from being a “girl’s book”. A classic that should be read at least once in your life.
9. The Power by Naomi Alderman
Imagine if one day, people developed the ability to produce electricity inside of them. Now imagine if those people were women and that they could use this power to kill, destroy and torture people. Well, that’s exactly what happens in Alderman’s dystopian, feminist book about a world formerly built on patriarchy that has gone all topsy turvy. Women now have the power and the strength, and men are the ones who have to watch their backs. Talk about crazy times!
10. Know My Name by Chanel Miller
Formerly known to the public as Emily Doe, the survivor of the Stanford swimmer rape case, Chanel Miller finally tells her story and most importantly, reveals her real name. Her statement was posted on Buzzfeed, which instantly went viral. It inspired millions and shook up some changes in Californian law (the judge in the case was recalled). In her novel, Miller bravely shares her story, giving courage to women who were once afraid to speak out for fear of being shamed.
11. You Play The Girl by Carina Chocano
What is it like to be “the girl”, according to the media? In this collection of personal essays and analyses, Carina Chocano takes a look at how to be an actual woman, compared to a man’s idea of what a woman should be. Smart and enjoyable, this is one of those feminist books that every woman should have on their shelves.
12. No Way! Okay, Fine by Brodie Lancaster
If you’re a big fan of pop culture and pop music, get your hands on this memoir. Brodie Lancaster writes about her personal experiences – from being told that “girls can’t play the drums” to searching for girls who loved each other – with a generous dollop of pop culture references and whip-smart humour. We particularly enjoyed the chapter on Kanye West. Try to hold your laughter in while reading this book. We dare you.
13. Full Disclosure by Camryn Garrett
Simone is the new cool girl in school but she has a secret: she’s HIV-positive. She starts dating Miles, the resident cutie and as things start to get more physical, she starts to question herself and whether or not she should tell Miles. Things get worse when she finds an anonymous note in her locker threatening to reveal her secret if she doesn’t break up with Miles. Will she stand up for herself or keep on living in the shadows? You’ll have to read this book to find out.
14. The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
On Christmas Eve in 1617, on the Norwegian island of Vardo, a crazy storm kills every man in the village. The women left behind need to learn to fend for themselves, and some do it in more unusual ways than others. When a new leader (who happens to be a witch-hunter) arrives with his young wife and tries to take control of Vardo, he faces something he’s never experienced: strong-willed, independent women. Based on the Salem witch trials, this book shows how strong women really are.
15. Circe by Madeline Miller
Did you read The Odyssey in high school? Yes? Then you’ll probably remember Circe, the beautiful, powerful goddess that turned all of Odysseus’s men into pigs. Turns out, there’s so much more to Circe than this. Unlike your typical stories of Ancient Greek goddesses, Circe is not a lovelorn woman pining for some kind of connection. Instead, she’s a multi-faceted character with family issues, awesome powers, a great heart and inner strength who is all about living life to the fullest. She’s basically a badass b*tch. We love, love, love it. It’s one of our fave feminist books.
16. Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype by Dr Clarissa Pinkola Estés
What does it mean to be a woman? In her book, Estés uses classic fables and fairy tales to challenge everything we’ve been taught about being a woman. We’re talking painful experiences and transforming them into metaphors and stories that will help us reconnect with our true wild woman selves. From why we fear what we do and why we ignore our instincts, to the kind of romantic relationships we’re supposed to have and the suppression of creativity in our professional and personal lives – it’s all in there.
17. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Here’s another feminist classic that (obviously) deserves a spot on this list. We follow Elizabeth Bennett, the daughter of a country gentleman and our dynamic protagonist, whose relationship with rich aristocrat Fitzwilliam Darcy started off on the wrong foot. Through various meet-cutes and misunderstandings, the two slowly fall in love with each other, culminating in the ending that we all know and love.
18. A Thousand Nights by E.K. Johnston
Loosely inspired by One Thousand and One Nights, this contemporary young adult fiction weaves an evocative tale with themes of love, mystery, and magic. How did the protagonist manage to survive night after night? What kind of stories did she tell the king? Pick up this page-turner and satiate your curiosity.
19. Bossypants by Tina Fey
This “autobiographical comedy” book, which topped The New York Times Best Seller list for five weeks, is all about the author, Tina Fey. It follows her life growing up, delving into the working world, and becoming a mother. It’s a must-read if you are a fan of Ms Fey and/or into reading laugh-out-loud memoirs.
20. Yes Please by Amy Poehler
How could we feature Tina Fey in this list and not include her BFF, Amy Poehler? Wise beyond her years, Amy dispenses inspirational stories, mantras and advice for readers of all ages. Warmhearted and filled with her trademark humour but also serious and reflective, Yes Please is a good reminder that it’s okay not to be perfect. Rather, being yourself is what makes you perfect.
21. Breasts and Eggs by Meiko Kawakami
In Breasts and Eggs, Kawakami challenges storytelling norms with wry humour and emotional depth, portraying contemporary womanhood in Japan through the intimate journeys of three women. From Makiko’s quest for affordable breast enhancement to Natsu’s struggle with identity and anxieties about ageing, each character confronts societal pressures and personal uncertainties on the path to finding peace and fulfilment.
22. A Thousand Years of Good Prayers by Yiyun Li
This remarkable collection of stories spans China and Chinese Americans in the US and delves into the intersection of mythology, politics, and culture with personal fate. From bustling Beijing to Chicago fast-food joints and the desolate landscapes of Inner Mongolia, Li crafts both foreign and familiar worlds with heartrending honesty and exquisite prose.
23. When I Hit You… by Meena Kandasamy
This novel is a powerful portrayal of an abusive marriage and the resilience of the human spirit against oppression. Set against the backdrop of modern India, it explores themes of love, ownership, and the transformative power of art amidst violence and oppression.
24. Lancing Girls of A Happy World by Adeline Foo
Adeline Foo delves into the lives of the cabaret girls of the past, revealing their resilience and courage in the face of societal judgment. Through their stories, she highlights the faith, hope, and charity that defined their lives, offering a glimpse into a forgotten but vibrant era.
25. Finding Me by Viola Davis
Finding Me chronicles the journey of Viola, a young girl who confronts her past and finds her voice amidst the chaos of life. From a humble apartment in Rhode Island to the stages of New York City, Viola Davis shares her path to self-discovery and empowerment. Through her story, Viola encourages readers to embrace radical honesty, shed societal expectations, and rediscover their true selves.
26. The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama engages readers in an honest conversation about navigating life’s challenges and finding stability amidst change. Drawing from her personal experiences as a mother, daughter, spouse, friend, and former First Lady, she shares insights on building enduring relationships, discovering strength in diversity, and addressing feelings of self-doubt. With humour, candour, and compassion, Obama encourages readers to embrace vulnerability, cultivate resilience, and illuminate the world around them through kindness and community.
27. Difficult Women by Roxane Gay
Roxane Gay, known for her powerful storytelling, brings readers “Difficult Women,” a collection of stories portraying lives filled with privilege, poverty, love, and struggle. From abducted sisters navigating marriage to a stripper pursuing education while facing unwanted advances, Gay paints a vivid and haunting picture of modern America.
28. The Good Body by Eve Ensler
Eve Ensler, renowned for “The Vagina Monologues,” challenges societal standards of beauty and body image. Through personal anecdotes and voices of women worldwide, she navigates her struggles with body acceptance while shedding light on the diverse experiences of others, from the pressures of plastic surgery to the liberation found in self-acceptance. Ultimately, Ensler’s journey becomes a call to embrace and love the bodies we inhabit, transcending cultural norms and expectations.
Love these feminist books? Check out these LGBTQ+ books too!
