13 Essential Feminist Books

The word “feminism” has been a prominent addition to everyone’s dictionaries over the past few years, as it has become more important than ever before.

We’ve seen women spanning the Earth reclaiming the world “feminism”; from Hollywood to the Arab world, a heightened awareness of women’s issues are now found in the public consciousness, and the world has witnessed more development in women’s rights and opportunities than ever before.

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Of course, it’s not just up to the women in the spotlight to raise awareness; all interested parties must remain energised, educated and connected to one another so important topics are discussed.

So to help you get started, here’s a list of books that each give a vibrant take on feminism. It doesn’t matter if you’re a diehard feminist who knows everything she’s talking about, or if you’re a little confused on how to wear the term, or perhaps you’re not too keen on the F-word, there’s a book for all of you below.

Essential Feminist Reads

1. How to Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran

2. Vagina by Naomi Wolfe

3. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

4. Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit

5. The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir

6. All The Single Ladies by Rebecca Traister

7. Girl Up by Laura Bates

8. A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf

9. Sexual Politics by Kate Millett

10. Fat is a Feminist Issue by Susie Orbach

11. Manifesta by Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richard

12. Full Frontal Feminism by Jessica Valenti

13. Bossypants by Tina Fey