13 Amazing Books Every Feminist Should Read In 2020

Feminism’s power lies in its affinity for learning and spreading important stories and insights. The feminist author community is one of the strongest in the publishing industry, so it’s been extremely hard to narrow down the best books of the year to just 13.

We think that these are truly the essential reads of this year. A blend of key issues facing society, tackled from a fresh, feminist perspective awaits. All feminists have to stay current and relevant to the most pressing issues of today. Reading these books is an extra 13 steps closer.

#1 Brontë’s Mistress

This debut novel explores the scandalous historical love affair between Branwell Brontë and Lydia Robinson, giving voice to the woman history has blamed for corrupting her son’s innocent tutor and bringing down the entire Brontë family. Novelist Elizabeth Blackwell says, “Smart and sexy, this captivating novel is true to the romantic spirit of the Brontës themselves, with a modern feminist twist”, while writer Molly Greeley says, “Brontë’s Mistress gives voice to a woman who, until now, has been voiceless; and, indeed, to thousands of women whose lives, like Lydia’s, were so terribly suffocating.”

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#2 For Love, and for Cruelty by Elizabeth Estochen

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The complex themes weaving the pieces together include toxic masculinity, emotional responsibility/empathy, gender and sexuality, and overcoming trauma. Basically, it’s about as feminist as it gets.

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#3 Rage Baking

Since the 2016 election, many women across the country have felt rage, fury and frustration. In addition to calling senators, joining activist groups and marching, many have turned to their greatest comfort – their kitchen. Enjoy 50+ recipes, short essays and quotes from the best bakers, activists and outspoken women in our country. Rage Baking encourages woman to use sugar and sass to defend, resist and protest.

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#4 Leading the Way

Features personal anecdotes and wisdom from Gloria Steinem, Oprah Winfrey, Nancy Pelosi, Maya Angelou and Billie Jean King, just to name a few, this book will encourage women everywhere to know their power, use their voice and become a true agent of change – not only in their own lives, but also in the world.

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#5 The Purity Myth by Jessica Valenti

This book important for all women to read, especially young women curious about feminism. I read this book as a teenager, and it completely revolutionized the way I think about the concept of virginity. It informed me and opened my eyes to the toxic world that surrounds the idea of virginity, which ultimately is a social construct. I felt empowered and inspired by Valenti’s words, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in feminism.

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#6 I LOVE MYSELF by Christine Scott-Hudson MA MFT

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Practice your self-love affirmations in the mirror. Say “I love you..” You are worthy of love right now, whether anyone else sees it yet, or not. Your worth is independent upon other people recognizing it. Look deeply into your own eyes, and remind yourself that you are unique and irreplaceable, and you will love yourself until the end of time!

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#7 Stutterer Interrupted by Nina G

Nina G bills herself as “The San Francisco Bay Area’s Only Female Stuttering Comedian.” On stage, she encounters the occasional heckler, but off stage she is often confronted with people’s comments toward her stuttering; listeners completing her sentences, inquiring, “Did you forget your name?” and giving unwanted advice like “slow down and breathe” are common. (As if she never thought about slowing down and breathing in her over thirty years of stuttering!)

When Nina started comedy nearly ten years ago, she was the only woman in the world of stand-up who stuttered―not a surprise, since men outnumber women four to one amongst those who stutter and comedy is a male-dominated profession. Nina’s brand of comedy reflects the experience of many people with disabilities in that the problem with disability isn’t in the person with it but in a society that isn’t always accessible or inclusive.

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#8 Lean On by Andreas Wilderer

Lean On – The Five Pillars of Support for Women in Leadership is discussion the question on whom can women Lean On while they are leaning In to their work and breaking the glass ceiling.. In his Amazon bestselling book in the category Women & Business, Andreas recognizes that gender roles today are shifting rapidly and that we need to adapt for the sake of our families. Inside, you’ll discover how you can run your family like a business and how to empower your spouse on their career path―all told through Andreas’s unique experiences living with a female executive..

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#9 We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

In this personal essay, Chimamanda argues and offers a modern definition of feminism that works for the 21st century, which covers inclusion and awareness. Based on her experiences, the author explores what it means to be a woman now and states why we should all be feminists. A great read.

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#10 Living My Life by Emma Goldman

Emma Goldman did so many great things for feminism, and for the working class. This book is a great jumping-off point to learn more about this brilliant woman who was a leading social activist of her time. She was an advocate for birth control – and was even a mentor to the woman who started Planned Parenthood.

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#11 A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf

I will always have a respect for authors like Virginia Woolf and Sylvia Plath. These women, amidst their mental illnesses, managed to create works that are beautifully written and give an insight into the troubled mind. “A Room of One’s Own” is a compilation of essays written by Woolf that were addressed at two women’s colleges. She then extended it with a fictional aspect to lengthen it.

She brought up the problems faced by women, especially in her time, who wanted to be writers in a world that was dominated by man. Her premise was that in order for women to be writers they must have money and a room of their own, which translates to independence and privacy. This is not something that woman can easily achieve thanks to the standards set by patriarchal society.

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#12 Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu

This novel is from a younger generational standpoint and an easier read. It is about a girl in high school who gets fed up with how sexist things are and decides to do something about it. Although it is done anonymously, it actually creates a bridge between those lines that are invisibly drawn in high school culture. This is also a great confidence booster for teenage girls and younger adult women, especially those who feel hushed by society. This book creates the feel of the Women’s Rights Movement but in a modern day setting.

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